Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: I Truly Deserve to Die

The so-called Spirit Vessel Body refers to those Spirit Masters capable of contracting multiple spirit vessels.

Each Spirit Vessel Body is an exceedingly rare existence. Even those who can contract only two spirit vessels are one in a thousand.

Therefore, individuals possessing a Spirit Vessel Body enjoy preferential access to resources within their organizations.

Jiang Huan infused spiritual energy into the “Ronin,” carefully sensing its condition.

Although still weak, the Ronin showed no sign of dissipating.

“What’s going on here?”

He hadn't yet used the nurturing spirit liquid Zhang Yu gave him—it was still safely stored within the system space.

[In the system space, unclaimed spirit vessels maintain their original state.]

For a moment, Jiang Huan fell into deep thought.

Ordinary spirit vessels require the host’s spiritual energy to sustain their existence.

Only exceptional spirit vessels, like his father’s, can autonomously draw spiritual energy from the heavens and earth to endure indefinitely.

When an ordinary spirit vessel loses spiritual energy, it gradually dissipates, and simultaneously, its compatibility with the original host diminishes.

Once compatibility drops below a certain threshold, the chance of successfully contracting it increases, but so does the risk of dissipation.

However, if they are placed within the system space, their compatibility with the original host continues to decline, yet the risk of dissipation is avoided.

Unbeknownst to most, this actually raises the probability of successful contracts.

In this way, if Jiang Huan wishes, he could contract countless spirit vessels!

Even if he chooses not to contract them, he could reduce their compatibility with the original owner in this manner and then sell these spirit vessels for a substantial profit!

At this thought, Jiang Huan’s heart surged with excitement.

“System, begin contracting the ‘Ronin.’”

[Contracting in progress. Please inject spiritual energy, host.]

Following the system’s prompt, Jiang Huan began channeling spiritual energy into the Ronin.

The energy, guided by the system, flowed along a specific path.

Suddenly, Jiang Huan felt a strong repulsion against the spiritual energy he had just infused.

The mechanical system voice echoed:

[Spirit vessel ‘Ronin’ has excessively high compatibility with the original owner. It is recommended that the host wait for compatibility to decrease before contracting or choose to smelt it.]

“Hm? It actually failed.”

A low hum resonated.

The Ronin began emitting a sharp, blade-like ringing, as if enraged by Jiang Huan’s offense.

Jiang Huan even sensed its disdain—not just toward himself, but a contempt for all Spirit Masters in the Great Xia.

He muttered, “Truly unappreciative.”

His gaze shifted to the system panel. “System, smelt it. Use it to power up ‘Thousand Blades.’”

[Executing smelting. Target ‘Thousand Blades’ selected. Please wait.]

In the next instant, a vast surge of spiritual energy burst forth from Jiang Huan’s palm, enveloping the blade of the Ronin.

The Ronin emitted mournful blade cries, but Jiang Huan remained unmoved.

Within the overwhelming spiritual energy, the Ronin gradually transformed into the purest spiritual form, finally being absorbed into Thousand Blades.

[Smelting successful. Spirit vessel ‘Thousand Blades’ gained +872 experience.]

[Mutual Progress Activated! Host experience +872.]

[Experience sufficient. Would you like to refine the spirit vessel?]

[Experience sufficient. Would the host like to advance?]

“Oh, it can advance again.”

Without hesitation, Jiang Huan chose yes.

A subtle but immense force surged from within him, traveling through his hands into Thousand Blades.

The blade gleamed with a cold radiance. Jiang Huan could feel every drop of spiritual energy transmuting into pure killing intent.

Fragments appeared on the blade, as if formed from concentrated malice.

Within the cold gleam, a faint blood-red hue began to coalesce.

[Refinement successful. D-rank spirit vessel ‘Thousand Blades’ has advanced to C-rank. Compatibility +10.]

[Spirit Vessel ‘Thousand Blades’ awakened skill three: “Shattered Edge”—the blade shatters into countless fragments, delivering an all-encompassing strike to opponents.]

No sooner had Thousand Blades been refined than Jiang Huan was enveloped in a familiar, profound sensation.

The immense spiritual energy continuously forged his body. Jiang Huan seemed to hear the sound of something breaking within.

[Host level increased from “First Rank, Two Stars” to “First Rank, Five Stars.” Physical constitution greatly enhanced.]

While Jiang Huan immersed himself in this surge of strength, in the living room, Zhang Yu and Jiang Huan’s mother entered into a serious discussion.

“I wonder what plans you have for Jiang Huan’s future?”

“I know his spirit vessel isn’t anything special, so I don’t have high expectations. I just hope he can stay in Caiyun City after graduation.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yu nodded.

His guilt toward Jiang Huan sparked a desire to make amends.

“If there were a better path for Jiang Huan, would you oppose it?”

Su Liuxiang appeared taken aback. “A better path? Zhang, what do you mean?”

Zhang Yu straightened up. “Joining the Demon Suppression Army.”

A flash of displeasure crossed Su Liuxiang’s face, but she quickly masked it.

“Zhang, you must be joking. I recall the minimum requirements for the Demon Suppression Army: spirit vessels must be at least D-rank, and by eighteen, one must reach Second Rank, Three Stars. Jiang Huan simply isn’t that strong.”

Zhang Yu smiled kindly. “Normally, that would be true. But what you don’t know is that I retired from the Demon Suppression Army fifteen years ago. There’s a quota in the army allowing retired personnel to recommend one young recruit. The assessment criteria for these recruits are somewhat easier. I’ve kept that quota unused all these years.”

He met Su Liuxiang’s weary face. “This year, I plan to give that quota to Jiang Huan.”

Su Liuxiang forced a smile. “Zhang, don’t joke. With Jiang Huan’s talent, if he really joins the Demon Suppression Army, he’ll only be a burden. You should save the quota for someone else.”

Though smiling, her expression was strained.

Zhang Yu was puzzled, assuming she thought he was joking, so he reiterated, “Ms. Su, I’m serious. Though the Demon Suppression Army’s benefits can’t compare to top mercenary groups like the Ye Clan, it’s definitely the best path for Jiang Huan. You have to—”

Before he could finish, Su Liuxiang, who had been humble and polite, suddenly shouted, “Enough! Zhang! I’ve said Jiang Huan isn’t suitable, and that’s final! Don’t bring it up again!”

This sudden change made Zhang Yu swallow nervously.

He didn’t know which words had upset her.

He glanced cautiously at Su Liuxiang and saw tears welling in her eyes.

Silence—deep and suffocating—filled the room.

After a long moment, Su Liuxiang finally spoke again.

“Jiang Huan’s father was once a member of the Demon Suppression Army.”

At that moment, Zhang Yu finally understood why Su Liuxiang had lost control.

He wanted to say something, but all the words caught in his throat.

Wiping away tears, Su Liuxiang forced a smile.

“Zhang, look at the time…”

Before she finished, Zhang Yu stood up, guilt written across his face.

“Sorry, I didn’t notice the time. I should be going. Please don’t take tonight’s words to heart.”

As he spoke, he approached the door.

“I’ll have Jiang Huan see you off.”

Zhang Yu waved his hands rapidly. “No need, no need. Let him rest early—kids his age need to grow!”

“Goodbye, Ms. Su.”

With that, he closed the door and hurriedly left the Jiang residence.

Shortly after Zhang Yu’s departure, Jiang Huan emerged from his room. Seeing his mother sitting alone on the sofa with a troubled look, he asked with concern, “Mom, what’s wrong?”

Su Liuxiang looked at Jiang Huan, the gloom in her eyes instantly softening into warmth. She smiled gently.

“I’m fine, just a bit hungry. Can you make me some noodles?”

Jiang Huan nodded. “Sure!”

Under the night sky, Zhang Yu walked alone toward the outskirts of the urban village.

Muttering to himself, “I really am damned.”

Especially when recalling what he had said to Jiang Huan, he longed to slap himself.

Suddenly remembering something, he quickly pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

After a moment, a gentle voice answered.

“Old Zhang, why are you calling me?”

“Teacher Murong! You’ve really gotten me into trouble…”