The deacon seemed to notice Xie Yue's nervousness, his tone softening slightly:
"Don't be nervous. Close your eyes, and when the awakening begins, carefully feel the power within your body!"
Xie Yue took a deep breath and nodded vigorously, his small face trying hard to appear calm, though his voice still carried a barely noticeable tension:
"Yes! Your Excellency!"
He closed his eyes as instructed, his hands slightly clenched into fists, his knuckles turning pale.
Sunlight fell on his tense profile, revealing tiny beads of sweat trickling down his temples.
Seeing him like this, the deacon's lips curved almost imperceptibly as the Blazing Tiger Martial Soul materialized behind him.
Guided by Soul Power, the six Awakening Stones in the deacon's hands slowly rose and began rotating around Xie Yue.
"Relax!" The deacon's voice grew even gentler, like a spring breeze brushing across a lake.
"Feel that power, let it flow through your meridians, don't resist..."
Xie Yue's furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and his breathing slowly steadied.
The surrounding children held their breath, craning their necks to watch, as if the very air had frozen.
Su Yu and Hu Liena, standing in line, also felt their hearts tighten.
No matter how much they usually bickered, they couldn't help but worry for him at this moment.
After about five or six breaths, a pair of crescent-shaped short blades appeared in Xie Yue's hands.
Xie Yue opened his eyes, looking at the short blades in his hands, feeling an indescribable joy.
This Martial Soul was the same as his father's—the Moon Blade!
The deacon also noticed Xie Yue's happiness and gently patted his shoulder:
"Child, come test your Innate Soul Power!"
He had a premonition that this child's Innate Soul Power level would certainly not be low!
"Mm!"
Xie Yue stepped forward and placed his palm on the Soul Power Test Crystal.
Soon, a strong blue light emanated from it.
This was the first child since the awakening began today to produce such a brilliant glow!
The deacon looked at Xie Yue in astonishment, patting his shoulder:
"Good child, your Innate Soul Power is level eight!"
Seeing the child's Innate Soul Power, a trace of envy flickered in the deacon's eyes.
With level eight Innate Soul Power, barring any mishaps, this child could enter the Martial Soul Academy and might even become a disciple of one of the Eminences!
Thinking this, he glanced toward the high platform behind him, where Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo nodded at him.
"Good child, don't leave later, wait here for me!"
"Mm, I understand!"
The deacon then turned his gaze to Hu Liena. Seeing her standing with Xie Yue and Su Yu, his eyes held a bit more anticipation.
"Next, little girl, come over here." The deacon called out loudly.
Hearing this, Hu Liena visibly stiffened, her small hands unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.
Her large eyes were full of nervousness as she stood rooted to the spot, as if she had suddenly forgotten what to do.
Su Yu, seeing her like this, quickly reached out and gently squeezed her small hand, his voice soft and soothing:
"Nana, don't be afraid, it's your turn. Go on! I believe in you—you'll definitely awaken a powerful Martial Soul!"
"Oh... oh!"
Only when reminded by him did Hu Liena seem to snap out of it. She nodded vigorously and shuffled in small steps to the Awakening Stones.
After standing in place, she even glanced back at Su Yu, her eyes seeking encouragement.
Su Yu gave her a thumbs-up with a smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
Hu Liena took a deep breath, turned around, closed her eyes just as Xie Yue had done earlier, and pressed her small hands tightly against the cool surface of the Awakening Stone.
The attendant, noticing her tense posture, spoke gently:
"Relax, don't be nervous. It'll be over soon!"
After a few breaths, Hu Liena felt a new power awakening within her.
She slowly opened her eyes, and at that moment, a fox shimmering with a pink glow appeared behind her.
The moment Hu Liena's Martial Soul manifested, the attendant felt a brief dizziness.
But the sensation quickly faded.
"Child, come test your Innate Soul Power!"
The attendant's voice carried a barely noticeable excitement.
This child's Martial Soul had already caused him to feel dizzy upon awakening—her Innate Soul Power level must be remarkable!
Hu Liena walked up to the attendant and placed her small hand on the Soul Power Test Crystal.
Soon, a light even brighter than Xie Yue's earlier glow appeared before everyone's eyes!
"Innate! Innate Soul Power—level nine!"
The attendant's voice trembled with excitement. If not for the crowd watching, he might have jumped for joy!
Up on the high platform, Bi Bidong's eyes gleamed with interest as she glanced down at Hu Liena.
"Yue Guan, bring both children to see me after this is over!"
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
The attendant carefully guided Hu Liena to stand beside Xie Yue, his delight impossible to conceal. He reminded her once more:
"Little girl, a high-ranking official wishes to meet you both later. Wait right here and don't wander off, understood?"
Hu Liena nodded obediently. "Mm!"
Only then did the attendant reluctantly return to the awakening platform, his gaze falling upon Su Yu with barely contained excitement.
Xie Yue with Innate level eight, Hu Liena with Innate level nine—these children were truly his lucky stars!
If this boy before him could also awaken with Innate level eight or nine Soul Power, his contributions this time would surely earn him a promotion!
"Ch-child! Hurry, come up quickly!"
The attendant's voice quivered slightly, his hands rubbing together unconsciously.
The surrounding children also watched Su Yu with curiosity. The pink glow during Hu Liena's awakening had dazzled many.
Everyone wondered what kind of Martial Soul the boy who stayed close to her would awaken.
Su Yu took a deep breath, suppressing his nervousness, and strode toward the awakening platform.
As he passed Hu Liena, he winked at her. She immediately responded with an encouraging smile, secretly giving him a thumbs-up below.
Xie Yue pursed his lips, refraining from his usual teasing, though his eyes held a complex mix of anticipation.
After all, if Su Yu could also awaken a powerful Martial Soul, it would be a good thing for all of them who had grown up in the orphanage.
Su Yu stood firmly before the Awakening Stone, gazing at the faint golden light emanating from it.
His mind flashed back to all the deities he had prayed to the night before, and he silently murmured: Great gods, please grant me your favor!
Seeing Su Yu standing still, the attendant assumed he was nervous and quickly urged:
"Don't be nervous, child. Come up quickly!"
"Mm!"
Su Yu strode to the center of the Awakening Stone. The attendant summoned his own Martial Soul, and six Awakening Stones began to revolve around Su Yu.
Su Yu slowly closed his eyes, sensing the power within his body.
Soon, under the guidance of the deacon's Soul Power, a new force emerged within Su Yu's body.
After sensing the appearance of this power, Su Yu felt his entire body enveloped by a warm current.
Subconsciously, he extended his right hand, and a small sapling appeared in his palm.