They boarded in economy class. The carriage was cramped, four seats divided by a narrow aisle. Ray fit comfortably, but Alfred's long legs were already pressed against the seat ahead.

Ray sat by the window, Alfred beside him, unconsciously shielding him from the crowd. The quiet enclosure made Ray feel unexpectedly safe.

Alfred handed him a thin booklet.

Ray examined it curiously. The cover was blank. When he opened it, he saw sketches of human figures alongside dense annotations.

"What is this, Teacher?"

"The Immortal Guild has already completed its preliminary background investigation on you," Alfred said calmly. "There are no issues. This is the Immortal Guild's foundational cultivation method, the Mysterious Heaven Method. It's both a cultivation and meditation technique. Compared to what you're using now, its effects are far superior."

Ray's eyes lit up instantly.

"This method will serve as the foundation for all other Immortal Guild techniques you'll learn in the future," Alfred continued.

A cultivation technique from the Immortal Guild. Just the thought made Ray's heart race.

"But," Alfred added, "as a new member, you're only permitted to cultivate the Mysterious Heaven Method at first. Only after you master it may you learn other techniques. However, since you passed the medium-level test, you may select one additional technique."

"Teacher, wait." Ray suddenly lowered his voice. "Is it really okay to talk about Immortal Guild techniques here?"

Alfred shook his head dismissively. "They can't hear us. Listen."

Ray froze.

The surrounding clamor vanished entirely. Though the carriage was crowded, not a single sound reached his ears.

Only then did he notice a thin layer of soul power separating them from the rest of the train.

"What… is this?" Ray whispered.

"A basic application of soul power," Alfred replied casually. "You'll be able to do this once you reach a certain level."

He continued, "The Immortal Guild has six core techniques: Mysterious Heaven Method, Mysterious Jade Hands, Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, Purple Demon Eyes, and Hidden Weapons Hundred Separations."

"The hidden weapons technique has already merged with soul device technology and is integrated into Immortal Guild battle armor. The other five are cultivated traditionally."

"Each time you pass a higher-level test, you'll be allowed to learn another technique. For now, I recommend Purple Demon Eyes. It strengthens the eyes and significantly enhances spiritual power."

"Eyes are the windows to the mind," Alfred said. "This is the most efficient path to improving spiritual power."

"Okay!" Ray nodded enthusiastically. An Immortal Guild technique. Even hearing the name thrilled him.

"Teacher," Ray asked carefully, "what obligations do I have toward the Immortal Guild?"

Alfred replied, "You must obey the Immortal Guild's rules. As long as you don't violate them, your position is secure. Advancement requires contribution. You may complete missions to earn contribution points, which can be exchanged for rare resources or used to increase your rank within the sect."

"Even when you spend points, your total contribution record remains. That number reflects your standing."

He paused, his tone growing heavier. "Now listen carefully. The Immortal Guild has ten rules."

"The first: be loyal to the sect and your teachers. Do not join other organizations."

"The second: do not commit rape or robbery."

"The third: do not divulge the sect's secrets."

"The fourth: uphold virtue and oppose evil."

"The fifth: do not deceive others."

Alfred listed each rule solemnly. None were excessive, but their intent was unmistakable.

"Ray," Alfred said finally, "can you follow these rules?"

"Yes," Ray answered without hesitation.

"This is a lifelong commitment," Alfred said gravely. "The Immortal Guild exists to uphold justice and stability on the continent. If you violate its rules, the consequences will be severe. As the one who recruited you, your actions will reflect upon me."

Ray's heart pounded as he nodded firmly.

"Good. Return the booklet once you've finished reading." Alfred leaned back, closed his eyes, and rested.

The barrier of silence remained.

Ray began reading immediately. The Mysterious Heaven Method was concise but profound. Though some acupuncture points confused him, Alfred patiently clarified each one and guided him through circulating his soul power along the prescribed paths.

As the train sped toward Arcana City, Ray felt something settle firmly within his chest.

He had stepped onto a new path.

Though the seat was narrow, Ray was still young, so there was just enough space for him to sit cross-legged. With Alfred's tall frame naturally blocking any curious gazes, Ray felt completely at ease as he immersed himself in cultivation.

He carefully urged his soul power to circulate through his body. The pathways of the Mysterious Heaven Method were far more intricate than anything he had practiced before. Many of the meridians were unfamiliar to him, and in certain regions, the pathways branched and intertwined in bewildering complexity. Those areas proved especially difficult.

All he could do was proceed cautiously, exploring inch by inch, forming understanding through patience rather than force.

Fortunately, Alfred was there.

Whenever Ray's soul power veered off course or stalled, a cold, gentle stream of energy would enter his body, guiding his soul power back onto the correct path. With each correction, Ray's comprehension deepened. Gradually, his movements became smoother, his circulation steadier.

At last, he completed a full circulation cycle as prescribed by the Mysterious Heaven Method.

His awareness faded from the outside world as he entered a state of total focus, soul power flowing steadily as it began a second cycle.

Alfred withdrew his hand from Ray's abdomen and nodded faintly.

Good perception, he thought. Two hours to complete the first circulation, even with guidance. Not bad at all.

What surprised him even more was Ray's physique. His meridians were astonishingly resilient. Even three- or four-ringed Soul Masters often lacked such toughness. With soul power at only the one-ring level, Ray could already circulate it rapidly without fear of injury.

This was the true advantage of a powerful body.

The soul train raced onward. Even at high speed, it would still take a full day to reach Arcana City. Thankfully, the train stopped at several major cities along the way, allowing passengers to stretch their legs.

Ray, however, never stirred.

He had entered deep meditation on his very first attempt at cultivating the Mysterious Heaven Method, and he remained there without interruption. Alfred could sense his soul power becoming increasingly smooth and efficient, flowing like water through carved channels.

This was rare.

Deep meditation was immensely beneficial to Soul Masters, yet difficult to enter. Alfred felt both impressed and mildly concerned. At this rate, Ray might not awaken even after reaching their destination.

But that, too, was a blessing.

Entering deep meditation so early meant Ray would emerge with a thorough grasp of the method, sparing him weeks of acclimation.

Alfred raised a hand and motioned to a passing train attendant.

"Yes?" The attendant stopped, her eyes widening slightly as she took in Alfred's appearance. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, her voice unconsciously softening. "How may I help you, sir?"

"I need to speak with the conductor," Alfred said evenly.

"The conductor is busy at the moment. May I ask what the matter is? Perhaps I can assist—"

"You won't be able to." Alfred raised his right hand.

Six soul rings appeared in silence.

Yellow. Yellow. Purple. Purple. Black. Black.

They hovered briefly, visible only to the attendant due to her position.

"Ah!" She gasped, instinctively stepping back.

The soul rings vanished just as swiftly as they had appeared. Alfred gave a brief nod.

On the Xynnar Continent, this was the clearest declaration of identity. Strength equaled status. A six-ringed Soul Emperor with two ten-thousand-year soul rings was not someone to be questioned.

"Hey!" A tall, burly man stepped forward, clearly misinterpreting the situation. "Don't go using your looks to scare young ladies!"

Alfred merely glanced at him, his expression unchanged.

"I'm talking to you!" the man barked.

"It's nothing," the attendant blurted out, snapping out of her shock. She quickly blocked the man. "I was just surprised. They need to speak with the conductor. Thank you for your concern, but you may return to your seat."

The man eyed Alfred suspiciously before chuckling. "If that pretty boy causes trouble, little sister, just call me."

"It's really fine," she insisted, then turned back to Alfred, her tone now respectful. "Please wait a moment. I'll fetch the conductor immediately."

She hurried off.

Soon after, she returned with a middle-aged woman.

"I am the conductor," the woman said politely. "How may I assist you?"

Her courtesy was understandable. A young Soul Emperor of such caliber almost certainly came from a powerful background.

She quickly noticed the silence enveloping the area.

"My disciple has entered deep meditation," Alfred said. "I'd like to ask whether this train stops anywhere after Arcana City."

The conductor responded promptly. "The train rests in Arcana City for one day before continuing west to Llynne City. It runs across the entire continent. That is why it's called the Traveler."

Alfred frowned. "Is it possible to remain in Arcana City longer?"

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