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The next day, before dawn, Wang Li woke up and cooked a pot of plain porridge. He ate a quick meal and stepped outside, determined not to miss a single moment.
Today was the day he had been looking forward to: the Martial Soul Awakening.
Wang Li's heart was filled with anticipation. Douluo Continent was a land where legends were born, a place where hidden weapons could slay gods, and the Martial Soul and Soul Ring system made life feel like an endless adventure. What kind of Martial Soul would he awaken? The thought alone was thrilling.
He quickened his pace, heading toward the Spirit Hall at the center of the village. The so-called Spirit Hall was really just a slightly better wooden house. It was rarely used, but the village chief always made sure someone maintained it.
Every year, on the day of Martial Soul awakening, children who had reached the right age would be brought here by their parents to wait for the Spirit Hall's envoy.
Just like now, several children had already gathered, accompanied by their parents. Wang Li approached them, wearing his usual honest smile.
Before long, Village Chief Wang Ping arrived. He counted the children to ensure everyone eligible was present. Then, with a serious expression, he addressed the group in a loud voice.
"Everyone is here. Do not wander off. The Soul Master from Spirit Hall may arrive at any moment. If you miss your Martial Soul awakening because of your own carelessness, you will have to bear the consequences."
Everyone nodded in agreement. For them, this was likely the only chance in their lives to change their fate.
They waited for about an hour, eyes full of hope and anxiety, until at last the Soul Master from Spirit Hall appeared.
He strode toward them from the distance, dressed in white with a black cloak. The character for "Soul" was emblazoned on his chest, and three small swords were embroidered on his left side. He was tall and handsome, though his face looked somewhat stern.
As he drew closer, Village Chief Wang Ping stepped forward to greet him. Despite the Soul Master being much younger, Wang Ping's face was full of respect as he bowed and said, "Soul Master, thank you for coming. All the children of the right age in the village are here."
The Soul Master nodded in acknowledgment, then glanced at the children. His expression softened.
"Alright, children, go inside and wait for me. I have to visit other villages later, so I cannot stay here long."
With that, six children, including Wang Li, entered the wooden house one after another.
Under the expectant gazes of the parents and villagers, the Soul Master from Spirit Hall followed them in. Even he felt a hint of anticipation, thinking to himself, "I hope I find a truly talented child in this village…"
Inside the house, the Soul Master set down his bag and took out six strange black stones. He arranged them on the ground in the shape of a star. When he finished, he looked at the children and spoke gently.
"Alright, children, let me introduce myself. My name is Su Yuntao, a two-ring Battle Soul Master from Spirit Hall. Next, I will activate my Martial Soul and then awaken yours. No matter what you see, do not be afraid."
At the mention of the name Su Yuntao, Wang Li's eyes lit up with excitement. He thought to himself, "It's him! This is it! I'm sure I'll awaken a good Martial Soul with soul power!"
Suddenly, Su Yuntao shouted, "Lone Wolf, Possession!"
A rush of cyan energy surged from Su Yuntao's body. His form swelled, his hair turned gray-brown, and thick fur grew on his face, arms, and all exposed skin. His teeth became sharp, his nails lengthened, and he transformed from a man into a werewolf before their eyes.
The Spirit Hall uniform remained perfectly intact, showing its fine quality. Most striking of all, two halos—one white, one yellow—appeared around him.
The children gasped in fright at the transformation.
Su Yuntao, seeing their fear, tried his best to calm them. "Don't be afraid. This is normal. If any of you awaken a beast-type Martial Soul, you will undergo similar changes in the future. Now, whoever wants to go first, please stand in the center of the circle."
The other children hesitated, but Wang Li could not wait any longer. He stepped forward confidently and stood at the center of the star pattern, speaking with anticipation.
"Grandmaster Su Yuntao, please help me awaken my Martial Soul!"
Su Yuntao was pleased to see someone so eager. Wanting to set an example, he reached out a wolf claw and held it in front of Wang Li, channeling his soul power as he said, "Focus and feel the changes in your body."
Wang Li was already concentrating. He felt as if he were soaking in warm water, his entire body enveloped in gentle heat. A current of warmth flowed through him, gathering in his hands.
In that instant, white light blossomed, and a plant appeared out of thin air, drawing everyone's attention.
Su Yuntao stared at the plant for a long moment before speaking with uncertainty.
"Is this Blue Silver Grass? It's thicker and taller than usual, but it's definitely Blue Silver Grass. Has it mutated somehow?"
He could not help but smile wryly. The dazzling white light had made him hope for a rare and powerful Martial Soul, but it turned out to be just Blue Silver Grass. He reached into his bag and pulled out a transparent crystal ball, handing it to Wang Li.
"Child, control your Martial Soul and retract it, then place your hand on the crystal ball. Let's see if you have soul power."
Wang Li nodded, determination clear in his eyes. With a thought, the plant vanished from his palm and returned to his body.
Blue Silver Grass, he thought to himself as he placed his hand on the crystal ball. Instantly, he felt a gentle force draw the warmth from his body, and the crystal ball shone with a clear, bright light.
Su Yuntao was stunned again, unable to react for a moment. Finally, he spoke, almost at a loss.
"Blue Silver Grass can have soul power, and it's even level three soul power. I only had level two soul power back then…"
Wang Li heard every word, and he too was surprised.
He understood what this meant. Wang Li, with a third-level soul power and a so-called trash Martial Soul—Blue Silver Grass.
A standard trash template.
No, on Douluo Continent, third-level soul power was actually considered decent talent.
It was far from outstanding but better than the lowest. At least there was hope to break through to level thirty soul power and become a Soul Grandmaster one day.
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