Three years later;

Soul Technology Park, West Ocean City,

Two figures raced side by side through the park, their movements fluid and confident, as if the path beneath their feet was etched into memory. The youth on the left glanced back, confirmed they weren't being followed, then suddenly accelerated, his body blurring forward.

The one on the right cursed softly as he hurried to keep up.

"Damn it! At this rate, I can't even tell who the agility-type soul master is anymore. Slow down a little, will you?" he complained.

They looked about fourteen years old, yet both stood well over one hundred seventy centimeters tall. Their physiques were lean and well-built, muscles faintly visible beneath their clothes. Despite their speed, neither showed the slightest hint of fatigue.

The boy on the left laughed. "Your explosive speed is great, but long-distance running has never been your strong suit."

"How am I bad at it?" the other shot back indignantly.

"Then let's test it later," the first replied lightly. "West Ocean City to Skysea City. What do you say?"

"Rejected!" came the immediate response. "I'm not that bored. Anyway, I heard you finally have enough contribution points?"

"Mn. Way too easy," the boy on the left said, waving a hand dismissively.

They ran deeper into the park until a cobalt-blue building rose before them.

Its exterior resembled a massive lens, layers of glass refracting light into ever-shifting patterns. With each step and angle, the scenery seemed to transform, surreal and beautiful.

The door was unguarded.

Both youths placed their right hands against it.

A blue scan swept over their palms as a lazy voice echoed out.

"West Ocean's Raymond. West Ocean's Raziel Phoenix. You two again? Still, this hardworking, huh. Come in."

The youths were none other than Ray and Raziel Phoenix.

Three years had wrought visible changes. They were taller, broader, and more solid. Ray's eyes were still large and clear, his height and build only serving to accentuate his already handsome features.

Raziel Phoenix wasn't lacking either. Years of companionship had worn away his earlier aloofness, replacing it with a mischievous spark. He might not rival Ray in looks, but his eyes brimmed with vitality.

"Hello, Uncle," they greeted respectfully as they entered.

This was the Immortal Guild's West Ocean City branch.

They passed through the familiar metallic corridor, boarded a special elevator, and soon arrived before a sealed room.

A massive screen lit up, waiting.

Ray stepped forward, eyes bright, and pressed his palm against it.

"Verifying identity…"

Lines of data streamed across the screen.

Identity confirmed: Outer guild disciple Ray.

Age: Thirteen years, five months, six days.

Total contribution points: 14,670.

Available contribution points: 7,863.

Rank: Class four guild associate.

Martial soul: Silverfalls Vine.

Soul power rank: 28.

Classification: Control-type soul master. Soul Grandmaster.

Raziel Phoenix followed, slapping his palm onto the screen with a sigh.

Identity confirmed: Outer guild disciple Raziel Phoenix.

Age: Thirteen years, four months, one day.

Total contribution points: 1,554.

Available contribution points: 1,554.

Rank: Class three guild associate.

Martial souls: Light Dragon Dagger, Shadow Dragon Dagger.

Soul power rank: 33.

Classification: Agility-type soul master. Soul Elder.

Raziel Phoenix nearly collapsed on the spot. "This is unfair…"

Despite having twin martial souls and three soul rings, he was still only one class behind Ray. But the gap in contribution points was laughable.

He had chosen mecha crafting as his secondary profession and was merely a first-rank craftsman. Most of his points came from odd jobs, resource collection, and information provided by his family.

Ray, on the other hand…

Every single one of his points came from forging.

Over the past three years, he had climbed to the peak of the fourth rank. His soul power limitations hadn't slowed him down; if anything, they fueled him further. First-grade thousand refining any metal had become effortless.

That skill alone had earned him a staggering amount of contribution points, pushing him to class four associate status.

The Immortal guild was divided into outer and inner guilds.

The outer guild had nine classes of associates. The inner guild consisted of five halls: Power, Speed, Defense, Enforcement, and Elder.

Outwardly, the Immortal guild operated as the Genesis Corporation

A class four associate was equivalent to a company manager. Class five meant department director.

Recruitment within the Immortal guild was notoriously strict.

Every disciple needed a specialty and a recommendation from at least a class six associate. Only then could they qualify to take the entrance examination.

And Ray…

He was already standing at the threshold.

Because of Alfred's status as both a Soul Sage and a Tier-2 battle armor master, the gates of the Immortal guild's inner guild opened to him without resistance.

The inner guild did not concern itself with origins, age, or seniority. Only strength and contribution mattered. Once both were sufficient, admission was inevitable.

With his entry into the inner guild, Alfred gained access to the full legacy of the Immortal guild. All remaining secret arts were now open to him, along with far richer cultivation resources.

*

"Mission submission."

Ray's voice echoed softly as several chunks of metal flashed into existence before the terminal.

These materials were the target of his latest mission.

At present, Ray accepted tasks from both the Blacksmith's Association and the Immortal guild. Missions for the Association earned him money. Missions for the Immortal guild earned contribution points.

It was these points that truly mattered.

Apart from secret techniques, the Immortal guild possessed an internal exchange system stocked with rare items unavailable on the open market. Ray had been saving precisely for this moment.

"Three pieces of first-grade thousand-refined metal confirmed. Contribution points awarded: 600. Remaining contribution points: 8,463."

The electronic voice sounded crisp and emotionless.

Ray's eyes lit up. He quickly navigated through the interface, skipping over ordinary listings until he reached the section he had been waiting for.

Thousand-year Land Dragon Tendon

A legendary spirit medicine capable of refining the physique without side effects.

Condition: Perfect.

Price: 3,900 contribution points.

Exchange.

Without hesitation, he confirmed the purchase.

His fingers continued to move.

Thousand-year Sea Dragon Marrow

A legendary spirit medicine that strengthens qi and blood while refining the body.

No side effects.

Condition: Perfect.

Price: 4,500 contribution points.

Exchange.

The transaction is completed.

Ray leaned back slightly, releasing a long breath. His eyes shimmered like stars.

Three years ago, during his trip to Arcana City with Alfred, he had obtained a thousand-year Dragonscale Fruit. Later, he discovered that the Immortal guild also possessed the Land Dragon Tendon and Sea Dragon Marrow.

He had spent years hoarding points for this exact purpose.

Now, only one ingredient remained.

A thousand-year Azure-veined Vine.

Since he had yet to turn fourteen, there was no urgency. With his current resources, he was confident he could obtain the final ingredient through an auction or trade when the time was right.

Once all three were gathered, his martial soul would undergo another profound evolution.

Still, after his purchases, his contribution points had plummeted to a pitiful 603.

Just as Ray prepared to log out, the system chimed again.

"Notification: Raymond.

Your total contribution points have surpassed 15,000.

Promotion confirmed.

Rank updated: Class Five Outer guild Associate.

New privileges unlocked. Exchange list expanded."

Class five?

Ray froze.

Despite lacking twin martial souls like Raziel Phoenix and still having only two soul rings, he had reached class five purely through contribution.

This was exceptionally rare.

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