Fairy

There are six basic soul bones: the head, torso, and the four limbs.

Among the six, the torso soul bone is the most valuable and rarest, followed by the head soul bone. The soul bones of the limbs are relatively less valuable. Beyond these, there is also the extremely rare external soul bone.

Although the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy is wealthy, its stockpile of soul bones is likely limited. Only the most outstanding students or those who have made significant contributions to the academy are eligible to receive soul bones as rewards.

Now that Jing Hongchen, on behalf of the academy, had awarded Su Luoheng a soul bone, it signified the academy's high regard for him. It reflected their belief that Su Luoheng's future contributions and influence would far outweigh the value of the soul bone.

Seeing Su Luoheng's stunned reaction, Jing Hongchen smiled slightly and said, "What do you think? Do you like it? Given your exceptional performance in the evaluation competition, I'm awarding you this soul bone on behalf of the academy."

"This soul bone comes from the right arm bone of a Silver Moon Wolf from the Jingyang Mountain Range. It comes with the soul skill 'Silver Edge,' which allows you to imbue sharpness into your arm or transmit it into an object, making it even sharper."

"I believe this soul bone skill should suit you well. It will be of great help, whether you're engraving soul tool patterns or in battle. The Silver Moon Wolf this soul bone came from, by our estimation, was just a hair away from becoming a ten-thousand-year beast."

Su Luoheng respectfully accepted the reward from Jing Hongchen.

He understood that this soul bone was not just a reward for the evaluation competition, but also a representation of the academy's recognition of his potential. Otherwise, even winning first place in two categories wouldn't have been enough to earn a soul bone.

"Thank you, Uncle Hongchen. I will not let the academy's investment in me go to waste!"

Seeing Su Luoheng's well-mannered response, Jing Hongchen looked satisfied and nodded. "Study well under Elder Ran's guidance. In the entire Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, there are few teachers who can match his ability to teach students. I hope to see your name on the Illustrious Virtue Hall list of newcomers three years from now."

"I will do my utmost!"

Su Luoheng solemnly nodded and then left the room.

Looking back, choosing Ran Yuming as his teacher had been the best decision. No matter where he went, it opened doors.

The fact that Jing Hongchen was willing to award a thousand-year soul bone as a reward was not just a testament to Su Luoheng's talent, but also due to his status as Ran Yumeng's disciple.

In the Sun Moon Empire, one's teacher was of utmost importance.

Jing Hongchen's rise to the position of Illustrious Virtue Hall Master was not only due to his strength but also his status as a disciple of Kong Deming.

And as Ran Yuming's disciple, Su Luoheng naturally became part of that same legacy.

...

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, almost a year had gone by.

Su Luoheng was about to enjoy his first vacation from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.

Having been away from home for nearly a year, he naturally planned to return for a visit.

Initially, Ran Yuming had intended for Su Luoheng to stay and study with him during the break, hoping to help him complete a level-three soul tool as soon as possible. That way, Su Luoheng could advance directly to the fourth year the following year and shorten his path to joining Mingde Hall.

However, after learning about his disciple's desire to return home, Ran Yuming expressed his support and understanding.

Ran had even offered to send Su Luoheng off, but when Su politely declined, he let the matter rest.

At the main gate of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, Ran Yuming gave his parting advice, "Luoheng, be careful on the road."

"Yes, teacher, don't worry. You should head back soon as well."

Su Luoheng waved goodbye to his teacher and officially embarked on his journey back to Maple Leaf City.

The trip from Mingdu in the Sun Moon Empire to Maple Leaf City in the Heavenly Soul Empire would typically take about half a month. Fortunately, Su Luoheng now had a second-level flying soul tool, which significantly shortened the travel time.

Su Luoheng was on his way back to Maple Leaf City from the Falling Soul Forest.

The Falling Soul Forest was a soul beast forest located at the border of the Heavenly Soul Empire. Once he crossed this forest, Maple Leaf City would be just a short distance ahead. The caravan he had traveled with to the Sun Moon Empire had taken the same route.

Although he might encounter soul beasts along the way, it was still the shortest path.

This was the road Su Luoheng had chosen to take. After all, he was now a Great Soul Master, and as long as he was careful, he should be fine.

...

Fast forward four days.

Su Luoheng had been walking through the Falling Soul Forest for a day. Based on his estimation, he would need about three more days to traverse the forest, after which Maple Leaf City would be within reach.

During his time in the Falling Soul Forest, he hadn't activated his flying soul tool.

Soul beast forests were synonymous with danger and death. It would be suicidal for a lone soul master without absolute power to fly through the forest.

Walking, although slower, ensured his safety.

Whenever he sensed a powerful soul beast nearby, Su Luoheng took the initiative to avoid it.

After all, the Falling Soul Forest was the territory of soul beasts. While he wasn't afraid of a couple of thousand-year soul beasts, if he were to provoke a more formidable one, he might not even have a chance to escape.

"Awwoo— Awwoo—"

Suddenly, a series of wolf howls echoed ahead, causing Su Luoheng to stop in his tracks, furrowing his brows.

Earlier, he had spotted two thousand-year Iron Armored Bears lurking on a nearby path, which was why he had chosen to come this way.

But now, from the sounds, it seemed that a wolf pack was also stationed here.

Was he going to have to take a detour again?

Su Luoheng felt a bit helpless. Both paths were essential routes to Maple Leaf City, and if he had to take the detour, it might add another day to his journey.

"Awwoo—"

Just as Su Luoheng was hesitating, another urgent wolf howl rang out.

This time, the sound was clearly different, resembling an offensive signal.

Could there be someone ahead?

After some thought, Su Luoheng decided to investigate.

If someone had indeed dealt with the wolf pack, he could save himself a detour this time.

If not, he could still choose to take a detour later.

With that in mind, Su Luoheng slowly approached, hiding in the shadows and using the dense underbrush as cover, making his way toward the source of the howls.

Before long, he stealthily reached the area where the howls were coming from.

There, he saw three white wolves, each standing about two meters tall, their fur shining as white as snow. Their fangs, an inch long, glinted with a cold, menacing light, making them appear formidable and not to be trifled with.

At that moment, they were gathered together, their fierce gazes fixed on a girl standing in front of them.

She had long, pure white hair cascading down her shoulders, and her exquisite and beautiful face emanated an air of indifference and pride. Standing there, her snow-white dress billowed in the wind, yet her cold and aloof demeanor remained strikingly captivating, making it hard for anyone to look away.

The moment Su Luoheng saw the girl's face, he was momentarily stunned, a hint of awe appearing in his eyes.

Her beauty was nothing short of stunning!

A peerless beauty, as pure as ice and snow, and as noble as a saint—she was utterly mesmerizing.

{Author Note: Don't ask why she appeared here, it will be explained later on and romance is very slow.}