Mystic Cauldron

He recognised the ring in just a single glance. It belonged to his father. His eyes became wet as he caressed the ring gently. He dripped the blood and established the connection. Then he wiped his eyes and used his Soul Power to peek inside. It was huge space, almost a hundred square feet, filled with numerous herbs and minerals and gems. All of them bursting with fire element.

Especially a pool of blood at the center of the ring—it was the blood-pool, but at the same time, it appeared as if it was made of fire. The bubbles of blood formed and then burst into tiny drops, cries of birds reverberated inside his head. He felt a burning pain throughout his skull, forcing him to retract his Soul Power from the spatial ring.

Qin Meng realized his back was drowned in a cold sweat. "Which creature does this blood belong to?" he muttered. He knew it was no ordinary blood, that was for sure. He was looking forward to his first Martial Spirit.

Finally, he turned toward the golden scroll. He extended his hand to grab it, however, before his hand could reach it, a drop of blood landed on it from his hand. The scroll burst into a glow and then began to hover above the ground before dashing towards Qin Meng's head. He tried to dodge but realized he was incapable of doing it. The golden scroll smashed into his head. Qin Meng screamed as excruciating pain invaded his soul. His body trembled in sheer agony and then everything went dark.

***

After an unknown amount of time, he opened his eyes. He eyed around him and discovered it was already eight o'clock at night. He held his head and groaned due to pain and then some unknown information appeared inside his consciousness.

"Is this the technique that mom and dad were talking about?" he said after browsing through the information. It was a Nameless Breathing Technique. That's what it was called, literally.

"Young Master."

Suddenly, a maid called out for him. Qin Meng hoisted his head and frowned before realizing it was already dinner time.

"I won't eat today," he replied. It was quiet for a brief instant, and then he caught the sound of footsteps, becoming fainter and fainter and finally vanishing completely.

He settled down on his bed and closed his eyes and started to practice Nameless Breathing Technique. At the start he felt nothing special, however, he didn't stop. Though soon after things started to change. He felt as if the cool breeze was blowing around him, calming his heart and mind. It was calm and tranquil; he could not describe the sensation in words. He felt as if he was floating in a void, without any anchor or support.

Qin Meng frowned and opened his eyes. His pupils contracted when he eyed the scene in front of him. He was no longer inside his room. Instead, he was somewhere in space, amidst the stars! However, what attracted his attention was not the stars and planets and the boundless space; he was staring at something else.

"A cauldron?" he muttered. A magnificent and gigantic cauldron drifted in the boundless space. It was covered in carvings, beautiful, intricate, and complicated. Around the cauldron five holes swirled like a wheel and a strong suction force could be felt from within them. They were dark and deep and filled with deep creepy darkness.

Qin Meng felt as if they could swallow anything in the universe, even void itself. And they circled the cauldron in an orbit, without colliding with each other, in perfect sync.

There was something familiar about five holes and the cauldron, but he could not pinpoint what kind of familiarity.

"What are these black rotating holes?" he muttered, confused.

Suddenly a rush of new information appeared inside his head. His eyes lit up immediately. "So these things are going to turn into my five Martial Spirits."

He was thrilled and excited, his grin spread over his face, reaching his ears.

"Young Master!"

Qin Meng was startled as the voice echoed in the boundless space. There was a brief silence before the sound reverberated again, "Young Master!"

The space around him became distorted and blurry, and he suddenly realized that he was once again inside his room. Everything that happened felt like a dream. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and stood up before sauntering towards the door.

"Yes?" he said, peeking out.

"Uh, Young Master," said the maid. "I have warmed the water; you can take a bath."

He blinked blankly at the maid and soon the realization came to him. 'Damn, it is already morning!' He rubbed his temple and nodded, "I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for your help."

The maid smiled cheerfully and went on, "Uh, there is one more thing."

"Yes?" he raised a brow in confusion.

"Miss Yueyan is waiting for you in the hall."

"Yueyan is here?"

"Yes."

"Tell her, it won't take long," said Qin Meng and sped to his bath.

Fifteen minutes later, he eyed the stunning figure in front of him and a smile appeared on his face. "Why are you here so early in the morning?"

Yueyan raised her gaze and replied, "Why, am I not allowed here in the morning?"

"Uh," Qin Meng started to sweat profusely. He coughed and then changed the topic. "Anyways, you are looking lovely today."

"Today?" Leng Yueyan narrowed her eyes. "I don't look lovely otherwise?"

Qin Meng could only stare blankly at her. He didn't even know how to reply anymore.

Leng Yueyan chuckled and stopped teasing him. "Actually, I have come for a reason. Let's go, I'll explain it on the way to the academy."