A long while later...
"Alright, retract your Martial Soul," Zhu Changhe finally said.
He looked at his son with immense satisfaction. This son of his was truly exceptional—not only had he inherited his calm and clever nature, but he also possessed twin Martial Souls and innate full soul power. He was simply brilliant.
Zhu Ziyang withdrew his Martial Soul and noticed his father looking at him with a serious expression. His heart stirred—he already knew what was coming.
"This is important, Yangyang. Which Martial Soul do you plan to cultivate first?" Zhu Changhe asked solemnly.
"Of course, the Radiant Scythe," Zhu Ziyang answered without hesitation. He had long considered this and had made his decision well before being asked.
"Good! Very good!" Zhu Changhe's eyes shone with deeper satisfaction, though he still took care to remind him, "Remember, until you're strong enough, never reveal that you have twin Martial Souls. Not everyone is as trustworthy as your mom and dad."
"I understand!" Zhu Ziyang replied seriously.
"Hey! You two are unbelievable. You're not even going to ask my opinion?" Liang Ying, who had been listening for a while, pouted in dissatisfaction. "Why must Yangyang start with a tool Martial Soul? Isn't a beast Martial Soul stronger? And Yangyang's beast Martial Soul is the Frost Tyrant Dragon—the strongest sub-dragon in the north!"
Zhu Changhe looked at his wife speechlessly. He silently gave thanks that their son took after him and not her. His wife was wonderful in many ways, but she was far too naïve, having never experienced the dangers of the outside world.
With a gentle tone, he explained, "Think about it. When Yangyang awakened his Martial Soul, everyone saw the Radiant Scythe. If he starts cultivating the Frost Tyrant Dragon now, isn't that the same as openly declaring he has twin Martial Souls? If word spreads and someone with ill intent—like an evil Soul Master—catches wind of it, Yangyang could be in real danger!"
"Oh…" Liang Ying was startled into seriousness. She immediately grabbed her son's hand and said, "Yangyang, listen to your father. Never reveal your twin Martial Souls! I heard evil Soul Masters have even started establishing sects these days! You must be careful!"
"Don't worry, Mom. I know what to do," Zhu Ziyang replied, taking her hand in return.
——
That evening, in Zhu Ziyang's room.
Normally at this hour, Zhu Ziyang would be sitting at his desk reading. But tonight, he was already in bed.
He was going to begin cultivation.
Sitting cross-legged, he didn't immediately start using the meditation technique given by his father. Instead, he instinctively activated the Lesser Light Breathing Method.
And something unexpected happened—the strand of energy in his Middle Palace acupoint didn't move. No matter how many times he practiced the breathing method, the strand remained rooted, completely still, as if it had grown roots.
After trying several times, Zhu Ziyang had no choice but to give up. He was more curious than ever about the true nature of the breathing method.
Putting aside his confusion, he began his first true soul power cultivation.
Activating the meditation technique, he felt his internal soul power come to life. Under his guidance, the power began to circulate through his meridians, starting from the Sea of Qi acupoint, initiating a full body cycle.
Soul Master cultivation required the operation of a full-body cycle of soul power. The process was known as the "Grand Circulation." Soul power needed to pass through the body's major meridians and acupoints—one complete circuit was called a single "week cycle." During this process, the soul power would gradually refine and strengthen the body, improving the Soul Master's constitution. Generally, the higher the quality of soul power, the better the strengthening effect.
And since soul power quality was directly proportional to Martial Soul quality, Soul Masters with high-grade Martial Souls were naturally stronger than those with ordinary ones.
Zhu Ziyang completed his first soul power circulation with astonishing ease—no resistance, no blockages. The whole process was smooth as flowing water. Unlike most first-time Soul Masters who would stumble during their first attempt, he encountered no problems at all.
He understood why—this was entirely thanks to the Lesser Light Breathing Method. Years of practice had already led the strand of energy in his Middle Palace acupoint to circulate through every important meridian and acupoint in his body countless times. The impurities had been cleansed, blockages broken through, and even his meridians had subtly widened and strengthened.
Just this alone was enough to prove how extraordinary the breathing method was. To widen meridians and improve one's aptitude—this was the kind of opportunity Soul Masters dreamed of.
After completing his first cycle, Zhu Ziyang couldn't suppress a joyful smile. Then he eagerly continued cultivating.
By the time he finished and opened his eyes again, it was already six in the morning.
His gaze sparkled with delight. He had completed nine full soul power circulations overnight. Nine!
For a first-time cultivator, this was practically unheard of.
Most new Soul Masters struggled during their first attempt. Unfamiliar with soul power, with their own meridians, or with meditation methods, many couldn't even complete a single cycle their first time. But he had done nine.
Zhu Ziyang knew—it was all thanks to the Lesser Light Breathing Method.
——
Morning.
On a narrow village path near the entrance of the village.
A boy and girl jogged side by side.
"Nannan, did you cultivate last night?" Zhu Ziyang asked. His stride was steady, supported by the breathing method.
"Mm! I completed six full cycles!" Jiang Nannan beamed. When it came to cultivation, she was all smiles. Her bright eyes curved into lovely crescents.
"Really?! Nannan, you're amazing!" Zhu Ziyang was genuinely impressed. The better Jiang Nannan's talent, the more it proved his judgment was right—she truly deserved to be his childhood companion.
"Heehee!" The little girl laughed like silver bells in the wind, glowing with pride.
"At this rate, Nannan, you could reach level 10 in under two months and get your first soul ring," Zhu Ziyang estimated.
"That would be wonderful! I'll do my best to keep up with you, big brother!" she said with a hopeful expression. After yesterday, she had learned from her mother what innate soul power meant.
"You definitely will!" Zhu Ziyang stopped jogging for a moment, gently brushing her hair and saying, "I'll help you."
"Mm!" Jiang Nannan's cheeks turned a light pink. She lowered her head shyly and whispered, "Let's keep running, big brother."
Under the morning sun, the boy and girl ran side by side along the quiet village path.
After finishing their run, they parted ways. Zhu Ziyang returned home.
Before they separated, Zhu Ziyang taught Jiang Nannan the Lesser Light Breathing Method and reminded her to practice it once before each cultivation session and while running in the mornings.
Jiang Nannan listened carefully and didn't treat it as casually as Zhu Changhe and Liang Ying had when they had first learned it. She took his words seriously and practiced with dedication.
Zhu Ziyang wanted to test one thing—whether the breathing method could actually improve natural talent.
With Jiang Nannan's already impressive aptitude, if the Lesser Light Breathing Method could enhance it further, then it would truly be a blessing upon blessings.
(End of Chapter)
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