The Supreme Asura

Chapter 65: An Invitation to Join

"Elder Qian, are you sure about this? This kid is a sigil genius, a First-Rank Inscription Master? That's impossible!" Zhou Wu exclaimed in disbelief.

"Impossible? Why not? Do you think only he," Mu Feng gestured at Wang Yue, "can become an Inscription Master?" His cold smirk deepened.

"You… Kid, I refuse to believe you're an Inscription Master! To qualify, one must first awaken their soul force, and their soul power must meet the requirements. Prove that you're an Inscription Master!" Wang Yue snarled.

"Oh? You want proof?" Mu Feng replied calmly.

"Exactly," Wang Yue said through gritted teeth.

"Perfect! I happen to have a soul stone with me," Elder Qian said with a chuckle. His storage ring glowed briefly, and a greenish crystal appeared in his hand, its surface etched with mystical patterns.

The soul stone was a tool to test whether someone had awakened their soul force and to measure its strength. For someone to become an Inscription Master, soul force must be awakened—a rarity occurring in perhaps one in a hundred individuals. Furthermore, the soul power level had to reach at least six to achieve meaningful progress in inscriptions.

"Fine. I'll go first," Wang Yue declared, placing his hand on the stone and concentrating his spiritual energy.

The soul stone emitted a golden glow that pulsed outward—one ring, two rings, three rings… until seven rings had appeared.

"Impressive! A soul power level of seven—worthy of entering the Inscription Hall," Elder Qian said approvingly. With proper training, Wang Yue could potentially reach the Second Rank as an Inscription Master.

Wang Yue withdrew his hand and smirked arrogantly at Mu Feng. "Your turn, kid."

Mu Feng chuckled and placed his hand on the soul stone. As he focused his energy, the stone began to hum, vibrating with an intensity that drew everyone's attention.

Hummm!

Golden light burst forth, radiating outward. One ring, two rings, three… seven rings… eight rings… nine rings!

The glow finally stopped at nine, leaving the room in stunned silence.

"Nine… Nine rings! A soul power level of nine! A genius! An absolute genius!" Elder Qian exclaimed, trembling with excitement.

"This… This can't be! Nine?!" Wang Yue stammered, his disbelief turning to rage. His seven rings paled in comparison to Mu Feng's nine.

Wang Bin sank back into his chair, his face pale. "A soul power level of nine? The Mu family has produced such a talent…"

Even Shopkeeper Li's eyes gleamed with newfound respect. A soul power level of nine signified the potential to become a Fourth-Rank Inscription Master—equivalent to the level of the Inscription Hall's branch leader, someone the king himself would respect.

"Nine rings! Wonderful, wonderful!" Mu Hai burst into laughter, his pride evident. The Mu family elders echoed his excitement, their morale soaring.

Returning the soul stone to Elder Qian, Mu Feng said, "Here you go."

Elder Qian took the stone, still trembling. Grasping Mu Feng's hand, he said earnestly, "Young Friend Mu, the Inscription Hall's sigil branch formally invites you to join us. If you agree, we will spare no resources to cultivate your potential."

Standing off to the side, Zhou Wu clenched his fists but dared not speak. His own soul power level was only five—barely enough to make him a First-Rank Inscription Master. Compared to Mu Feng, his prospects were insignificant.

Wang Yue felt dizzy. How could someone he viewed as an upstart surpass him so completely? He nearly fell but managed to steady himself.

Still holding Mu Feng's hand, Elder Qian added, "You don't need to hesitate. With your talent, the Inscription Hall will provide resources and opportunities far superior to what you have here."

Mu Feng, visibly uncomfortable with the attention, replied with a polite smile, "Elder Qian, I'm honored, but I already have a teacher and currently wish to focus on improving my martial strength."

"Your teacher won't be an obstacle. You can have multiple mentors, and you can pursue martial training alongside inscriptions. We'll ensure you have the best resources for both," Elder Qian insisted.

"While I appreciate the offer, my current plans make it inconvenient for me to leave," Mu Feng said, his tone apologetic.

Wang Bin felt as though he might faint. Mu Feng was being begged to join the Inscription Hall, and yet he refused. It was a slap in the face to Wang Yue, who had worked tirelessly for the same opportunity.

"Young Master, accept the offer!" Mu Hai and the other elders urged, anxious to see their family secure such a powerful ally.

Mu Feng shook his head. "To be honest, I plan to attend the Royal Academy in two years. I'm sorry, but I'll have to decline."

He had no need for the Inscription Hall's tutelage. With Xiyue as his teacher, he already possessed access to advanced sigil techniques. Besides, his close friend Wan'er awaited him at the Royal Academy.

"Well… If that's your decision," Elder Qian sighed, clearly disappointed. Then, an idea struck him. "How about this? You don't have to relocate or change your plans. Simply join the Inscription Hall as an affiliated member. You'd only need to create a few sigils for us annually, and in return, you'd enjoy discounts at Wanbao Pavilion."

"That sounds reasonable," Mu Feng said after some thought, agreeing with a smile.

"Excellent!" Elder Qian exclaimed. "I'll prepare a recommendation letter for you. When you're ready, present it at the Inscription Hall to formalize your membership."

Zhou Wu slunk to the corner, not daring to say another word. Compared to Mu Feng, he was irrelevant.

"Young Master, thank you!" Elder Qian said, bowing slightly. "With talents like yours, our sigil branch will thrive."

"Of course," Mu Feng replied, nodding politely.

"And me, Elder Qian?" Wang Yue asked hesitantly, stepping forward.

"You?" Elder Qian raised an eyebrow. "If you pass the entrance test, you may join the Inscription Hall."

The stark difference in attitude was obvious, leaving Wang Yue feeling humiliated.