NOVEL WEB Chapter 2: 1 - 2
Chapter 2: Stepping on the Blue Silver King! Critical Reward Triggered!
After exchanging pleasantries with the village chief, Su Yuntao left for the next village.
Xiao Tian really didn't want to join Spirit Hall too early. He was more curious about what the system had to offer, and if there was a chance, he also wanted to meet the people of this world first, especially the heroines.
The village chief, seeing Xiao Tian's resolve, nodded approvingly. "In that case, we'll allocate you the work-study spot for Nuoding Academy. You can leave for Nuoding City in three months."
Xiao Tian blinked in surprise. "Grandpa Song, are you sure? There are others in the village who awakened soul power."
The old man chuckled. "Don't worry about that. Our village has more than one work-study spot, but there's only one specifically for Nuoding Academy, which is the better than other nearby cities. It's yours."
He then motioned for Xiao Tian to follow him. "Come on, let's head to our village's best blacksmith. Didn't you say you wanted a real sword?"
As they walked through the village, Xiao Tian couldn't ignore the system's constant alerts.
[Ding! Warning: An 80,000-year-old Blue Silver King is still nearby. Proceed with caution!]
Yet, all he could see were ordinary patches of Blue Silver Grass swaying gently in the breeze. He shook his head, dismissing the warnings as nonsensical.
While navigating a grassy path, Xiao Tian accidentally stepped on a tuft of Blue Silver Grass. He didn't think much of it and casually lifted his foot, but the system's voice suddenly blared.
[Ding! The host has stepped on and killed an 80,000-year-old Blue Silver King. System is shocked! Critical reward triggered.]
[Reward: Host's innate soul power increased to level ten, and comprehension ability enhanced.]
Xiao Tian froze.
'What?! That was the Blue Silver King?' He turned back, staring at the trampled grass with disbelief.
The system's voice continued.
[Congratulations, host! Your talent has significantly improved. With level-ten innate soul power, you are now among the rare geniuses of this world.]
Xiao Tian's mind raced. Was this some kind of cosmic joke? How could a legendary Blue Silver King—one of the strongest plant-type soul beasts—be crushed so easily under his foot?
No matter how many fantastical novels he'd read in his past life, this situation was beyond comprehension.
He stared at the seemingly ordinary Blue Silver Grass and shook his head.
Was it really possible, or was this just the system compensating for his lackluster talent? If the host was too unimpressive, wouldn't the system lose face as well?
Since the system was so enthusiastic about his improvement, Xiao Tian decided to accept the reward—though he told himself it was reluctantly. Typical behavior of taking advantage while feigning disinterest.
---
At the blacksmith's shop, Grandpa Song handed Xiao Tian a newly forged long sword with a warm smile.
"Xiao Tian, this is the iron sword you've always wanted. It's made from the best ore the village could gather," he said, his tone tinged with pride.
The old man paused, glancing at Xiao Tian's hand. "However, since your martial spirit is also a sword, this iron sword—"
Before he could finish, Xiao Tian snatched the sword and clutched it protectively. "Grandpa Song, you said this sword was for me! You can't go back on your word, even if it's related to my martial spirit."
The village chief chuckled, amused by Xiao Tian's antics. "Alright, alright, I didn't say I wouldn't give it to you."
"Thank you, Grandpa Song! I'll make good use of it!"
Xiao Tian nodded, his determination growing. With his upgraded innate soul power, he could aim for greater heights. But first, he needed to test the true potential of Sword Fifteen.
"You've always had a passion for swords. I hope this one serves you well on your journey," the village chief smiled warmly. "By the way, Xiao Tian, can you let me see your martial spirit?"
Xiao Tian nodded. With a flick of his wrist, he called out softly, "Fifteen, come out!"
In an instant, a dark, elegant long sword materialized in his right hand. Xiao Tian was startled to notice that the rust, which had once covered Sword Fifteen, had completely vanished. Could it be that his improved innate soul power had enhanced the quality of his martial spirit?
"Xiao Tian, is your martial spirit really called Sword Fifteen? What an unusual name. Didn't that master soul master say it was just a rusty sword? How is it completely clean now? Strange..."
Xiao Tian smiled faintly but said nothing. He raised the sword, giving it a polite bow toward the village chief. The blade swayed gently as though alive, exuding a spiritual presence that was both mysterious and captivating.
The sight stunned the village chief. As someone experienced in both soul mastery and blacksmithing, this was the first time he had ever seen such a spirited martial soul.
"Xiao Tian, your martial spirit is extraordinary. It's hard to put into words, but it's not something ordinary," he said solemnly.
Hearing this, Xiao Tian became even more certain that Sword Fifteen was likely the spirit manifestation of the Xuan-Yuan Sword from his memories.
As he held the iron sword, Xiao Tian felt a faint resonance from his martial soul, Sword Fifteen. It seemed to respond to the real blade in his hand, as if acknowledging its kin.
With a knowing smile, he said nothing further.
---
That night, as the village slept, Xiao Tian sneaked into the back mountain with his new sword in hand.
He focused on Sword Fifteen, attempting to connect with its spiritual essence. To his astonishment, the black sword materialized in his grasp, emitting a faint and mysterious aura.
As he swung the blade, it seemed to respond, subtly guiding his movements and enhancing his precision. This wasn't just a weapon—it was alive.
"So, you really are Sword Fifteen," Xiao Tian murmured.
He recalled tales of swords with souls—legendary weapons capable of thought and action. If Sword Fifteen truly possessed such a spirit, then perhaps he could carve out a path of his own, even in a world ruled by the supremacy of bloodlines.
"Calling you Sword Fifteen feels far too plain and unworthy of your potential," Xiao Tian mused, his tone thoughtful.
A moment later, his gaze sharpened with resolve. "From now on, you shall be known as the Xuan-Yuan Sword!" he declared with pride.
The sword hummed softly in his hand, as if joyfully acknowledging its new name, and Xiao Tian couldn't help but smile at the connection he felt with his companion.
---
As Xiao Tian became engrossed in his practice, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Host's sword comprehension has increased. Current comprehension: Beginner.]
Xiao Tian smirked. "Not bad. Let's see how far I can push this."
With a mysterious martial soul and growing confidence, he was determined to master the sword and reach the apex of this world.
The road ahead was uncertain, but Xiao Tian knew one thing—he would walk it with a sword in hand and ambition burning in his heart.