Neighbour

As the days passed, a month slipped away, marking Anping's persistent but unexpectedly slow journey in unlocking his mental power. Despite daily guidance, he could only enhance his control from a mere trace to a meager wisp – a mere 1%. His reach barely extended beyond a meter, leaving him uncertain whether this progress was swift or sluggish.

Surprisingly, in the absence of intentional spirit power cultivation, he effortlessly ascended to level seven within the same month, a fact he couldn't gauge without a point of comparison.

On a brighter note, after a month of constant experimentation, Anping gained mastery in directing his martial spirit with consciousness. No longer did he need to painstakingly read through books; now, he could effortlessly retrieve knowledge as if using a search engine, a skill reminiscent of his past life.

Adding to his achievements, after a month-long quest, he stumbled upon a technique for guiding and activating spiritual power – "Detailed Explanation of Naraku Spiritual Power Guidance." The name suggested it was penned by someone named Naraku.

In the ancient pages of the book, the tale unfolded as Naraku, a wanderer, stumbled upon ruins during his travels. Deep within, he discovered an untouched wall adorned with a peculiar pattern.

Upon examination, Naraku realized that gazing at the pattern induced dizziness, yet connecting with it through mental power set the mind into motion, aligning with the intricate design.

Naraku, fueled by curiosity, preserved the wall. After years of devoted research, he distilled the complex pattern into a simplified guidance method to awaken spiritual power.

On a tranquil day, following a satisfying breakfast, Anping settled on his bed with the book, delving into the guidance method. He absorbed its essence, reading it repeatedly to etch the knowledge into his memory.

Entering a meditative state, Anping's consciousness intertwined with the malleable spiritual power under his command. Following Naraku's method meticulously, he began crafting the pattern – starting with horizontal folds, arcs, and bevels. The dance of his mind and power unfolded, a delicate symphony echoing in the quiet room.

With each careful stroke, Anping sensed a growing pulse at the center of his eyebrows, signaling a surge in the dormant mental energy. Guiding it gradually, the once inert state began to stir.

Upon completing the first intricate outline, a hint of mental energy broke free from inertia, prompting a sense of joy within Anping. The method proved effective, yielding satisfying results.

Regaining composure, Anping immersed himself in the practice, repeatedly sketching peculiar patterns. Each stroke coaxed his mental energy from inertia to activation, pushing his consciousness to the brink of exhaustion. Reluctantly, he withdrew from the meditative state as the pangs of hunger echoed in the room.

Startled by the rebellion in his stomach, Anping leaped from the bed. Glancing at the time, he realized the afternoon had slipped away; it was already past five o'clock. Time had flown, catching him off guard.

Venturing into the kitchen and searching yielded no results; Anping realized he had depleted his food stock. Recollecting his plan to go shopping that day, he reluctantly changed into suitable attire and headed out.

Upon opening the door, he was greeted by the sight of his neighbor, Lin Qing, whom he hadn't encountered in two months. Lin Qing, a mecha designer, usually looked out for Anping and mentioned he was on a business trip recently.

"Good afternoon, Uncle Lin. What's going on?" Anping inquired.

With an "Oops" sound, a box slipped from Lin Qing's grasp, hitting the ground with a resounding bang, indicating its weighty contents.

As he gazed upward, the door swung open abruptly, revealing Anping standing there. Lin Qing composed himself and inquired, "Is Little Anping heading out? I got transferred to Heaven Dou City for work, I will likely be stationed there more often."

He gestured towards the box on the floor, "I won't be able to make use of these books and notes if I can't take them along. Considering your fondness for reading, I figured I'd send them your way. Perhaps you could venture into becoming a Mecha designer."

Anping, not a genuine child, couldn't easily buy into such a feeble excuse. Even if it was true that he couldn't bring it inside, a mecha designer's notes would typically be safeguarded, even if their skill level wasn't exceptionally high.

Touched by the gesture, Anping found himself at a loss for words, settling on a sincere, "Thank you, Uncle Lin."

Lin Qing waved off the gratitude with enthusiasm, stating, "No need for thanks. We've been neighbors for years, and I've seen you grow up. Let's get these things moved first."

In the spirit of gratitude, Anping joined in the effort, helping with the relocation. His physical prowess had significantly improved since awakening the martial spirit.

As they worked, Anping's rebellious stomach protested again. Feeling a bit sheepish, he scratched his head.

Observing Anping's discomfort, Lin Qing chuckled and suggested, "Look at me; I interrupted your meal plans. Let's do this – I'll treat you to something delicious, and we can delay your meal."

"Uncle Lin has always looked out for me. Now that you're leaving, it's my turn to treat you," Anping insisted warmly.

"You're just a child with no income. Earn some money by yourself than think about treating me dinner, now let's go I will treat you," Lin Qing decided, guiding Anping out the door.

Seated in a restaurant, Lin Qing placed the food order and initiated conversation before the dishes arrived. "Little Anping, your martial spirit has awakened, right? What kind is it? And what's your innate soul power level?"

"It's a book, innate spirit power level six," Anping replied.

"A book, that's a good fit for you. Your innate soul power is quite impressive; you're bound to become a formidable spirit master in the future."

The conversation delved into more inquiries about school life, experiences with bullying, and any challenges Anping might be facing. As the questions flowed, time slipped away. The waiter brought the dishes, and Lin Qing, in addition to ordering wine for himself, also requested juice – specifically for Anping.

Lin Qing uncorked the juice, filling a glass for Anping and pouring himself some wine. Anping, appreciative of the gesture, raised his drink in a toast.

"Uncle Lin, thank you for looking out for me all these years. As you depart, I'll switch the wine for juice. Wishing you the very best and a bright future," Anping expressed, sincerity in his eyes.

Observing Anping's gesture, Lin Qing took a sip of his wine, remarking, "You really are still just a little kid."

He continued, sighing, "Thinking about it, little Anping hasn't had the luxury of parents' care since childhood. Now that I'm leaving, take good care of yourself. Remember to reach out if you ever need anything in the future..."

Amidst Lin Qing's words, Anping responded, "Thank you, Uncle Lin, for your concern. I can manage on my own."

"Yes, yes, our little Anping has been wise from a young age. He'll undoubtedly take care of himself. Let's dig in quickly; the food will get cold," Lin Qing sighed inwardly, moved by the maturity displayed by the young boy.

As they strolled back after dinner, Lin Qing became more talkative, perhaps influenced by the wine or the emotions tied to a prolonged separation from familiar faces. Much of the conversation revolved around Anping taking care of himself. Anping recognized it as Lin Qing's genuine concern and resolved to heed the advice.