At twelve years old, Jiang Yun walked alone on the lesser-traveled paths south of Nuoding. To the world, he was spiritless—unqualified for academies or sects. But in truth, his soul power had reached Level 34, and every ring granted by the Kuuga Arcle amplified his entire being: strength, speed, defense, soul force, and precision.
His third ring granted him the ability to control and transform in his dragon form and gained mid ranged attack abilities.
Also every ring amplify him entirely in addition to the other abilities it seems he gains two abilities for a single soul ring.
Unlike other spirit masters who hunted beasts for rings, Jiang Yun's power came from resonance with the Arcle itself. His martial spirit—his own body—was growing with him.
He was more than strong. He was evolving.
The forest trail was peaceful, birds chirping and leaves rustling softly in the wind. Jiang Yun moved at a steady pace, scanning for medicinal herbs or rare terrain features that might hide spirit treasures.
Then—he heard it.
A rustle. A choked breath. A faint crash ahead.
Jiang Yun's body tensed as instinct kicked in. He bolted forward, a blur of movement weaving through trees, and skidded to a stop near a small incline.
There, lying near a tree, was a girl in black.
She was barely conscious. Her battle suit was torn, leg twisted unnaturally, and blood oozed from her shoulder. She had cat-like features—long black hair, sharp black eyes, and an aura of cold restraint, even in pain.
He recognized her instantly: Zhu Zhuqing of the Star Luo Empire. A soul master born of pride and secrecy.
Jiang Yun didn't hesitate. He crouched beside her, checking her pulse.
"Poisoned… not fatal, but draining. Likely escaped from assassins her sister sent to kill her. ," he thought, already reaching into his satchel.
A weak voice rasped, "Don't… touch me."
"I'm not here to hurt you," he said gently, applying a crushed herb poultice to her wound. "I found you collapsed. If I wanted anything, I'd have taken it already."
She tried to sit up but groaned from the pain. Her glare softened slightly when she saw the clean bandages on her arm.
"…You treated me?"
"Yes. But I can't carry you far," Jiang Yun said. "We'll rest here tonight."
She passed out again from the effort.
By nightfall, a fire crackled softly under the trees. Zhu Zhuqing awoke slowly, clutching her side.
"Still alive," she muttered dryly.
"Barely," Jiang Yun replied with a faint smirk. "Drink this. You'll recover faster."
She accepted the herbal drink and studied him carefully.
She frowned. "A wandering soul master? At your age?"
"I was never accepted into Nuoding or any sect," he said without bitterness. "They said I had no soul power."
"…That's impossible."
He only smiled.
They sat quietly by the fire. Then she asked, "You're heading south?"
"Yes. Heard rumors of ancient terrain. Might be worth exploring."
"I'm headed toward Shrek Academy," she said after a pause. "I need to prove something."
He nodded. "You can travel with me, if you want. Or not."
The next morning, she limped slightly but walked beside him.
They arrived at a bustling town near Shrek's outer testing ground by noon. Students clustered around taverns and inns, laughing and boasting about their strength.
Zhu Zhuqing froze as her gaze locked onto a familiar figure leaning outside a bar—golden-haired, wearing luxury clothes as a noble , and flanked by two girls. He poured himself wine, laughing, then wrapped an arm around each girl's waist.
Her hands clenched.
Jiang Yun said nothing.
He watched her silently, then walked forward.
After a moment, she followed.