Chapter 22: A Different Martial Soul Awakening
*So this is the legendary Tang God King? Doesn't look like much.*
An'er—Old Jack's granddaughter—listened half-heartedly to his nervous chatter while curiously eyeing Tang San.
Just curiosity, really. Tang San never left his house or the hillside, and never spoke to villagers. And Anjila, a transmigrator raised on Zhonghua values with a solid moral compass, had zero interest in the so-called "Tang God King."
She'd only ever seen his back from afar. Today was their first real meeting.
In fact, most of the village children here for awakening—and some of their parents—were seeing the reclusive blacksmith's son for the first time too.
Anjila tore her gaze away from Tang San and sighed inwardly. *After this, we're enemies.* She'd already decided: once her martial soul awakened, she'd head straight for Spirit Hall.
As someone steeped in Zhonghua history, she couldn't possibly join Shrek Academy—a faction that glorified regression—when Spirit Hall represented relative progress.
Besides, she was a girl. Why would she choose Shrek, home to a lustful tiger, a brothel-loving phoenix, and lecherous old men, over Spirit Hall—with its leggy, beautiful female knights and strikingly handsome elder masters?
She knew her current appearance was stunning. She could already imagine the harassment she'd face if she ended up in Shrek.
*Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps!*
"A bit delayed on the road, Old Jack. Nine children to awaken this year?"
A young man in his twenties—sharp-featured, with sword-like brows and clad in Spirit Hall's official attire—strode in, snapping everyone from their private thoughts.
"No trouble at all, Master Su Yuntao. We're grateful for your help, as always."
Old Jack bowed respectfully. Su Yuntao had handled awakenings here for years—familiar, but still a Spirit Master deserving of honor.
"Let's begin. I've got another village to reach. Children, follow me."
After a slight bow to Old Jack, Su Yuntao ushered the nine kids into the wooden hut without delay.
"Ah… hope we get a real Spirit Master this year."
Old Jack watched them go with a wistful sigh. He knew the odds—Spirit Village rarely produced even one true talent. His "hope" was just comfort for the anxious parents.
Inside, Anjila watched, fascinated, as Su Yuntao activated his martial soul to awaken each child. *Truly magical,* she thought. *Only in a xuanhuan world.*
Soon, it was her turn.
A warm, golden light enveloped her. Deep within, something surged toward her palms.
Su Yuntao's eyes lit up. *This one… might be special!*
As the awakening completed, Tang San locked onto the strange sword-and-shield in Anjila's hands. *Confirmed—she wasn't in my past life!*
*A super martial soul?! How is this possible?!*
Su Yuntao, about to test her spirit power, suddenly shivered. *Such intense killing intent!*
He whipped around—but saw only a blue-haired boy in patched clothes.
*Weird… Did I imagine it?*
"Uncle?"
Anjila's tentative voice pulled him back.
"Ah! Right—let's test your spirit power."
He shook off the unease. Probably just nerves. This girl could be his ticket to promotion!
The spirit power crystal flared brilliantly.
Su Yuntao nearly jumped for joy.
Tang San, meanwhile, crushed another surge of murderous rage.
*That martial soul must block killing intent,* he realized. As the former Shura God King, his killing aura was precise—aimed straight at Anjila. Yet she showed no reaction, while Su Yuntao—standing in the same line—only felt a faint chill.
"Full innate spirit power! Child, would you like to join Spirit Hall? With your talent, you can go straight to Spirit City—the holy land of all Spirit Masters! Far grander than Notting City!"
Su Yuntao gripped Anjila's hand, eyes gleaming, terrified she might vanish.
She tugged gently—no luck.
"Of course I'll join… but could you please let go of my hand first?"
"Ah! Sorry, sorry! Let's head to the city's Spirit Hall branch right away! What's your name, child?"
He released her, already mentally packing his bags. A rare martial soul plus full innate spirit power? This girl might even speak to the Pope herself! One casual mention of his name, and his career would skyrocket.
"I'm Anjila. But… I want to bring my grandfather."
She had no issue leaving soon—just hoped to take Old Jack, who'd raised her for six years.
"Of course! We'll register at the city branch first, then bring Old Jack to join you in Spirit City! Go tell him now!"
Su Yuntao shooed her out, already gathering his things.
"Uncle… we still have three left to awaken."
Tang San had lost count of how many times he'd suppressed his killing intent today. Twice just now—once when Anjila agreed to join Spirit Hall, again when Su Yuntao tried to leave.
*If only I weren't still a powerless child… no hidden weapons, no martial soul, and my killing intent blocked by that unknown martial soul. With just five Tang Sect techniques, I can't possibly defeat a Spirit Elder.*
*But mark my words—a genius rushing to join Spirit Hall, and a Spirit Elder abandoning his duty to chase her… you've already signed your death warrants.*
"Go on, go on! Can't you see I'm busy?" Su Yuntao snapped. *One prodigy from this village is a miracle. The rest are a waste of time.*
"Uncle…"
Tang San forced his face into a trembling, near-tearful expression. *You'll pay for making a future God King wear this pathetic mask.*
"Ugh, fine! But don't expect another full spirit power like hers."
Seeing Tang San's "distress" and the hopeful faces of the other two children, Su Yuntao relented. Three more kids wouldn't take long—and denying them a chance felt cruel.