"You…" Tyson looked at Lu Tianming for a long moment before letting out a quiet sigh. "As expected, you truly are a talented child."
"Haha." Lu Tianming scratched his head and gave a small, embarrassed chuckle at the praise.
They talked for a little while longer before finally preparing to leave. Qing Wei had packed a small bag of fresh fruits and pastries for them to take along, refusing to let them go empty-handed.
Before they left, Tyson also brought up the matter of Xiao Ling's future.
He told them about his visit to her parents the day before.
At first, Xiao Ling's parents had been overjoyed upon hearing about the Spirit Hall's offer. However, after calming down and discussing it among themselves, they asked Tyson to give them a day to think it over.
The answer they gave afterward was unexpected—but simple.
They refused.
The reason was straightforward: they did not want Xiao Ling to be separated from them at such a young age.
Tyson did not comment on their decision. After all, they were her parents, and such a choice was theirs to make. Moreover, he knew very well that with Xiao Ling's level of talent, she would not receive much attention within the Spirit Hall anyway. It would be better for her to grow up normally and study at a Soul Master Academy like any other child.
Lu Tianming, however, was different.
His talent far surpassed Xiao Ling's. More importantly, he was diligent, disciplined, and possessed a rare determination uncommon for his age. For someone like him, training within the Spirit Hall would undoubtedly bring far greater opportunities and resources.
That was why, before sending him off, Tyson placed a firm hand on Lu Tianming's shoulder.
"Cultivate well," he said seriously. "If you encounter any problems along the way, come find me."
Lu Tianming nodded heavily, silently engraving those words into his heart.
After returning home, Lu Tianming placed the bags of fruits and pastries neatly on the table. He then sat down on his bed, his expression calm and focused, preparing to cultivate once more.
Talent alone was never enough.
No matter how gifted one was, hard work could not be neglected—it was the true key to success.
Closing his eyes, he entered a state of concentration and began circulating his soul power, strictly following the principles of the Basic Soul Power Cultivation Method.
And so, the days quietly passed.
His life became simple, almost monotonous—eating, sleeping, and cultivating. Occasionally, he would take a walk around the village or spend some time with Xiao Ling, allowing his mind to relax before returning to training.
Every morning, before dawn had fully broken, Lu Tianming would wake up and run three laps around the entire village. Afterward, he prepared his own breakfast and ate quickly.
The rest of the day was devoted entirely to cultivation.
Only at night would he stop, eat a simple dinner, and then rest—sleeping no more than six hours before beginning the cycle again.
Day after day, with unwavering persistence, he continued forward…
laying the foundation for a future far beyond the limits of the village.
One month later—
Inside his modest home, Lu Tianming sat cross-legged in deep meditation. His breathing was steady and rhythmic, each inhale and exhale forming a perfect cycle. With every breath, the soul power within his body surged slightly higher, causing an invisible pressure to gather around him.
This was the unmistakable sign of a breakthrough.
Minutes passed in silence.
Suddenly—crack.
A faint cracking sound echoed from within his body, as if an invisible barrier had shattered. The stagnant soul power rushed forward, flowing more freely through his meridians.
Lu Tianming had broken through.
Level Eight Soul Power.
"Hah…"
He slowly exhaled, releasing the turbid breath trapped in his chest, and opened his eyes. A clear light flashed within them before quickly fading away.
"One month to reach Level Eight…" Lu Tianming murmured softly. "If this pace continues, I should reach Level Ten within four months."
With that thought, he rose from the bed and stepped outside his house. His destination was clear—Chief Tyson's home.
Today was the day.
The letter from the Spirit Hall was supposed to arrive.
His steps unconsciously quickened as anticipation stirred in his chest. After several minutes, he reached Tyson's residence.
"Uncle Tyson, I'm here! Please open the door!" he called out loudly.
Within seconds, the main gate creaked open. Tyson stood there, already expecting him.
"Oh, you came at just the right time," Tyson said, stepping aside. "The letter was delivered not long ago. Come inside—let's see what kind of arrangement the Spirit Hall has made for you."
"Mm." Lu Tianming nodded, his voice firm and determined.
As they entered the house, Qing Wei was already waiting in the hall.
"Oh, Xiao Lu, you really came at the perfect moment," she said gently, lifting an envelope slightly in her hand.
"Sit down, quickly," Tyson urged.
Lu Tianming followed his instruction and sat on the couch, trying to remain calm, while Tyson took the envelope from Qing Wei. With practiced hands, he tore it open and removed its contents.
Inside, there were only two items.
A neatly folded letter.
And a metallic badge bearing the unmistakable emblem of the Spirit Hall.
Looking at the metallic badge, Tyson smiled faintly.
"It seems you've officially become a member of the Spirit Hall. Congratulations."
"That's wonderful news, isn't it, Xiao Lu?" Qing Wei added, her smile gentle and warm. "Congratulations."
Lu Tianming didn't say much. He merely returned their words with a quiet, restrained smile.
"Alright," Tyson said, placing the badge carefully on the table. "Let's see what the letter says."
He unfolded the letter and began reading aloud so that both Qing Wei and Lu Tianming could hear clearly.
"Junior Lu,
We are pleased to inform you that you have successfully become a member of the Spirit Hall, in recognition of your exceptional talent.
The badge enclosed with this letter serves as proof of your status. With it, you may access the libraries of any Spirit Hall branch across the Douluo Continent.
Additionally, should you encounter danger, you may request assistance from Spirit Hall guards. However, this privilege must not be abused, as misuse could damage the reputation of the Spirit Hall.
Be aware that this is the lowest-tier badge issued to Spirit Hall members, and its privileges are therefore limited. If you wish to gain greater authority and resources, you must contribute to the Spirit Hall.
Regarding your training arrangements: at present, the Spirit Hall lacks facilities suitable for directly training low-level Soul Masters. As such, you are granted a scholarship of one hundred gold coins per year until you graduate from an Intermediate Soul Master Academy. These funds may be used for tuition, study materials, and dormitory expenses. Any remaining amount may be saved for future use.
One reminder: do not use these funds for unlawful or disgraceful purposes.
As for your training after graduation, you must fulfill the following prerequisites:
First, reach Level 20 Soul Power before the age of twelve.
Second, pass the evaluation conducted by the Spirit Hall after graduation.
Only upon meeting both conditions will you be accepted into the Spirit Hall's Training Camp, where the continent's true geniuses are cultivated.
That is all. We wish you good fortune."
When Tyson finished reading, the room fell silent.
The weight of the words lingered in the air.
This letter did not merely acknowledge Lu Tianming's talent—it placed a clear path before him, one that would lead far beyond the small village he had grown up in.
"The conditions and arrangements aren't bad at all," Tyson said at last, breaking the silence with a note of awe. "In fact… they're too good."
Lu Tianming nodded slowly, his expression serious.
"It seems the Spirit Hall has truly taken my potential into consideration and paved a path for me." His gaze sharpened. "But paths laid out by others are never without danger. I'll need to tread carefully."
In truth, he was more than satisfied.
Though the requirements to enter the Spirit Hall's main training camp were strict, Lu Tianming felt no anxiety. With his current pace, those conditions did not feel unreachable.
Rather than fear, what he felt most was gratitude.
"Xiao Lu," Tyson said after a moment of thought, "since you can't enter the Spirit Hall directly until you graduate from an Intermediate Soul Master Academy, why not enroll in the Soul Master Academy at Gengxin City?"
Lu Tianming lifted his head.
"I have an old friend there—a teacher at the academy," Tyson continued. "He should be able to arrange your admission. Gengxin City is also the closest city to our village, so you can come back during holidays."
"I have no objections," Lu Tianming replied without hesitation. "You may arrange it as you see fit, Uncle Tyson."
After all, he had already been thinking along the same lines.
"Good." Tyson nodded firmly. "Give me a few days. I'll contact my friend as soon as possible. Once everything is settled, I'll inform you."
"Thank you, Uncle Tyson," Lu Tianming said sincerely.
"Haha, no need for thanks," Tyson replied with a laugh, glancing at Qing Wei. "You're like a son to us."
Qing Wei smiled warmly and added gently, "That's right, Xiao Lu. You don't have to think you're alone anymore. If you face any trouble out there, come back anytime. This will always be your home."
Hearing their words, Lu Tianming felt a quiet warmth spread through his chest. Their concern was genuine—unconditional.
He nodded silently, engraving their kindness deep into his heart.
With that, he took the letter and the Spirit Hall badge, then turned and left—carrying not only his future path in his hands, but also the support of those who cared for him.
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Thanks for Everyone's support!