Having arrived home, Tang Hao and the elder stepped inside. Tang Hao's father was still sitting at the table, drunk. Seeing this, the elder exclaimed:
— Tang Lou, you're drunk again?! What a useless man! You were the only one who didn't show up at the awakening ceremony! All the other parents came and took their children!
— Old man… what do you want? Why are you here?
— Your son should enter the Odin Academy.
— What's his martial spirit?
— Blue Vine.
Tang Lou looked at his son and said:
— No. He's not going.
— Why not?! He's a genius! He activated three cores and reached the tenth level of apprentice! So what if his spirit is weak? That's no reason!
— I said no. He's not going.
The elder glared at him with anger but then calmed down and said:
— There are still three months before the academy's entrance exam. Think about it.
Tang Hao quietly asked:
— Elder, is it okay if I don't enter the academy?
— Ah, my boy... it's a shame that someone like your father has a son like you...
He stood up, glanced at Tang Lou, and said:
— I hope you come to your senses.
And left.
Tang Hao looked at his father.
— Tang Lou, do you remember our deal?
— Yes, — his father said sadly.
— If I had a weak spirit — I wouldn't go.
— Show me your spirit.
Tang Hao opened his right palm and channeled mana into it. A blue vine appeared.
Tang Lou, seeing it, lowered his gaze. A tear ran down his cheek.
— Dad, what's wrong?
— Nothing… — he replied quietly. — I'll go to my room.
He thought to himself: The Blue Vine… it's the same as hers…
As soon as he left, Tang Hao looked at his left palm:
— But father, I have a second martial spirit…
A white sword appeared in his hand, crackling with lightning.
Hearing the sound, Tang Lou returned. Seeing the second spirit, he was stunned. Kneeling in front of his son, he embraced him.
Tears streamed down Tang Hao's face.
So this is… family… In my past life, I had no one. But in this one, my father is by my side…
Pulling back, Tang Lou said:
— If you want to enter — I have two conditions.
— I'll fulfill them! — Tang Hao replied joyfully.
— A man shouldn't promise before hearing the conditions.
— Okay, father.
— First: you must not use your second spirit. Second: the spirit in your left hand must always protect the one in your right. Do you understand?
— Yes… but why can't I use it?
— You'll find out in time. There are three months left before you enter the academy. Come here — I'll teach you forging. You'll earn your own money.
— Really?! — Tang Hao's eyes lit up.
— Yes. Show me how you remove impurities from metal.
Tang Hao nodded, picked up the hammer, and started striking. Tang Lou watched:
— You won't remove the impurities even in ten years. Watch how it's done.
He lifted the hammer high and struck with force.
Bang! Dust rose into the air.
That strike… it was both powerful and calm at the same time… — thought Tang Hao.
— Got it? Strength eases the metal, and calmness removes impurities.
— Yes, I kind of understand.
— Try again.
Tang Hao struck again. Strong — but not calm.
Tang Lou stood behind him and began teaching him...
---
Three months passed.
The elder arrived at Tang Hao's house, stroking his beard. He knocked. Tang Hao opened the door.
— Are you ready, boy?
— Just a moment, elder. I'll prepare breakfast for my father.
He poured the food, placed it on the table, left a farewell letter — and stepped out. Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the city of Odin.
— My boy, in the academy you'll study for five years. After each semester, you'll be allowed home for three days.
— And you won't stay here?
— Haha! There's no reason for me to stay. I'm just a poor man. Only aristocrats live here.
They approached the academy gates. A guard blocked their path:
— Leave. The admissions are closed.
— We're only two minutes late!
— Beggars… How dare you even show up here?
The elder, not holding back, handed over the invitation:
— Here!
— A fake.
— What?!
— Get out! — he raised his hand to strike the elder.
But Tang Hao caught his arm, struck with his leg — the guard flew back and hit the gates.
— You brat!..
He was about to attack, but suddenly...
Footsteps sounded behind them.
— What's going on here? — asked a tall man.
— Ah, respected Mo Luo! These beggars tried to enter the academy with fake papers!
— Let me see the invitation.
The elder handed over the scroll. Mo Luo looked at it:
— Three cores… Tenth level… Blue Vine spirit… This is a genuine invitation. I'll let it slide this time — but next time, you're out.
— Yes, Master Mo Luo… — the guard turned pale.
— This child is enrolling?
— Yes.
— Let him follow me.
— Thank you, sir!
— Go, Tang Hao, — said the elder. — Good luck to you!
— Thank you, grandpa.
As he walked beside Mo Luo, Tang Hao asked:
— Teacher Mo Luo, what do you teach?
— Haha, I'm not a teacher. And I don't have mana.
— What?! You have no mana?
— That's right. But you — you're a dual spirit holder, aren't you? — Mo Luo looked at him.
Tang Hao froze, stunned.
Seeing his expression, Mo Luo said:
— Don't worry. I won't tell anyone.
— But… how did you know?
— You activated three cores and reached the tenth level. That's impossible with a Blue Vine. You must have a second spirit.
— You figured all that out just by reading the invitation?
— It's just experience.
They stopped by the fountain. Tang Hao knelt down:
— Please… make me your disciple! — he said and bowed three times.
Mo Luo, seeing the determination in his eyes, sighed:
— Alright… Get up. From this day forward, you are my only disciple.