"Yan Ming King? So it's really you."
On the way back to his dorm, Yan Ming King heard a voice. He turned around with some confusion to see a familiar figure. He quickly recognized him. "It's you, Wang Linchi."
The two of them had some interaction, albeit not much. They hadn't seen each other for over half a year. With Yan Ming King meeting countless people and having gathered quite a few female confidantes, his impression of Wang Linchi had become rather fuzzy.
"Right, it's me. I thought you'd forget about me, now that you're such a busy man," Wang Linchi teased, then offered a compliment, "You're a big name in Qinghe Academy now, the Combat Chief."
"Keep it low-key, low-key," Yan Ming King replied modestly. Then he noticed Wang Linchi carrying several books, all apparently about Soul Resemblance and Soul Kind. He asked curiously, "Are you helping someone move books?"
In Yan Ming King's mind, Wang Linchi should have chosen a major in documentation and logistics, since his Soul Resemblance was ordinary and served no particular function.
"No, my major is Soul Aspect and Soul Seed. These are just some books I'm taking back to read," Wang Linchi replied candidly.
Yan Ming King nodded. He had no real impression of this major, nor any strong opinions about it. To him, and indeed to most of the world, such things were trivial. What use was further research? It wasn't as if the Secret Realm couldn't yield what was needed. They had no reason to consider things that would only hinder combat effectiveness. Battle prowess was key.
"I see. Well, you carry on then. I have things to do," Yan Ming King said, not particularly inclined to chat further with Wang Linchi. To him, they were not on the same level, so extensive interaction was unnecessary.
"Don't rush off! I've developed something good. Since I ran into you, it's the perfect chance to try and curry some favor. You're an influential figure, after all, and I was hoping you might look out for me in the future," Wang Linchi said without the slightest hint of embarrassment.
Yan Ming King couldn't help but chuckle. "Are you always this blunt when you're trying to curry favor?"
"We were deskmates. It's better to be straightforward," Wang Linchi replied. He had analyzed Yan Ming King's personality, so he decided against any elaborate schemes.
Hearing this, Yan Ming King's regard for Wang Linchi improved somewhat. He appreciated the directness, and the fact they were former deskmates helped, even if they hadn't actually interacted much. Before their Awakening, they had all focused on physical conditioning. Apart from time spent in the classroom learning to read, they devoted most of their hours to training.
"You really are something..." Yan Ming King trailed off, noticing Wang Linchi rummaging for something in his stack of books. Although he doubted Wang Linchi could produce anything truly valuable, he appreciated the gesture.
"Here, this is a Soul Skill I developed," Wang Linchi said, handing over a sheet of paper.
Though initially unconcerned, Yan Ming King took it. After a single glance, his pupils constricted. "This... you developed this?"
"Yeah. It's a shame, though. I can't use it. I don't have a Soul Forging Method, and my spiritual power will only ever be 1 point," Wang Linchi said with a hint of melancholy.
He actually had 1.5 points of spiritual power, but he couldn't reveal this. Everyone else started with 1 point; any more than that would make him seem suspicious. After all, Wang Linchi wasn't from a prestigious clan; he wouldn't naturally have that much extra spiritual power.
"I'll accept this Soul Skill. I owe you for this," Yan Ming King stated gravely.
"As long as it's useful. But this is probably the only one I can make," Wang Linchi said, sounding both pleased and resigned. "If my application for a Soul Forging Method is approved and my spiritual power increases a bit, perhaps I could refine it further. The boiling effect could be improved, increasing the bonus from the current 10% to 20%."
"If I succeed, I'll have someone contact you to come get it."
Hearing this, Yan Ming King was secretly astonished, but his expression remained unchanged. He asked impassively, "You're confident?"
"I am. But my spiritual power is just too low, so I can't guarantee anything. Also, if my spiritual power were sufficient, I might even be able to eliminate the side effects. However, removing side effects is much harder than enhancing the main effect," Wang Linchi said with a sigh.
At this, Yan Ming King's eyes gleamed. He began to consider finding Wang Linchi a Soul Forging Method. It was impossible for Wang Linchi to successfully apply for one. Lacking background and discernible potential, Qinghe Academy would never grant him a Soul Forging Method. However, Yan Ming King couldn't just give him one openly; Soul Forging Methods were not permitted to circulate freely.
Compared to students like Wang Linchi, Yan Ming King operated on a different level. He could not only exchange academic credits for various Soul Forging Methods at Qinghe Academy but also had access to the black market. Everything was for sale in the black market—Soul Kinds, Soul Skills, even Soul Forging Methods. It was also an excellent place to dispose of illicitly gained goods. Yan Ming King had been there many times, primarily to sell off stolen goods. After all, many people bore grudges against him and sought opportunities like these to ambush and kill him.
"That's truly a pity. The Court and the academy don't allow the private dissemination of Soul Forging Methods, otherwise I would have taught you," Yan Ming King said with feigned regret.
"It's alright. When I graduate, I'll sell this Soul Skill to the academy. I'm sure I can get a good position out of it," Wang Linchi said enthusiastically. "By then, old classmate, you'll surely have made it big. You'll have to give me a leg up, right?"
"Of course! I'll definitely arrange a good position for you!" Yan Ming King said, this time with genuine sincerity. Wang Linchi had indeed provided him with a significant benefit.
After catching up for a while longer, the two went their separate ways.
Soul Skill·Soul Seed Boiling LV1 (0/0): Permanently enhances all Soul Seed effects by 10%.
The Ten Thousand Times Amplification System is truly powerful. It's just a pity that it can't be upgraded through Proficiency; I can only rely on Wang Linchi to perfect it.
On his Awakening day, Yan Ming King had obtained a Soul Resemblance of 4-Point Potential Occupation·Loose Cultivator. However, he had simultaneously received the Ten Thousand Times Amplification System, which had boosted his original Soul Resemblance to a 9-Point Potential Occupation·Omnipotent King. Externally, however, his potential still appeared to be only 4 points. This wasn't due to any deliberate disguise on his part; the county's testing apparatus simply measured potential before amplification.
Wang Linchi had gifted him the Soul Skill·Soul Seed Boiling. After it underwent the Ten Thousand Times Amplification, not only were the original side effects eliminated, but it could also enhance Soul Seeds of all levels, no longer limited to a single type. It even became a Passive Skill.
The disadvantage was also clear: if Yan Ming King wanted to improve it, he had to rely on Wang Linchi's research and development.
I have to find a suitable Soul Forging Method with high potential for my old classmate. For such a powerful Soul Skill, Yan Ming King was determined to do his best.