After getting cleaned up and dressed in a fresh set of robes, Arthur finally felt human again. The soreness in his muscles still lingered, but his stomach growled with more urgency than his fatigue could suppress.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Your meal, young master," a maid said politely, placing a tray of warm food on the small table by the window.
"Thanks," Arthur replied with a nod, barely waiting for the door to close before he sat down and dug in.
By the time the last bite was gone, he leaned back with a content sigh. "Alright… time to find that peacock."
He stepped out into the corridor, gazing around the estate's massive halls. The place was practically a maze. After a moment of hesitation, he stopped a passing servant.
"Excuse me," Arthur asked politely. "Do you know where your young master, Seok Sung, is right now?"
The servant gave a respectful bow. "Yes, young master. He's currently in the eastern wing, within his private training hall. Please follow me—I'll escort you."
Arthur followed the man across the courtyard and down a cobbled path that led to a smaller building beside the main estate. Unlike the grand architecture of the mansion, this structure was leaner, more functional—clearly designed with soul path in mind.
The moment they entered, the air changed.
Quieter. Denser. Charged.
"Thank you," Arthur said.
The servant bowed once more and departed in silence.
Arthur stepped further in. At the center of the wide stone chamber, Seok Sung sat in a cross-legged posture, surrounded by faint wisps of light drifting toward him like moths to a flame.
Arthur's eyes narrowed. His soul eyes kicked in instinctively. He could see it clearly—ribbons of translucent energy, threading into Seok Sung's body with rhythmic precision. Each breath drew more in, and each exhale refined it, polishing the energy as it slowly settled within the space behind his brow.
He watched silently as Seok Sung's aura shimmered with subtle pulses of power. It was refined, practiced, methodical.
"His breathing technique is... more refined than mine. That intake rate—it's way higher than mine."
Arthur's eyes flicked to the glowing formation etched beneath Seok Sung's seated posture—an intricate soul-gathering array drawn with near-perfect precision.
"No wonder. He's not just relying on his breathing technique… he's using formations to boost his absorption. That's advanced soul path practice."
For the first time, Arthur's curiosity about the soul path stirred with genuine intensity.
"So this is what I've been missing…"
He took a quiet breath and waited for Seok Sung to finish his meditation.
Without even looking, Seok Sung spoke. "Why are you standing there like a ghost?"
A moment later, he opened his eyes and stood, brushing the dust from his robes. His gaze swept over Arthur with mock scrutiny.
"Well, at least now you look like a proper human." A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Come on, let's sit."
They moved to a pair of stone benches along the edge of the training ground, still warm from the morning sun. Arthur settled in, eyes alert and focused.
"So," Seok Sung said, crossing his arms, "before I start, tell me—what do you actually know about the soul path?"
Arthur thought for a second before answering.
"A soul path is a technique… somewhat similar to the bloodline path. It's about killing spiritual beasts and taking their essence. Their spirit becomes a ring, right? And then the ring gets absorbed into our body, allowing us to use their powers."
He paused, recalling what little he'd gathered.
"The beasts are ranked by age and strength. It goes something like—White is the weakest, around 10 years old. Then Blue, Purple, Gold, Crimson, Black… and at the top, Mythic. Each level signifies higher purity and power in the beast's soul."
Just as he was about to continue, Seok Sung raised a hand and interrupted.
"Alright, stop."
Arthur blinked. "What?"
Seok Sung sighed, shaking his head like a teacher disappointed with a failing student.
"So basically… you only know what's written in forums and half-baked cultivation blogs online. That's entry-level at best." He clicked his tongue. "I'll have to start from scratch."
He took a deep breath and looked at Arthur with a sharp, serious gaze.
"Listen carefully. I'm only going to explain this once."
Arthur nodded silently.
"First—every cultivator who walks the soul path is born with a Soul Spirit—their innate ability. This isn't something you gain. It's something that awakens within you, like a reflection of your essence."
He raised one finger. "These soul spirits decide how your path unfolds. There are four main types."
"Tool-type spirits: These are weapons, artifacts, or object-based spirits. Think of things like chains, swords, or ancient relics. They manifest as extensions of your will."
He raised a second finger.
"Beast-type spirits: These are animal-based. They usually come from a strong affinity with a certain kind of creature—like a tiger, a serpent, or even mythical beings like phoenixes. Some give enhanced instincts, others boost physical prowess or bestial techniques."
A third finger.
"Elemental-type: As the name suggests—spirits aligned with a particular element. Fire, ice, lightning, shadow, light… these types often have the most aggressive offensive skills, and sometimes defensive talents too. They're versatile—but very difficult to master."
Then he paused for a breath, and finally raised his last finger.
"Now the rarest—and the most dangerous—Mystic-type."
Arthur's ears perked.
"These are legendary. If we didn't have records carved into stone and ancient books, no one would even believe they existed. Mystic-types involve concepts like time, space, dreams, illusions, karma. They defy logic. Some say these spirits don't just grow—they evolve into things even the gods would envy."
Arthur leaned forward unconsciously. "Do people actually possess Mystic-types?"
Seok Sung nodded, but his tone lowered. "They do… but they're as rare as phoenix feathers in the mortal world. And even those born with one usually go insane before they learn to control it."
He looked Arthur dead in the eyes.
"That's why soul path is feared by many and envied by more. It's not just about killing beasts and absorbing rings—it's about who you are, and what your spirit becomes."
Arthur took a moment to digest the information.
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