"The longer a spirit beast cultivates, the stronger it becomes, and the more powerful its spirit ring. But how exactly does this strength manifest?" Tang San asked curiously.
A rare, awkward smile appeared on Grandmaster's stiff face. "Good question. The key differences between spirit rings lie in the attributes they enhance and the abilities they grant. Think of it this way—if you, a control-type spirit master, obtain a ten-year spirit ring for your Blue Silver Grass, its control ability might increase by ten. But if you get a hundred-year spirit ring, that increase could be a hundred. The stronger the ring, the greater the enhancement. That's why spirit masters always aim for the best rings possible."
Tang San frowned. "Doesn't that mean nobles can just use their family's power to hunt stronger spirit beasts and get better spirit rings?"
Grandmaster's eyes flickered with approval. "Sharp thinking. But it's not that simple. Obtaining a spirit ring has strict conditions."
"First, you must personally deliver the final blow to the spirit beast. A spirit ring only lasts for a short time—if not absorbed within two hours, it disappears."
"Second, spirit beasts are proud creatures. If they're mortally wounded, they can choose to self-destruct rather than be captured. So even if nobles hire people to hunt spirit beasts for them, if they don't land the finishing blow, they still won't get the ring."
"Of course, none of this is absolute. Human ingenuity far surpasses that of spirit beasts. The best way to hunt them is by working in teams—whoever lands the final blow gets the spirit ring. So yes, nobles and the powerful do have an advantage in hunting spirit beasts," Grandmaster admitted.
Tang San frowned. "Then doesn't that make things unfair?"
Grandmaster chuckled. "Not necessarily. Just because someone gets a spirit ring easily doesn't mean they'll be stronger. The key isn't just the spirit beast's age—it's compatibility. A powerful ring that doesn't suit your spirit is like wearing oversized shoes; instead of helping, it trips you up. A mismatched ring can even backfire, weakening rather than strengthening the spirit master."
He glanced at Tang San. "For example, you're only at the tenth rank right now. The strongest ring you can absorb is from a hundred-year spirit beast. If you try to take a thousand-year ring, your body won't handle it—it'll tear you apart. When absorbing a spirit ring, no one can help you. It's all on you."
Tang San's eyes widened. "So those rich kids relying on others to hunt for them… they might end up biting off more than they can chew?"
Grandmaster smirked. "Exactly. Strength isn't something you can just buy. The world is fair in that regard—if you want power, you have to earn it. Taking shortcuts is for the mediocre. Spirit theory exists to help spirit masters train smarter, not lazier. Understand?"
Tang San nodded earnestly. "I understand, Teacher."
Tang San believed in steady progress, never relying on shortcuts. However, Grandmaster wasn't in a rush to leave the city. Instead, he led Tang San to buy supplies, explaining that a 400 li journey was best traveled efficiently.
Their provisions were simple—water, dried meat, flatbread, and fruit. But to Tang San's confusion, Grandmaster also bought twenty jin of white radishes, leaving him to carry them. Thankfully, they weren't walking the whole way—Grandmaster hired a carriage for five silver spirit coins.
Currency & Spirit Master Privileges
• 1 gold spirit coin = 10 silver spirit coins = 100 copper spirit coins
• 1 gold coin could sustain a family for months.
• Tang San's academy wages for three years? Just 1 gold coin.
•
Even a basic Spirit Master received a monthly stipend of 1 gold coin, ensuring financial stability. Those who advanced to Spirit Elder or higher were granted noble titles, gaining both wealth and status.
Tang San sighed. "So, power equals money?"
Grandmaster smirked. "And money makes life easier. Now, hold onto those radishes."
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With their supplies ready, Tang San and Grandmaster entered Spirit Hunting Forest, a place teeming with spirit beasts. After careful searching, Tang San successfully hunted a hundred-year Datura Snake, absorbing its first spirit ring to enhance his Blue Silver Grass.
The hunt wasn't without danger—Grandmaster sustained a minor injury during the encounter. Nevertheless, with their goal achieved, the two made their way back.