Chapter 9

Today, the Dragon King officially sets sail, and I'm sending out the first chapter. There will be updates at 7 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM today, with a minimum of four updates. At 5 PM, if the book ranks first in any of the categories—clicks, recommendations, or new books—an additional chapter will be added. If it ranks first in all categories, three more updates will be added. That would make seven updates in total!

The Dragon King sets sail, the Douluo world shines, and the Tang Clan lives forever!

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"Wait a moment." Tang Ziran called out to Tang Wulin.

"What's wrong, Dad?"

Tang Ziran patted the chair beside him. "Come, sit down. Dad has something to discuss with you."

"Okay." Tang Wulin sat down beside his father, looking at him with some confusion.

Tang Ziran said, "Son, Dad supports your choice to become a Soul Master. But as Dad has said, you will face many difficulties, not just in your studies but also within our family."

"A Soul Master needs to break through to each level that is a multiple of ten, and this requires a soul ring. In the distant past, soul rings could be obtained by hunting soul beasts. However, after thousands of years of research, it was discovered that soul spirits are more advantageous than soul rings. High-level soul spirits can even grow and can be manufactured to some extent. Soul spirits are the spiritual existence of soul beasts. Different levels of soul spirits can grant a Soul Master one or more soul rings. For ordinary people like us, the only way to obtain a soul spirit is to buy it from the Spirit Tower."

"Dad doesn't have much skill, and my salary is meager. Supporting our family is manageable, but now with Nai'er, you've seen that both of you have quite large appetites. So, when your soul power reaches level ten, it will be difficult for Dad to save up enough money to buy even the lowest-level random soul spirit for you."

"There are two ways to obtain a soul spirit from the Spirit Tower. One is for students with particularly outstanding soul skills and fast cultivation speeds, who can receive their first soul spirit for free. But obviously, your Blue Silver Grass soul skill doesn't qualify for this free opportunity. So, the only other way is to buy it."

Tang Wulin listened to his father, momentarily lost in thought. He had never really considered this issue before. Yes, Soul Masters need soul rings, which can be obtained directly from soul beasts or by fusing with soul spirits. Now, soul beasts are extremely rare, making it very difficult to obtain them. So, the only option is to buy a soul spirit.

A six-year-old child has a very vague concept of money, but the reality of the situation was now before him.

"Dad, what should I do?"

Tang Ziran smiled bitterly. "Dad's abilities are limited to this. I've been working hard these past few years to try and save up some money for you. But you also need to work hard. Do you remember Uncle Mangtian?"

"Of course! Didn't he come to our house before?" Tang Wulin pictured a tall, middle-aged man with a somewhat fierce appearance.

Tang Ziran said, "Uncle Mangtian is an excellent blacksmith. I told him about our situation, and he said he can give you an opportunity to be an apprentice. Two hours a day, the first three months will be for learning. After that, if you can forge some simple items, you can earn some money."

Tang Wulin's eyes lit up. "I'm willing, Dad. When can I start?"

Tang Ziran looked at him with deep meaning. "Blacksmithing is a very hard job. Are you really sure you can do it?"

Tang Wulin nodded. "I can! I'll save up money to buy a soul spirit myself."

Tang Ziran smiled. "Good, then give it a try. If you find it too difficult, we can stop."

"Okay. Dad, I'm going to meditate now."

Tang Wulin went back to his room, but a drop of liquid fell on Tang Ziran's shoulder. He turned to see his wife, her eyes misty with tears.

"Wulin is still so young, why do you have to do this? If we save and cut back, we should be able to save up enough money for his soul spirit." Lang Yue's voice was choked with emotion, but she never went against her husband's wishes, not even this time...

Tang Ziran sighed lightly. "It's very difficult for a Blue Silver Grass soul skill to become a Soul Master. Blacksmithing is a skill. Although Wulin is young, this child has a strong character. Blacksmithing isn't just about forging metal; it's also a process of tempering his character. If he can really persist, not only will he have a means of making a living when he grows up, but it will also help to strengthen his character, which will benefit him in every way. You know our situation. I'm afraid that one day, we... Of course, if Wulin can gain Uncle Mangtian's recognition, that would be even better. His professional level is higher than mine was."

The next morning, after saying goodbye to his mother and Nai'er, Tang Wulin went to school with high spirits.

A night of meditation made him feel increasingly close to his Blue Silver Grass soul skill, giving him a special sense of intimacy with it.

The Soul Master class doesn't study Soul Master knowledge every day; it alternates between one day of Soul Master knowledge and one day of cultural studies. Today was a cultural studies day.

Tang Wulin is very smart and listens attentively, earning praise from the teacher in cultural studies.

"Mom, why are you picking me up? Where's Nai'er?" As soon as he left the school gate after class, Tang Wulin saw Lang Yue.

Lang Yue's eyes showed a hint of concern as she quickly walked over and picked up her son.

"Mom, put me down quickly. I'm already a big boy, and it's embarrassing for my classmates to see!"

Lang Yue chuckled. "No matter how old you are, you're still my son. Mom is taking you to Uncle Mangtian's place. Do you really want to learn blacksmithing?"

Tang Wulin nodded. "Yes! Dad said that a man should be self-reliant, and I want to earn money to buy a soul spirit myself."

Lang Yue put her son down and squatted in front of him. "Son, if you can't keep up, don't force yourself. If it's really too much, Mom will find a job to help save money for your soul spirit."

"No, I want to save money myself." Tang Wulin said firmly.

Lang Yue held back her tears, kissing her son's face repeatedly. "Okay, let's go."

Aolai City is not large, and no transportation was needed. Lang Yue took Tang Wulin and walked for about twenty minutes to a small storefront.

The storefront looked somewhat dilapidated, with a sign that read "Mangtian Studio."

As they approached the door, a metallic smell hit them.

Lang Yue pressed the doorbell, and after a short while, the door opened, and a middle-aged man walked out.

The man was tall, with dark skin and a full beard, giving him a somewhat fierce appearance.

"Sister-in-law has come." His voice was deep and resonant, making Tang Wulin feel a slight buzzing in his ears.

"Uncle Mangtian." He politely greeted the uncle he had met a few times.

"Um." Mangtian nodded expressionlessly and then said to Lang Yue, "Sister-in-law, go back first. Come back in two hours to pick him up."

"Brother Mangtian, thank you for the trouble." Lang Yue looked at her son with some reluctance, wanting to say something but ultimately biting her lip and holding back.