Chapter 12: First Soul Skill, Genesis (Thanks to Zhengtai Zou Yong for the 20)

Chapter 12: First Spirit Skill - Genesis

Once Tang San finished absorbing his spirit ring, the Grandmaster said excitedly, "San, you did it! You actually did it!"

To him, the theories he had researched were even more important than his own life.

Following this came a series of experiments. Only after they concluded did the Grandmaster seem to remember Zhong Yan. Recalling that Zhong Yan had also contributed significantly to Tang San’s success in obtaining his first spirit ring, he hurried over and asked, "What kind of effect do you want for your first spirit skill?"

"Either something related to the Geo element or something that enhances the sharpness of the Vortex Vanquisher," Zhong Yan replied.

"Hmm..." The Grandmaster pondered for a moment. "In that case, I recommend the Sand-Strangling Scorpion. Although it is a scorpion, it does not rely on poison as its primary method of attack. Instead, it uses the Geo element to reinforce its tail and pincers, making the stinger and claws incredibly sharp and durable. Since it is still a scorpion, it is possible that one might be found near the territory of that Datura Snake."

"Understood."

After the three of them rested for a while, a low roar drifted in from the distance. All three froze upon hearing it. Then, a sharp howl echoed from afar. The Grandmaster guessed that two powerful spirit beasts were clashing ahead, and the trio slowly crept forward.

Tang San quietly climbed a tall tree, peering through the dense foliage toward the distance. Ahead, he saw a black leopard, three to four meters in height—a massive creature. It bore many wounds, and blood stained the ground everywhere. Facing it was a brownish-yellow scorpion about two meters long.

Seeing this, Tang San scrambled down and landed before Zhong Yan and the Grandmaster. "Yan, it’s a five-hundred-year-old Sand-Strangling Scorpion fighting a black leopard. You’re in luck."

"Who is going to win?"

"The Sand-Strangling Scorpion, of course. If it weren't, I would have already stepped in to save it."

"Good." Zhong Yan pulled Tang San forward another distance before they climbed a tree. Now, both spirit beasts were within their striking range.

The black leopard stared intently at the scorpion’s pincers, blood still flowing from its wounds. It could not hold on much longer; it wanted to flee, but the scorpion's tail remained fixed upon it. Suddenly, the scorpion’s pincers lunged toward the leopard’s abdomen with lightning speed. The leopard managed to leap upward to retreat, but at that moment, the scorpion’s tail struck. The stinger at the end glowed with a yellow light, piercing deep into the leopard’s brain, killing it instantly.

At that exact moment, two sleeve daggers appeared before the scorpion. It only had enough time to block with its pincers, its tail still stuck in the leopard’s carcass. As the pincers were pried open, a yellow flash streaked through the air, and a long spear pierced the scorpion’s brain.

Zhong Yan watched the scene below, a smile curling at the corner of his lips. Opportunities are fleeting.

Sitting cross-legged, Zhong Yan took a deep breath, focusing his spirit entirely on the Vortex Vanquisher within his sea of consciousness. With his fingers, he channeled his spirit power, slowly guiding the glowing yellow spirit ring to descend upon his head.

When the absorption was complete, Zhong Yan opened his eyes, a complex expression lingering in his gaze.

The Grandmaster walked over. "What is your first spirit skill?"

"It allows me to create Geo-elemental constructs. I call it 'Genesis'." As he spoke, a stone suddenly rose from the ground.

"Hmm... not bad. It might have miraculous effects in battle," the Grandmaster evaluated.

"Yan..." Tang San didn't know what to say. Such a skill was undeniably strong, but for a long spear wielder...

Zhong Yan, however, was not saddened at all, for he had already conceived the proper way to use this skill. He chuckled inwardly: Zhongli’s Stone Stele, the Traveler’s Starfell Sword, Albedo’s Transient Blossoms—but most importantly, he could create Geo lances (referencing the normal attack effects of the Vortex Vanquisher). The "Geo Rain" spear technique could only truly reach its full potential now.

He wasn't joking; the mind of a soul tempered by the 21st century was not so simple. However, these things couldn't be created so easily. He would need to polish them slowly, creating a template so that in future battles, he could conjure them directly without having to think about the internal structure or density in the heat of combat.

"Let’s head back to the academy first, then go to the Spirit Hall for spirit power certification. Once that's done, I'll be a true Spirit Master! Plus, I get a stipend. I don't really need the money, but freebies are always nice."

"Oh, right, I almost forgot," Tang San realized.

It was morning, the time for classes, and the interior of Nuoding Academy was quiet.

"Finally back," the Grandmaster said, looking at the school gate, sighing at the events of the past few days.

"I still have a question," Zhong Yan said, looking up at the Grandmaster.

"What is it?" The Grandmaster straightened his back, putting on an expression that said, "I know everything, ask away."

"You said the limit for a first spirit ring is around four hundred years, right?"

"That’s correct."

"So, in your plan, San’s first spirit skill had to be a four-hundred-year ring to match his talent, correct?"

"Naturally." The Grandmaster looked proud when mentioning Tang San.

"So, when we were being chased by that four-hundred-year-old Datura Snake, I was wondering: if you couldn't even defeat a four-hundred-year spirit beast, why were you the only one taking two children out to find one, effectively leading us to our deaths?"

"This..." The Grandmaster was rendered speechless.

"Hmph. If you don't have the skills, don't take on the job." Zhong Yan snorted and walked away alone, leaving behind an embarrassed Grandmaster and a Tang San whose expression had also darkened.