Wang Li was up before dawn. After quickly preparing and eating a bowl of porridge, he headed out, not wanting to miss a moment of the day's events. He was filled with anticipation for his Martial Spirit awakening.
As a transmigrator, he held the world of Douluo Dalu in high regard. It was a place where fantasy was the bedrock of reality, the ceiling of what was possible so high that one could supposedly kill gods with the Tang Sect's hidden weapons. The game-like system of Martial Spirits and Spirit Rings made it incredibly engaging. The question of what Martial Spirit one would awaken was a major source of excitement that drew everyone in.
He quickened his pace, making his way to the village's Spirit Hall. This so-called hall was really just a sturdy wooden house, a cut above the rest. It stood empty most of the year, but the village chief always made sure it was well-maintained for this specific day. Annually, on the day of the awakening ceremony, parents would bring their six-year-old children here to wait for the envoy from Spirit Hall.
Just as expected, several children were already gathered with their parents. Wang Li flashed his signature simple smile and joined the small crowd.
Not long after, the village chief, Wang Ping, arrived. He counted the children to ensure all who were of age were present, then addressed the group with a serious expression.
"Everyone is here, so listen up. Do not wander off. The Spirit Master from Spirit Hall could arrive at any moment. If you miss the awakening because you weren't paying attention, you will have only yourself to blame!"
A murmur of agreement went through the parents. For them, this was likely the only chance their children would ever have to change their fate.
The wait stretched on for an hour. Finally, under their eager gazes, the Spirit Master came into view. He strode toward them from a distance, dressed in a crisp white uniform with a black cape. The character for "Spirit" was emblazoned on his chest, and on his left breast were three small, embroidered swords signifying his rank. He was tall and handsome, though a weary impatience was etched on his face.
As the Spirit Master drew near, Village Chief Wang Ping hurried to greet him. Facing a young man decades his junior, his expression was one of deep respect. "Esteemed Spirit Master," he said with a bow, "thank you for your time. All the children of the right age are here."
The Spirit Master gave a curt nod in response. His gaze swept over the children, and his expression softened slightly. "Very well. Children, head inside and wait for me. I have other villages to visit, so I won't be staying long."
At his command, the six children, including Wang Li, filed into the wooden house. The Spirit Master followed them in, a flicker of hope in his eyes as a thought crossed his mind: I hope I find a gifted child in this village…
Inside the hut, the Spirit Master took six strange black stones from his bag and arranged them in a star pattern on the floor. With his preparations complete, he addressed the children in a gentle tone.
"Alright, children, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Su Yuntao, a two-ring Spirit Grandmaster from Spirit Hall. I will now help you awaken your Martial Spirits. No matter what you see, do not be afraid."
The moment Wang Li heard the name "Su Yuntao," his eyes lit up. It's him! he thought excitedly. This is it! It's a sure thing! With him here, I'm guaranteed to awaken a Martial Spirit with Spirit Power!
"Lone Wolf, possess!"
A deep shout snapped Wang Li from his thoughts. A verdant aura surged from Su Yuntao's body. His frame began to swell, his hair turned a wolfish grey-brown, and fur sprouted across his face and arms. His teeth sharpened into fangs and his nails elongated into claws, transforming him from a man into a werewolf-like creature. The Spirit Hall uniform, impressively, stretched without tearing. Most astonishingly, two Spirit Rings—one white, one yellow—materialized around him, circling his body.
The sudden transformation sent the other children into a panic.
Su Yuntao sighed, a headache already forming. He did his best to sound comforting. "Do not be afraid, this is normal. If any of you awaken a Beast Spirit, you will undergo a similar transformation one day. Now, who wants to be first? Step into the center of the formation."
The others hesitated, but Wang Li couldn't wait. He stepped forward into the center of the six stones and said with unconcealed eagerness, "Master Su Yuntao, please help me awaken my Martial Spirit!"
Seeing a volunteer, Su Yuntao was pleased. He hoped the boy would set a good example. Without another word, he stretched out a lupine hand, channeling his Spirit Power into the stones. "Focus," he instructed. "Feel the changes within your body!"
Wang Li was already doing so. A pleasant warmth, like soaking in a hot bath, spread through him. A current of heat coalesced inside his body, flowing through his limbs before finally gathering in his right palm.
In an instant, a brilliant light erupted from his hand. From that light, a single, unassuming plant grew, capturing everyone's attention.
Su Yuntao blinked, staring at the plant for a long moment before speaking with uncertainty. "Is this… Blue Silver Grass? It's a bit thicker and taller than usual, but it's definitely Blue Silver Grass. A slight mutation, perhaps?"
He couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry. The dazzling light had made him hope for a powerful Martial Spirit, but it was only the most common one. He took out a transparent crystal ball and handed it to Wang Li. "Child, will your Martial Spirit away, then place your hand on this ball. Let's see if you have any Spirit Power."
Wang Li nodded, his will firm. With a single thought, the plant vanished from his palm. He then placed his hand on the crystal ball. Immediately, a gentle suction pulled the warmth from his body into the crystal, which began to glow with a soft but clear light.
Su Yuntao froze, staring in disbelief. It took him a long moment to find his voice. "To think Blue Silver Grass can have Spirit Power… and it's Level 3! My own innate Spirit Power was only Level 2…"
Wang Li heard him clearly and was just as surprised.
So that's my result, he thought. Wang Li, Level 3 innate Spirit Power, Waste Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass… The classic template for a nobody.
Then, a second thought corrected him. No. On the Douluo Continent, Level 3 Spirit Power is actually quite good. It's far from the best, but it's a cut above the worst. At the very least, there's hope of breaking through Rank 30 and becoming a Spirit Elder!