Chapter 5: Path To Spirit Hall
The carriage rattled along the dirt road as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues across the landscape. Su Yuntao glanced at Shirakawa Yuki, seated beside him, his thoughts preoccupied with the boy's remarkable potential.
"Yuki," Su Yuntao said, breaking the silence, "that demonstration back there—your martial spirit's power is no joke. It's impressive. But what do you know about controlling it?"
Yuki, his black hair swaying gently in the breeze, looked down at the tattooed pistols on his arms. "I've been figuring it out as I go," he admitted. "The energy—the soul power—it feels like it flows straight into the guns. It's instinctive, but I need to understand it better."
Su Yuntao nodded. "That's what Spirit Hall will help you with. They'll teach you to hone your skills, cultivate your power, and perhaps even uncover new potential in your martial spirit."
Yuki tightened his fists, determination flashing in his gray eyes. "I'll master it. No matter what it takes."
...
Earlier that day, at the village entrance, Old Jack had watched with pride and bittersweet joy as Yuki prepared to leave.
"Yuki, you're heading for great things," Old Jack said, resting a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Make the village proud. And don't forget where you come from."
"I won't, Grandpa Jack," Yuki replied with a small smile. "I'll come back stronger, I promise."
With that, Yuki and Su Yuntao had climbed into the carriage, setting off toward Wuhun City—the heart of Spirit Hall and the epicenter of soul master training.
...
Inside the carriage, Su Yuntao leaned forward, his wolfish eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Show me again how your martial spirit works. I want to see its potential."
Yuki nodded. He summoned one of the twin pistols, the black Demon God Pistol, into his right hand. Its dark surface shimmered faintly under the fading sunlight, the demonic engravings exuding a foreboding aura.
Without hesitation, Yuki aimed out the carriage window at a withered tree in the distance. He pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The sound reverberated through the forest, and the tree snapped in half, collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.
Su Yuntao's jaw tightened as he observed the raw power. "Incredible. That's no ordinary weapon martial spirit. Its destructive force is remarkable, and the fact that you can summon two guns suggests even greater versatility."
Yuki dismissed the gun, and the tattoo on his arm glowed faintly as it reabsorbed the weapon. "The other one—the white pistol—it feels different. Lighter, purer. I think it might have defensive or supportive properties, but I haven't tested it much."
"Dual-element balance," Su Yuntao muttered, deep in thought. "Light and darkness, offense and defense. A martial spirit with such duality could be one-of-a-kind. If trained properly, you could surpass many who came before you."
Yuki didn't reply, but the determination in his eyes spoke volumes. He stared out the window, watching the horizon stretch toward Wuhun City, his thoughts racing.
---
Night fell as the carriage approached the outskirts of a bustling town. The driver pulled the reins, slowing the horses.
"We'll stop here for the night," Su Yuntao said, climbing down from the carriage. He stretched and looked at Yuki. "Rest is important, especially for someone about to begin their journey as a soul master."
Yuki followed him, stepping onto the cobblestone street. His gaze wandered to the glowing lights of the town's market square, filled with merchants and travelers. The air was alive with the hum of conversations and the scent of grilled food.
"We leave at first light," Su Yuntao reminded him, leading the way to an inn. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow marks the beginning of your new life."
Yuki nodded silently, his mind already envisioning the challenges ahead. The Spirit Hall awaited, and with it, the opportunity to unlock the full potential of his Demon God Double Guns.