Chapter 26: Unveiling the Spirit Runes

As the duel reached its dramatic conclusion, the crackling energy in the practice hall subsided, but an undercurrent of intrigue electrified the air. Tang Jian, his victory in the bet within reach, strode confidently toward the betting section, ready to claim his hard-earned spoils. Little did he know that the path to his reward would be fraught with unexpected twists.

Just as Tang Jian approached the counter, his hand outstretched to grasp the prize money, a voice cut through the air like a chilling breeze. It was none other than Liang Meng, a fellow student who had also placed his bet on the outcome of the duel. Tang Jian's eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering in their depths, as he recognized Liang Meng, the very person who had urged him to wager on Huang Lin.

Liang Meng, his face a poorly disguised mask of innocence, turned toward Tang Jian, his voice trembling with false sincerity. "Why the cold stare, Tang Jian? Have I done something to deserve such disdain?" His words dripped with feigned confusion, attempting to divert attention from his true intentions. But Tang Jian, ever the keen observer, saw through the web of lies.

A chilly smile played upon Tang Jian's lips as he replied, his voice dripping with icy disdain, "Oh, Liang Meng, it seems you have conveniently forgotten your earlier encouragement for me to bet on Huang Lin. Yet here you stand, claiming victory alongside me after Liu Fan's triumph. How curious indeed."

Liang Meng stumbled over his words, desperately grasping at the fraying threads of his deception. He tried to justify his actions, feebly insisting that he had merely followed Tang Jian's lead. But Tang Jian, a master of perception, saw the truth shimmering beneath the surface, the revelation clear in his eyes.

A heavy sigh escaped Tang Jian's lips, mingling with the swirling currents of doubt and betrayal. "Do as you please, Liang Meng," he spoke, his voice carrying a weight of disappointment. "Enjoy your ill-gotten gains. But remember, the shadows of deceit have a way of casting long, haunting echoes."

With a mixture of smug satisfaction and lingering suspicion, Tang Jian claimed his rightful prize money, leaving Liang Meng to wrestle with the tangled web he had spun.

After receiving the prize money, Tang Jian's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he noticed Zhao Zhiming engrossed in studying the spirit runes on the stage. He approached Zhao Zhiming with measured steps, his voice filled with intrigue, "Zhao Zhiming, what has captured your attention in these spirit runes? Are they special in any way?"

Zhao Zhiming, seated next to the stage, looked up from his work, momentarily taken aback by Tang Jian's presence. He carefully set aside his pen and paper, meeting Tang Jian's gaze. "Ah,Saviour Tang," he replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. "These spirit runes possess a certain allure, you see. As a Martial Scholar, I am compelled to explore and understand remarkable cultivation techniques and spirit runes whenever they cross my path."

Tang Jian's interest was piqued even further. He leaned closer, his eyes fixed on the intricate markings. "But what makes these particular runes worthy of your attention?"

Zhao Zhiming's gaze turned thoughtful as he explained, "Many might dismiss these runes as insignificant, especially considering Huang Lin's unfortunate condition. However, what they fail to realize is that these runes were originally designed to possess the power of a 5th layer Body Forging Stage. Yet, Huang Lin's golden falcon displayed the might of a 7th layer Body Forging Stage, a feat that can only be accomplished with the aid of a mid-level Earth treasure. It's a puzzle, indeed, and one that intrigues me greatly."

These special artifacts which can boost a person's strength slightly or drastically depending on their rank are divided into 5 ranks. These 5 ranks are — Man rank, Earth rank, Heaven rank, Supreme rank, and Divine rank. Man rank being the lowest and Divine rank being the strongest. All these ranks are than further divided into low-level, mid-level and high level.

In the realm of Thousand Dao, there are rare treasures known as Spiritual Artifacts. These extraordinary items can surpass their own ranks by condensing spiritual energy into a more potent form. By doing so, they gain enhanced destructive power or defensive capabilities. These artifacts are highly sought after due to their ability to unleash devastating attacks or create formidable barriers.

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Tang Jian's mind buzzed with possibilities. The mystery behind Huang Lin's powerful falcon and the potential hidden within the spirit runes fueled his determination to uncover the truth. He nodded appreciatively at Zhao Zhiming, their shared excitement bridging the gap between them. "Zhao Zhiming, I believe we have stumbled upon something truly fascinating. Let us delve deeper into this enigma and unlock its secrets together."

With a glimmer of excitement in his eyes, Zhao Zhiming extended a hand towards Tang Jian. "Agreed, Saviour Tang. Together, we shall uncover the depths of this mystery and perhaps unearth untold treasures along the way."

Moments later, as Zhao Zhiming completed the meticulous copying of the spirit runes, he proudly presented the detailed replica to Tang Jian. Tang Jian, rubbing his chin in contemplation, stared intently at the intricate markings on the paper. A spark of curiosity ignited within him as he posed a question to Zhao Zhiming, his voice laced with uncertainty, "Can we actually learn the spirit runes just by studying this drawing? It seems rather simple, doesn't it?"

Zhao Zhiming couldn't help but burst into laughter, unable to contain his amusement at Tang Jian's naive inquiry. "Oh, Saviour Tang," he chuckled, shaking his head. "Learning a spirit rune solely by observing its visual representation is impossible. The art of mastering a spirit rune goes far beyond mere observation. It requires a deep understanding of the delicate balance between spiritual energy and qi energy, as well as the precise allocation of elemental resources to provide the necessary energy. Merely copying the appearance of a spirit rune won't grant you its power. The true essence lies in the knowledge and control behind it."

Tang Jian's face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and intrigue. He nodded in acknowledgment of Zhao Zhiming's wisdom. "I see. I underestimated the complexities involved in the creation and utilization of spirit runes. Thank you for enlightening me, Zhao Zhiming."

With a contented smile, Zhao Zhiming replied, "You're most welcome, Tang Jian. It's always a pleasure to share my knowledge with someone as eager to learn as you. Now, if you'll excuse me, the drawing will soon fade away, and it's time for us to take our leave from the practice hall."

Tang Jian nodded in agreement, his curiosity still burning bright.

Tang Jian and Zhao Zhiming made their way to the academy library, their footsteps echoing through the hallowed halls. Tang Jian wore a puzzled expression as he turned to Zhao Zhiming, questioning the sudden visit. Zhao Zhiming adjusted his spectacles with a flick of his finger, a confident glimmer in his eyes.

"We're here because I want to enlighten you about spirit runes," Zhao Zhiming explained. "One day, you will encounter adversaries who employ these intricate techniques. Furthermore, I have some questions about the duel that transpired in the practice hall."

Tang Jian and Zhao Zhiming found a secluded corner in the library, taking a seat to delve into their discussion about spirit runes. The air around them grew filled with anticipation as they exchanged knowledge and theories.

As Zhao Zhiming continued his explanation, Tang Jian's eyes widened in astonishment. He learned that spirit runes, much like alchemy ranks, were also classified into eight tiers. Each tier represented a higher level of complexity and power in the manipulation of spiritual energy.

Zhao Zhiming elaborated on the versatility of spirit runes, revealing that they could utilize one's soul power or psychic power to condense spiritual energy. This condensed energy could then manifest in various forms such as illusions, spirit beasts, attack techniques, or defensive barriers. The possibilities seemed endless, limited only by the practitioner's understanding and skill.

Moreover, Zhao Zhiming emphasized that spirit runes could be inscribed onto artifacts, enhancing their capabilities, or imbued into talismans to unleash a variety of skills. It was a world of symbiotic harmony between the spiritual energy, the runes, and the wielder's intent.

As the conversation ventured into the intricate realm of spirit runes, Tang Jian's mind buzzed with a lingering question, eager to unravel the enigmatic path before him. With a spark of curiosity in his eyes, he voiced his inquiry, "If these spirit runes hold such boundless power within them, why would anyone choose to pursue external or soul cultivation when they can tap into this limitless wellspring?"

Zhao Zhiming's demeanor shifted, his gaze alight with excitement. Adjusting his spectacles, he leaned forward, his voice brimming with intrigue. "Ah, Saviour Tang, that's the enigma that shrouds the world of refining. The path of a refiner is a double-edged sword, coveted by few and understood by even fewer. It demands more than just talent and dedication; it requires an abundance of resources that can drain one's fortune. The cost of refining, both in terms of time and materials, is an arduous challenge that only the determined can endure."

Lost in the depths of the library, Tang Jian and Zhao Zhiming delved further into the intricacies of spirit runes. They pored over ancient texts and scrolls, deciphering the cryptic symbols and unraveling the secrets hidden within the pages.

As their understanding deepened, Tang Jian's fascination transformed into determination. He realized that spirit runes held not only the key to enhancing artifacts and unlocking powerful skills but also the potential to shape the very fabric of reality. The notion that one could manipulate spiritual energy and channel it into various forms of manifestation ignited a fire within him, driving him to explore this realm further.