# Chapter 2: Awakening
The morning after Chen Sheng's encounter with Tang San by the mountain, excitement rippled through Saint Spirit Village like wildfire. Word had spread that a Soul Master from Notting City would arrive to conduct the annual martial soul awakening ceremony—the most important day in any six-year-old's life.
Chen Sheng had been waiting for this moment since the day he was reborn into this world. After six years of relentless training, six years of patient observation, and six years of hoping for some kind of supernatural advantage, the awakening ceremony represented his first real chance to change his fate.
"Grandpa Jack, how long will the awakening ceremony take?" Chen Sheng asked, barely able to contain his excitement as he helped the elderly village chief tend to his morning chores. The anticipation in his voice was genuine—after all, this day would determine whether he had any chance of becoming a Soul Master, or if he would remain an ordinary villager forever.
Old Jack paused in his work, noting the unusual enthusiasm in his adopted grandson's voice. In all his years of raising Chen Sheng, he had rarely seen the boy so openly emotional about anything. The child was typically calm and composed beyond his years, making this display of excitement all the more endearing.
"The awakening ceremony will be in two days, little Sheng," Jack replied with a warm smile, his weathered hands continuing to work as he spoke. "Master Su Yuntao from Notting City is quite busy—he has several villages to visit. I'll come to call for you when it's time."
"Thank you, Grandpa Jack. I'll go back and prepare myself," Chen Sheng said, bowing respectfully before turning to leave. His mind was already racing with possibilities and preparations.
"Go ahead, child. Get some rest—you'll need your strength for the ceremony," Jack called after him, though he couldn't help but notice that Chen Sheng seemed more energized than tired.
The next two days passed with agonizing slowness for Chen Sheng, though he maintained his rigorous training schedule. Each morning, he would complete his punishing routine at the foot of the mountain, pushing his young body to its limits. However, something strange had begun happening during his exercises—he could swear he felt the presence of something powerful stirring within him.
*Could it be...?* Chen Sheng wondered as he finished his morning runs. Based on his knowledge of this world and his own background as an abandoned prince of the Star Luo Empire, there was a distinct possibility that his martial soul would be related to the imperial family's signature White Tiger. The thought both thrilled and terrified him—such a martial soul would mark him as someone significant, but it would also potentially expose his true identity.
On the morning of the awakening ceremony, Chen Sheng woke before dawn, his body practically vibrating with nervous energy. He had dreamed of tigers prowling through starlit forests, their roars echoing with the power of storms and the authority of kings. The dream had felt less like fantasy and more like a memory awakening from deep within his soul.
"Xiao Sheng, grandpa is here to pick you up!" Old Jack's familiar voice called from outside after breakfast, arriving with punctual precision. Chen Sheng had been ready for hours, having bathed, dressed in his cleanest clothes, and mentally rehearsed this moment countless times.
"Coming, Grandpa Jack!" Chen Sheng replied, his voice steady despite the hurricane of emotions swirling in his chest.
As they walked through the village, Jack explained their route. "Since it's on the way, we'll pick up little Tang San first. His father specifically requested that I look after the boy during the ceremony."
Chen Sheng nodded.
They found Tang San waiting outside his modest home, dressed in simple but clean clothing. The boy's dark blue hair caught the morning sunlight, and his young face held the same serious expression that Chen Sheng had grown accustomed to seeing. However, there was an undercurrent of nervous anticipation in Tang San's usually calm demeanor.
"Good morning, Village Chief Jack, Chen Sheng," Tang San greeted them with a respectful bow, his voice carrying the formal politeness that seemed natural to him.
"Morning, Tang San," Chen Sheng replied with a friendly wave. "Ready for the big day?"
Tang San nodded solemnly. "As ready as one can be for something like this."
Under Village Chief Jack's guidance, the small group made their way toward the center of Saint Spirit Village. The so-called Spirit Hall was hardly impressive—just a larger wooden building that served multiple community functions throughout the year. However, on this particular morning, it might as well have been a palace for all the significance it held.
As they approached the building, Chen Sheng could see other families gathering outside. Several children around his age stood with their parents, all wearing their finest clothes and expressions ranging from excitement to terror. The parents whispered prayers and words of encouragement, their faces reflecting the desperate hope that their child might be blessed with the power to transcend their humble circumstances.
Such is the nature of this world, Chen Sheng thought as he observed the gathered villagers. Where power determines everything, and the awakening ceremony is the great lottery that decides your entire future.
Inside the Spirit Hall, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Including Chen Sheng and Tang San, there were six children present for the awakening ceremony. The other four were village children whom Chen Sheng knew by sight, as they mentioned in the original story, their potential was likely limited.
What immediately drew everyone's attention, however, was the young man standing at the front of the hall. This was clearly Master Su Yuntao, the Soul Master from Notting City who would conduct their awakenings. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with sharp, intelligent features and an bearing that spoke of confidence and authority. He wore pristine white clothing with a black cloak draped dramatically over his shoulders—the kind of outfit that immediately marked him as someone important.
"Hello, respected Soul Master. I'm sorry to trouble you with this journey to our humble village," Village Chief Jack said as he approached Su Yuntao, his voice carrying the deep respect that all ordinary people showed to Soul Masters in this world.
Su Yuntao's eyes held a distinct gleam of pride as he acknowledged Jack's greeting. This was understandable—in a world where Soul Masters comprised less than five percent of the total population, even a relatively low-level Soul Master like Su Yuntao enjoyed a status far above ordinary mortals. The combination of rare abilities, extensive training, and societal reverence created an almost aristocratic class that Chen Sheng knew he would need to join to achieve his goals.
"I don't have much time to spare," Su Yuntao replied with barely concealed impatience. "I have several more villages to visit today, and I'd like to finish before nightfall. Let's begin the ceremony immediately."
Village Chief Jack turned to address the children, his weathered face serious but kind. "Children, this is Master Su Yuntao from Notting City. He will guide you through the process of awakening your martial souls. You must listen carefully to his instructions and cooperate fully. Your grandfather hopes that at least one of you will be blessed with the power to become a Soul Master."
Su Yuntao waved dismissively at Jack's speech. "Yes, yes, it's the same speech in every village. I've already visited five communities today and haven't discovered a single individual with soul power. The odds are not in your favor."
Chen Sheng caught the flash of sadness that crossed Village Chief Jack's face at Su Yuntao's blunt words. The old man had probably harbored hopes for years that one of the village children might escape the cycle of poverty and hardship that defined rural life. Such dreams were rarely fulfilled, but they were often all that kept people going. Old Jack went outside to wait for children awakening not to disturb Su Yuntao.
Turning his attention to the assembled children, Su Yuntao's expression became more professional. "My name is Su Yuntao, and I am a Level 26 Great Soul Master. I will be awakening your martial souls shortly. Regardless of what happens during the process, do not be afraid. The awakening can sometimes appear frightening, but it is completely safe."
As he spoke, Su Yuntao opened a leather pack he had brought with him and began removing its contents. First came six black stones, each about the size of a man's fist and polished to a mirror shine. He arranged these in a perfect hexagon on the wooden floor, spacing them with the precision of someone who had performed this ritual countless times. Next, he produced a crystal ball that seemed to capture and reflect light in mesmerizing patterns.
Chen Sheng watched every detail with intense focus. He had read stories about awakening ceremonies in his past life, but seeing the actual process was far more impressive than any written description could convey. The black stones seemed to pulse with contained energy, and the crystal ball practically hummed with potential power.
"Now I will demonstrate my martial soul so you understand what to expect," Su Yuntao announced. "Lone Wolf, possess!"
The transformation was both dramatic and terrifying. Su Yuntao's black hair shifted to silver-gray, his eyes blazed with an eerie green light, and coarse fur sprouted along his hands and arms. His entire frame expanded with muscle and power, taking on the predatory aspect of his martial soul. Most impressive of all, two spirit rings—one white and one yellow—materialized around his body, spinning slowly in orbit around his transformed form.
"Ahhhhhh!"
The younger children's screams of terror echoed through the hall as they instinctively tried to flee from the fearsome sight.
Only Chen Sheng and Tang San remained calm, though for different reasons. Tang San's composure came from his past life's experiences and iron self-discipline, while Chen Sheng's came from his foreknowledge of what to expect.
Interesting, Chen Sheng thought as he studied Su Yuntao's transformation. A beast-type martial soul with decent development potential. Not spectacular, but respectable for someone from a smaller city.
"Don't be afraid!" Su Yuntao called out in his altered voice, which now carried a distinctly lupine quality. "This is my martial soul's possessed state. If any of you successfully become Soul Masters in the future, you will develop similar abilities."
After the children had calmed down and Su Yuntao had returned to his normal appearance, the actual awakening process began. The first child, a nervous boy with perpetually dirt-stained fingers, stepped into the center of the hexagon formation.
Su Yuntao channeled his soul power, sending six streams of green energy into the black stones. Golden light erupted from the formation, enveloping the child in a warm, mystical glow that seemed to reach into the very depths of his being.
"Extend your right hand," Su Yuntao commanded with the authority of ritual.
The child obeyed, and moments later, a small farming fork materialized above his palm—clearly a tool-type martial soul inherited from generations of agricultural work.
Su Yuntao quickly tested the boy's soul power using the crystal ball, but as expected, there was no reaction.
The child had awakened a martial soul but possessed no innate soul power, meaning he would never become a Soul Master.
The pattern repeated itself with depressing consistency. The next child awakened a hoe, followed by a sickle, then a simple spoon. All were tool-type martial souls of the most mundane variety, and none of the children possessed even a trace of soul power. Su Yuntao's expression grew increasingly disappointed with each failed awakening.
Exactly as expected,*Chen Sheng observed. In rural villages like this one, the vast majority of people awaken inherited tool spirits with no combat potential. It's a harsh reminder of how stratified this world really is.
Finally, it was Tang San's turn. Chen Sheng watched with intense interest as the protagonist of this world stepped into the formation. This would be his first opportunity to witness Tang San's legendary dual martial souls, even if the boy would only reveal one of them today.
The golden light enveloped Tang San, and moments later, several strands of unremarkable grass appeared floating above his extended hand. To any observer, it was clearly Blue Silver Grass—one of the most common and supposedly useless martial souls in existence.
Chen Sheng's attention, however, was focused on Tang San's left hand, which was clenched tightly into a fist. The slight trembling in that hand confirmed what Chen Sheng already knew—Tang San was simultaneously awakening his second martial soul, the legendary Clear Sky Hammer, but choosing to conceal it for now.
Su Yuntao looked at Tang San's Blue Silver Grass with visible disappointment. "Blue Silver Grass... well, I suppose we should test your soul power for completeness, but don't expect much."
However, Tang San insisted on the test, stepping forward to place his hand on the crystal ball. The moment his palm made contact, the sphere erupted with brilliant blue light that filled the entire hall with its radiance.
"Full innate soul power!" Su Yuntao exclaimed, his voice cracking with amazement. "In all my years of conducting awakenings, I have never encountered someone born with maximum soul power!"
But then reality set in, and his expression fell. "Unfortunately, your martial soul is Blue Silver Grass. Even with full innate soul power, your development will be severely limited. It's... a tragic waste of potential."
Chen Sheng had to suppress a smile at Su Yuntao's assessment. If only the man knew what Tang San would eventually accomplish with that "useless" Blue Silver Grass martial soul.
But suddenly, as Chen Sheng's excitement reached its peak in anticipation of his own turn, something extraordinary happened. A translucent screen flickered into existence before his eyes, visible only to him, accompanied by a sound that seemed to resonate directly in his mind:
『Ding! DETECTED perfect soul's excited emotions, all conditions met, System functions loading...』
Chen Sheng's heart nearly stopped. After six years of waiting, of hoping, of training without any supernatural advantages, his golden finger had finally arrived!
『Loading 1%...25%...67%...99%...100%』
『Congratulations to the Master! Emotions Fortune System is at your service!』
The rush of elation that flooded through Chen Sheng was so intense that he almost shouted with joy. Only his years of self-discipline allowed him to maintain his composure, though he couldn't completely suppress the trembling in his hands or the brightness in his eyes.
Finally! he thought triumphantly. After all this time, my system has awakened!
Quickly, he focused his thoughts to communicate with the system. What are your functions? How do you work?
『Functions: When the host causes emotional responses in others, the system will generate treasure chests as rewards. These emotions can be positive or negative—surprise, fear, admiration, anger, love, hatred, or any other strong feeling directed toward the host.』
『Treasure chests contain randomized rewards including but not limited to: Martial Souls, Soul Rings, Soul Power Level Improvement Cards, Martial Soul Evolution Cards, Bloodlines, Special Talent Cards, Cultivation Techniques, Weapons, and various other beneficial items.』
Chen Sheng's mind raced as he processed this information. An emotion-based reward system meant that his path to power would depend not just on cultivation, but on his ability to impact others psychologically. It was perfect for someone with his strategic mindset and knowledge of future events.
"It's your turn," Su Yuntao said, his voice cutting through Chen Sheng's internal celebration. The Soul Master had composed himself after Tang San's surprising results and was now looking at Chen Sheng with professional interest.
Chen Sheng stepped into the center of the hexagon, his heart pounding with anticipation. This was the moment that would determine his future in this world. As the six streams of soul power activated the formation and golden light began to envelop him, he felt something deep within his soul beginning to stir.
The sensation was indescribable—like a great predator awakening from centuries of slumber. Power flowed through his veins like molten metal, and he could feel his connection to something ancient and magnificent strengthening with each passing second.
Then it happened.
"ROAAAAAR!"
A deafening tiger's roar shook the entire Spirit Hall as Chen Sheng's martial soul manifested. Behind him materialized a magnificent White Tiger, easily two meters in length, with silver-white fur marked by bold black stripes that seemed to pulse with inner power. The tiger's golden eyes blazed with intelligence and majesty, and its mere presence filled the room with an aura of dominance that made everyone present instinctively step back.
This was no ordinary White Tiger martial soul—it was the royal bloodline of the Star Luo Empire, the signature martial soul of the imperial family, awakened in all its terrible glory.
Su Yuntao's eyes went wide with shock and excitement. "A White Tiger martial soul! And such a powerful manifestation! This is a high-grade beast spirit, similar in classification to my Lone Wolf but far more potent!"
『DING! DETECTED Su Yuntao's Surprise emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Chen Sheng felt a surge of satisfaction as his system registered its first reward. But almost immediately, another notification followed:
『DING! DETECTED Tang San's Surprise emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Excellent, Chen Sheng thought, barely able to contain his excitement. Two treasure chests already, and I haven't even been tested for soul power yet.
However, he noticed that none of the other children had triggered rewards, which puzzled him momentarily.
『Important Reminder: Only characters that are significantly connected to the main plot of Douluo Continent can trigger treasure chest rewards. Background characters and extras will not activate the system.』
Ah, that makes sense, Chen Sheng realized. The system is designed to reward interactions with important figures, not random villagers. This actually makes it more valuable—every chest I earn will be from someone who matters.
"Now let's test your soul power," Su Yuntao said eagerly, his earlier disappointments forgotten in the face of Chen Sheng's impressive martial soul. "Beast spirits generally have much higher rates of soul power manifestation than tool spirits."
Chen Sheng approached the crystal ball with measured steps, his mind focused on the task ahead. As his hand made contact with the smooth surface, he felt his soul power flowing outward, connecting with the testing device.
The crystal ball began to glow, but the light was noticeably dimmer than the blazing radiance Tang San had produced. Still, it was clearly visible and steady, indicating genuine soul power.
"Innate soul power level six!" Su Yuntao announced with genuine excitement. "Congratulations, young man! With a White Tiger martial soul and level six soul power, you have the potential to become at least a Soul Emperor, possibly even a Soul Saint!"
The significance of this announcement was not lost on anyone present. In the entire Douluo Continent, level six innate soul power was considered the mark of a true genius, especially when combined with a high-grade martial soul. Chen Sheng had just revealed himself as one of the most promising talents Su Yuntao had ever encountered.
『DING! DETECTED Su Yuntao's Excitement emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Three chests already, Chen Sheng thought with satisfaction. And the awakening ceremony isn't even over yet.
Su Yuntao quickly packed his equipment, his entire demeanor transformed by the discovery of not one but two potential Soul Masters in this humble village. As he prepared to leave, Village Chief Jack approached him with nervous anticipation.
"Master Su Yuntao, how did the ceremony go? Did any of our children show potential to become Soul Masters?"
Su Yuntao's face broke into the first genuine smile he had shown all day. "Village Chief Jack, your village has been blessed by the heavens this year. You have not one, but two children with the potential to become Soul Masters."
He gestured toward Tang San first. "This boy awakened Blue Silver Grass, which is typically considered a useless martial soul. However, he possesses full innate soul power—level ten, the maximum possible. While his martial soul may limit his ultimate achievements, he will definitely be able to obtain a soul ring and become at least a basic Soul Master."
Then Su Yuntao turned to Chen Sheng, his expression growing even more animated. "And this young man... he has awakened a White Tiger martial soul of exceptional quality, combined with level six innate soul power. His potential far exceeds my own. With proper training and resources, he could become one of the continent's great powers."
Village Chief Jack's weathered face lit up with joy and pride. Tears actually began to form in his eyes as he processed this incredible news. "Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Our little village finally has Soul Masters again!"
The overwhelming pride and joy radiating from his adoptive grandfather was so intense that Chen Sheng felt it like a physical force. This was the man who had saved him from certain death, raised him with love and care, and now was experiencing the greatest happiness of his life hearing about Chen Sheng's potential.
『DING! DETECTED Village Chief Jack's Pride and Joy emotions toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Four treasure chests now, Chen Sheng thought with satisfaction, deeply moved by Old Jack's emotional response. And this one feels the most meaningful of all.
"Indeed," Su Yuntao agreed. "I must return to Notting City immediately to file my report. Both boys should consider enrolling in a Soul Master academy as soon as possible. Their talents are far too valuable to waste in a rural village."
As Su Yuntao gathered his belongings and prepared to depart, Chen Sheng's mind was already racing ahead to the implications of what had just occurred. He now possessed three treasure chests from his emotion system, a powerful White Tiger martial soul, and level six soul power—all the tools he needed to begin his rise to power in this world.
But more importantly, he had managed to position himself perfectly above Tang San without overshadowing the protagonist too dramatically. His level six soul power was impressive but not so overwhelming as to completely steal Tang San's thunder. This balance would be crucial for his future plans.
The pieces are falling into place, Chen Sheng thought as he watched Su Yuntao leave the Spirit Hall. Now comes the real challenge—using these advantages to carve out my own path while staying close enough to the main plot to maximize my opportunities.
The awakening ceremony was over, but Chen Sheng's true journey in the world of Douluo Continent was just beginning.
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