Chapter 14: A New Path

Chapter 14: A New Path

Lin Tian's journey at Lanshan Primary Soul Master Academy began with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. His mother, Lin Yue, had negotiated with the school board to accommodate his unique situation. Thanks to his impressive progress—already possessing level 10 soul power—he bypassed standard classes like guided meditation and literacy, taking a specialized curriculum designed for his abilities. He was even allowed to attend select lessons with older students, further accelerating his development.

One particularly engaging course was 'soul beast identification', filling a critical gap in Lin Tian's knowledge. His previous studies had focused on cultivation techniques, but this class provided insight into soul beasts' behavior and nature. Instead of memorizing specific beasts, the course focused on patterns within broad species groups. Lin Tian found this pragmatic approach effective—students learned to anticipate threats based on general traits rather than obsessing over identifying specific creatures in life-threatening situations. For example, feline beasts prioritized stealth and speed, attacking with ambush tactics, while canine beasts employed pack strategies, relying on numbers to overwhelm opponents.

This practical method offered students valuable survival tools, teaching them how to react under pressure rather than wasting time identifying a beast mid-battle. Lin Tian appreciated the wisdom behind this approach, especially knowing that without access to experts like Yu Xiaogang or the Martial Soul Hall archives, deeper scholarly study of soul beasts was rare. In a moment of reflection, he couldn't help but find humor in his situation. Memorizing information felt familiar, reminiscent of the boring memorization from his past life. Most children found the course boring and Lin Tian wondered how Tang San had gone through even more detailed instruction and memorization. Afterall, not everyone was Tang San who was reincarnated…Oh wait. That's him too, never mind.

However, not all aspects of Lin Tian's experience were smooth. Early in the term, a sparring session turned problematic when Wang Jia accidentally fractured another student's arm. The injury was unintended, but it revealed how much Lin Tian and his close friends, Ye Jian and Wang Jia, had outpaced their peers. Their intense pre-awakening training had developed their strength far beyond the norm for newly awakened students, leading to unforeseen consequences. To prevent further incidents, the trio's sparring sessions were limited to matches against each other or with instructors.

These supervised sparring sessions, though demanding, significantly boosted their skills. The academy's teachers, ranging between levels 20 and 30, offered more than brute strength—they provided tactical insights forged through years of practical experience. Each sparring match became an opportunity to learn, and every mistake or unexpected maneuver deepened Lin Tian's understanding.

The principal, a formidable level 40 spirit master, monitored their progress closely. Recognizing the trio's exceptional potential, he encouraged the staff to share their knowledge freely. For the teachers, guiding such promising students was as much a responsibility as it was a source of personal pride.

Alongside his academic progress, Lin Tian devoted himself to mastering the spear under his mother's guidance. Equipped with a specially commissioned training spear, he followed an intensive regimen that began with 100 precise thrusts against a wooden dummy. The drills were designed to refine both his technique and muscle memory, ensuring that his movements became instinctive over time. Yet the real challenge came with the sweep technique—a deceptively simple motion that required not just strength but also control over momentum.

Initially, Lin Tian struggled with the 50 required sweeps. His muscles, fatigued from the thrust drills, trembled under the strain. But Lin Yue remained patient, walking him through every motion, emphasizing the importance of balance. The sweep was more than just a simple attack; it was a strategic move with dual purposes—knocking an opponent back to gain distance or sweeping low to destabilize them. Mastery over this technique required not only precision but also the ability to read an opponent's movement and act instinctively.

To build his endurance, Lin Tian practiced the sweeps in water, a method that introduced natural resistance. This training simulated combat conditions, forcing him to learn how to maintain control even under difficult circumstances. His mother explained that water training would teach him to manage both flow and restraint—two essential components of combat. At first, the task felt overwhelming, leaving him physically drained. But with perseverance, Lin Tian's stamina grew, and soon he could perform all 50 sweeps without faltering.

This spear training went beyond physical improvement. Each session tested Lin Tian's discipline and patience, qualities essential for a spirit master. He learned that a reckless swing left him vulnerable, while a measured and precise strike could turn the tide of a fight. Over time, he felt a growing connection with the spear, treating it as an extension of himself rather than just a weapon. Every thrust and sweep brought him closer to mastering not only the spear but also the calm focus required to wield it effectively.

As the school term drew to a close, excitement filled Lin Tian's household. His parents decided that the time was right for him to pursue his first soul ring—a milestone every aspiring spirit master must reach. Lin Tian had anticipated this moment since the day of his awakening, and now the opportunity was within his grasp. The thought of enhancing his Storm Tyrant Spear with a soul skill filled him with excitement and a hint of anxiety.

His parents meticulously planned the expedition, knowing that the first soul ring was crucial—it would define not only the potential of his martial soul but also the direction of his future cultivation. Lin Tian had spent countless hours poring over books, seeking advice from teachers, and discussing strategies with his parents. Together, they evaluated various types of soul beasts, weighing the strengths and limitations of each.

While Lin Tian dreamed of acquiring a rare and powerful soul ring, he understood the importance of finding a skill that complemented his existing abilities. His spear techniques required a blend of offensive power and tactical precision, so the chosen soul ring had to offer an ability that aligned with these needs. He knew that a poorly chosen ring could hinder his growth, while the right one would unlock new heights of mastery. As the expedition date approached, Lin Tian's excitement grew, each day a step closer to realizing his goal.

The upcoming journey marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. No longer confined to theory and practice, he would soon enter the wild and face real soul beasts for the first time. This expedition would test everything he had learned, forcing him to apply his skills in unpredictable and dangerous situations. But Lin Tian was ready—his training had prepared him, and his heart burned with determination.

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