The second year at Nuoding Academy commenced with the unmistakable sound of steel clanging against steel, a stark reminder of the ambitious journey undertaken by Tang Yan and Tang San. Positioned at the rear of the academy's work-study courtyard, they stood before the heat-emitting forge they had constructed, all under the hesitant consent of their mentor, Yu Xiaogang.
Determined to elevate their skills, Tang Yan announced, "We're upgrading everything. No shortcuts. This year, we finish what we started." His resolve was unwavering, reflected in the ambitious goals he set for the year:
1. Complete Level 2 Alchemist, Formation, and Blacksmith Inheritances.
2. Progress to Level 3 in each discipline.
3. Overhaul their training equipment to version 3.0.
As Tang San focused on his training, Tang Yan dedicated countless hours to studying his inheritance scrolls, engaging in intricate blueprint testing, soul-thread adjustments, and the meticulous process of forging. By the end of the month, Tang Yan proudly achieved all Level 2 inheritances.
With the completion confirmed, he eagerly explored the Level 3 Blacksmith Inheritance, which introduced the fascinating concept of Runes. Tang Yan discovered that the most advanced creations at this level included a soul power-infused storage device, although constructing higher-level items required rare spatial-attribute metals found only in legends or Spirit Hall vaults.
Their inventive spirit bore fruit as they created Armor Version 3.0—Gravity Forged, which included:
- Bracers and Anklets enhanced with Gravity Rune Integration.
- Chest Armor adorned with soul-gathering glyphs.
- Internal Soul Threads designed for a continuous application of stress.
These innovations permitted adjustable gravity layers—2x, 3x, and even 5x—based on the user's endurance, showcasing their ingenuity. Tang Yan quipped, "Think we'll walk or crawl with these?" to which Tang San humorously retorted, "You'll crawl. I'll jog." Their camaraderie continued to flourish amid the challenges they faced.
When summoned by Yu Xiaogang for their progress evaluation, the twins revealed their second martial souls—twin hammers. Yu Xiaogang's astonishment at recognizing the Clear Sky Hammer made it clear that they were indeed Tang Hao's sons. Instead of pressing for more, he presented them with two soul development templates.
The guidance for their soul rings emphasized strategic choices: for Tang Yan, the 1st, 5th, and 7th soul rings should be Life-attributed, while the others were to boost Assault, Agility, and Core Power. For Tang San, Yu Xiaogang highlighted his unique capabilities with the Blue Gold Grass and Warlord Spear, advocating that control and assault should be prioritized over auxiliary roles.
Despite Tang Yan's initial inclination to focus solely on healing attributes, he ultimately recognized the importance of balance and the need for Tang San to flourish in precision rather than becoming a monstrous brute.
As their session concluded, the twins inquired about the types of soul beasts they might pursue for soul rings above 30,000 years. Although Yu Xiaogang deemed the question dangerous, he relented and specified rare and ancient soul beasts worth seeking. For Tang Yan, he suggested Void Lizards for speed, Thunder-Winged Tigers for attack, and Gravity Bone Gorrans for stat boosts. Tang San received recommendations for Blue Jade Tangle Foxes for control, Spirit Iron Root Vipers for precision, and Blood-Thread Vinebeasts for bind-control.
Yu Xiaogang emphasized that even soul beasts at 10,000 years would rival those of 100,000 years in power. He encouraged the twins to act decisively if they ever encountered one.
Setting their thoughts on the challenges ahead, the twins exchanged determined glances—confident in their journey and ready to embrace the trials ahead.
End of Chapter 71