Marvel: Beginning with the Collection of Shinra Tensei

The Monkey Wine was poured into the delicate jade cups Han Yu had specially prepared. The liquid shimmered with a faint golden hue and exuded a strong fragrance of fruits and alcohol. Just inhaling its aroma was enough to make one feel slightly dizzy, a testament to how potent the wine truly was.

"I don't believe it—just one glass can make someone sleep for three days and nights?"

Pietro, ever the bold one, picked up his glass and downed it in one gulp. The next second, his head hit the table with a heavy thud, eliciting a burst of laughter from everyone in the room.

He was out—truly a one-drink knockout!

Even though Pietro didn't get to savor the taste, his body had already begun to undergo changes from the Monkey Wine. This was a three-thousand-year-aged wine, worthy of being called a "divine brew." Naturally, its effects on the body were extraordinary.

Pietro's little spectacle brought even more joy to the lively atmosphere. After moving him to the side to let him sleep peacefully, everyone continued their meal.

"How about it? Have you decided what you want? This is your first win, after all. You should give it some serious thought."

Holding a small cup of wine, Han Yu walked over to Erina. Her cheeks were flushed a lovely red from the little bit of wine she had consumed, making her delicate face appear even more adorable.

Han Yu had only intended to tease her, but his words made Erina adopt a genuinely thoughtful expression. After a moment of contemplation, she looked at Han Yu and asked, "Anything at all?"

"Of course," Han Yu replied with a smile.

"Then... I want to cultivate, like Brother Yan and Brother Tang!"

Erina's words immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room. What did she just say? She wanted to cultivate?

The once lively restaurant fell into an abrupt silence. As the stars of the evening, Erina and Han Yu naturally commanded everyone's focus. Moreover, they hadn't exactly whispered their conversation, and the room was filled with individuals with extraordinary hearing, so everyone caught what she had said.

"Erina, what are you saying? Don't trouble Mr. Han with such requests!"

Even Senzaemon found this demand a bit excessive. If it were something related to cooking, he wouldn't have thought it unreasonable—after all, the competition revolved around culinary skills.

But cultivation? That was a completely different matter. From what Senzaemon had observed during his time with these individuals, they all possessed unfathomable combat abilities.

Some of them were powerful enough to destroy entire nations—or even the world—single-handedly.

This only highlighted the rarity and significance of becoming a cultivator. From Senzaemon's perspective, the opportunity to train in such skills was a chance that could only be encountered through extraordinary fortune.

Worried that Han Yu might take offense, Senzaemon cautiously glanced at him after reprimanding Erina. He was prepared to apologize immediately if Han Yu showed any sign of displeasure.

However, to everyone's surprise, Han Yu wasn't angry. Instead, he stroked his chin thoughtfully and asked, "Why do you want to cultivate?"

Hearing that he hadn't outright rejected her, Erina felt a spark of hope. She tried to maintain a calm exterior but couldn't hide the excitement in her eyes. In a composed tone, she explained, "I want to better understand the ingredients we use—observe their habitats and how they live. This would greatly enhance my culinary skills. I know the ingredients we use often come from powerful magical beasts, and without sufficient strength, it's nearly impossible to approach them. Besides, I'd like to explore other worlds too."

Her response was both measured and genuine, clearly conveying her thoughts. Erina, whose mind was always preoccupied with cooking, truly saw this as a path to improve her craft.

Erina's desire to become a cultivator stemmed mostly from her passion for cooking, though a small part of her was also curious about other worlds.

Who wouldn't be intrigued by the idea of another realm? Even a reserved girl like her couldn't resist the allure. If someone claimed not to be curious, it would likely mean that particular world held no appeal to them.

"Mr. Senzaemon, what's your opinion?"

Han Yu turned his gaze to Senzaemon, seeking the elder's consent. After all, he was Erina's grandfather, and his agreement was necessary.

Erina looked at Senzaemon with pleading eyes. The old man had words at the tip of his tongue but found himself unable to say them. After a moment of silence, he let out a low sigh and nodded in agreement.

Erina had never asked him for anything. From a young age, she had been fiercely independent, quiet, and even had her childlike innocence stripped away prematurely.

Now, faced with Erina's earnest, pleading expression, Senzaemon couldn't bring himself to refuse her.

"Yes!"

When Senzaemon gave his approval, Erina immediately felt her goal was within reach. Since Han Yu hadn't denied her outright, her grandfather's agreement meant she could join the ranks of cultivators.

"Hold on, calm down a bit."

Han Yu raised a hand, gesturing for Erina to rein in her excitement. With a slight motion of his right hand, a small, jet-black pill appeared between his fingers.

The pill had faint silver patterns etched across its surface. The moment he revealed it, the restaurant was filled with a subtle medicinal aroma. Though it was undoubtedly a medicinal scent, it carried a fresh, grassy fragrance that, when inhaled, left one feeling refreshed, as if their entire being had been rejuvenated.

"This is a Lingzhi Pill I crafted," Han Yu explained. "It contains traces of spiritual energy from various worlds. Once consumed, it will guide you to awaken the ability most suited to you. What that ability might be depends entirely on your own fate."

Han Yu handed the pill to Erina. She accepted it, studied it briefly, and then swallowed it without hesitation. She trusted Han Yu completely. With his unfathomable strength, if he truly meant her harm, he wouldn't need to go through such elaborate means.

Her decisiveness in consuming the pill triggered a sudden transformation. A faint glow emanated from her body, and what happened next shocked not only Han Yu but also Tang San.

From behind Erina, a pair of massive, snow-white wings unfurled, enveloping her in their radiant embrace. The wings glowed with a brilliant golden light. As they fully spread, Erina began to rise slowly into the air, her eyes gleaming faintly with golden hues. Her golden hair floated gracefully, untouched by wind, as she appeared like a goddess descending to the mortal realm.

"A spirit essence? The Seraphim? Innate full soul power?!"

Tang San was utterly astonished. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected Erina's spiritual alignment to manifest as a martial soul from the world of Douluo Continent—and not just any martial soul, but one of the most legendary and supreme: the Seraphim!

As the light gradually faded, the white wings retracted back into Erina's body. She returned to the ground, her face a picture of confusion. Seeing the stunned expressions on Han Yu and Tang San's faces, she assumed the ability she had awakened must have been terribly unimpressive.

"Why are you all staring at me like this... Am I not suitable for cultivation?"

Tang San sighed helplessly. Looking at Erina's bewildered expression, he thought about how children on Douluo Continent would react if they heard her remark. They would probably spit blood in disbelief.

The Seraphim spirit essence, unsuitable for cultivation? If that were true, then there was no point in anyone else awakening their martial soul—they might as well lie down and wait for death instead.

"You're unbelievably lucky," Tang San said sincerely, patting Erina's shoulder. "Little Erina, I never imagined you'd have this kind of potential."

"Huh? What are you talking about? Do you mean the thing I just awakened is really amazing?" Erina asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.

Tang San nodded emphatically and began explaining the unparalleled power of the Seraphim spirit essence.

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