The first rays of dawn spread across Azure Maple City, bathing its towering walls in a warm golden light. Yet long before the sun had fully risen, the city was already alive with excitement.
Today was the Awakening Ceremony.
Once every year, every youth who had reached the age of sixteen gathered at the Martial Soul Hall to awaken the power that would determine the course of their lives.
Some would awaken powerful Martial Souls and be recruited by great sects, becoming cultivators who could command the wind and split mountains.
Others would awaken ordinary souls and spend their lives as merchants, blacksmiths, hunters, or farmers.
No one could choose their Martial Soul.
It was the heavens that decided.
...
Among the crowd stood a young man dressed in a simple blue robe. His black hair was tied behind his head, and his calm eyes quietly observed the bustling square.
His name was Lin Yuan.
Unlike the excited youths around him, he remained unusually composed.
"Lin Yuan!"
A cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts.
A chubby boy squeezed through the crowd with a grin.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere."
Lin Yuan smiled faintly.
"You're early, Fatty Zhou."
"I'm not early. You're just too calm!" Zhou Peng laughed. "Don't tell me you're not nervous."
Lin Yuan looked toward the towering Martial Soul Hall.
"I've waited sixteen years. Another few moments won't change anything."
"Hah, easy for you to say."
Zhou Peng lowered his voice.
"Everyone says you'll awaken at least an Earth Grade Martial Soul. Your parents were famous cultivators before they disappeared."
Lin Yuan's expression became complicated.
His parents...
Ten years ago, they had vanished without a trace during an expedition into the Forbidden Mountains.
No bodies were ever found.
Since then, he had lived alone, surviving on the small inheritance they left behind.
"I hope they're right," he replied quietly.
A loud bell echoed across the square.
Dong—
Dong—
Dong—
The crowd instantly fell silent.
The enormous bronze doors of the Martial Soul Hall slowly opened.
Dozens of elders dressed in white robes walked out before lining both sides of the entrance.
At their center stood an elderly man with silver hair and sharp eyes.
He was the Hall Master of Azure Maple City's Martial Soul Hall.
"Elder Gu."
His mere presence caused everyone to instinctively lower their heads.
Elder Gu swept his gaze across the gathered youths.
"Today, each of you will awaken your Martial Soul."
"Remember this well."
"A powerful Martial Soul may grant you a head start, but arrogance ruins even the greatest genius."
"A weak Martial Soul does not mean your path ends today."
His voice paused briefly.
"But your talent... will determine how far you can ultimately go."
Many youths clenched their fists.
Everyone knew what those words truly meant.
Talent was everything.
The Awakening Ceremony began.
One by one, names were called.
"Liu Chen."
A handsome youth stepped onto the platform and placed his hand upon a crystal pillar nearly twice his height.
The Awakening Crystal radiated dazzling blue light.
A long spear materialized behind him.
"Eighth Grade Common Martial Soul—Iron Spear."
Applause broke out.
"Not bad."
"The Iron Spear is excellent for battle."
Another youth stepped forward.
"Xu Mei."
A green lotus bloomed behind her.
"Seventh Grade Common Martial Soul—Spirit Lotus."
The elders nodded approvingly.
One awakening followed another.
Some smiled in joy.
Others left the platform with disappointed expressions.
As the morning passed, no one had awakened anything beyond the Common Grade.
Many spectators began whispering.
"It seems this year's talents are average."
"I heard someone from the Lin family is participating."
"They say his parents were extraordinary."
"Perhaps he'll awaken a Heaven Grade Martial Soul."
Soon, a clear voice echoed across the hall.
"Lin Yuan."
The entire square became quiet.
Thousands of eyes turned toward the young man.
Lin Yuan slowly stepped forward.
Every step echoed through the silent hall.
He stood before the towering Awakening Crystal.
For a brief moment, he closed his eyes.
Father... Mother...
Wherever you are... I won't disappoint you.
He extended his right hand and gently placed it upon the crystal.
The Awakening Crystal trembled.
A soft gray light emerged from within.
The light grew brighter...
And brighter...
The crowd held its breath.
Even Elder Gu narrowed his eyes.
What kind of Martial Soul would the son of those two awaken?
The answer was about to be revealed.