The next day.
Qian Daoliu took Qian Ye and left the Spirit Hall.
"Father, where are we going?" Qian Ye asked.
Qian Daoliu looked at him and said calmly, "Didn't you ask me to train you? For a soul master, the best training is real combat. You've already reached the twentieth level of innate soul power — perhaps even the thirtieth — so I plan to take you to the Star Dou Great Forest to obtain your first soul ring."
Qian Ye nodded slightly.
Qian Daoliu continued, "Since you want to become stronger, you'll face the dangers ahead alone. I'll follow from the shadows, but unless you face certain death, I won't interfere."
Qian Ye understood immediately — his father had decided.
But he was right. If there's no danger, there's no growth.
Qian Daoliu handed him a map. "This leads to the Star Dou Great Forest. Unless you face an enemy beyond your ability, I will not appear."
Qian Ye accepted the map. He hadn't expected his father to be so thorough, but it suited him. The less guidance I have, the stronger I'll become.
"Once we reach the forest, how do I choose my spirit ring?" Qian Ye asked.
Qian Daoliu smiled faintly. "Choosing a spirit ring is vital. When the time comes, I'll guide you."
"I understand," Qian Ye replied.
Qian Daoliu looked at him seriously. "It's not too late to turn back. If you abandon revenge, you won't need any of this training. I can protect you for life."
Qian Ye shook his head. "I've made up my mind. I can endure anything."
"Very well," Qian Daoliu said softly. "Then let's begin."
He handed Qian Ye a bag filled with food, water, and a finely crafted dagger.
In the next instant, Qian Daoliu's figure vanished into the air.
Qian Ye adjusted his backpack, checked the map, and began running toward the Star Dou Great Forest.
Although his father had promised not to intervene, Qian Ye knew he would step in only if death was inevitable — which meant he had freedom to test himself without fear.
He kept a steady pace, using the journey as both exercise and control training. He spoke to no one. Silence was easier.
Hours passed. The path narrowed. Trees grew denser.
Then, ahead, several shadows appeared, blocking his way.
Qian Ye slowed.
The men before him were rough, dressed in tattered armor and carrying crude weapons.
"Robbery!" one of them shouted.
Typical. The world of soul masters was ruled by strength — and scavengers always gathered where power was scarce.
Qian Ye, dressed in fine clothing, looked like the perfect target.
The bandits grinned as they surrounded him.
To them, he was just a boy — six, maybe seven years old — alone, soft-spoken, harmless.
A perfect victim.
Qian Ye stopped, raising his gaze slightly. His eyes were cold, unreadable.
Under that gaze, the men faltered for a moment.
One of them sneered to hide his unease. "You little brat, what are you staring at? Hand over your valuables, or I'll gut you right here!"
Qian Ye took a slow breath.
So this is it. My first kill.
He closed his eyes for a moment, steadying his mind. There was no fear — only stillness.
Then, opening them again, his voice came out calm and flat.
"Now I'll give you two choices," he said. "Leave. Or die."
The men froze, then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Did you hear that? The brat's threatening us!"
"This is the funniest thing I've heard all week!"
"Kill him already! Let's see what he's made of!"
One lunged forward, throwing a punch straight at Qian Ye's head.
Qian Ye whispered, "Get lost."
Dark energy erupted from his body.
A wave of pressure burst outward, chilling the air until frost clung to the grass.
Six black wings unfolded behind him, spreading wide with a sharp, whispering sound.
A gust of icy wind whipped through the trees as his power filled the clearing.
The bandits froze. The laughter died instantly.
"What… what kind of martial soul is that?"
"Six wings? Could it be… an angel?"
"Don't be stupid! The six-winged angel is the Spirit Hall's holy symbol — pure light! This thing… it's evil!"
Pale green mist drifted from Qian Ye's wings, twisting through the air like smoke.
They can feel it now. The difference between us.
Qian Ye took a step forward. The temperature dropped again.
"Brothers! Activate your martial souls!" the leader shouted, panic seeping into his voice. "I don't care if he's a kid — kill him!"
One by one, the men's bodies glowed faintly as they released their meager soul power.
Qian Ye tilted his head, unimpressed.
So this is what passes for courage here? Shouting in fear to drown out the sound of your own heartbeat? Pathetic.
A faint smirk crossed his lips.
"Then come," he said softly. "I'll show you what it means to provoke a demon."