Su Tao first led Fang Yang into a room that, unlike the Pagoda's ancient exterior, brimmed with modern technology—arrays of soul guide instruments lining the walls.
He gestured for Fang Yang to sit in a metallic chair. "Before we select a soul spirit," he explained, "we must test your spiritual power."
He then began educating Fang Yang on the fundamentals of soul spirits and spiritual power.
"In the ancient era—long before soul spirits existed—there was no formal classification for spiritual power at all. Back then, Soul Masters gained soul rings by hunting spirit beasts, and the maximum age of soul rings they could absorb depended solely on their physical constitution.
"But everything changed with the advent of soul spirits.
"Our ancestors gradually realized that fusing a soul spirit demands far greater spiritual power than fusing a soul ring. Through centuries of research and refinement, they eventually established a standardized system.
"Only in the last two thousand years has this system been fully codified."
He continued, "Spiritual power is now divided into six realms:
Spirit Origin (Lingyuan) Realm (0–100 points): The baseline for ordinary people and newly awakened Soul Masters. Capable of fusing 10- to 100-year soul spirits. Spirit Connection (Lingtong) Realm (101–500 points): Spiritual power begins to coalesce. Masters can slightly project their spiritual energy outward to sense their surroundings. Spirit Sea (Linghai) Realm (501–5,000 points): Spiritual power vast as an ocean—the foundation of true strength. Enables fusion of black-tier soul spirits. Spirit Abyss (Lingyuan) Realm (5,001–20,000 points): Spiritual power so potent it can influence the material world on a small scale. This is the minimum threshold for Title Douluo and the lowest requirement to fuse a 100,000-year legendary soul spirit. Spirit Domain (Lingyu) Realm (20,001–50,000 points) Divine Origin (Shenyuan) Realm (50,001+ points)—a realm spoken of only in legend.
Su Tao smiled faintly. "Those last two… that's the domain of near-deities. On the entire continent, only a handful of soul masters have ever reached such heights."
As he spoke, he pressed several buttons on a console. From the ceiling, a metallic helmet-like device descended and gently settled over Fang Yang's head.
"Don't be nervous—just relax," Su Tao instructed. "You might feel a slight dizziness during the test. That's normal. Just stay calm."
Fang Yang nodded. "Understood."
The machine whirred to life. A soft white glow emanated from the helmet.
Su Tao turned to a soul guide screen nearby, where numbers began flashing rapidly:
"30… 50… 80… 101."
The value crossed the 100 threshold and stabilized at 101.
An eerie silence filled the room.
Na'er, watching from the side, blinked in quiet surprise. She murmured under her breath, "No wonder he's my big brother… truly extraordinary…"
Su Tao's expression shifted from disbelief to utter shock—finally settling into a complex mix of awe and dread.
"Spirit Connection Realm… 101 points? How is this possible? Could the machine be malfunctioning?"
He knew better than anyone what it meant for a six-year-old to reach the Spirit Connection Realm.
If this result were reported to the Spirit Pagoda's upper echelons, his own career would skyrocket—promotion, riches, glory—all assured.
To be absolutely certain, Su Tao suppressed his racing heart and leaned in. "Fang Yang, wait a moment. The instrument might be faulty—your reading seems… anomalous. Don't worry—I'll run the test again."
He restarted the machine.
Once more, the numbers climbed—and again, stopped precisely at 101.
The machine was flawless.
This time, Su Tao's voice dropped low, trembling with reverence:
"It really is 101… Spirit Connection Realm. This isn't just talent… This is a monster. No—this is a prodigy of demonic caliber!"
For ordinary Soul Masters, initial spiritual power averaged around 30.
Fang Yang's reading meant he had a massive advantage in fusing soul spirits—especially at such a young age.
Then, his tone darkened:
"Fang Yang… if you hadn't joined the Spirit Pagoda, I would have killed you with my own hands."
"A prodigy like you—if you fell into the hands of Shrek Academy, the Tang Sect, or any rival faction… the consequences would be catastrophic once you matured."
At those words, Na'er's violet eyes flickered with cold, lethal intent. If this man dares lay a hand on Big Brother…
Fang Yang, however, remained outwardly calm—though his mind raced.
"To fight to the death when you know you'll lose—that's not courage. That's foolish 'hot-bloodedness.' Even if you win, it's merely fate's whim."
Then, Su Tao's face softened. He chuckled warmly. "But you are one of us now. I won't harm you."
He leaned in slightly, voice earnest: "I'm telling you this so you remember—a living genius is the only true genius."
Fang Yang exhaled inwardly, bowing slightly. "Thank you… Uncle Tao."
Su Tao's eyes gleamed with deeper meaning. "I'll petition the Branch Master to secure a thousand-year soul spirit for you. Once that happens, you'll enter the direct attention of the Pagoda's high command…"
He left the rest unsaid—and walked out. Some truths needed no elaboration. Of course… if Fang Yang failed to grasp the implication…
The moment Su Tao left, Na'er's expression instantly shifted back to pure, innocent delight.
"Big Brother is amazing!" she chirped, eyes sparkling with adoration—as if that flash of murderous intent had never existed.
Fang Yang knew the truth, though. As a transmigrator, his spiritual foundation had always surpassed that of ordinary children. Combined with the refinement from the Flame Mantra and the assimilation of Heavenly Flame—this result was only natural.
Just then—footsteps echoed outside.
Su Tao reappeared, his face beaming—but behind him walked an elderly man with snow-white hair and a youthful complexion.
Though the elder's smile was kind, the waves of soul power radiating from him were utterly formidable.
Su Tao stepped aside respectfully. "Fang Yang, this is Tower Master Liu Yang of our Aolai City Spirit Pagoda branch."
Fang Yang tightened his grip on Na'er's hand and bowed slightly. "Fang Yang… pays respects to the Tower Master."
Su Tao said nothing more, merely standing quietly at the elder's side—further proof of the man's towering status.
"So… you're Fang Yang," the elder said, eyes twinkling as he surveyed both children. "Truly a fine boy."
He paused, then added gently, "I heard your spiritual power reached 101—Spirit Connection Realm. Would you show Grandpa your martial soul?"
"Of course," Fang Yang replied with a smile.
He extended his palm—and a deep golden-yellow flame erupted into existence.
The fire burned calmly, yet its oppressive aura choked the very air.
The surrounding atmosphere warped from heat; even the floor beneath began to grow warm.
The elder's pupils contracted sharply.
As a Title Douluo, he had just sensed genuine threat… from a child who hadn't even obtained his first soul ring!
'The temperature of that flame… could even affect me…'
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