Sogen sat quietly on the wooden chair, while across the counter stood Mr. Rudriger, his figure dignified yet calm.
"Boy," Rudriger said, in his steady voice, "you've finally learned to control your spiritual energy. From today onward, you are an Innate Stage Spiritualist. But remember—Innate Stage is only the beginning. Beyond it lie many realms: Spirit Illumination, Spirit Core, Golden Spirit… and countless more. With each stage, your strength and spiritual energy both will grow.
Yet, not all who embark on this path succeed. Many remain trapped their whole lives at Spirit Illumination. Even reaching Golden Spirit is a lifetime's achievement for most. So do not measure your worth solely by your progress. Effort and perseverance matter more than titles."
Sogen nodded, but a shadow lingered on his face.
"What troubles you, boy?" Rudriger asked, softening his tone.
"Sir… I can barely find enough time to cultivate my cultivation energy. How am I supposed to cultivate spiritual energy as well?"
Rudriger let out a quiet sigh. "That is why I urged you to join a proper clan. Clans hold resources, techniques, and most importantly, soul essence weapons. The blade I entrusted to you, the Dark Shadow Blade, is such a weapon. Grade One.
Soul essence weapons are unique. They alone allow you to refine both spiritual and cultivation energy together. But…" Rudriger paused, his gaze sharp, "such weapons are rare. Even if you had wealth, a town like ours would scarcely see one in a generation."
Sogen's eyes widened as the truth struck him. So that explains it… My stealth suit, classified as Grade Two, must also have been a soul essence weapon. If even Grade One and Grade Two weapons are this powerful… then just how terrifying must the higher grades be?
"Sir," Sogen asked cautiously, "are you saying that as long as I acquire such weapons, I can continue to grow stronger?"
Rudriger narrowed his eyes. "Boy, you truly didn't listen. These are not toys to be bought on a whim. Even in this entire town, I doubt you'll find another soul essence weapon."
But Sogen only smiled, his confidence unshaken. "You don't need to worry about that, sir. Soon enough, I'll have one in my hands."
Rudriger shook his head with a weary sigh. "Boy… where does this confidence of yours come from?"
He reached into a drawer beneath the counter and pulled out a plain book. Its cover bore no title, no markings—only age. He placed it in Sogen's hands.
"Take this. My own manual. It will guide you in the fundamentals of soul essence weapons… and perhaps, if you have the will, make you into a soul blacksmith."
Sogen clutched the book like a child receiving his first treasure, gratitude glowing in his eyes. "Thank you, sir!"
"Tell me," Rudriger continued, "you still possess the ember core of the Ember Serpent, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Then if you wish to brew a potion from it, you will need one of three things: a great quantity of spiritual wood… Sacred Fire… or Everlasting Fire."
At the mention of those words, Sogen muttered to himself, "Sacred Fire… Everlasting Fire…"
Rudriger nodded gravely. "SacredFire and EverlastingFire are miracles of nature. They elevate a spiritualist's craft, refine pills, and even accelerate a cultivator's growth. Sacred Fires, while rare, can be found in certain beasts or hidden lands. But Everlasting Fires…" He shook his head. "Those are legends. Only twenty-one have ever been discovered, each carving its wielder's name into history itself. They exist on a level far beyond Sacred Fire.
Forget EverlastingFire. Even finding SacredFire in this town is unlikely. For now, focus on acquiring spiritual wood."
Sogen smiled faintly. "Understood."
As the shop's day ended, Sogen excused himself. "Sir, it's time I take my leave."
Rudriger waved him off. "Go on then."
Outside, Sogen walked through the streets until he reached Karl's home. There, he paused—watching quietly as Karl played joyfully with his two children, Airo and Adel. A faint smile tugged at Sogen's lips. How many nights had he himself dreamed of such warmth, only to wake to helplessness and duty?
Karl noticed him and stood, greeting him warmly. "Ah! Mr. Sogen, you've come. Please, come in and sit."
"Don't address me so formally," Sogen said with a chuckle. "Just Sogen is fine."
Karl hesitated, then nodded. "Yes… Sogen."
Inside, Airo and Adel hurried to greet him, their faces bright.
Karl's voice grew serious. "Sogen… I will repay the debt soon."
But Sogen shook his head. "There's no need. Instead, you should prepare to move tomorrow."
Karl froze, his face paling, tears gathering in his eyes. His children too lowered their heads, hearts heavy.
Seeing their sorrow, Sogen quickly clarified, "You misunderstand. I'm not casting you out. I want you and your family to relocate—because from tomorrow, you'll be helping me with business."
Karl's face lit up with relief and joy. He seized Sogen's hand tightly. "Sogen… I don't know how to thank you."
"There's no need," Sogen said, his expression firm. "Don't mistake me for some kind-hearted savior. I only did this because it benefits me as well."
Karl, however, knew better. Deep down, he could feel the truth—Sogen's aid came from compassion, not profit.
"I'll return tomorrow," Sogen said as he left. "Be ready."
Not long after, a voice called out in surprise.
"Brother, it's him—the one from that day!"
A young girl's words drew her brother's attention. The two were Gale and Siana.
They spotted Sogen, when he was coming outside from the alley where Mr. Karl's house was located.
Gale immediately thought of something and rushed toward Sogen, and near Sogen he deliberately stumbled, reaching out his hand. Sogen noticed it and he too deliberately tripped at the same moment, falling in the opposite direction, avoiding Gale's hand. Gale hit the ground hard.
By the time Siana helped her brother to his feet, Sogen was gone, not a trace left behind.
"He… he disappeared," Gale whispered in shock.
Siana's eyes widened. "But he was there just a moment ago…"
Gale clenched his fists, resolve burning in his gaze. "We need to find out who that boy truly is. He's no ordinary person… Perhaps he's the one who destroyed the Dima Loan Sharks."