The dawn broke over the horizon, casting a soft, golden light across the Spirit Hall's courtyard. Tang San stood alone, gazing at the sky, his expression as calm as ever. The growth of his powers in the past month had been staggering, and yet, there was a quiet feeling in his heart—a sense that he was on the precipice of something far greater.
Since absorbing his second spirit ring and the mysterious Fox Soul Bone, his progress had accelerated beyond his expectations. The powers granted by the soul bone were undeniable: agility, charm, and a heightened ability to manipulate illusions. However, what intrigued him the most was the soul bone's unique property—it could grow with him.
The Illusion Fox Soul Bone had not only bonded to his body, but it also seemed to mature with his spirit power, enhancing his abilities as he grew stronger. This was something he had never anticipated. Most soul bones were fixed in power, their abilities predetermined and unchanging after being absorbed. But this one... it seemed to have a life of its own.
The changes were subtle, but Tang San could already feel the difference. He could now create even more convincing illusions, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. His movements were faster, more fluid, and his ability to create deceptive images became second nature.
However, he did not reveal the true extent of his gains to anyone. Not even to Grandmaster.
A Visit from Grandmaster
As the sun rose higher, Grandmaster arrived at the training grounds. His eyes scanned Tang San carefully, noting the subtle changes in his disciple. It had been weeks since they had last spoken in-depth, and Grandmaster had been watching from the shadows, keeping a close eye on Tang San's progress.
"Tang San," Grandmaster greeted, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom. "You've been training hard, I can see. Your spirit power has increased significantly."
Tang San nodded, keeping his expression neutral as always. "I've been working diligently, Grandmaster. There's still much to be done."
Grandmaster raised an eyebrow, sensing that there was something more beneath the surface. He had always trusted Tang San's judgment, but there was an air of mystery surrounding his disciple now. Grandmaster could tell that Tang San was not sharing everything with him.
"I can see that you've grown stronger, but you don't look like you've been training just in the way I've taught you. What have you been doing, Tang San? You're hiding something from me."
Tang San paused for a moment, his eyes reflecting the silent wisdom he had gained. He could feel the weight of Grandmaster's gaze, but he remained unfazed. "I've been absorbing the second spirit ring, and I've learned to use the Illusion Fox Soul Bone more efficiently. It grows with me as I progress, and the abilities it grants me continue to evolve."
Grandmaster nodded thoughtfully, not pressing further. He was not one to push his disciple too hard. He trusted Tang San's judgment and knew that Tang San had his reasons for keeping certain things to himself. "The Illusion Fox Soul Bone is a rare treasure, indeed. Such bones are hard to find, and even rarer to have one that grows alongside the user. If it continues to evolve with your spirit power, it will only make you more dangerous in battle."
Tang San's eyes flickered slightly. He knew that revealing too much could be risky, so he chose to keep the details of his newfound technique—the Blood Refinement—hidden for now. That was a power he could not yet afford to share. After all, it was still in its early stages, and he did not fully understand its limits.
"I will continue to train, Grandmaster. But there's something else I need to focus on," Tang San said, changing the subject. "I want to improve my combat abilities. The second spirit ring has given me new tools, but I need to sharpen them further."
Grandmaster's gaze softened. He could see the hunger for strength in Tang San's eyes, the burning desire to push beyond his limits. He could relate to it—the desire for more power, more control, more mastery over oneself. "Very well, then. I will help you. You need to test your abilities in battle. Fighting real opponents will help you refine your skills."
Tang San bowed his head in respect. "Thank you, Grandmaster. I'll take your advice to heart."
The Secret of the Fox Soul Bone
As the days passed, Tang San's training continued, but his focus was on more than just physical combat. The Fox Soul Bone had become an integral part of his body, its energy flowing through him, blending with his own spirit power. The connection between them was becoming stronger by the day, and he could feel the bond deepening.
The soul bone's abilities had begun to expand in subtle ways, and Tang San was beginning to understand the true potential it held. His charm had grown, and he found that he could influence those around him without even speaking. His agility was unmatched, allowing him to move like a shadow, faster than anyone could track.
But the most intriguing change was the soul bone's ability to adapt. It was like a living organism that reacted to his growth, becoming more powerful as he did. It was as if the soul bone was alive, aware of his spirit power and evolving in tandem with him.
Tang San didn't yet know the full extent of the Illusion Fox Soul Bone's capabilities, but one thing was certain—it was a gift that could not be taken lightly.
Training in the Shadows
As Tang San trained under Grandmaster's watchful eyes, he also made time for secret training sessions, where he honed his illusions and developed his body through more grueling physical exercises. He wasn't just relying on his spirit rings—he was pushing his physical limits, using his own strength to create a foundation for his future growth.
The combination of his spirit power and the growing Fox Soul Bone was making him stronger each day. Tang San could feel his abilities becoming more refined, more lethal. The illusions he created were now not just distractions but deadly tools, capable of overwhelming even the most seasoned fighters.
As he stood in the training grounds one evening, the setting sun casting long shadows on the ground, Tang San thought to himself.
Soon… I will be ready.
End of Chapter 26