“Let me get your story straight, your father and mother were hunting for a soul ring when they encountered a spirit beast, that you called in your own words, the supreme ruler of sunset forest, master of stealth and cunning, anyone foolish enough to cross its path would be courting death, the shadow spider. Its ferocity is matched only by its magnanimity, therefore it decided to let you escape. Is that right?”
“You are correct, old chief.”
Inside what they called the town hall, the village chief was combing his long white beard as if he’s considering something. You’d find no holes in my story. He’s probably lost in thought, deciding which villager is going to take care of me. Although I’m kinda irked that half the village came along. What’s the matter with all these people, never seen a human kid before?
This kid is definitely lying, no doubt about it. Never heard of a shadow spider residing in sunset forest. I’m too old to deal with naked children popping out from a forest filled with spirit beasts. The hell are we going to do with this kid, we can’t just chug him back to sunset forest can we? Screw it, what harm could this little one bring to the village. The village chief mused as he stroked his beard.
Come to think of it, there is something odd about the humans surrounding me. They're all wearing garments, I am not. I could easily fashion one if I could still make webs.
It seems I also lost my ability to weave when I transformed. My current spinneret doesn't have that capability, was it because it's now merged with my anus? Might just be a human thing. I fear that if I tried straining it, something less regal than silk will come out.
"Ku Kai" Chief called out to the crowd.
"Yes chief?" A middle aged woman with curly hair emerged from the bystanders.
"Would you be willing to take care of this child over here?"
"I shall see to it, chief."
….
It was my first time inside a human's home. Similar to the neighboring houses we encountered along the way, I believe this is the standard kind. At least I don't have to worry about rains or storms interrupting my sleep. It feels nice to be protected from the elements.
"As you may have heard, My name is Ku Kai. I'm a tailor and I live in this house alone. What's your name, little one?" The kind middle aged woman introduced herself as she was rummaging through what looks to be a pile of clothes next to a strange looking device that has colorful threads running through it.
"Just call me Sha…" Was I really about to introduce myself as shadow spider? "I mean my name is Ying Zhi."
Right after I introduced myself, Ku Kai pulled out some sort of miniature garments from the pile of clothes.
"Well then, Yang Zhi, from now on you will be under my care. Here, put these clothes on.”
Ooh, it’s like what they're wearing, clothes! It’s so strange how I need to cover myself, for something like a carapace these things sure are soft.
“You must be starving, I’ll make something for you.”
Ku kai headed for the kitchen while I’m still working on the tribulation I’m currently facing. How the hell do I put this on?
////
So the three holes are for…..my limbs? I am a genius! This long one should be worn with my legs. With this attire, I truly have blended with the humans. The craftsmanship of this garment is really something. I only knew how to weave one design, the intricate flower patterns imprinted upon this gray garment is truly astounding.
“Food is ready, come and eat some.”
Once at the kitchen, Ku kai laughed at me as she put food on the table.
“Your shirt is backward, little one. Come and eat first, we shall rectify it afterwards.”
In the centerplate there were a couple of round looking things. Whatever this thing is, I’m going to assume this is edible. I forgot that these humans don’t eat their food raw. It’s soft, when I pressed it I noticed that the white exterior covers what was inside. What is inside this thing?
I quizzically looked at the food in my hand. and then backed Ku kai who was giving me a gentle smile. Well, even if this one tastes terrible I swear on my name that I will finish every single one, lest I bring shame to the generous woman who took me in.
“This….tastes divine. What do you call this?”
“It’s a regular steamed bun.” Ku kai answered.
From what Ku kai told me, the fluffy outer part is made from what you would call a dough. The filling is ground pork which you mix with soy sauce and other spices. Once both are prepared, you wrap the pork filling with the bun and steam it for about 20 minutes. The combination of the two makes for a sweet and meaty delicious taste!
“I haven’t met anyone who didn’t know what a steamed bun is. What a strange kid you are.”
This delicious steamed bun will become the bane of my disguise!
++++
After devouring those delicious buns, Ku Kai showed me how to properly wear clothes and how going around naked is considered an affront. When I asked why I didn’t get chastised for it, she told me that it’s because of my age. Nakedness can be used to offend. I have to make a mental note of this in case I get into an altercation in the future.
Right after showing me the way of the garment, someone called for Ku Kai right at the gate.
Ku Kai introduced me to her friend, Mei Ling, who's here to retrieve clothing she commissioned from her. Clinging to her leg is a green-haired little girl who looks about my age.
"Yin Ling, do you want to play with Yang Zhi?" Ku Kai asked the little girl. She shyly nodded.
Play? Yeah, I've played around with some of my prey before. I like to poison them, chase them around then while waiting for my venom to kick in - paralyzing them completely. Then, I would appear in front of them, inching closer while watching them panic. Amusing as that is, I don't think that's what Ku Kai meant by playing.
++++
Ku kai’s backyard wasn’t that spacious but it was enough to contain our shenanigans.
The little lady was a bit withdrawn at first but she quickly opened up when we were discussing what we should play.
“I am the empress you shall be my bodyguard!”
It didn’t take too long for the shy girl a couple of moments ago to currently proclaim herself as the empress. This play seems to involve us pretending to be people of great importance. Or at least one of us.
“Then what will you pay me if I become your bodyguard?”
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
Yin Ling grabbed the small pouch resting from her waist and handed it to me. I opened it to find a bunch of colorful rocks inside. Why would she carry around these rocks? This girl is odd.
“I accept your payment.”
Little Yin Ling started to smile from ear to ear, looking proud to have recruited a powerful bodyguard. Suddenly, she broke character as if she just thought of something.
“If you are my bodyguard now then where is your weapon?”
My body is my weapon! Is what I said but she refuted me that the guards she saw in the royal palace had swords and spears. I almost wanted to explain to her that I’m a soul master and show her soul weapon. This playing stuff can really get to you. In spirit, I grabbed a nearby fallen branch and pretended it to be one of those swords that the soul masters carried around when they entered my forest.
At this moment I have truly become the bodyguard of the empress!
I hit a tree with my branch which was supposed to be the enemy, we ran around pretending we were getting chased by demons, and we even plotted to take over the entire world!
I’ve lived for a 100,000 years but such exhilarations were unknown to me. The setting sun also meant that Yin Ling and her mother had to go home. I wish for this fun to never stop.
Right by the gate once again. Yin Ling was no longer clinging to her mother, she is now brimming with confidence. Oh yeah, the rocks. Since it was only pretend I should give this pouch back. I handed her the pouch but she just shaked her head.
“You keep it, I have a lot of it at home. I give it to you cause we are now friends.” Ying Ling stated before the mother and daughter said their goodbye.
What a generous empress.
++++
There was only one bedroom inside, I told Aunt Ku Kai that I would sleep in the living room but she protested. She rolled a mattress on the floor right next to her bed. I’ve only been here for a day but I’m already filled with the sentiment that I should repay Ku Kai for all that she’s done for me. Having her sleep in close proximity is giving me this warm kind of feeling in my heart.
My first day as a human was already packed with adventures, I look forward to what tomorrow has to bring. Through reliving the day's memories, I felt the qi inside me power up. I think my soul level just went up by one level.
++++
The sewing machine seemed mystical at first. Once aunt Ku Kai properly instructed me on how to use it, my affinity with threads became apparent. A master of her craft, Ku Kai showed how to skillfully make clothing. Shirts, Dresses, Pants, and even robes.
Right now, she’s watching me finish a vest. Almost done, I just need to close up the bottom hem.
“It feels like it was just yesterday when you told me you want to help out in making clothes. Only a year has passed and you’re already approaching mastery.”
“It’s because my teacher is the greatest tailor in all of the soul continent.”
My praise earned me a giggle. It wasn’t just flattery, Aunt seemed like she was one with the needle whenever I would watch her work. Once you see how skillful she is at making clothes firsthand, you’ll be even more amazed at the level of embroidery she uses for implementing designs. She can make dragons, tigers, and Phoenixes effortlessly.
“You little flatterer. Finish that already so you can go play with Yin Ling outside.”
“But you still have a lot of orders, and I want to help.”
“How many times have I told you that you are my apprentice, not my worker.”
I wanted to argue but once she gave me a stern look I knew that she wouldn’t budge.
Right after I finished the vest, I was ready to head to Ying Ling’s house with haste but Aunt stopped me to inform me of something.
“The spirit hall advisor should arrive tomorrow and perform an awakening for the children.”
"That's great! Wait, what the hell is the spirit hall?"
"Spirit hall is one of the prime factions here in soul land. They produce top caliber soul masters, and those who show promise during awakening will be given the chance to join their academy directly."
This past year I have done nothing but play with Yin Ling and learn how to become a tailor.
I forgot that my original plan was to cultivate to rank 100 and gain immortality. The life of a human child is so amusing!.
If this Spirit Hall is a formidable place for cultivation then maybe they could catapult me through the soul ranks.
But somehow, I am uneasy. Why do I suddenly have this feeling that I don’t want to leave?
+++
Come next Morning, Ying Ling and I were heading towards the town hall where the awakening will be performed.
“Why are you so sure that you will become a soul master?” Yin Ling was puzzled by my optimism.
“I’m just sure of it.”
Because I already am one.
“If you are so sure then I will be sure too!” Yin Lin proudly stated as we were nearing our destination.
I’m not sure it is wise to already expect that. To humans, awakening is where their soul weapon manifests either by the form of an object or an animal spirit. You’re only allowed to have one soul weapon so awakening a useless one like a farm equipment would quickly eliminate you from the pool of potential soul masters. However, if you happen to awaken a powerful spirit animal or a useful tool like a sword then the only thing that you need to worry about is your soul power, which will dictate how powerful and how often you can use your abilities.
When we arrived, there were 5 other kids taking part in the awakening ceremony. The Soul master from the spirit hall arrived soon after. Were were all lined as the soul master was demonstrating what a soul weapon is, from his back appeared the spectral upper half of a giant werewolf. All the other kids were amazed, I however was anxious, not for me - but for my friend right beside me. It would be better if we could journey to the spirit hall together.
Yin Ling was picked first. The spirit master outstretched both of his hands, then a golden glow surrounded her before she was told to feel and draw out her spirit weapon from within. After a moment of concentration Yin Ling managed to pull it out and it was a…..Rock. Because of this the spirit master called her soul weapon useless and didn’t even test her for soul power. I was infuriated and wanted to shout at the man but I was able to compose myself, I didn’t want to make the man who would be my ticket hall into an enemy.
“Please Honorable Soul master, won’t you please consider at least testing if she has soul power?”
It’s a good thing that the soul master was reasonable enough to relent. He handed her a blue crystal ball with the instruction of touching it. There's still hope for her, as long as she has soul power then I can help her make the most out of that rock. Probably help her infuse it with qi and throw it super fast.
When she touched the crystal there was no reaction whatsoever. No spirit power. At the same time, that sensation of not wanting to leave this village increased.
I would’ve found the whole ordeal of pretending to awaken a bit amusing, but I’m not really in the mood anymore. When the golden glow surrounded me I pretended to struggle for a bit before manifesting black spider legs along my back.
“Shadow spider. A mediocre spirit but it would suffice in your journey to become a soul master.”
Mediocre my ass, give me 5 ranks belows you and I can still beat you! The king of sunset forest will remember this.
Next is the test of spirit power. I already know what result I will get.
"Hurry up, you probably have low soul power due to the quality of your spirit beast but you still have to take the test."
This irritating guy mistook my disinterest for hesitation.
“Full spirit power!” The spirit master’s mouth went agape.
Of course, I’m a transformed spirit beast, expect no less.
With that, my admittance to the spirit hall is secured.
++++
The soul master informed me that he will drop by my house tomorrow after finishing the awakening ceremony for the other villages.
I couldn't care less, what I was worried about was my friend.
“Don’t leave. If you leave I will hate you forever.”
We were walking back home in silence when Yin Ling suddenly pouted.
“I….” For a moment I wanted to lie to her, assure her that by tomorrow we would still be able to play. “I will head to the spirit hall tomorrow.” If I could help it I wanted her to not hate me, but this journey has been set in stone since I transformed into a human. I must get strong quickly to fight off those who will try to kill me if they ever found out about my true identity.
Little Ling started crying and ran towards her home, leaving behind to walk all alone.
++++
By the time I went home it was lunch time. My favorite steam bun was already laid on the table.
I sat to join my Aunt, she was in a good mood as if she knew that there would be no way for me to fail, until she saw my downtrodden expression.
“Something wrong?” Aunt asked.
There are no soul masters in this village that could facilitate my training. Nothing is wrong, my original goal was to cultivate and become strong so I can fend off any potential soul masters that would come after me and yet, a part of me now wants to stay with my Aunt in this small village and play endlessly with my friend Yin Ling.
“Aunt Ku Kai, Should I….” I paused, looking at my aunt straight in the eyes. “Should I leave for the spirit hall?”
I watched as she slowly rose from her seat to go behind me, soon her gentle arms enveloped me in a hug.
“I want you to stay. In my age I never thought I would have the opportunity to take care of a child, until you came along. You are like a son to me and I don’t want to separate with my son after just a year, yet going to the spirit hall will ensure that you will become a strong soul master. You need to become strong as fast as you can, people will come after you.”
That gentle feeling that her hug brought me has reached to my core, providing me with a comforting sensation that I never felt before in my days as a spirit beast. So this is what it feels like to have a family, a mother. Wait, how come we’re both in agreement that I should be strong as soon as possible let alone the fact that soul masters will come after me?
“How did you know….”
“That you are a spirit beast? Wasn’t that hard to figure it out. You came out of Sunset forest, a forest filled with spirit beasts, some of them over there are even on par with soul masters. Your story about your parents was a lie. That or you are a psychopath who didn’t feel any sadness from the death of his parents. Another reason is that I sensed it.”
Sensed it? If she can then she must be a… No way! I had no idea I was living with a soul master this entire time. Yet there was no feeling of danger coming from the fact that she knows my secret. My heart refuses to think of it that way. Wait, if she’s a soul master then there would be no need for me to leave!
“Aunt…No, Mother! There would be no need for me to leave since you can train me!”
“If you train with me then your progress will be too slow. I know you are aware of the fact that for a spirit beast’s cultivation to thrive then he must be surrounded and learn from his human companions. Besides, I am only rank 70, I stopped cultivating when I settled into this village. I’m sure the spirit hall can help you reach heights higher than that.”
I guess I have to depart after all. Ah, it’s no fair. Since there was no course offered to me but to leave, I have now reaffirmed that I want to stay. Human emotions are fickle, maybe it’s just me.
“Don’t be sad. You’ll get a month of break every year, your mother will wait for you here.”
My mother reaffirmed me, giving me the needed motivation to pick me up from my slump and finish the Steamed buns she cooked for me.
++++
My mother was the one that packed my clothes, she said there was no need to bring too much because the spirit hall would provide me with uniforms for me to wear. There is still a bit of sadness, but Mother’s enthusiasm on how I will become such a powerful soul master was so contagious that I couldn’t help but feel a bit like the day I decided to escape the sunset forest.
Now the two of us are in the living room waiting for the soul master from the spirit hall to come and take me.
“This ring is my most prized possession. All my savings as a soul master went into buying this ring, I want you to have it.”
There was nothing that seemed special in the bland looking gray ring that mother handed to me. But if she says this is her most prized possession then I will treasure it as such.
“Thank you, Mother.” I said as I put the ring on my left ring finger.
“Aren’t you going to ask what it is?”
“It’s a ring, right?”
“Oh it’s more than just a ring, my son. Here, have this pouch filled with steam buns fit into that ring.” Mother presented the pouch filled with food for me to take along on my travel.
My forehead scrunched, fit into this ring? Is my mother crazy?
“Come on, try it. With the intent to store this pouch, imagine it going inside your ring as you hover your hand above it.”
By the Gods above, the pouch was absorbed by my ring! What is this cultivation magic?
Amused by my reaction, my mother giggled.
“It’s a spatial ring. It also has a bit of money stored inside, a little something extra from me.“
I often think that one day I would like to repay Mother for all the kindness that she has shown me but it all just keeps adding up and I don’t think any form of repayment will do it justice.
Hearing the knock on our door, it could only be one person. My mother and I shared a hug for one last time before I departed.
“Ready to go?” The soul master inquired.
I wasn’t, I wanted to visit Yin ling’s house and tell her that I’m leaving. I don’t want my heart to waver again. I’m sorry Ling but when I return, I’m going to fill this spatial ring with colorful rocks and give them all to you as souvenirs.
“I’m ready. Let’s go.”