Chapter 1628: Chapter 77: The Perilous Return Journey

Although no one signed up at noon each day, the seniors in Unparalleled City’s council hall remained happy.

Since the news of Feng Shixing’s enrollment was announced, a large number of people began to flock to Unparalleled City.

Even during the best times before the war, Unparalleled City had never hosted so many distinguished guests, with tea houses and taverns now being the most abundant establishments in the city.

Even so, every place was filled to capacity, which brought Du Family’s three elders both joy and worries.

“The Dean, every day there are dozens of ships arriving at the port, and there are not enough berths at the ferry point. Elder Nian wants to allocate some craftsmen and materials to expand the ferry point, what do you think…”

In recent days, Tang Luo was busy instructing Feng Shixing in his cultivation, so Du Ting reported the latest political discussions via secret sound transmission at noon.

“The ferry point should indeed be expanded. Have Master Ou fully cooperate without affecting the construction of The Academy.”

“Also, the taverns and tea houses in the city are no longer sufficient to accommodate all guests. Should we order people to relocate to Nanping Peak and free up space to build more taverns?”

“Do we merely lack housing? Why go through the bother? Have the city’s residents clean their homes, lower the prices appropriately, and hang signs to attract guests. If that’s still not enough, have the craftsmen carve out some caves on the cliffs behind the mountain; they’re fit for habitation as well.”

“Is that… not a little neglectful?”

“Red Crystal Inn, a unique experience in all of Xiehe. If they feel hard done by, they can sleep back on their ships.”

“As for the inn… Your subordinate understands, I’ll see to it right away.”

“Any other matters?”

“According to Marshal Star Pavilion’s reports, many experts have arrived with the ships and infiltrated the city. Their intentions are unknown as yet, and the pavilion inquired if they should secretly capture a few for interrogation.”

“Just keep an eye on them, no need to capture anyone.”

“Understood, Dean. Additionally, many local gentry have sent their calling cards in the past few days, expressing their wish to visit the Dean.”

“Don’t see them.”

Tang Luo swiftly refused with an expressionless face and then followed up with, “They have only sent calling cards? There are no challenge letters or anything of the sort?”

“Absolutely not!”

Du Ting’s expression changed as he hurriedly explained, “Even though you haven’t shown your true face, the renown of a Void Grandmaster is enough to deter all sides. As the Dean of Unparalleled Academy, who would dare challenge you?”

“Is that so…”

Tang Luo nodded slightly as if in thought and replied, “The Academy understands, you may go now.”

“But, it’s only been a quarter of an hour…”

“Look at the crowd below. Does anyone look like they’re here to sign up? Starting tomorrow, you handle the academy’s recruitment alone.”

…

Longzhou Calendar Year 1792, the first day of the seventh month

Seclusion Room at Unparalleled Academy

Feng Shixing, having fully mastered the Five Shapes Fist Intent, sat respectfully in an orange-yellow training suit before Tang Luo.

“Humans have Three Souls, called Tai Guang, Shuang Ling, and You Jing. And there are Seven Spirits, being Shi Dog, Fu Shi, Que Yin, Tun Zei, Fei Du, Chu Hui, Chou Fei.”

“The so-called divine soul is the essence of the Three Souls and the quintessence of the Seven Spirits condensed into one’s true nature.”

“And to condense it, one must first understand where each of the Three Souls and Seven Spirits resides.”

“Tai Guang belongs to innate qualities, varying in strength among individuals. Those with abundant energy, blood and a clear consciousness have a strong Tai Guang.”

“Shuang Ling stems from the union of a father’s and mother’s Yin and Yang, controlling the essential qi to orchestrate all things, laborious to all spirits, and can cause troubles and harm.”

“You Jing relates to acquired desires and calamities, leading to amorous lusts and the corruption of lewd thoughts.”

“Ordinary people have weaker Three Souls. Even if their divinity expands, it must be moderated, hence why one feels exhausted after a day without sleep. If one goes several days without rest, Tai Guang dissipates, and when Tai Guang scatters, a person dies.”

“But at the Mortal Realm stage, warriors go through a metamorphosis and evolve once–the not only the body but also the soul becomes powerful. Hence, a Mortal Realm warrior only needs to exercise and breathe properly, and the Three Souls can continue to operate.”

“The so-called Soul Casting is to forge an everlasting true nature using one’s own Three Souls and Seven Spirits!”

Tang Luo explained the distinctions of the Three Souls to Feng Shixing in a concise manner: “True Return, Mimicry Technique, Visualizing, these are the three great pathways to Soul Casting. Thousands of Soul Casting methods ultimately lead to the same result. However, there are fundamental differences among the nuances of these three paths, and this difference lies in the principal soul.”

“The True Return method takes Tai Guang as the main focus; the stronger the Tai Guang, the more resolute the consciousness, the stronger the forged divine soul.”

“The Mimicry Technique is based on Shuang Ling, requiring the essence of spiritual beings. If you can accompany and comprehensively understand them night and day, you can forge a powerful soul to assist you.”

“And the Visualizing is focused around You Jing. Those who can control You Jing and possess a tenacious will, can visualize a brilliant divine soul.”

“Therefore, to forge a strong soul, you must first understand your own strengths.”

Tang Luo’s expression was calm as he gently asked, “Feng Shixing, which of your Three Souls do you feel is the strongest?”

For Feng Shixing, what he was hearing were elevated theories he’d never considered before, and the question caught him off guard.

After much deliberation, he clenched his teeth as if on Ningxiang Road, and knelt to say, “Disciple is unsure, please enlighten me, Dean.”

“Not knowing means you are not yet ready.”

Tang Luo spoke lightly, “Then it is not yet time for you to attempt Soul Casting.”

“When will it be the right time for disciple to attempt Soul Casting?”

“When you find your true nature, and there’s no more doubt in your heart, that will be the opportunity for Soul Casting.”

“How should one search for their true nature?”

“Consult your heart.”

“How do you consult?”

“Sit in silence, alone.”

Feng Shixing stood up silently, looking at Tang Luo’s serious expression, and nodded, “I understand, Teacher!”

“From today onwards, you’ll stay in this seclusion room.”

Tang Luo stood up, took out a copper bell from his sleeve, and placed it in front of Feng Shixing, “When you figure it out, ring the bell.”