Holy Soul Village
"Has it already been six years? Tomorrow is the Martial Soul Awakening ceremony…"
Long Cheng thought as he woke up.
Seeing that the bed beside his had already been neatly made, he quickly got up as well. Noticing rice porridge simmering gently on the stove, he headed out toward the mountain to find Tang San.
Activating the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, he arrived at their usual training spot in no time.
When Long Cheng arrived, Tang San was sitting cross-legged in meditation, clearly cultivating the Xuantian Technique. Soon, Tang San finished. The two exchanged a glance and nodded. Seeing the sun about to rise, they didn't waste words and immediately began absorbing the Eastern Purple Qi to cultivate the Purple Demon Eye.
"Xiao San, how's your progress with the Tongtian Diagram I taught you?" Long Cheng asked after they finished.
"According to what you said, I should be at the peak of Early Acquired Realm. For some reason, my Xuantian Technique just can't break through to the second layer, so lately I've focused more on the Tongtian Diagram."
Long Cheng nodded.
"The Tongtian Diagram specializes in body cultivation. At its peak, external cultivation alone can reach the Innate Realm. After that, although there aren't clear stages, you can still improve—it's just slower.
As for your Xuantian Technique, I'm not sure. I've never cultivated it. But tomorrow is the Martial Soul Awakening ceremony. Maybe it has something to do with your martial soul? Let's head back. Father should be waking up."
Tang San nodded. They used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track again to descend the mountain swiftly.
Perhaps because Tang San had been an orphan in his previous life, he treasured family deeply.
When Long Cheng had "accidentally" discovered Tang San cultivating, Tang San shared the Tang Sect techniques with him without hesitation. Long Cheng was deeply moved—he knew how important the Tang Sect inheritance was to Tang San. In return, he taught Tang San the foundation technique of Stellar Transformations: the Tongtian Diagram.
In this world, the age limit of spirit rings one could absorb depended on physical strength. The Tongtian Diagram enhanced the body and purified it through spiritual energy refinement—extremely beneficial for future cultivation.
As for where it came from, Long Cheng simply said it was obtained from his jade pendant. Tang San didn't question it. He trusted his brother.
(Note: Without the complete Stellar Transformations method, the Tongtian Diagram alone is just a powerful body-tempering technique.)
When they returned to the blacksmith shop, Tang Hao slowly walked out of his room. His face was waxy yellow, his hair messy like a bird's nest, and his cloudy eyes carried a hint of lifelessness.
This was Tang Hao—once the youngest Titled Douluo in history.
Because his wife had been a 100,000-year spirit beast in human form, she was hunted by Spirit Hall. That tragedy dragged down his sect, and ultimately she sacrificed herself for him.
Tang Hao said little, only reminding Tang San and Long Cheng that tomorrow was the awakening ceremony.
After a simple breakfast, the day passed as usual: Tang Hao forging, Tang San and Long Cheng assisting.
The next morning, shortly after returning from cultivation, Village Chief Old Jack arrived.
"Xiao San, Xiao Cheng! Grandpa Jack is here to take you!"
The two followed him to the so-called Spirit Hall branch. In truth, it was just a larger wooden house used only during the annual awakening.
"Remember to be polite to the Spirit Master," Old Jack reminded them. "If you become one, you'll rise above common folk. Don't end up like that drunkard father of yours."
Then he explained why it was called Holy Soul Village—because long ago, a Soul Saint had come from here.
Tang San asked, "Grandpa Jack, what exactly is a Spirit Master?"
Old Jack explained the ranks: Soul Scholar, Soul Master, Grand Soul Master, Soul Elder, Soul Ancestor, Soul King, Soul Emperor, Soul Saint, Soul Douluo, and Titled Douluo. Every ten levels marked a new realm. A Titled Douluo was said to be nearly invincible.
When they arrived, most children were already present.
The young man in charge was Su Yuntao—the same as in the original story.
He appeared about twenty, sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, wearing a white uniform and black cloak with the Spirit Hall emblem on his chest.
After Old Jack finished his usual speech, Su Yuntao sighed impatiently.
"I've already visited six villages this year. Not a single one with soul power."
Old Jack's expression dimmed.
"For commoners like us, becoming a Spirit Master is far too difficult…"
He left.
Su Yuntao turned to the children gently.
"Stand in a line. No matter what happens, don't be afraid."
Long Cheng stood at the far left; Tang San beside him.
Su Yuntao introduced himself as a Level 26 Battle Soul Grandmaster, then summoned his martial soul—Lone Wolf.
Two spirit rings appeared beneath him: one white, one yellow. Gray fur spread across his body; his eyes glowed green.
Tang San watched in fascination—this was his first true interest in Spirit Masters. Long Cheng, though already aware of it all, felt his heart stir as well.
This was the beginning of the life of brilliance he had longed for.
And soon… he would see the one he had missed for six years.
Chapter 4 – Awakening
"Ah—!"
The first boy nearly fled in terror when Su Yuntao, possessed by his Lone Wolf martial soul, approached.
"Don't be afraid. This is my martial soul," Su Yuntao reassured.
Six green lights shot into six black stones arranged for the ceremony. They glowed golden, forming a light barrier around the boy.
Golden particles floated into the boy's body. He trembled.
"Extend your right hand," Su Yuntao instructed.
A sickle appeared in the boy's palm.
"It's a Tool Martial Soul. A sickle… barely counts as a weapon."
Testing with a blue crystal ball showed no soul power.
"Next."
One by one, children awakened. No soul power.
The seventh child awakened Blue Silver Grass—still no soul power.
When it was Tang San's turn, Blue Silver Grass appeared as well. Su Yuntao almost didn't bother testing.
But Tang San insisted.
The moment his hand touched the crystal ball, it shone brilliantly.
"Heavens… Innate Full Soul Power!"