The morning sun rose like a golden disc above Holy Spirit Village, casting a warm glow over its simple homes and dusty roads. Smoke curled from chimneys. Roosters crowed. Somewhere in the distance, a hammer struck metal — Tang Hao was awake, but whether he was sober, no one knew.
Inside a modest hut near the village's edge, Lin Feng finished his breakfast quietly — a simple bowl of rice and steamed vegetables.
"Big day," he muttered.
His eyes drifted toward the window. He had practiced Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track until midnight. His body was sore, but his mind was sharp. The system had even rewarded him with +5% Proficiency overnight.
Just then, a knock echoed from the door.
Tap. Tap.
"Lin Feng," came the soft voice of Grandpa Jack.
When Lin Feng opened the door, he found the old village chief standing beside Tang San, who nodded politely.
"Come along, child," Jack said, smiling. "It's time for your Martial Soul Awakening."
"The Spirit Hall envoy is waiting at the old ancestral hall."
"Let's not be late.
---
Spirit Hall Branch, Holy Spirit Village
The building was old but well maintained. Red banners fluttered lightly from the beams, and inside, six other children were already lined up — nervous, fidgeting, whispering to each other. Ages ranged from 6 to 6 what can you expect 90 year old man.
Lin Feng slipped in beside Tang San, eyes cool and calm.
Suddenly, a strong spiritual pressure swept through the room.
Tap... Tap... Tap...
A tall man in a white robe and black armor walked in. His hair was slicked back, and he wore the emblem of Spirit Hall on his chest.
"I am Su Yuntao, your awakening instructor," the man announced in a deep voice.
The children fell silent.
Then, with a sweep of his hand, Su Yuntao summoned his martial soul.
---
"Lone Wolf!"
A glowing light burst from his body. Behind him, a phantom wolf howled — snarling, eyes gleaming. His muscles bulged. His spirit energy surged.
The children gasped. One girl shrieked and hid behind her friend.
"It's a beast!"
"Is that a real wolf?!"
But Lin Feng didn't flinch.
Neither did Tang San.
They stood calmly while Su Yuntao smiled, amused.
"Hm? Two brave ones," he said, looking at Lin Feng and Tang San. "Interesting."
---
System Notification
[Ding! Plot Match Detected – Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony]
Objective: Interfere for alternate result
Bonus: Unique Martial Soul or Hidden Ring Unlock
PP Available: 100
Suggested: Use 50 PP for "Random Soul Mutation (Common Tier)"
"Just 50 for a possible mutation?"
"Do it."
Lin Feng gave a subtle nod and tapped the invisible interface.
[Plot Intervention Confirmed]
Result will occur at awakening.
Good luck, Host.
"Form a line," Su Yuntao barked. "I'll awaken your martial souls one by one."
Children lined up nervously. Lin Feng was fifth. Tang San was sixth.
The first child stepped forward.
Su Yuntao placed his hands on the boy's shoulders, spiritual light flared, and...
"A rake... Martial Soul: farming tool. No spirit power."
He sighed.
"Next!"
One by one, the children went forward. One got a sickle, another a broken gourd. One girl awakened a blue flower, but had no spirit power either.
Finally, it was Lin Feng's turn.
He stepped forward, calm, silent.
Spirit energy surged.
BOOM!
The room trembled slightly.
A strange light glowed behind Lin Feng — twisting, rippling, not one form but two blurry shadows fighting to form a whole.
"What the...?" Su Yuntao narrowed his eyes.
The shadows coalesced into a crimson flame dagger — sleek, sharp, wrapped in smoky red mist — but behind it flickered a mirror fragment that quickly vanished.
"A dagger?" Jack said, puzzled.
"No… that's not just a dagger," Su Yuntao muttered. "It feels... unstable."
[Ding! Martial Soul Mutation Complete!]
Result: Blood Dagger (Mutated Tool-Type)
Trait: Can absorb trace spirit essence from defeated beasts (low rate)
Bonus Ability (locked): "Mirror Counter – Fragmented"
Spirit Power: Level 3
"A spirit-absorbing weapon soul?" Lin Feng's eyes gleamed.
"That wasn't even the best-case scenario, and it's already broken."
Su Yuntao looked intrigued.
"Tool-type martial soul... but not ordinary. Good talent, decent spirit power."
He clapped once. "Let's continue. Next!"
Tang San stepped forward.