Chapter 5

The following day in Spirit City, at the Spirit Hall Orphanage.

Cai Wen awoke after a full night of cultivation, his eyes brimming with a tinge of disappointment. Despite his diligent efforts, there was no significant advancement in his cultivation, save for his spirit power feeling slightly more solid.

"I already know it's common sense here, but it appears I can only obtain a spirit ring to advance further in my Resonance Heart Technique," he muttered with a sigh.

He examined his hands and summoned his Martial Soul, revealing a pair of gloves adorned with a majestic dragon symbol on the back.

Cai Wen inspected it more closely this time. The previous night's celebrations with the other children for awakening their martial spirits left him with little opportunity for observation.

Inspired by the dragon symbol and the numerous ring-like parts on the gloves' fingers, he decided to name his Martial Soul "Dragon Ring Gloves."

After a few moments, Cai Wen discovered that his Martial Soul bore a striking resemblance to Tsunayoshi Sawada's X-Glove. When he channeled his spirit power into the gloves, the ring-like parts glowed briefly before extending into ten chains connected to his fingers. The tip of each chain had a sharp pointed blade.

After a few tests, he discovered that for now, he could only create a two-meter-long chain from each finger. Manipulating these chains proved somewhat difficult, as he needed to consciously control each one by adjusting the spirit power coursing through the gloves.

Thankfully, Cai Wen's exceptional mastery of spirit power control and his Six Eyes—which granted him powerful perception, enhanced reaction time, and heightened control over his spirit power—allowed him to adapt quickly.

Estimating the current benefits of the Six Eyes, he concluded that they granted him at least 15 times the eyesight and reaction time of an adult. These abilities had ceased growing when he was five years old, but Cai Wen believed that they would strengthen again upon obtaining a spirit ring and breaking through his current Spirit Rank.

Cai Wen retracted his gloves and proceeded to wake the others, continuing his usual routine with the knowledge that it would likely change soon.

'If my situation follows the logic of a novel, particularly a Chinese one, someone will approach me and possibly introduce me to an influential figure for assessment, recruitment, or even to become their disciple,' Cai Wen mused, his self-awareness and previous fondness for Chinese novels informing his thoughts. However, he did not rely on this notion entirely, as reality could easily prove it wrong.

Cai Wen knew he wasn't a genius intellectually, but in terms of Martial Spirit and spirit control, he ranked among the best.

As Cai Wen carried on with his daily tasks, Sister Yue interrupted him while he watered the plants in the orphanage's backyard. "Cai Wen, Aunt Xiu asked me to find you and tell you she wants to see you in her office," she informed him, referring to the orphanage's matron.

"Eh?" Cai Wen reacted, briefly considering the reasons for the summons. 'Isn't it a bit too soon? It was just yesterday.'

"Cai Wen?" Sister Yue called out, noticing his lack of response.

"Ah, my apologies, Sister Yue. I can't help but wonder why Aunt Xiu requested my presence. Regardless, I'll see you later," Cai Wen replied with a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"No need to worry, Cai Wen. I'll finish your chores since you've already tended to most of the plants here," Sister Yue reassured him, smiling warmly.

"Thank you," Cai Wen expressed his gratitude as he walked away.

Soon enough, he arrived at the office of Aunt Xiu, the matron whom all the children at the orphanage affectionately called. He knocked gently on the door, announcing, "Aunt Xiu, it's me, Cai Wen."

A gentle female voice responded from within, "Please come in, Cai Wen."

As Cai Wen opened the door and entered, the first sight to meet his eyes was Aunt Xiu, a middle-aged woman with a kind and nurturing expression. Turning his attention to the side, he discovered another familiar face – someone he had just met the day before during the awakening of the Martial Soul.

"Mister Guo Qiang?" Cai Wen questioned, a hint of confusion in his voice, although he had a vague idea of why the man might be present.

"Ah, hello again, Xiao Wen. May I address you as such?" Guo Qiang inquired warmly, his tone reminiscent of a doting grandfather.

"Yes, I don't mind," Cai Wen replied, maintaining a casual yet respectful demeanor, before turning his attention to Aunt Xiu, who then spoke up.

"Since you two have already exchanged greetings, perhaps Bishop Guo Qiang could shed some light on the purpose of his visit?" Aunt Xiu inquired, sharing Cai Wen's curiosity about the unexpected guest.

"Yes, of course! I am here on behalf of the Supreme Pontiff, who has taken notice of your Innate full spirit power and wishes to meet you in person. I have been tasked with escorting you," Guo Qiang revealed, glancing at Cai Wen, who appeared surprised but not entirely shocked by the prospect of meeting the eminent figure of the Spirit Hall.

Guo Qiang continued, "So, Cai Wen, please freshen up and don your most presentable attire. We shall depart for the Supreme Pontiff Palace forthwith."

"Now?" Cai Wen couldn't help but ask, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events.

"Now," both Guo Qiang and Aunt Xiu confirmed, urging him to prepare himself. Cai Wen returned a mere ten minutes later, having bathed quickly and chosen from his limited wardrobe.

"Ah, your choice of clothing is quite simple, but the combination possesses a certain unique charm," Guo Qiang observed, with Aunt Xiu nodding her approval of Cai Wen's appearance.

"Let's be on our way. The sooner I present you to the Supreme Pontiff, the better," Guo Qiang declared, bidding Aunt Xiu farewell. Cai Wen followed suit, and together, they set off towards the Spirit Hall, on the Supreme Pontiff Palace.