New Martial Spirit

The transformation began at the tip of the spear, where the diamond-shaped metal morphed into an ancient key. The hexagonal scales along the shaft followed suit, shifting into intricate patterns. At the end of the spear, a splendid key handle emerged after several twists and turns.

The soul phoenix let out a piercing cry and flew into the key. The soul power that had flooded Anping's body when his martial spirit vanished found its way back to his dantian, filling it with warmth and vitality.

Next, the shattered soul rings reformed one by one. The last one glowed brightly, signifying that Anping had regained his martial spirit, though not the one he had expected.

The whole process of martial soul change was swift and stunning. Gu Yuena watched with awe and exhaustion, barely able to stand.

Anping looked at her sheepishly and said, "Nana, what if I told you something unexpected happened? Would you believe me?"

Gu Yuena snapped out of her trance and reached for his right hand, wanting to check his condition. Anping quickly reassured her, "It's not what you think. This is the surprise I'm talking about."

He summoned his new martial spirit and showed it to her. A magnificent key appeared in front of him, identical to the one that had emerged from the source of magic.

But the key that served as his martial spirit resembled a long staff more than a weapon, and there was no trace of the silver dragon spear he had wielded before.

Gu Yuena didn't seem too bothered by the change. She sighed in relief and said, "I'm glad it didn't fail. As you said, the appearance has changed. What about the characteristics?"

Anping felt his martial spirit and said, "Besides the original element affinity and devouring traits, there is an additional marking trait. The person who is marked by me can enter my library through this mark."

This marking trait was originally part of the key's function in the source of magic. Anping didn't know what caused it to transfer to his martial spirit.

Gu Yuena was always curious about the library Anping had mentioned. He had told her about it many times, and she had learned some things from him.

Now that she knew he could let others in, she eagerly said, "Hurry, give me a mark. I want to see it for myself. I've been waiting for so long, and I finally have a chance to go in."

Anping shook his head slightly and said, "Don't worry, I won't forget you, but we have to wait until you recover. You're too weak right now, and you won't last long inside. It consumes a lot of spiritual energy."

He wasn't making excuses to delay her. He was telling the truth. Gu Yuena was in no shape to enter the library with her current state.

Gu Yuena was not a stubborn person. She accepted his words and said, "Fine, but after I recover, you can't say no."

Anping nodded and said, "Of course, you should rest first. I'll go ask Mr. Xiong if anything happened to them lately."

Gu Yuena nodded. She needed a good rest. Energy loss was easy to recover from, but mental fatigue required more time and care.

Creating a martial spirit seemed simple, but it was actually a lengthy and complex process. Fifteen days had passed since Anping and Gu Yuena had locked themselves in the house.

They had heard knocks on the door more than once, but Mr. Xiong and Bi Ji had kept everyone away. Meanwhile, the exchange activities between Sun Moon Academy and Shrek Academy had begun.

Most of the visitors were Tang Wulin and his friends. They wondered what Anping and Gu Yuena had gained from their trip to Anxi Town that they didn't know about.

Why else would they go into seclusion as soon as they returned, and for so long? They wanted to ask them and find out, but Mr. Xiong and Bi Ji wouldn't let them in.

They didn't know how powerful the new Bear Lord was, but they knew he was strong enough to replace Di Tian. That meant he was at least a Titled Douluo, and no one wanted to mess with him.

Anping finally emerged from the room, and Mr. Xiong greeted him with a complaint. "Anping, you're out at last. You have no idea how annoying that Tang Wulin guy is. He knocks on the door every day. I wish I could smack him."

Anping was surprised to hear that Tang Wulin had been bothering them. He didn't have a good relationship with him. He wondered why he was so interested in them, but he didn't dwell on it.

The most important thing now was to get some food for Gu Yuena. He could deal with Tang Wulin later. He made up his mind and said, "I'm going out to buy something. Nana is still resting. Please watch over her and don't let anyone disturb her."

He opened the door and walked out. The hotel corridor was quiet, as most of the students were out for the exchange activities.

He reached the hotel entrance and picked up a Star Luo City travel guide from a storage shelf. He followed the directions to the food court.

It was late afternoon, and the evening was approaching. The food court was bustling with people and smells.

It was different from the Federation side, where everything was modern and sleek. Here, in the Star Luo Empire, the vendors and the shops looked more rustic and traditional. The food was prepared with more primitive methods.

It had a different charm. Anping didn't need to eat to replenish his energy, but he still liked to keep a regular schedule of three meals a day. It made him feel more human.

He sampled various delicacies along the way, and ordered two extra portions of the ones he liked. He adjusted the thermostat to keep them warm, and planned to take them back to Gu Yuena.

Most of the people in the Star Luo Empire had migrated from the Douluo Continent, but that was thousands of years ago. The food had changed over time, influenced by the local culture and cuisine. Some dishes were similar to those in the Federation, but many had their own unique flavors.

"Anping! You're out of seclusion!" A voice called out from behind him, just as he was waiting for a stall owner to pack his food.