Martial Spirit II

"System, how did I get this mutated Blue Rose Martial Spirit?" I asked mentally, confused. My Puppet Martial Spirit was inherited from Yinlin, but I had no idea where this one came from.

[It was the original Martial Spirit of the host body. Although it was unawakened, as the host body died, its previous owner left it as a gift for you. This was done to help you fulfill his lingering regret. His original Martial Spirit, Blue Mist Rose, evolved into the Blue Mist Rose Emperor due to your intervention.]

I see... so this Martial Spirit is a hybrid of control and attack types, right? I asked while observing the two old men still deep in discussion.

[Yes, Host. I also have a suggestion. Even if you cultivate this Blue Rose Martial Spirit, it can still accept rings of higher configurations, such as 100,000-year spirit rings or more.]

[Host simply needs to...]

I listened carefully as the system laid out its plan. My eyes lit up as a realization struck me.

"This is perfect," I muttered under my breath, unable to hide my excitement.

"Xiao Yang, did you say something?" Old Ma asked, looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

I shook my head, trying to mask my thoughts. "Nothing, I was just thinking about something," I replied calmly.

The two elders nodded and turned back to their discussion, seemingly engrossed in debating the best course of action for my cultivation. Meanwhile, I began formulating my own plans based on the system's advice. 

"Xiao Yang, which Martial Spirit would you like to cultivate first?" Old Li asked as he looked at me expectantly.

"I want to cultivate my Blue Rose first. Can you guide me to a method that allows me to cultivate both Martial Spirits eventually?" I asked, and he nodded with a knowing smile.

"That's a given," he said reassuringly, and I nodded in return.

"Alright then, let's go and get your first spirit ring," Old Ma suggested enthusiastically.

I stopped him with a raised hand. "No."

"Huh? Why not?" he asked, puzzled by my refusal.

"If I absorb one now, I'll be wasting my talent," I explained firmly. "I want to train my body first so that I can absorb a more powerful spirit ring later."

"But… isn't the limit for someone like you only around 400-450 years? How could you possibly absorb more?" Old Ma shook his head in disbelief.

"That's the common understanding," I admitted. "But my situation is different. I believe that with proper training and preparation, I can surpass that limit."

The two elders exchanged skeptical glances, clearly unsure whether I was being overconfident or if I truly had a plan.

"Are you certain about this?" Old Li asked after a moment of silence.

"Yes," I replied firmly, determination shining in my eyes. "Please trust me on this. I promise it'll be worth the wait."

"Okay, but I can only give you a year at most," Old Ma sighed. He clearly wasn't convinced but had no choice but to yield.

Who made me an unparalleled genius? These two old coots have to listen to me! Mwahahahaha!

[Host, don't be narcissistic,] the system chimed in.

I ignored it, my smirk growing wider.

"Also, my master said she'll take me somewhere special where I can train my body. So, I might not return for a year, okay?" I casually informed them.

Both Old Ma and Old Li froze, their eyes widening in alarm.

"Who is this master you speak of?" Old Ma asked, his tone suddenly serious.

"I can't tell you," I replied nonchalantly.

"But you know you are now part of the Spirit Hall, right?" Old Ma said, rubbing his temples in frustration. "You can't just ignore the Spirit Hall's rules and follow some rogue master without informing us."

"Yes, Xiao Yang," Old Li added with a frown. "You're an official part of the Martial Spirit Hall. We need to know who this master is."

Their stern looks made it clear they wouldn't let this slide easily.

"Wait! Let me ask my master," I said, closing my eyes and pretending to concentrate.

System, will I get something that can convince these two old coots? I asked mentally.

[Absolutely, Host,] the system replied confidently.

Opening my eyes, I spoke, "My master said that, to prove my loyalty, she will provide something extraordinary after my training—something that will help you both surpass your current limits."

Both Old Li and Old Ma froze. At their current cultivation level of only Rank 30, such an offer was hard to ignore.

"This..." Old Ma hesitated, unsure what to make of my claim.

"You are not lying, right, Xiao Yang?" Old Li asked cautiously.

"Of course not," I replied, feigning indignation. "But I have one request. Please hide the fact that I have two Martial Spirits. Just state on my certificate that I have only the Blue Rose Martial Spirit."

"Why? And shouldn't its name be Blue Misty Rose Emperor?" Old Ma asked, frowning slightly.

"Keep it simple. No need to draw attention to it," I said, waving dismissively.

"Okay, but if you're even a day late returning after the agreed year, you'll have to come straight to Martial Spirit City to cultivate," Old Li stated firmly.

I nodded, masking my grin.

Though I could've ignored their demands and the Spirit Hall altogether, it was strategically wise to keep them close. Aside from Bibi Dong's ambitions, many in the Spirit Hall are good and influential. Why not take advantage of their resources?

With their protection, I could act more freely and quietly grow stronger—an advantage I wasn't about to pass up.

"Okay, when will your master come?" Old Ma asked curiously.

"She'll just teleport me," I replied nonchalantly. Then, as if it were the most natural request in the world, I added, "Oh, and can you pack food for me? Enough for a year. Make it so that even ten adults can eat comfortably without any problem."

Both of them stared at me, dumbfounded by the audacity of my request.

Old Li sighed and muttered, "Who made you our little prodigy?" Though they were likely inwardly cursing my guts, they nodded with smiles on their faces.

"Fine, fine. We'll get it prepared for you," Old Ma said, his tone exasperated but resigned.