Chapter 5: chapter 5 First day of class
The next day, at the crack of dawn, a boy roughly 130cm tall with jet-black hair could be seen running up the hill behind Nuoding
Academy. While most children his age were still curled up in their beds, he
pushed his body through rigorous training. His appearance, though not
breathtakingly handsome, was above average. However, it wasn't his face but his
lean, well-toned muscles that made him stand out.
Despite being only six years old, his physique looked as though it had been carefully honed for years. His muscles, though not bulky, carried a sharp definition—testament to the discipline he had built since the tender age of three.
The people of this world, even those without martial spirits, possessed physical strength far beyond the average human back on
Earth. Training early had not only failed to damage Lin Ming's body but also
granted him immense benefits. Even Wang Sheng, who had a martial spirit that
boosted his physical strength, could only match Lin Ming in raw power. In terms
of speed and stamina, however, Lin Ming held an overwhelming edge.
As the first rays of sunlight painted the sky, Lin Ming slowed his pace and finally came to a stop. Sitting cross-legged, he began
cultivating the spiritual energy technique that Hagoromo had modified after
observing Tang San's practice of the Purple Demon Eye.
If someone were to ask Lin Ming which technique from the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record he valued the most, his answer would be the Purple Demon Eye—not because of its direct abilities but due to its potential to strengthen his spiritual energy. This technique would lay the
foundation for controlling his martial soul in the future.
It was no accident that he had made senior hogoromo memorized it.
Flashback: Two Months Ago
"Senior Hagoromo, can this technique be modified to increase my spiritual energy more efficiently?" Lin Ming had asked eagerly.
Hagoromo stroked his beard thoughtfully before replying, "It's possible, but in doing so, it will lose its eye-enhancing function and instead become a pure spiritual cultivation technique."
Lin Ming grinned. That wasn't a problem—if anything,it fit his plans perfectly.
"Then please modify it, senior."
After all, if Tang San ever caught him using the Purple Demon Eye, he might decide to kill Lin Ming on the spot. Avoiding unnecessary enmity with a protagonist like Tang San was the smartest move Lin
Ming could make.
Present
Snapping out of his thoughts, Lin Ming concluded his training as the sun rose higher in the sky. After quickly cleaning up, he returned to the dormitory, where most students were already preparing for their
classes.
When he arrived at the classroom, he glanced around but failed to spot Tang San or Xiao Wu.
'Tang San must be out hunting his first spirit ring with the master, and Xiao Wu is probably lazing around somewhere,' Lin
Ming mused.
He chose a seat by the window, believing—perhaps superstitiously—that protagonist-like luck often accompanied people who sat
near windows in classrooms.
A middle-aged man, who appeared to be in his late twenties, strode into the room. His expression was strict but approachable.
"Good morning, everyone. My name is Sheng Zhi, and I will be teaching you about martial soul cultivation. Let's start with
introductions—state your name, martial soul, and soul power level," Sheng Zhi
announced, his voice carrying authority.
One by one, the students stood up.
"Chen Wei, Iron Spear, soul power level 6."
"Zhang Wei, Silver Sword, soul power level 5."
Those with higher levels introduced themselves proudly, while those with weaker souls looked embarrassed.
Finally, it was Lin Ming's turn.
"Lin Ming, martial soul: Chains. Soul power level:
10."
His introduction, though short and direct, sent ripples through the classroom.
"Level 10? Is that even possible?" students began whispering in disbelief.
Even the teacher seemed taken aback. After calming the class down, Sheng Zhi turned to Lin Ming.
"Lin Ming, are you sure your soul power is at level 10?"
"You can verify it yourself, teacher."
Sheng Zhi grabbed Lin Ming's hand and checked, only
to confirm the shocking truth. His disbelief quickly turned to excitement.
Meanwhile, Lin Ming observed the teacher's reaction and silently pondered.
'Nuoding Academy never gave much attention to Tang San or Xiao Wu in the original story. But now that I think about it, perhaps they did try to, and those two simply rejected it. Tang San likely followed the
master's advice, and Xiao Wu… well, she's just his Lackey at that point of the story.'
The Principal's Office
After class, Sheng Zhi escorted Lin Ming to meet the principal—a middle-aged man with an amiable demeanor.
"Student Lin Ming, I heard you've already reached level 10," the principal said, his excitement barely contained.
Lin Ming remained polite but inwardly guarded.
'He's looking at me like a merchant eyeing a rare gem. I'll need to tread carefully.'
"Yes, Principal. I achieved level 10 yesterday."
"Excellent!" The principal clapped his hands, his smile widening. "I'd like to personally assist you in acquiring your first soul ring—on one condition."
Lin Ming's face didn't betray any emotion, but inwardly, he was cursing.
'No shame at all, trying to make deals with a
six-year-old!'
"May I know what the condition is, Principal?"
"In the future, I would like you to assist me with something. Nothing too difficult, of course."
Lin Ming's mind raced. The principal's request wasn't unreasonable. It was clear he was betting on Lin Ming's potential, offering a small favor now in exchange for future assistance when Lin Ming grew stronger.
'Smart old fox. He's hedging his bets well.'
After a moment of consideration, Lin Ming nodded.
"I promise to assist you in one matter, as long as it doesn't conflict with my principles."
The principal was briefly stunned by Lin Ming's mature response but quickly recovered.
The principal's smile widened. "Excellent! Then, as I mentioned before, I can personally escort you to obtain your first soul ring.How about tomorrow morning?"
Lin Ming shook his head slightly, his tone calm and respectful. "Principal, I appreciate your generosity, but I'd like to wait for
a week before heading out."
The principal blinked in surprise. "A week? Why the delay?"
Lin Ming replied thoughtfully, "I haven't decided which soul beast I need to hunt yet. I want to choose carefully to ensure my
first ring matches my martial spirit perfectly. I also need time to gather information about soul beasts and prepare myself thoroughly."
Hearing such a mature and cautious speech from a six year old made the principle look at Lin Ming with some admiration .
"You're very prudent. I'll allow it," he said with a nod.
"Also, Principal, I'd like to request access to the academy's library during this time," Lin Ming added.
"Granted," the principal agreed immediately. "Feel free to use any resources you need."
Lin Ming thanked him before leaving the office, his mind already set on his next steps
The library was massive—rows of bookshelves lined with scrolls and thick books stretched across the hall.
Lin Ming's eyes gleamed.
Once he reached a secluded corner, Lin Ming sat down and entered his mental realm where Hogoromo was already waiting.
"Senior Hogoromo, I'm in the library," Lin Ming said mentally.
Hogoromo nodded in his ethereal form, his voice steady. "Good. Start with the sections on soul beasts, especially those that
are known for their metal attribute which perfectly suits your attribute. I'll observe everything you read through your senses. Later, we can discuss the best match for your martial spirit."
Lin Ming agreed and quickly got to work. He pulled out book after book, scanning through the characteristics of various soul
beasts—attack types, defensive traits,and innate abilities. Hogoromo remained
silent, occasionally marking certain passages as important.
Time flew by, and before Lin Ming realized it, the sun had already begun to set. He stretched, closing the final book for the day.
Just as he was about to leave the library, one of his dormmates burst through
the door, panting heavily.
"Boss Lin! Xiao Chenyu and his gang are picking a fight with us! Xiao Wu and the others are already fighting back!"
Lin Ming's expression darkened slightly. "Where?"
"They're behind the academy, near the hill!"
Without wasting another second, Lin Ming bolted toward the location.
When Lin Ming arrived, the scene was chaotic. Wang Sheng was already bruised and looked exhausted. Xiao Wu, on the other hand, was glaring fiercely at Xiao Chenyu, her hands clenched into fists. The rest of the work-study students stood behind her, visibly nervous but determined.
The moment Lin Ming stepped into view, the atmosphere shifted.
"It's Boss Lin!" one of the work-study students shouted, and the others instantly perked up.
Even the noble students also looked at Lin Ming the new boss of the work study students.
Xiao Chenyu smirked and stepped forward arrogantly."So, you're the new so-called 'boss' Wang Sheng mentioned? Since you came running here, I assume you're ready to be beaten up too."
Lin Ming's gaze remained calm as he stepped past Xiao Wu and Wang Sheng, facing Xiao Chenyu directly. "No need for small talk. Let's get this over with."
His casual tone made Xiao Chenyu's face twist with anger. He felt as if he was being looked down upon by a mere commoner.
"You arrogant brat! I'll teach you your place!" Xiao Chenyu roared. His martial spirit—a wolf—materialized behind him, and a white
spirit ring hovered above his body.
He shouted"martial possession!"
His eyes started glowing red and his body also started to bulk.
Lin Ming didn't respond. He simply shifted into a stance, steady and composed, waiting for Xiao Chenyu to make the first move.
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end of chapter 5
I hope this chapter was good I tried to make its pacing more good and tried to improve the punctuation and thank you SriRaghav and Rayan_Sage for your support.Also if you guys have any preference in who the heroine should be you can comment it I will consider it