Right now, Shen Hao knows two types of magic: one is the Earth Escape Skill, the other is Palm Thunder. Both originate from the Great Five Elements True Qi Talisman, and they’re the most basic skills. However, thanks to the technique taught by Master Pingyang, Shen Hao achieved the Mind Seal Technique earlier than usual—so he can fully control the magic at will and apply it in real combat.

Yet another month has passed. Although Shen Hao didn’t spend much time on cultivation, the gains from the Black Beast Tattoo and elixirs have never lessened—especially now, as he has plenty of elixirs on hand. His cultivation efficiency is ten times higher than others, so his progress is astonishing.

Now, stepping into the Gathering Spirit Realm Second Layer, with his soul and meridians further enhanced by the Black Beast Tattoo, Shen Hao feels his soul strength has gotten much higher than it was a month ago. Maybe now he can learn another skill?

Normally, people at the Gathering Spirit Realm Second Layer can only use one skill, but Shen Hao is already debating whether to learn a third.

Learn!

If he can learn, why not? Magic isn’t a cultivation technique—there’s no saying about biting off more than you can chew. The more methods you have at your disposal, the better your chances for surviving in extreme conditions.

But what should he learn?

Previously, Shen Hao wanted to replace the Great Five Elements True Qi Talisman with a Profound Level or Earth Level cultivation technique, but he hasn’t found a suitable one. Fortunately, while the Great Five Elements True Qi Talisman is low-level, it’s highly flexible and lists plenty of basic skills. So far he doesn’t feel strained.

The Earth Escape Skill can be used for sudden attacks or escaping—it’s a movement skill. Palm Thunder is better for ambushes—it’s an attack skill. That means what Shen Hao lacks is a defensive skill.

Why not go all-in on movement or attack? It’s not like he’s playing a game chasing extremes. Balance lets you handle more situations—that’s the optimal choice.

There are three defensive skills listed in the Great Five Elements True Qi Talisman: the Ice Shield of the Water Attribute, the Stone Skin Skill of the Earth Attribute, and the Soul Suppressing Skill of the Wood Attribute.

The first two are straightforward—they defend against physical attacks. But the Soul Suppressing Skill is for defense against soul attacks. Wood generates thunder, and thunder happens to be a universal tool for both attacking and resisting in the soul realm, so the Soul Suppressing Skill can be considered a Thunder Technique as well.

Shen Hao hesitated between these three, but ultimately chose the Soul Suppressing Skill, a defense against soul attacks. Not for any other reason—he already has a Low-grade Magical Artifact Inner Armor for physical defense, which is way better than before. So filling in the gap for soul defense gives the greatest benefit.

After deciding, Shen Hao started to study the details of the Soul Suppressing Skill. It’s completely different from the Earth Escape Skill and Palm Thunder; the Soul Suppressing Skill relies entirely on his Sea of Consciousness and soul power, with almost negligible use of meridians.

In other words, the Soul Suppressing Skill puts far more pressure on the soul than the Earth Escape Skill and Palm Thunder!

Shen Hao even thinks that, though all are basic skills, the threshold for the Soul Suppressing Skill is at least three times higher than the other two!

As for its effect—after pondering for a while, Shen Hao tried it for the first time and the results were unexpectedly good.

Actually, the Soul Suppressing Skill isn’t just about defense—it’s all about the "suppress" in its name.

Suppress—that is, to subdue.

It not only suppresses your own soul against outside attacks, preventing it from being shattered or scattered, but it can also suppress others’ souls, paralyzing them. If your soul can’t move, you can’t use magic—at least not smoothly. That’s the real nature of Soul Suppressing Skill.

The more Shen Hao studies it, the more he feels the Soul Suppressing Skill is far stronger than other basic skills. Is this really basic? If that’s the case, wouldn’t all soul-type skills be way more powerful than other categories?

He searched through the whole Great Five Elements True Qi Talisman and only found this one soul-type skill—if he wants to learn more, he’ll have to look elsewhere.

Though it’s a bit disappointing, Shen Hao is now certain that he can indeed practice a third skill, without feeling stretched. That means his soul strength is way above normal.

Late at night, Shen Hao gathers Qi and finishes his practice. Today he barely managed to get into the basics of Soul Suppressing Skill; to become proficient, or reach Mind Seal Technique level, he’ll need more time. No rushing this.

The night passes uneventfully.

As soon as day breaks, Shen Hao finishes his morning practice, has breakfast, and heads out for his duties. There’s a lot to do—mostly procedures following the handover from the Local Government Office at Wan River, as well as inquiries sent from the Governor’s Office above. As for rewards, this time the Governor’s Office hasn’t mentioned anything—they’re probably holding it, and will grant it at the next report.

"Knock knock knock."

"Come in."

Wang Yiming pushes the door open, salutes, then takes out a file from his chest and sets it on Shen Hao’s desk. At the same time, he says, "Sir, this is the investigation file from Dentist Steward Zhu Shou. I sorted it yesterday and ask you to look it over."

Shen Hao takes the file and notices it doesn’t have any Records Room number, nor any catalog or summary—a blank, unregistered file. Looks like Wang Yiming is being extra cautious.

He opens it—the first thing inside is a portrait, showing a bald man in his fifties, ordinary looks, a big nose, and a flesh mole between his brows.

Next is an introduction. The man is called Zhu Shou, one of the three Chief Stewards at the Fengri City brokerage, mainly responsible for procurement and slave training. That’s a lucrative job there, so Zhu Shou holds a high position in the brokerage, second only to the master, topping the three Chief Stewards.

But Zhu Shou is not honest. With power in his hands, he plays many tricks—skimming off silver coins in secret is minor. More boldly, he exploits his position, using "loss" as an excuse to record some top-grade slaves as "loss" on the books, then sells them privately for profit.

If this ever goes public, Zhu Shou surely won’t survive. Neither the brokerage nor the major slave caravans behind it would spare him. He’s undermining their foundation.

"Quite gutsy, and his methods are slick. He’s got plenty of people working under him too. Tsk tsk, after all these years who knows how much he’s pocketed. Evidence?" Shen Hao flips to some evidence catalog, but the actual items are clearly kept elsewhere by Wang Yiming.

"Bills and some witness testimonies are still with me, Sir—do you want to look at them now?"

"Hmm, bring them here, let me see."

Wang Yiming immediately gets up and leaves. Soon, he returns with a box, closes the door, and hands the box to Shen Hao.

Shen Hao checks and verifies each item. He has to be careful not to make any mistakes, as the brokerage is essential for the second phase. Any mishap is unacceptable.

"Very good. Leave these with me for now. Once our Black Banner Battalion establishes its independent Records Room, then they’ll be handed over. Also, find a time soon to arrange a meeting for me with Zhu Shou—I want to see him."