# Chapter 3: Treasures
After Su Yuntao departed for Notting City, Chen Sheng and Tang San found themselves standing before Village Chief Jack outside the Spirit Hall. The other children had already been taken home by their disappointed parents, leaving only the two newly awakened Soul Masters with the elderly village leader.
Old Jack's weathered face still glowed with pride and joy as he looked at the two boys who had brought such honor to their humble village. His eyes, usually sharp despite his age, held a misty quality that spoke of deep emotional satisfaction.
"You two are the pride of our village," Jack said, his voice carrying the weight of decades spent hoping for such a moment. He paused, glancing at Tang San with a mixture of admiration and regret. "If Xiao San's martial soul were just a little better, maybe our village could really produce another Soul Saint someday." The old man sighed deeply, understanding the limitations that Blue Silver Grass would place on even someone with Tang San's exceptional soul power.
Chen Sheng remained silent, knowing that Tang San's true potential far exceeded anything the village chief could imagine. The Clear Sky Hammer martial soul hidden in Tang San's left hand would eventually prove to be one of the most powerful weapons on the continent, but that revelation was still years away.
"Now then," Jack continued, his expression becoming more serious, "I need to ask you both something important. Are you willing to attend a specialized academy to learn proper Soul Master cultivation methods? This is not a decision to take lightly—it would mean leaving the village for several years."
Tang San's eyes lit up with interest at the mention of cultivation methods. His Mysterious Heaven Skill had reached a bottleneck, and he desperately needed new techniques to continue his advancement. However, the thought of his father made him hesitate.
"Grandpa Jack, I need to go home and discuss this with my father first," Tang San replied respectfully.
"Such an important decision shouldn't be made without his approval."
Jack nodded approvingly at Tang San's filial piety before turning to Chen Sheng. "Xiao Sheng, what about you?"
Chen Sheng had already made his decision long before this moment, but he raised a practical concern that he knew would demonstrate his thoughtfulness. "Grandpa Jack, doesn't our village only have one quota for a work-study student at Notting Academy?"
Village Chief Jack's eyes crinkled with pride at Chen Sheng's consideration for others. "You don't need to worry about that, my boy. I've maintained good relationships with the chiefs of several surrounding villages over the years. I can borrow an additional quota from them—your talents are worth the political favor it will cost me."
"In that case, I'm willing to go," Chen Sheng said with a respectful bow. Internally, he was elated—attending Notting Academy would put him in the perfect position to stay close to Tang San while developing his own abilities.
"Excellent," Jack beamed. "There are still three months before the academy term begins, so you both have time to prepare yourselves mentally and physically. Use this time wisely."
"I understand, Grandpa Jack," Chen Sheng nodded.
"Good. Now, Xiao San, let's go to your home so I can speak with your father about this opportunity," Jack said, placing a gentle hand on Tang San's shoulder.
As the two departed toward Tang San's modest dwelling, Chen Sheng felt his heart racing with anticipation. Finally, he would have the privacy he needed to examine his system rewards properly.
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Once he arrived home and carefully secured all the doors and windows, Chen Sheng could no longer contain his excitement. Four treasure chests awaited him in his system storage, and the possibilities were endless.
System, open the first treasure chest, he commanded mentally.
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "Martial Soul Enhancement Card ×1"』
Excellent start, Chen Sheng thought with satisfaction. Let's see what else I've earned.
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "Physical Enhancement Card ×1"』
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "Two-Winged Archangel Martial Soul"』
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "×10 Gold Soul Coins"』
『All rewards have been stored in system storage and can be used at your discretion.』
Chen Sheng's eyes widened in amazement. A second martial soul! In the world of Douluo Continent, dual martial souls were legendarily rare—so rare that most people considered them myths. Even Tang San's twin spirits were considered a once-in-a-millennium occurrence.
System, if I use the Two-Winged Archangel martial soul now, will it attract unwanted attention from others? Chen Sheng asked, his strategic mind already considering the implications.
『Don't worry, Master. The system provides concealment protocols for all rewards. Your second martial soul can be hidden until you choose to reveal it.』
Reassured by this answer, Chen Sheng decided to begin with the Martial Soul Enhancement Card. Use the Martial Soul Enhancement Card.
The moment he activated the reward, Chen Sheng felt a surge of pure energy flow through his entire being. His soul power, previously at level six, began climbing rapidly—seven, eight, nine, and finally stabilizing at level ten. But the changes went far beyond mere power level.
When he summoned his White Tiger martial soul, Chen Sheng gasped at the transformation. The magnificent beast that appeared behind him now stood over two meters tall, its presence radiating such fierce majesty that the air itself seemed to tremble. Its claws had grown two full inches longer, gleaming like polished steel blades, while its fangs had sharpened to razor points that could clearly penetrate armor. Most remarkably, the tiger's silver-white fur now flickered with threads of golden light, giving it an almost divine appearance.
This is incredible, Chen Sheng marveled as he observed his enhanced martial soul. The enhancement didn't just increase my power—it evolved the very nature of my White Tiger.
Satisfied with this dramatic improvement, he activated the second reward. Use the Physical Enhancement Card.
Immediately, warm energy flooded every cell in his body. Chen Sheng could feel his muscles densifying, his bones strengthening, his meridians expanding, and even his skin becoming more resilient. The transformation was thorough and profound, enhancing every aspect of his physical form until he possessed the body of a twentieth-level Soul Master despite being only six years old.
When the process completed, Chen Sheng experimentally clenched his fist. The resulting sound was like a small thunderclap, and he could feel power coursing through his frame that hadn't been there moments before.
I could probably drag two wild bulls with my bare hands now, he estimated, flexing his enhanced muscles.
Finally, he turned his attention to the most extraordinary reward. Use the Two-Winged Archangel martial soul.
The sensation was unlike anything Chen Sheng had ever experienced. Divine energy flowed into the deepest parts of his soul, and when he closed his eyes, he could perceive his spiritual sea more clearly than ever before. There, alongside the golden radiance of his White Tiger, stood a figure of breathtaking handsome and power.
The Two-Winged Archangel was magnificent beyond description. Clothed in pristine white robes that seemed to be woven from pure light, it possessed an aura of nobility and righteousness that made Chen Sheng's soul resonate with harmony. Its long wings, each feather perfect and luminous, stretched wide with graceful power. Most striking were the archangel's eyes—ancient, holy, and filled with golden light that's hard to describe.
A light-attribute martial soul, Chen Sheng realized with growing excitement. This will provide perfect balance to my White Tiger's more aggressive nature. With these two martial souls working in harmony, my potential is truly limitless.
After spending nearly an hour examining and testing his newfound abilities, Chen Sheng decided he needed to properly gauge his enhanced physical capabilities. The mountain forest would provide the perfect testing ground while ensuring his privacy.
The results exceeded even his optimistic expectations. Trees that would have required axes to fell now splintered under his bare hands force push. Boulders that would have been immovable obstacles now shifted at his touch. His speed, agility, and endurance had all improved dramatically, making him feel like he had been reborn in a completely new body.
With these enhancements, I'm probably stronger than most Soul Masters under level twenty already, Chen Sheng concluded as he made his way back toward the village. And I haven't even begun formal training yet.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and purples, Chen Sheng decided to visit Tang San. Maintaining their friendship would be crucial for Chen Sheng's long-term plans.
When he arrived at Tang San's modest home, the rhythmic sound of metal striking metal immediately caught his attention. Tang Hao was working at his forge, his powerful arms swinging the hammer with practiced precision.
"Xiao San, are you home?" Chen Sheng called out politely, not wanting to intrude on the family's privacy.
Soon Tang San emerged from the house, his clothes bearing traces of soot and metal shavings that indicated he had been assisting his father with blacksmith work.
"Chen Sheng! I was hoping you'd come by," Tang San said with a genuine smile. "Father and I have been discussing the academy opportunity."
"And what did Uncle Hao think?" Chen Sheng asked, though he already knew the answer from his knowledge of the original story.
"He's... supportive, though he seems sad about me leaving," Tang San replied with typical understatement.
"That's good to hear," Chen Sheng said. "I was wondering if you'd like to join me for some hunting practice in the forest tomorrow. We should start preparing ourselves for academy life, and practical experience with spirit beasts would be valuable."
Tang San's expression became apologetic. "I'd like to, but father has several urgent orders that need to be completed before I leave for the academy. I need to help him finish the metalwork—some of the techniques are quite complex."
"I understand completely," Chen Sheng replied. "Family obligations come first. Perhaps another time."
As they chatted about their upcoming academy experience and compared their martial soul abilities, Chen Sheng noted Tang San's careful avoidance of any mention of his hidden Clear Sky Hammer. The boy's discretion was admirable and would serve him well in the challenges ahead.
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Three Months Later
Time passed swiftly in Saint Spirit Village as both boys prepared for their departure to Notting Academy. Chen Sheng spent his days training rigorously, testing the limits of his enhanced abilities. His physical conditioning improved dramatically.
During this period, an interesting event occurred that provided Chen Sheng with additional system rewards. He and Tang San had engaged in a friendly sparring match to test their respective abilities. Despite Tang San's full innate soul power and hidden martial arts knowledge, Chen Sheng's enhanced physical capabilities and tactical approach allowed him to achieve victory after an intense battle.
The shock and admiration in Tang San's eyes at being defeated triggered Chen Sheng's system:
『DING! DETECTED Tang San's Shock and Competitive Admiration emotions toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
However, when Chen Sheng later opened this chest, along with another he had earned from Tang San's gratitude during a different conversation, the results were... less than impressive:
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "Premium Carbonated Beverages ×3"』
『Treasure Chest opened! Congratulations to master for receiving "Fresh Carrot Bundle ×1"』
Chen Sheng's mouth twitched with complex emotions as he stared at these mundane rewards. Even system apparently has a sense of humor, he thought wryly. I suppose not every treasure chest can contain martial souls and enhancement cards.
Still, the experience taught him that his system would provide rewards based on his interactions with plot-relevant characters, though the quality would vary considerably. Some chests might contain world-changing abilities, while others might offer nothing more than snacks and vegetables.
On the final morning before their departure for Notting Academy, Village Chief Jack arrived at both homes early to collect his charges. The old man's pride in his village's first Soul Masters in decades was evident in every gesture and expression.
When they gathered at Tang San's home, however, a small drama unfolded. Tang Hao was still sleeping despite the importance of the day, and Tang San's disappointment was clearly visible on his young face.
"Xiao San," Chen Sheng said gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, "do you know why Uncle Hao isn't here to see you off today?"
Tang San looked confused. "Because he's... sleeping?"
"The young eagle must learn to spread its wings and fly high," Chen Sheng continued, his voice carrying wisdom that seemed beyond his years. "Uncle Hao has been start getting up early every day for weeks, but he chose not to wake up today of all days. Do you really think that's a coincidence?"
Understanding dawned in Tang San's eyes as his adult soul processed the implications. "Brother Sheng, are you saying that father did this intentionally?"
"He wants you to become more independent and grow strong through your own efforts," Chen Sheng confirmed. "His absence today isn't abandonment—it's trust in your ability to succeed without him constantly watching over you."
Tang San's expression shifted from hurt to determination as the logic of Chen Sheng's words struck home. "I won't let father down," he declared with newfound resolve.
『DING! DETECTED Tang San's Gratitude and Renewed Determination emotions toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Another chest, Chen Sheng noted with satisfaction. I'll save this one for later—hopefully it contains something more useful than vegetables.
With their emotional farewells complete and Village Chief Jack leading the way, the small group began their journey toward Notting City. Saint Spirit Village gradually disappeared behind them as they walked along the well-maintained road that connected the rural communities to the larger centers.
The journey to Notting City would take most of the day, giving Chen Sheng plenty of time to contemplate the changes ahead. Academy life would bring new challenges, new opportunities, and most importantly, new characters whose emotions he could harvest for his system's rewards.
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