Volume One, Chapter 10: The Spirit's Affection

At this moment, Jiang Huan was completely unaware of Murong Xue’s doubts.

He was running tirelessly, burdened with weight, sweat steadily trickling down his forehead.

It wasn’t that he enjoyed running; rather, each time he completed a lap, a system prompt echoed in his mind.

[Weighted running has triggered the memory of the Spirit of Artifact No. 9; it holds a favorable impression of you.]

[The host’s resilience in running unyieldingly under the scorching sun has piqued the interest of the Spirit of Artifact No. 9.]

...

[The host’s gritted-teeth persistence makes the Spirit of Artifact No. 9 increasingly curious; it longs to discover the limits of the host.]

As Jiang Huan ran with the heavy burden, a thought crossed his mind, and a large screen appeared before his eyes.

Eighteen sword cases, bound by thick iron chains, floated up and down in the endless void.

Jiang Huan could clearly sense that each spirit trapped within those sword cases exhibited different emotions toward him.

His gaze settled directly on the ninth sword case.

“Hm? I remember last time, it seemed disdainful toward me. This time, it doesn’t seem so averse…”

Jiang Huan felt as if behind that sword case, a pair of profound eyes were constantly watching him.

“System, what’s going on?”

A clear system voice rang in Jiang Huan’s mind.

[Within the sword cases slumber powerful spirits. When the host earns the complete approval of a spirit, the spirit will autonomously open the case to greet the host.]

Only then did Jiang Huan realize something.

“So, system, that iron chain you mentioned isn’t to prevent the spirits from harming me, but rather to keep me from disturbing them, right?”

[Correct, host.]

For a moment, Jiang Huan was at a loss for words.

He felt somewhat played by the system.

Ding—!

The school bell rang. Jiang Huan took off his weighted vest, wiped the sweat from his face, and headed toward the school gate.

Earlier, in his rush to return to school, there were still plenty of beast materials in the system space that he hadn’t sold.

As he neared the school gate, a familiar voice stopped him.

“Hey, Jiang Huan, wait up.”

Jiang Huan turned around to see Liu Zhiyue and Zhao Yiyi hurrying toward him.

Zhao Yiyi was naturally beautiful, but standing beside Liu Zhiyue, she seemed to pale like a star losing its brightness next to the full moon.

Liu Zhiyue’s waterfall-like black hair fluttered in the evening breeze, the messy strands evoking an instinctive urge to protect her.

Jiang Huan couldn’t help but smile. “Zhiyue, what’s up?”

Liu Zhiyue handed Jiang Huan a bottle of water. “Jiang Huan, Old Zhang is just an unreasonable person. Don’t mind him.”

Jiang Huan nodded. “Don’t worry, I’m not that petty.”

Liu Zhiyue’s gentle smile instantly lifted his previously gloomy mood.

“That’s good. By the way, when you go home today, remember to take a different route.”

Jiang Huan was puzzled. “Why?”

Zhao Yiyi crossed her arms and said, “Are you dumb? The whole class was tormented by Old Zhang for being late because of you. Besides, Wang Teng and those guys have been unhappy with you ever since you got second place. Anyway, be careful on your way home…”

Liu Zhiyue asked worriedly, “Jiang Huan, how about we both walk you home?”

Jiang Huan smiled wryly. “No need, you guys go home and relax. Whether I run into them or not is uncertain anyway.”

In truth, Jiang Huan actually hoped to encounter them on the way so he could test his strength.

Zhao Yiyi joked with a smile, “Jiang Huan, are you so afraid of us following you because you’re up to some shady business?”

Liu Zhiyue’s cheeks flushed like ripe apples.

Such a bold joke was something she had never heard before.

Jiang Huan shot back playfully, “Hmm, you’re the leading lady.”

In an instant, Zhao Yiyi, who had just appeared indifferent, showed a rare embarrassed expression. “Pervert!”

Liu Zhiyue pinched Zhao Yiyi’s arm, signaling her not to argue with Jiang Huan.

“Jiang Huan, be careful on the road. If you need any help, don’t forget to call me.”

Jiang Huan nodded. “Zhiyue, thanks, but you don’t need to worry about me.”

Then he strode confidently toward the city center.

Watching Jiang Huan’s gradually receding figure, Zhao Yiyi nudged Liu Zhiyue’s shoulder and mimicked her tone, “Remember to call me~”

Liu Zhiyue pinched her back. “You’re so annoying, stop copying me!”

After a bit of playful banter, Zhao Yiyi smiled. “Hey, Liu, the school’s top beauty, I see you care about him quite a bit. Could it be you’ve taken a liking to him?”

Liu Zhiyue rolled her eyes at Zhao Yiyi but said nothing.

Zhao Yiyi chuckled again. “Hey, I heard that Fang Jia, the rich second-generation from Class Five, has always liked you. His spirit might not be as strong as yours, but at least it’s a B-level spirit. Isn’t that better than Jiang Huan?”

Liu Zhiyue pushed Zhao Yiyi toward the school gate. “Alright, I’ll treat you to snacks at the food street later, but please shut that filthy mouth of yours.”

Neither of them noticed that not far away, behind a bulletin board on the broad school path, Fang Jia stood in his school uniform, wearing a pair of exquisitely crafted shoes.

He watched the two girls’ retreating backs with eyes full of grievance.

Bang!

He slammed his fist heavily against the bulletin board, the resounding noise echoing through the campus.

City center, Duobao Building.

This was the largest trading store in Caiyun City, finely decorated with top-tier service.

It not only recycled various beast materials but also sold all sorts of rare equipment.

If you could pay the price, you could even buy some low-level unclaimed spirits.

At the large counter, Jiang Huan was negotiating with the staff.

“Mr. Jiang, we have received 38 first-tier beast materials and 248 non-tier beast materials from you. The total is 98,000 yuan. The detailed receipt is here for your review.”

As she spoke, the well-looking staff handed Jiang Huan a receipt.

“If you have no objections, we will transfer the money to your account.”

Jiang Huan quickly scanned the receipt and nodded. “No problem.”

Soon, Jiang Huan’s phone received the payment notification. Including the newly received money, his total funds were exactly 100,000 yuan.

The staff smiled. “If there’s nothing else, feel free to browse the store. I’ll be off to attend to other matters.”

Jiang Huan nodded and began to browse the store.

There might be a fight with classmates tonight; it was good to buy some useful items.

His eyes swept over each treasure in the store—equipment to boost combat power, various potions, and some items that could strengthen spirits.

His mind was constantly calculating how to allocate the 100,000 yuan.

“Mom’s medicine seems to be running low; spend 50,000 for half a month’s supply first. Rent is probably due soon, so I’ll need to keep some living expenses.”

“Looks like I still have about 30,000 leftover to use.”

Jiang Huan strolled past each display case until his gaze was drawn to a ring.