By the time Su Yan arrived at the village hall, a small crowd had already gathered outside.
Children stood clustered beside their parents—some fidgeting nervously, some staring wide-eyed at the closed doors ahead. A few had already started crying, overwhelmed by the tension hanging thick in the air.
After several more minutes of waiting, movement stirred at the village entrance.
A tall, broad-shouldered man approached, dressed in dark robes edged with faint metallic trim. His features were rough and weathered, the face of someone long accustomed to traveling between villages rather than enjoying comfort. What drew the eye, however, was the emblem on his chest.
The Spirit Hall crest.
As he drew closer, Su Yan felt a strange sense of familiarity tug at him.
Right… this guy.
The so-called "Blind Douluo."
Not because the man couldn't see — but because anything he dismissed as worthless had an uncanny habit of turning out to be terrifyingly valuable later.
Liu Fenglin immediately stepped forward.
"Respected Spirit Master," he said, bowing slightly. "Welcome to Maple Leaf Village. We thank you for making the journey each year to awaken our children's Martial Souls."
Su Yuntao gave a short nod in acknowledgment.
"Mm."
Without further ceremony, he strode past the gathered villagers and entered the hall. Reaching into his storage pouch, he withdrew several crystal shards and began arranging them on the floor in practiced, efficient motions.
"Have the children line up," he said plainly. "One at a time. Step into the centre of the circle."
As he finished setting the formation, Su Yuntao released his Martial Soul.
His body swelled, muscles tightening as his posture shifted into something more predatory. Wolf ears emerged from his hair, claws extending from his fingers. Though still unmistakably human, the air around him grew oppressive—dangerous, like a hunter standing alert.
The effect was immediate.
Several children burst into tears.
Su Yuntao sighed. Every year, without fail.
"Quiet!" he barked.
The crying stopped instantly.
"I am not going to hurt you," he said curtly, reining in his aura. With encouragement from their parents, the children finally began to line up.
One by one, they stepped into the circle.
"Martial Soul: Hoe."
"Spirit Power: Zero."
…
"Martial Soul: Axe."
"Spirit Power: Zero."
…
"Martial Soul: Blue Silver Grass."
"Spirit Power: Zero."
The process continued, disappointment stacking upon disappointment, until finally—
"Next."
Su Yan stepped forward and entered the circle.
"Prepare yourself," Su Yuntao said.
Spirit Power flowed from him into the formation, gathering at the centre before pouring into Su Yan's body. Warmth spread through his limbs, followed by a subtle pressure that continued to build—
Then, with a faint flash, something appeared above his palm.
A floating, ornamental ring.
Interlocking geometric segments formed its frame, each piece separated by impossibly precise gaps. Its surface was gunmetal-dark, etched with faint, circuit-like patterns that shifted almost imperceptibly.
Su Yan stared at it, stunned.
Su Yuntao studied the Martial Soul.
"Hm. Unusual shape," he said. "But judging by structure, likely a tool-type Martial Soul. No obvious combat application."
He extended the crystal ball. "Place your hand here. Let's test your Spirit Power."
Su Yan complied.
"Channel your Spirit Power into it."
The crystal ball lit up slowly, stopping at a dim but steady glow.
"Innate Spirit Power: four," Su Yuntao announced. "Not high, but sufficient to cultivate. With effort, you may reach Spirit Elder—perhaps Spirit Ancestor if you're fortunate."
He paused only briefly.
"What is your Martial Soul's name?"
"Gatekeeper."
Su Yuntao jotted it down.
"Congratulations. Your Martial Soul has been registered—here is your certificate."
Su Yan stepped away from the circle.
No Blind Douluo's blessing today.
But Su Yan didn't mind.
After all, he knew his Martial Soul's worth.
It was the Gatekeeper.