ALL NOVEL Chapter 10: Chapter 10: The Spirit Soul
"Calm down, old Ou! Calm down!" Ji Changming waved his hand, chuckling. "I'm only asking A-Yu's opinion. Besides, you know his spirit's true value. If he joins the Spirit Pagoda, he remains an East Sea City citizen. But if the Council finds out, it might be a different story. Who knows if he'll still be considered part of East Sea City then?"
"Are you threatening me?" Ouyang Jian's expression turned cold as he glared at Ji Changming.
"No, no, just a reminder," Ji Changming said calmly. "You know what's at stake."
Ouyang Jian fell silent, then finally replied, "Fine, let's help A-Yu pick his spirit soul. As for his future, that's his choice."
Jing Shaoyu, listening to the exchange, sensed underlying tensions. It seemed East Sea City and the Federation's Council weren't entirely in harmony. As a large city with significant autonomy, it appeared to face typical federal-versus-local conflicts.
"Just a moment," Ji Changming said with a sly smile. He pressed a series of buttons on his desk, and the three large screens in the room flickered to life, each displaying information about different spirit souls.
"Pure White Horned Horse, 500 years."
"Heavenly Moth, 600 years."
"Green Feathered Sparrow, 800 years."
Jing Shaoyu studied the profiles, listening as Ji Changming explained, "These are the finest yellow-grade spirit souls most compatible with your spirit, A-Yu. The Pure White Horned Horse and Heavenly Moth have strong healing abilities, while the Green Feathered Sparrow, also known as the 'Little Emerald Swan,' offers the best healing power among the three. I'd recommend the Green Feathered Sparrow."
"'Little Emerald Swan?'" Ouyang Jian frowned. "Why not a true Emerald Swan? Surely the city could afford that for A-Yu?"
"Ouyang, do you hear yourself?" Ji Changming finally snapped, pointing a finger at him. "You think Emerald Swans grow on trees? The Spirit Pagoda organization doesn't even have a single Emerald Swan spirit soul available. Where do you think I'd get one? Go find one yourself if you're so capable!"
"I didn't know!" Ouyang Jian muttered, his face slightly embarrassed. "You don't have to be so defensive..."
"Ugh!" Ji Changming threw his hands up in frustration but quickly regained composure, turning back to Jing Shaoyu. "A-Yu, have you decided?"
"Hmm…" Jing Shaoyu looked hesitant. "Do you have any other options?"
Ji Changming was surprised. "These are the best-matched spirit souls for your healing-type spirit. With one of them, you'll gain two powerful spirit abilities!"
Jing Shaoyu hesitated before explaining, "I don't think they're right for me. My spirit feels… different, like it doesn't need a healing-focused spirit ring."
"A feeling?" Ji Changming raised an eyebrow, looking skeptical. "Did your 'feeling' also tell you what type of spirit ring you need?"
"Life attribute might be better," Jing Shaoyu admitted, trying to clarify his instincts.
"Life attribute…" Ji Changming sighed, smiling wryly. "You're correct. Your spirit would be best suited for life attributes, but we don't have a life attribute yellow-grade spirit soul in the East Sea Spirit Pagoda."
At this, Jing Shaoyu fell silent.
"So A-Yu was right, huh?" Ouyang Jian asked, grinning.
"Yes, but unfortunately, we're short on life-attributed spirit souls," Ji Changming admitted.
"No problem," Ouyang Jian said thoughtfully. "Isn't there a Red Emerald Bird in the East Sea Spirit Pagoda? Isn't it a life-attributed spirit?"
"The Red Emerald Bird?" Ji Changming was taken aback. "You do realize that this bird, although only 700 years old, is an indomitable spirit. Are you certain you want A-Yu to take this on?"
"Yes. A spirit soul of that level still qualifies as yellow-grade, well within our City Lord's office budget," Ouyang Jian replied confidently. "Besides, I believe it's worth the challenge."
Ji Changming hesitated, studying Ouyang Jian before finally agreeing.
"Red Emerald Bird? What kind of spirit beast is that?" Jing Shaoyu asked, intrigued.
"It's a rare life-attributed beast, said to be a distant relative of the Emerald Swan—although that's doubtful. The Red Emerald Bird resembles a fierce hawk more than a swan," Ouyang Jian explained. "It's one of the rarest among spirit beasts. The entire Spirit Pagoda organization has less than ten of these souls."
"Correct!" Ji Changming interjected. "The Pagoda only has seven remaining."
With a few swift taps on his desk, the screens shifted to display a lush forest. Within seconds, a majestic crimson bird perched atop an ancient tree appeared. Its fiery ruby feathers shimmered in the sunlight, and its sharp gaze hinted at its proud and untamed nature.
"This is the Red Emerald Bird," Ji Changming explained. "A-Yu, think carefully. This is an indomitable spirit soul, meaning it resists submitting to human spirit masters. Bonding with it could be dangerous."
"I'm certain!" Jing Shaoyu's gaze was unwavering, locked onto the crimson bird on the screen. "I'm confident I can make it submit!"
Ji Changming, impressed by his determination, nodded approvingly. "Alright then, I'll personally oversee the contract."
Ji Changming coordinated with Spirit Pagoda staff, then guided Jing Shaoyu back to the circular platform from before.
"Close your eyes and relax," he instructed, and Jing Shaoyu complied.
Ji Changming began a low chant as golden light blossomed beneath him, extending into a complex pattern that soon enveloped both himself and Jing Shaoyu.
Jing Shaoyu felt a gentle warmth spreading through his body. Opening his eyes, he found himself in a vast, white, empty space. Suddenly, a sharp bird cry echoed, and a flash of crimson broke through the void—the Red Emerald Bird!
The bird's eyes blazed with defiance and pride. Jing Shaoyu released his Primordial Elf spirit, letting its life essence flood the space. With it came a faint, commanding aura.
"Chirp!" The Red Emerald Bird let out a piercing cry before surging forward, merging into Jing Shaoyu.
Lost in a trance, Jing Shaoyu could hear the bird's final call—a call that carried its submission.