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The lingering glow of the setting sun cast a golden hue over the stone path of Notting Academy, as Feng Xiao walked briskly back to his dormitory.
A gentle breeze brushed past, and the 'Fuxi' zither at his waist swayed lightly, its pale yellow spirit ring faintly visible in the twilight.
Turning a corner, a clamor reached his ears from a distance.
Xiao Wu, accompanied by several work-study students, was blocking the path of some new students.
Her pink dress stood out strikingly in the setting sun, and her signature scorpion braid swayed gently with her movements.
"Newcomers, do you understand the academy's rules?" Xiao Wu stood with her hands on her hips, adopting the air of a big sister.
"Where's your monthly protection fee?!"
Feng Xiao was about to take a detour, but Xiao Wu, with her sharp eyes, spotted him.
"Hey! You, the one playing the zither!" Xiao Wu hopped over and blocked his path, extending her palm.
"Where's your protection fee?"
Looking at the "little tyrant" in front of him, feigning ferocity, Feng Xiao couldn't help but smile.
He casually took a gold coin from his money pouch, flicked it with his fingertip, and the gold coin drew a graceful arc in the air.
Xiao Wu agilely caught the gold coin, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "You zither player, you're still so generous!"
Feng Xiao's action of giving money was fluid, as if he had long been accustomed to it.
Before he could even speak, Xiao Wu had already skipped away, her scorpion braid swinging cheerfully behind her.
Watching Xiao Wu's retreating figure, Feng Xiao shook his head with a smile.
In his eyes, this little girl, a 100,000-year Spirit Beast in human form, was ultimately just a playful child.
One gold coin could save trouble and buy peace, so why not?
Not far away, Tang San emerged from the shade of a tree, watching this scene with a deep frown.
"Little San!" Xiao Wu, seeing Tang San, immediately skipped excitedly towards him.
Seeing Xiao Wu's cheerful figure, Tang San's tightly furrowed brows unconsciously relaxed: "Collecting protection fees again? You could just tell me if you want something."
"Oh, Little San, don't worry about it!" Xiao Wu tugged at Tang San's sleeve, shaking it.
"That zither player is so rich! Come on, I'll take you shopping tomorrow!"
Tang San shook his head helplessly: "Xiao Wu, promise me, don't go looking for Feng Xiao to collect protection fees anymore."
"Why?" Xiao Wu pouted, looking puzzled.
"He's so rich, and he doesn't care about this small amount of money."
"I always feel like there's something off about him." Tang San lowered his voice.
"Other students get upset when they're charged protection fees, but he doesn't care at all.
I'm afraid he has other intentions."
Xiao Wu waved her hand dismissively: "You're overthinking it! I'm the big sister of Notting Academy, and this money isn't taken for nothing!"
Tang San watched Feng Xiao's retreating direction, a hint of obscure jealousy flashing in his dark eyes: "In any case, it's always right to stay away from him."
"Alright, alright, I know!" Xiao Wu drew out her words in response, pulling Tang San towards the cafeteria.
The next morning, after breakfast, Feng Xiao headed towards the Spirit Hall in Nuoding City.
The rising sun cast golden rays upon the majestic dome of the Spirit Hall, imbuing this solemn building with a sacred glow.
The purpose of this trip, on the surface, was for Spirit Master level certification, but in reality, it held a deeper meaning.
Although Feng Xiao didn't lack the Spirit Master subsidy, he still wanted to leave his record in the Spirit Hall.
Feng Xiao didn't know where his future would lead, and registering as a Spirit Master was just a signal he was sending out.
As someone who had received a modern education, Feng Xiao still recognized the Spirit Hall as a more progressive force.
In Feng Xiao's view, the Spirit Hall was undoubtedly more advanced.
The ruling class of the Empire was a hybrid of nobles and Sect Spirit Masters.
If the Spirit Hall unified the continent, the ruling class would then become all Spirit Masters.
The expansion of the ruling class, to a certain extent, reflected the advancement of its rule.
Of course, in this World with extraordinary power, the strong still had the power to break the rules.
The only thing Feng Xiao was unsure of was whether he had the ability to change the original ending.
"Let's take it one step at a time," Feng Xiao murmured softly, stepping forward.
"Stop. Little friend, this is the Spirit Hall, you can't just wander in." The guard at the entrance extended a hand to block his path.
Feng Xiao smiled slightly and calmly said: "Hello, I am a student from Noding Spirit Master Academy.
My teacher asked me to come and assess my Spirit level."
As he spoke, he turned his palm upwards, and the 'Fuxi' zither slowly emerged, followed by a bright yellow hundred-year spirit ring.
"A hundred-year spirit ring!" The guard looked at Feng Xiao, his eyes filled with surprise, and his attitude immediately became respectful.
"Please come in, find Grandmaster Matthew Nuo in the reception hall on the first floor."
"Thank you." Feng Xiao politely bowed slightly in response.
The interior of the Spirit Hall was spacious, and its decor was simple yet solemn.
Guided by a staff member, Feng Xiao quickly met Grandmaster Matthew Nuo—a white-haired old man with two shining Spirit Master badges pinned to his chest.
The testing process went smoothly.
When the crystal ball lit up with a dazzling light, Matthew Nuo exclaimed in surprise: "Eleventh level! Child, are you willing to join the Spirit Hall? Here, we…"
"Thank you for your kindness, Grandmaster," Feng Xiao politely interrupted, "but I still wish to complete my studies at Notting Academy first."
Soon, Feng Xiao, having received a gold coin, turned and left.
He knew that from today on, his name had officially entered the Spirit Hall's archival system.
This move, perhaps, would play an unexpected role at a crucial moment in the future.
Before he had walked much further, Feng Xiao heard a familiar sound of playful chatter.
"Little San, look quickly! There are candied haws over there!" Xiao Wu's clear voice was particularly loud on the street.
Feng Xiao turned his head at the sound, only to see Xiao Wu tugging at Tang San's sleeve, excitedly pointing at a street vendor.
Tang San wore a helpless smile, but his gaze inadvertently met Feng Xiao's.
Their eyes briefly met in the air, and Tang San's smile instantly froze.
The brand new Spirit Master handbook in Feng Xiao's hand shimmered in the sunlight, involuntarily drawing Tang San's gaze.
Xiao Wu was engrossed in eating her candied haws, completely oblivious to the subtle atmosphere between the two.
"Feng Yao, congratulations on your breakthrough." Tang San's voice sounded incredibly flat.
Feng Xiao's lips curved slightly: "Thank you."
It was then that Xiao Wu noticed Feng Xiao, her eyes lighting up: "Not bad, zither player, you've broken through too? Want to spar?"
Feng Xiao smiled and shook his head, saying: "Xiao Wu Jie, you are the big sister of Notting Academy, I can't beat you.
You know I play the zither, so let Tang Tongxue spar with you instead."
Hearing Feng Xiao's flattery, Xiao Wu proudly lifted her chin and nodded: "That's true, only Little San in the entire Notting Academy can spar with me."
Feng Xiao looked at the two, a hint of mischief flashing in his eyes: "I still have to practice my zither, so I won't disturb your… time alone."
"What nonsense are you talking about!" Xiao Wu's face instantly flushed crimson, even the tips of her ears turning pink.
Before Xiao Wu could react, Feng Xiao had already turned and left.
Tang San watched his retreating figure, his brows unconsciously furrowing.
He never expected that this young man, who spent his days playing the zither, would have such astonishing cultivation speed!
"Could it be that the zither resonance back then wasn't a coincidence?" Tang San mused inwardly, his fingers unconsciously tracing the Twenty Four Moonlit Bridges at his waist.
"Little San, let's go." Xiao Wu tugged at his sleeve, her blush still lingering.
"Mhm, let's go." Tang San came back to his senses, but still couldn't help but look back in the direction where Feng Xiao had disappeared.
After returning to the academy, Tang San went directly to Yu Xiaogang's study.
When he pushed the door open, Yu Xiaogang was buried among a pile of ancient texts, and the aroma of tea permeated the room.
"Grandmaster, there's something I need to report to you." Tang San's voice was slightly urgent.
Yu Xiaogang looked up, seeing his beloved disciple's solemn expression, and frowned slightly: "What happened?"
"Feng Xiao… he broke through to the tenth level." Tang San said in a deep voice, "I personally saw him receive his Spirit Master handbook from the Spirit Hall."
"Reached tenth level in one year?" Yu Xiaogang suddenly stood up, the teacup in his hand hitting the table with a clatter, splashing tea onto the books.
He didn't bother to wipe it, his brows furrowed into a deep 'river' character: "Are you sure you didn't see wrong?"
Tang San nodded solemnly: "A Spirit Master handbook issued by the Spirit Hall can never be fake."
Yu Xiaogang paced back and forth in the study, his leather shoes tapping urgently on the floor.
He suddenly stopped, turned, and pulled out a file from the bookshelf—it was Feng Xiao's information he had retrieved from the academic affairs office.
"Innate spirit power level four…" Yu Xiaogang's finger tapped lightly on the paper, thinking to himself, "According to common sense, innate spirit power level four can at most reach level eight in a year."
He looked thoughtfully out the window, "Besides, I often see him in the cafeteria, and I've never seen him cultivate diligently."
"To reach the tenth level in one year, innate spirit power should be at least level six.
If it's level five, it might be possible with great effort, but if it's level four, it's basically impossible to break through to the tenth level in one year without a fortuitous encounter."
The study fell into a brief silence.
Sunlight filtered through the window lattice, casting dappled light and shadow on Yu Xiaogang's face.
"Unless…" Yu Xiaogang suddenly turned, his eyes flashing with sharp light, "his innate spirit power test was wrong, or…" He paused, his voice deepening, "what happened back then wasn't a coincidence."
Tang San nodded at the words, slowly saying: "Grandmaster, I suspect the same."
"It seems I truly underestimated this child." Yu Xiaogang slowly sat back in his chair, his long fingers interlaced under his chin, his eyes behind his spectacles gleaming with thought.
"To be able to guide others into deep meditation with zither music…"
Yu Xiaogang suddenly looked up at Tang San, his voice deep: "Little San, how has your relationship with Feng Xiao been this past year?"
Tang San shook his head slightly, a hint of impatience flashing across his brows.
He usually spent his time either forging Hidden Weapons in the blacksmith shop or cultivating Tang Sect's unique skills.
How could he have the leisure to pay attention to a zither player?
Moreover, Feng Xiao's calm and composed demeanor always made him feel inexplicably uncomfortable.
Yu Xiaogang sighed softly at the sight, a hint of regret in his eyes.
If Feng Xiao had followed his advice and chosen the support system back then, perhaps…
"Forget it." He waved his hand, resuming his confident demeanor as a theoretical Grandmaster.
"Even if his cultivation speed is abnormal, the attack system path is destined not to go far.
Every spirit ring is extremely important to a Spirit Master, but he failed to maximize the auxiliary characteristics of his zither music."
A cold light flashed in Yu Xiaogang's pupils, "Without Spirit Ability enhancement, as time progresses, this ability will quickly encounter a bottleneck, or even disappear."
With that, Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San with satisfaction: "In contrast, Little San, your cultivation progress is already quite astonishing."
"Grandmaster, you flatter me." Tang San bowed his head slightly, his tone respectful yet humble.
Yu Xiaogang set down his teacup, his gaze behind his spectacles gentle and profound: "There's no need to be so modest in front of your Grandmaster.
Those with exceptional talent often become complacent due to early success, like Xiao Wu."
He paused, his voice growing more serious, "But you are different.
At such a young age, you can be so diligent and hardworking.
Even among Spirit Masters with innate full spirit power, your progress can be called outstanding."
The sunlight outside filtered through the gauze curtains, casting dappled light and shadow between the master and disciple.
Yu Xiaogang slowly stood up, his thin hand gently resting on Tang San's shoulder: "Your Grandmaster only hopes that you can always maintain this mindset and seize the golden period of Spirit Master cultivation."
Tang San looked up, meeting his Grandmaster's earnest gaze, and nodded solemnly: "Disciple will remember."
"Go." Yu Xiaogang withdrew his hand, a satisfied smile curving his lips.
He watched Tang San's retreating figure, his slightly hunched form casting a long shadow in the sunlight, as if in a trance, he saw a new star of the Spirit Master's World in the future.
After the door gently closed, Yu Xiaogang sat back down at his desk.
He rubbed the rim of his teacup, a hint of distress flashing in his cloudy eyes.
On the desk, the research materials on "twin spirits" in his open notebook rustled softly in the breeze.
On the other side, Feng Xiao sat cross-legged on his bed, slowly summoning 'Fuxi', and its bright yellow spirit ring slowly rose.
Feng Xiao gently swept the zither strings, and the bright yellow first spirit ring instantly lit up, "First Spirit Ability, spirit power amplification."
In an instant, Feng Xiao felt his spirit power surge, and feeling the power within him, Feng Xiao murmured: "It seems the compatibility is not bad, about a fifty percent amplification."
Perhaps many people would think this amplification is very small, but in reality, spirit power is not the same as other attributes.
In actual combat, it cannot be seen only as a game character's mana bar.
This is why the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, even with a limit of only seven spirit rings, can still be called the number one support Spirit in the World.
That is because in combat, various attributes always influence each other.
Before choosing the spirit ring, Feng Xiao had also thought long and hard about it.
Starting from the essence of the spirit ring, a spirit ring is a part of a Spirit Beast's bloodline power.
Feng Xiao also understood the process of a Spirit Master absorbing a spirit ring as the Spirit Master using the Spirit Beast's bloodline power to enhance themselves.
Since it is an external force, there will be compatibility issues.
In the original work, there were many suitable cases, such as Dai Mubai's third Spirit Ability, White Tiger Vajra Transformation.
Within half an hour of transformation, resistance to abnormal conditions, as well as attack power, defense power, and strength, all doubled.
Such a Spirit Ability is extremely rare for an ordinary Spirit Master because it is a result of extensive verification by the Star Luo Imperial Family over many years.
From the perspective of bloodline, it can also be understood that the closer the absorbed Spirit Beast bloodline is to the Spirit Master's bloodline power, the stronger the Spirit Ability effect obtained.
To enhance the effect of a spirit ring, one can only absorb spirit rings produced by the same Spirit Beast again, so that the bloodline power gradually converges with continuous improvement.
What Feng Xiao wanted was a spirit power amplification skill, so he had to choose a Spirit Beast with vast spirit power and a single ability.
Spirit Bamboo perfectly met these conditions.
Now that the first spirit ring was in place, Feng Xiao also began to focus on increasing his cultivation intensity.
Soon, the sound of zither music began to reverberate in Feng Xiao's room.