Chapter Sixteen: The First Star

Lying relaxed on the stone mill, Fang Han's muscles tightened as he sensed the approach of footsteps, he rolled over to face the newcomer.

Seeing that it was Tang Luo, Fang Han respectfully got up and bowed.

"Don't be so nervous. Come to the seventh floor of Building Five in the South Ninth District after dinner tonight, I'll be waiting for you in the cultivation room," Tang Luo said indifferently.

Fang Han was startled, but he nodded in agreement, filled with exhilaration.

The young master of the main lineage in front of him had finally relented! His fists clenched with the surreal feeling.

Tang Luo could see the flicker of excitement in his eyes but felt somewhat helpless.

After all, for someone who wants to follow you, it would be disappointing to know they aren't attracted by your charisma or future in martial arts, but by your vulnerability. Tang Luo turned and walked away.

"Take care, young master," Fang Han said with a new level of respect, slipping into his role quite effortlessly.

.........

Night time, cultivation room.

Fang Han knelt facing Tang Luo, who was in a meditative posture, the seventeen-year-old boy was a whole head taller than him.

In front of Tang Luo were two iron scrolls and a metal ball, his young face filled with seriousness and anticipation.

One doesn't need to guess to know that this was a favor to a vassal. In this era, no other thing could be more appropriate than a martial arts technique.

Fang Han looked at the iron scroll, his heart was burning. This is why he was so eager to become a vassal, up to this point, he was still practicing the Mortal-Level Fierce Tiger Heart Technique he bought from the martial hall. He couldn't believe that just by becoming a vassal, the young master in front of him had brought out a new technique with killing moves. He surely made the right move.

Looking at Fang Han's eyes often darting at the iron scroll, Tang Luo understood, after all, for these poor martial artists, perhaps even a Mortal-Level technique with killing moves would be a luxury, let alone the one in front of them.

"Actually, you're more suited for blade training." Tang Luo said blandly, since he was bestowing a favor, he didn't hesitate to speak his mind.

"You have strong arm strength, your manipulation of spiritual energy is quite flexible, and you have a heavy killing intent, the blade suits you the most."

Fang Han totally agreed with Tang Luo's words, but weapon techniques were only second to some long-range attack techniques in terms of price, he simply had no choice. Among the techniques provided in the training field, most were related to fists and legs. Only those who performed exceptionally well were given one or two weapon techniques.

At the age of thirteen, Fang Han, who had built his foundation, did not perform well, therefore he only got a claw technique when the weapons were distributed.

"This technique is called the Stellar Mysterious Technique and the Star Innate Blade, meant for you." Tang Luo said indifferently.

A Yellow Rank technique with killing moves!

Fang Han was stunned, followed by ecstasy, and hurriedly nodded.

"Don't be happy just yet, I have a job for you." Tang Luo said indifferently, casually picking up the star core in front of him and holding it before Fang Han. "You are now practicing this Stellar Mysterious Technique, hold this star core."

So there's a catch.

Fang Han's face darkened, he lowered his head slightly. His heart pounded. I knew it wasn't that simple. A Yellow Rank technique with killing moves isn't free. This star core is probably some kind of magic device.

Seeing Fang Han's suddenly grave expression, Tang Luo thought to himself that the boy was still too young. He promised to follow loyally, but it only took a few words to prove that the two had not established any trust. It was a bit annoying.

The atmosphere became silent and awkward.

Fang Han turned hundreds of thoughts in his mind, even thought of knocking Tang Luo unconscious the instant he got the iron scrolls and escaping from the Martial Hall, but eventually they all vanished.

After all, the other party was once the thirteen-year-old prodigy who ascended from the Mortal Realm. Even now, he had a strong Mortal Realm presence. How could he defeat him with just a few moves? If he couldn't incapacitate him quickly, a single shout and he could lose his life here.

In a dilemma.

Suddenly, Fang Han felt that Tang Luo was expecting him to make a move, with an expression of amusement.

Was there a choice? Actually, there wasn't.

"I am willing," Fang Han said, his face calm as he raised it again. Circumstances were stronger than people, he had no room to refuse.

The performance of this vassal was quite disappointing.

"Go ahead then," Tang Luo spoke indifferently, pushing the iron scroll of the Stellar Mysterious Technique in front of Fang Han.

Fang Han accepted the iron scroll and began to study this Yellow Rank technique. It must be said, his aptitude was indeed excellent. In a short while, he started cultivating skillfully. In just two hours, he could completely execute one cycle.

"Infuse your spiritual energy into the whirlpool in your hand." Tang Luo placed the Star Core into the hands of Fang Han, who was sitting cross-legged. His voice was flat, but his excitement could no longer be concealed.

Fang Han accepted the Star Core, sat cross-legged, and circulated his energy as directed by Tang Luo, infusing the absorbed spiritual energy into the whirlpool he could see within himself. His heart was filled with despair, indeed, as expected, this was an object that absorbs his spiritual energy.

Time slowly elapsed, all was quiet.

Fang Han circulated spiritual energy for thirty-six rotations without stopping. The spiritual energy that should have been absorbed into his body all entered the vortex, without a single reaction.

During his introspective state, Fang Han didn't notice that Tang Luo, who had his eyes on him, knelt in front of him and submerged his consciousness into his dantian.

Tang Luo was ecstatic. His first Star Child was finally activated!

In the void of the dantian, the Star Child revolving around the Star Core glowed slightly. He submerged his consciousness into it, and a number appeared: 4.2.

As expected, Fang Han's aptitude was astonishing! Tang Luo exclaimed in admiration.

The Star Child can absorb and convert spiritual energy once a day. The conversion ratio is controlled by the Star Core. If Fang Han could be turned into a puppet holding the Star Child and cultivate every day, just him alone could provide Tang Luo with 4.2 units of spiritual energy a day.

Adding Tang Luo's own daily spiritual energy increase of 6 units, he could reach a total of 10 units of spiritual energy growth a day. In just a few months, Tang Luo could ascend to the Mortal Realm again.

"But who the hell would cultivate without spiritual energy?" Abandoning his greed, Tang Luo began to set the absorption ratio of spiritual energy for the first Star Child to 2.1:2.1.

You're in luck, kid!

"If it weren't for your good aptitude." Tang Luo was willing to make an investment because Fang Han's aptitude was truly rare. The Tang Family had gathered many talented young men, but none could compare to Fang Han, including members of the Clan.

Looking at Fang Han's spiritual power value of 999 (364), he still needed more than 1700 to break through to the Mortal Realm. If it's 2.1 a day, two and a half years would be enough. The future profits from this Star Child might reach over 4. He felt a little excited just thinking about it.

Because the first Star Child that condensed out was Mortal Realm level, Tang Luo urgently hoped that Fang Han could break through to the Mortal Realm as soon as possible. This way, the 3000 points of spiritual power lost from forging the Star Child could be quickly recouped.

Otherwise, with this daily spiritual energy "rent" of 2.1, it would take three years to recover the cost, by then the opportunity would have long passed.

Meanwhile, Fang Han, who had infused all of the spiritual energy into the vortex, was filled with hatred.

"After today, I will find a way to escape the Battle Hall, Tang Luo. One day I, Fang Han, will take your life." The humiliated young man made a great vow without any expression on his face.

He was mourning the loss of his spiritual energy, when suddenly the vortex that had absorbed the spiritual energy began to inhale and exhale. Spiritual power surged like waves along the meridians towards the dantian.

Just in an instant, spiritual power surged through Fang Han's organs, and it felt like the quantity had increased by fifty percent!

Could there be such an incredible treasure in this world!?.

Fang Han came out of his introspective state and looked at the Star Child in his hand in shock, the silver-black inscription was incredibly profound and mesmerizing.

"How does it feel?" Tang Luo looked at the stunned Fang Han and asked.

He came out of his stupor, held onto the Star Child, and bowed deeply before Tang Luo, his words sincere, "Young master, your benevolence is like giving me a new life. I will not fail to repay your grace, even if I have to split my liver and brain!"

The words were heavy and heartfelt.

"Hmm. Get up." Tang Luo responded indifferently. If it wasn't for you holding tightly onto the Star Child, I might have almost believed your words.

Fang Han raised his head, reluctantly put the Star Child back in its original place, seeming very respectful.

Tang Luo casually picked up the Star Child, said to Fang Han, "From tomorrow onwards, come to this practice room after meals for cultivation every day."

"I understand." Fang Han bowed, showing his respect.

"That's all for today. You can go."

"Yes, young master." Fang Han got up and exited the practice room, slowly closing the door after him.

With the Star Child in his hand, Tang Luo looked at the place where Fang Han had left. His eyes seemed unfocused as he muttered to himself, "You better not disappoint me."

...

Tang Mansion Dining Hall

"I don't care! I miss my two sons!" Xu Shuhui's eyes were red as she kicked Tang Sen, who was eating, in the foot.

"The Battle Hall is like this. Family visits happen once every three months." Tang Sen responded dryly. Ever since their two children entered the Battle Hall, his wife's temper had begun to flare, and he was very uncomfortable.

"Aren't you the Sect Head? Change it to once a month." Xu Shuhui was furious. The Battle Hall was so close to home, yet the two brothers couldn't come home to eat and rest. What was the use of having him as the Sect Head?

"That's not good, is it?" Being the Sect Head of the Battle Hall, Tang Sen felt that a man should stick to his principles. He was planning to firmly refuse his wife's demand.

"Tang Sen! Let me tell you, if you don't let me see the children, I'll take you on." Xu Shuhui felt extremely wronged. What the hell was the Tang Clan's Battle Hall? They don't even allow visits, she didn't even know if her two children had gotten fatter or thinner.

The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt. She suddenly hugged Little Nuannuan who was drinking soup and burst into tears.

The five-year-old girl saw her mommy crying and also started to cry loudly. The two women hugged each other, their cries echoing around the room.