"Thank you." Ye Bai said, following Tang San deeper into the village.
The sun had climbed higher, and Holy Soul Village bustled with life. Villagers moved about, carrying baskets and tools.
"Little San, back from training?"
"Little San, you're so diligent!"
"When Little San awakens, he'll surely have a powerful Martial Soul."
Along the way, Ye Bai noticed how warmly the villagers greeted Tang San, and how politely he returned each smile and word.
Before long, they arrived at a modest house. Tang San stopped, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he looked at the silver-haired boy beside him.
"By the way, what's your name?"
"Ye Bai. And you?"
"Tang San." Tang San replied simply.
He pointed at the door. "This is Grandpa Jack's house. Goodbye."
"Thank you." Ye Bai said again, watching Tang San turn away before knocking on the door.
A pale-haired elder soon appeared, eyes narrowing with puzzlement. "And you are?"
"Hello, Grandpa Jack. I'm Ye Bai from Nuoding City. I've long admired Holy Soul Village and wanted to visit. I heard that your village once produced a Soul Saint. Could you tell me about his deeds?"
"Ah, child, you've heard well!" The moment he mentioned the Soul Saint, Old Jack's face lit up with pride.
"A hundred years ago, our Holy Soul Village produced a Soul Saint. Have you seen that handprint carved on the stone at the village entrance? That was left by him. Do you know? Soul Saint is the eighth rank among Soul Masters!"
Ye Bai listened quietly as the old man launched into a full explanation of the ten levels of Soul Masters.
At last, Old Jack slapped his thigh, suddenly remembering. "Oh, right! Today Master Su Yuntao is coming to help our village children awaken their martial spirits. I must hurry to gather them."
Ye Bai's heart stirred. 'So it's time.'
"Grandpa Jack, what's the matter? Maybe I can help." He offered, though without revealing his true thoughts.
"You're such a considerate boy." Old Jack said approvingly.
"It's the annual awakening ceremony. I have to gather the children at the Spirit Hall before Master Su Yuntao arrives."
"Grandpa Jack, may I watch the ceremony?" Ye Bai asked openly this time.
"Of course. Little Bai, wait for me at the Spirit Hall in the center of the village. I'll go fetch the remaining children." Old Jack agreed.
"Is it that red-and-white building I saw earlier?"
"That's the one."
"Alright, I'll wait there."
With that, Ye Bai made his way toward the Spirit Hall. He already knew it from earlier when Tang San guided him through the village.
The building stood quaint yet dignified, surrounded by clusters of purple flowers.
Six children had already gathered at the entrance. As Ye Bai approached, their eyes flicked to his neat clothes, clearly unlike those of a poor villager.
He heard them whispers among themselves.
According to the plot of Douluo Dalu, none of them had talent to become Soul Masters. Their martial spirits would be farm tools; sickles, hoes, and shovel, or perhaps Blue Silver Grass, considered trash Martial Souls. Without innate Soul Power, cultivation was impossible.
Ye Bai spoke calmly, "None of you have the talent to be Spirit Masters."
The children stared at him, then burst out angrily.
"Who are you to say that?"
"We don't believe you!"
"Go back to wherever you came from!"
"Careful, or we'll beat you up!"
Ye Bai didn't react, only standing quietly. The children puffed themselves up, but none dared to truly approach him.
Not long after, a handsome young man landed gracefully before the Spirit Hall. Dressed in silver-white Spirit Hall uniform, tall and imposing, with sharp brows and gleaming eyes—he was like a shining blade.
'Blind Godking.' Ye Bai recognized him instantly.
Old Jack soon arrived as well, leading Tang San.
The moment he saw the Soul Master, Old Jack quickly bowed. "Respected Soul Master, thank you for performing the awakening in Holy Soul Village."
"No need for words, elder. My time is limited, I must head to another village after this. How many children this year?" Su Yuntao asked curtly.
"Seven in total." Old Jack answered.
Su Yuntao frowned. "No, I count eight here. Did you miscalculate?"
Old Jack shook his head quickly. "Respected Master, that boy in gray is from Nuoding City. He only wishes to watch, not participate."
Su Yuntao didn't reply. He strode in, and the children followed, Ye Bai among them.
The building interior was plain, yet to the children, it felt sacred.
Su Yuntao was efficient, almost impatient. He cast down the black Awakening Stone, soul rings flaring around him. With a roar, the shadow of a lone wolf appeared behind him, merging into his body as his eyes glowed green.
"Stand forward!" Su Yuntao ordered.
The first trembling child obeyed. An ordinary sickle appeared in his hand. Su Yuntao's gaze cooled.
"Place your hand on the crystal sphere."
The child obeyed. The crystal sphere remained unchanged.
"No Soul Power. You can't become a Soul Master. Next."
One by one, the children stepped forward. Hoe. Blue Silver Grass. Another hoe. None carried soul power.
"Next."
"No Soul Power."
"Next."
The ritual repeated six times. The children were pale, disheartened. Then their eyes turned toward Ye Bai, remembering his earlier words.
Feeling the gaze, Ye Bai repeated, "What I said is true."
Their earlier defiance burned away, leaving shame. Especially the boy who had shouted the loudest, his cheeks flushed red.
At that moment, Ye Bai's gaze sharpened. The number on his system panel had leapt to 55—a sudden increase of 12. Six children, two slaps each.
A new gray button emerged: [Martial Soul Acquisition]
Below it, tiny letters: [Unlocks at 100 slaps.]
Ye Bai's heart raced. 'Martial Soul Acquisition…'
'What kind of spirit will it grant me? A hoe, Blue Silver Grass… or something rare?'
Suppressing his excitement, he muttered under his breath, "Slap count… slap count…" His focus fixed entirely on the panel, so much so that he didn't notice Su Yuntao staring at him with growing irritation.
The Spirit Master's brows drew together. 'That voice… it sounds familiar. Why does this brat annoy me so much?'
"What's true?" Su Yuntao suddenly demanded, his sharp voice cutting through the air.
——
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