NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: Chapter 11: The First Spirit Skill
Ji Changming was momentarily speechless, surprised by the turn of events.
"Old Ji, has the contract been completed?" Ouyang Jian glanced at Jing Shaoyu, who sat cross-legged on the platform with his eyes closed, exuding a serene aura.
"Yes, it's done. Now we just need to wait for A-Yu and the Red Emerald Bird to complete their fusion," Ji Changming confirmed, nodding. "This child's spirit is clearly stronger than we expected. The Red Emerald Bird submitted without much resistance—a rare occurrence indeed."
"That's excellent! The stronger his spirit, the more our investment in East Sea City will pay off." Ouyang Jian beamed with excitement. "I can already see the heights this child might reach!"
Ji Changming offered a sincere but somewhat skeptical blessing. "Just hope your reward won't be snatched by someone else."
While the two older men exchanged words, Na'er was fixated on Jing Shaoyu, her eyes bright with admiration as she watched him on the platform.
Jing Shaoyu, still seated on the platform, looked entirely calm, lost in meditation. His body was surrounded by flickering green lights, and with each breath, the lights seemed to pulse in harmony with him. Above him, the shadow of the Red Emerald Bird circled gracefully, his spirit power surging.
A bright yellow spirit ring appeared behind him, bestowed by the Red Emerald Bird—his very first spirit ring.
As the fusion completed, he felt a gentle surge, his spirit power breaking through to the next level. His spirit power flowed like a river within him, pooling in his core, then circulating through his meridians before spreading through his limbs. The repeated cycle enhanced his foundation and leveled up his strength.
There was no doubt about it—Jing Shaoyu had reached the rank of a true spirit master.
When he opened his eyes, a gleam of power flashed within. He felt lighter, filled with strength, and when he stood, he noticed he'd even grown a bit taller.
"Brother, you're awake!" Na'er exclaimed in joy.
"Yes, I am." Jing Shaoyu gave Na'er a gentle smile, then turned to Ouyang Jian and Ji Changming, both still focused on the data on the screen, showing his spirit power level at rank 13.
"An indomitable spirit indeed, to boost your spirit power to rank 13 right away!" Ouyang Jian chuckled. "A-Yu, how does it feel? Would you show us your new spirit skill?"
"Old Ou, you're rushing things, aren't you?" Ji Changming teased.
"Hmph, as if you aren't curious too?" Ouyang Jian shot back.
"Yes, yes, I'm curious too!" Ji Changming admitted with a smile. "A-Yu, would you mind showing us?"
"Of course." Jing Shaoyu nodded. "My first spirit skill is called Light of Healing. It's a single-target healing skill that can treat any non-fatal injury."
"A single-target healing ability?" Ji Changming and Ouyang Jian exchanged a look. Ouyang Jian suggested, "How about testing it?"
"How should we do that?" Jing Shaoyu asked, only to freeze in shock as he watched Ouyang Jian pull out a black dagger and slice a five-centimeter gash on his arm, blood streaming from the deep wound without hesitation.
What a bold move, Jing Shaoyu thought, both stunned and impressed.
"Go on, let's see what your spirit skill can do!" Ouyang Jian's voice was calm, as if the injury didn't affect him.
"Alright." Jing Shaoyu summoned his Primordial Elf spirit, the yellow ring behind him glowing brightly.
Ouyang Jian, Ji Changming, and Na'er noticed right away that Jing Shaoyu's spirit looked different after merging with the spirit soul. A pair of pure white wings had appeared on his back, similar to angel wings, and a round, pristine white gem had emerged atop the jade ring behind his head.
Focusing on the skill, Jing Shaoyu extended his hands, and the spirit ring pulsed. Gentle green light radiated from his palms, soft and pure. When the light touched Ouyang Jian's arm, the bleeding stopped almost instantly, and the wound slowly closed, healing from the edges.
After five minutes, Ouyang Jian's arm was completely healed, as if the injury had never been there. Both he and Ji Changming were visibly surprised by the results.
"A-Yu, how much spirit power did you use?" Ji Changming asked eagerly.
"About a tenth," Jing Shaoyu replied, retracting his spirit and adjusting his breathing.
"Five minutes and only a tenth of his spirit power—that's on par with a typical healing spirit elder!" Ouyang Jian's eyes sparkled with excitement. "If A-Yu can reach that level, his future healing might be instantaneous!"
Ji Changming nodded solemnly. "I'll report A-Yu's talent to the Spirit Pagoda headquarters."
"Do as you please," Ouyang Jian replied dismissively, though he was visibly displeased. Turning back to Jing Shaoyu, he said, "With that settled, let's head back."
"Alright!" Jing Shaoyu agreed, eager to familiarize himself with his spirit's new abilities. He turned to Na'er. "Na'er, let's go home."
"Okay!" Na'er replied happily.
"Wait, don't rush off yet!" Ji Changming quickly moved to block their path, flashing a friendly smile. "Old Ou, surely you have time for a tour around the Spirit Pagoda? We have some fascinating things here!"
"Get out of the way. I know exactly what you're up to!" Ouyang Jian laughed, pushing Ji Changming aside.
"Wait, old Ou!" Ji Changming called out, grabbing Ouyang Jian's arm. "Did you hear about Elder Xu's granddaughter awakening her spirit yesterday?"
"Yes, what about it?" Ouyang Jian stopped, looking at Ji Changming.
"She's a born spirit power wielder," Ji Changming said in a mysterious tone. "Elder Xu was thrilled, asked me to prepare the best spirit soul for her, price no object."
"Oh?" Ouyang Jian raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Are they coming today?"
"They should be on their way." Ji Changming glanced at his watch.
"Then let's stay and look around," Ouyang Jian said with an intrigued smile.
"Look around," Ji Changming agreed with a nod.
But then Ouyang Jian abruptly changed his tone. "Don't think I don't know what you're planning! I have my own granddaughter. Why would I help Elder Xu's family? Hmph!"
With that, Ouyang Jian brushed past Ji Changming, leading Jing Shaoyu and Na'er out.
"Old Ou! Old Ou!" Ji Changming shouted in disappointment as he watched them leave.
But the three didn't get far. Just as they reached the elevator, it opened, and out stepped a well-dressed man holding the hand of a girl around Jing Shaoyu's age.
"Uncle Jian!" The man looked surprised, greeting Ouyang Jian warmly. "What a coincidence to see you here! Are you visiting Uncle Ming?"
"Hello, Grandpa Ouyang!" t
he young girl called out sweetly.
"Oh! It's Mingcheng and Xiaoyan!" Ouyang Jian smiled warmly.