Chapter 3: The Novice Gift Pack

You Chen was well aware that targeting Yu Xiaogang would incur the future Pope's animosity, but he did it without hesitation. For someone like him, lacking both background and innate talent, it was an exceptional opportunity during this early, unsettled period.

While celestial herbs, whale glue, and spirit bones could potentially change his fate, they weren't things a one-ring spirit master should covet. For instance, by the time he could independently acquire whale glue, its effects would no longer be significant.

However, targeting Yu Xiaogang was different. His so-called "Ten Core Competencies of Martial Spirits" might sound impressive, but the theoretical level was akin to a children's book. The value lies in the process of verifying knowledge, not in summarizing it.

If it were papers from established researchers, You Chen, lacking experience and knowledge, might not be able to refute them perfectly. But pointing out flaws in Yu Xiaogang's theories was easy, even for someone like You Chen.

That paper of You Chen's didn't exhibit particularly high theoretical standards either. However, his age, experience, and background were noteworthy! This was sufficient to establish a "theoretical genius" persona, catching Qian Xunji's attention.

Especially since he also struck a blow to Yu Xiaogang, whom Qian Xunji saw as a toad lusting after his beloved disciple, Bibi Dong.

You Chen easily achieved his dual goals: winning Qian Xunji's favor and establishing his reputation as a theoretical prodigy. Consequently, he was summoned by Qian Xunji.

When Qian Xunji inquired about what reward he desired, You Chen naturally requested access to the Spirit Hall's Grand Library.

The Grand Library's collection is arguably the most comprehensive on the continent. Previously, You Chen, through his excellent performance at the academy, had earned borrowing rights, but only to the first level. This time, Qian Xunji granted him access to the first three levels, excluding the topmost one.

This not only provided You Chen with the knowledge and theoretical foundation for future publications and research but also satisfied his desire to access the library's vast resources.

Without family legacies, evolving his martial spirit required abundant knowledge. Understanding how different spirit masters acquired spirit rings, the skill differences from various spirit beasts, and how different martial spirits reacted to these rings was crucial for selecting the most suitable spirit rings and cultivating his martial spirit optimally.

Thus, at 15, You Chen applied for whale glue as experimental material under the guise of "enhancing spirit master physique" research and soon after published the secretly stored work "Whale Glue Usage" in the Spirit Hall's archives.

Between ages 12 and 15, You Chen certainly achieved more than just this. His research on whale glue further validated his intelligence. Applications for research involving You Chen naturally became easier. High-level spirit masters within the Spirit Hall could effortlessly assist him in hunting high-year spirit beasts, saving him much trouble.

At 15, he successfully acquired his second millennium spirit ring. By 28, he had obtained his fourth ten-thousand-year spirit ring.

As events unfolded, with Bibi Dong's rise to power, she never forgot past grievances, and You Chen naturally found himself sidelined. Even when Bibi Dong extended an olive branch after her ascension, You Chen was wary. After all, she could harbor sinister intentions, so he dared not accept.

For two decades, even with Qian Xunji's support, You Chen was targeted and suppressed by Bibi Dong. Now that Qian Xunji was dead? Although You Chen had once taught Qian Renxue, earning a mentor's status, making Bibi Dong hesitant due to Qian Daoliu, beyond that, nothing was guaranteed.

Seeing Ye Han's puzzled expression, You Chen smiled mysteriously, "Alright, some things are better left unsaid. If you start guessing and get into trouble, don't blame me for not warning you. Since you're being cheeky... are you itching for a spar? We haven't had a duel in years, right?"

Ye Han's face changed instantly, putting down his documents and forcing a bitter smile, "You Chen, don't joke around. How could I possibly be your match?"

Suddenly, You Chen looked up with a nostalgic expression, "Han, as we hit middle age, I find myself reminiscing about our youth. I suddenly remember that summer 26 years ago when you and some kids tried to ambush me... Ah, such fond memories."

Ye Han's eyes widened; was this guy just finding an excuse to mess with him for fun?

"You Chen, go easy..."

"Heh, I'll only use spirit power at your level. Han, let me see how you've improved over the years!"

"No, You Chen, please!"

Who needs a reason for a big brother to spar with a little brother?

Even by suppressing his spirit power to the same level and refraining from using his fourth spirit skill, You Chen's physical strength and control over his spirit power remained superior.

You Chen easily pummeled Ye Han, completing the novice task.

Ding.

[Congratulations, host, for completing the novice task. Please accept the novice gift pack!]

Ignoring Ye Han lying with a swollen face on the sparring ground, You Chen focused his mind and chose to receive his reward.

A virtual window, akin to an RPG game's inventory, appeared before him. The novice gift pack instantly opened under You Chen's mental control, transforming into a pile of items.

Thirty primary nutrition pills, each guaranteeing a one-ring spirit master's daily intensive training nutritional needs. Their effect was comparable to the top-quality spirit beast meat provided by major forces for their disciples' daily cultivation.

Twenty primary spirit power pills, each instantly restoring 50% of a one-ring spirit master's spirit power.

Ten primary healing pills, each capable of instantly healing serious injuries or less for spirit masters under level 20.

Additionally, ten of each primary strength, speed, and spirit power amplification pills... as the names suggest, all are treasures capable of easily turning the tide in a spirit fight for a one-ring spirit master.

The final pill, named the primary experience pill, could directly boost a level 10 spirit master's spirit power by 2 to 3 levels without any side effects, a treasure that would surely incite a scramble among major forces.

But...

"I'm a level 48 Spirit Ancestor!"

You Chen internally lamented.

The bad feeling he had was finally confirmed.

The system not only delayed tasks for over twenty years but also provided rewards suited for his past self from two decades ago!

If he had received these items twenty years prior, they would have been invaluable.

Just the experience and nutrition pills could have reduced his time to reach level 20 by at least a third.

But for his current self, they were utterly useless.

Fortunately, the gift pack had three more items.

Unyielding, You Chen continued to examine them.

One hundred gold soul coins. Less than a month's salary.

"Concealment Art," a special soul skill for masking one's aura. According to its description, at its peak, it could completely conceal spirit power fluctuations, life, and mental waves. Just this feature brightened You Chen's eyes, making him grateful the gift wasn't entirely worthless. 

Moreover, after skimming through its preface, You Chen sensed that the "Concealment Art" might offer more than described. However, he'd have to train to find out.

His gaze shifted.

Next was the last item.

An "Adaptive Optimal Age First Spirit Ring."

Seeing "Adaptive Optimal Age," hope flickered in You Chen's eyes, but upon reading "First Spirit Ring," he felt a wave of despair.

His first spirit ring had been absorbed over twenty years ago!