Chapter Eight: The Hall of Martial Spirits

"The skill tree of meridians is divided into 'roots' and 'branches.' The root represents the source power, while the branch is the vital energy. The strength of this energy refers to the vital energy itself, which is classified into thirteen levels, corresponding to the twelve grades of wind force..." After having a bite to eat, Ye Ran, thirsting for knowledge, asked Mars about the segmentation of vital energy strength.

Mars answered him patiently, but the explanation left Ye Ran puzzled.

"Why are there thirteen levels of vital energy, but only twelve grades of wind force?" Ye Ran inquired.

Mars laughed, "The grade of wind force generated by a person's internal energy outside the body equals the level of their vital energy. The twelfth grade of wind force is a typhoon—violent and raging, with waves surging to the sky. Theoretically, human vital energy can surpass even this level. Although, so far, there are very few who have cultivated even to the eleventh level, just because no one has achieved it yet doesn't mean it will always be impossible."

Ye Ran nodded thoughtfully.

Mars added, "Levels one to six are the most common; above six is where true experts begin. Most graduates from the three major academies hover around the sixth level. As for those above ten... if you ever meet one, you better kneel and worship."

He laughed as he spoke, then asked, "Ye Ran, what level are you?"

"I... don't know..." Testing the strength of vital energy required special equipment, which Ye Ran had never used. He had never deliberately cultivated his vital energy, so he guessed his level must be very low.

"Hmph, you probably haven't even reached the first level," said Xu Nan, who sat beside Mars—the female classmate Mars had mentioned before.

She had arrived at the restaurant shortly after Mars and Ye Ran, presenting herself with an arrogant and aloof demeanor, responding to Mars' attempts at conversation with indifference. As for Ye Ran, she hadn't spared him so much as a glance.

Ye Ran had glanced at her, noting her appearance was decent, but her lips were thin and cold, her expression distant, as if no one could possibly approach her. Her makeup clashed utterly with her temperament; purple lipstick adorned her lips, and her nails were painted bright and bold—a perfect image of a rebellious girl.

When they met, Ye Ran had greeted her politely, but she ignored him, so he didn't bother again.

Now, hearing her obvious disdain, Ye Ran felt a surge of anger, especially as the eyes of the restaurant guests turned toward him, fueling his burning rage.

He snorted, put down his chopsticks, and walked out of the restaurant.

"I'll wait for you at the entrance," he said to Mars.

Mars sighed, said something quietly to Xu Nan, then quickly followed Ye Ran outside, offering a sincere apology on her behalf.

Ye Ran waited at the entrance for about half an hour before Mars and Xu Nan finished their meal and joined him. With them came a young man clad in silver armor, carrying a shield and a spear.

He was striking, with thick brows and bright eyes, exuding vigor. His expensive outfit drew attention—even Xu Nan couldn't help but give him another glance.

This must be the friend Mars had mentioned, Ye Ran mused.

"Let me introduce you. This is my childhood friend, Atreus. He's now an outstanding student of the Martial Spirit Hall. This is Ye Ran, the warrior who will join us on our adventure. He's remarkable—he can break my pure steel short sword with his bare hands," Mars said with his usual gentle, welcoming tone.

Atreus didn't put on airs; he shook Ye Ran's hand and said, "Pleasure to meet you."

Xu Nan asked, "The Martial Spirit Hall—is that the hall of Ares, the God of War?"

Mars had already explained Atreus' identity earlier, but Xu Nan hadn't had the chance to ask until now.

Mars smiled, "Yes, Ares' temples are ranked from lowest to highest: Martial Spirit Hall, Martial Hero Hall, and Martial God Hall. Atreus became a chosen of the God of War just a year ago and is already a standout in the Martial Spirit Hall. It won't be long before he enters the Martial Hero Hall, and with his talent, I'm sure he'll eventually secure a place in the Martial God Hall."

To hold a place in Ares' Martial God Hall meant the opportunity to learn all the advanced combat techniques of the God of War, the chance to become a demigod in body and strength, to stand shoulder to shoulder with renowned masters, and to be admired by all...

"Haha, it's not as impressive as you make it sound," Atreus said modestly, though his pride was obvious.

Ye Ran looked at him with a hint of envy.

To enter the Martial Spirit Hall, receive the God of War's training, and have a chance to ascend to the Martial God Hall and become a true powerhouse—this was the real chosen one.

He thought of his own family member with a broken leg... Sigh, there's no comparison.

Because it was evening, there were far fewer adventurers heading into the underground lair than during the day. The four quickly made their way to the guard post without queueing.

Mars flashed the insignia of Tiding Academy to the guard, then went to a nearby shop to buy a new short sword, some medicines, and food.

Ye Ran exchanged a glance with the familiar old guard as he passed by.

Old Liu, the veteran guard, gave a somewhat stiff smile; his memory of Ye Ran was deep.

Mars slid the short sword into his belt, packed the medicine and food into a small bag, and handed it to Ye Ran.

"This journey will be tough on you, Ye Ran."

Ye Ran took the bag and said, "It's my duty."

"This, too, is yours—be careful. If anything inside gets damaged, you couldn't afford to pay for it," Xu Nan said, slinging her half-person-sized bag onto Ye Ran's shoulder without waiting for his consent. She pressed her hand to the short sword at her waist and strode into the underground lair.

Mars glanced apologetically at Ye Ran, who unclenched his fists, shouldered both bags, and followed behind them.

"Old Liu, is that backpacker the one you said tore apart a rat monster bare-handed? White shirt, patched pants, cold demeanor—looks exactly as you described," said the new guard at the post, glancing toward the dark entrance of the underground lair.

Old Liu nodded, "Young Li, I've lived a long time and pride myself on reading people. If Ye Ran ever gets his break, he'll definitely be someone extraordinary. Sadly..."

"Sadly what?"

"Sadly, he crossed paths with Atreus... that dangerous fellow."

...

Apologies, today's company gathering delayed the update. Now it's made up.

I have to work overtime tomorrow, so the update time is uncertain, but I guarantee there will be two chapters.