Not long after his sixth birthday, on a morning where sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, casting golden patches of light, the atmosphere in the spacious meditation room of the Li residence—usually used by Li Zhaoyan for training and quiet cultivation—felt particularly solemn and secretive. The air seemed to carry a faint, almost imperceptible energy fluctuation, silently heralding that this day would be an extremely important one for the family.
At the center of the meditation room, a simple yet profound Awakening Array had been meticulously arranged. Several pitch-black, peculiarly textured Awakening Stones, gleaming with an inner light, were placed in grooves on the floor according to an ancient and specific pattern, forming a mysterious bridge that connected the latent power within the human body to the Martial Soul Laws of the world. The entire array emitted a soft, peculiar energy fluctuation, adding a sense of sanctity to the room.
Ye Wantang had deliberately worn a formal light-purple gown today. She gently knelt down, carefully smoothing the collars and slightly disheveled hair of Marco and Ye Lingling, her eyes filled with encouragement and a hint of barely concealed nervousness. Although she had full confidence in the two children's talents, knowing their gifts were extraordinary—Marco was remarkably precocious, with a physique far surpassing his peers; Lingling had inherited her bloodline, making the awakening of the Nine Heart Begonia almost certain—Martial Soul Awakening was a lifelong matter, and no parent could remain completely calm at such a moment. She softly stroked the two children's heads and gently reminded them, "Marco, Lingling, relax, just like when you usually sense Soul Power." No matter the outcome, you will always be your father and mother's pride."
Li Zhaoyan stood before the array in his training attire, hands clasped behind his back, his expression as steady as a rock. Yet, his sharp, hawk-like eyes held more gravity and hidden anticipation than usual. He took a deep breath and spoke in a resonant, steady voice, carrying a powerful aura that brought reassurance: "Marco, Lingling, remember, the Martial Soul is an extension of a Soul Master's life, an innate partner, another facet of your soul. It may be powerful, supportive, or peculiar, but no matter what Martial Soul awakens, it is a unique part of you. Learn to accept it, feel it, and ultimately master it. Relax your body and mind, carefully sense the dormant power within, guide it, embrace it."
"Father, I'll go first," Marco stepped forward, his tone calm and unwavering. His ice-blue eyes showed no trace of the tension expected of a six-year-old child, only a quiet anticipation. Seeing his sister's small hands clenched tightly and her delicate face wearing a timid expression, he wanted to set an example for her and dispel her unease. With steady steps, he walked to the center of the array, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath—not out of nervousness, but to subtly mobilize the soul power and faint Haki Seed that had been accumulating for over two years, a power distinct from this world's Soul Power system yet faintly resonating with it. He actively responded to and guided the unknown force already stirring within him.
Li Zhaoyan watched his eldest son's composed demeanor, a flicker of approval and pride flashing in his eyes. Without another word, he let out a low shout, his aura condensing slightly as vast, torrential Soul Power surged like a bursting river into the Awakening Stones. Instantly, the Awakening Array blazed with light, golden specks gushing forth like awakened sprites, gently yet firmly enveloping Marco in a radiant cocoon of light that swallowed his small figure entirely.
Marco felt a warm, powerful external energy flooding into his body from all directions, rapidly permeating his limbs, bones, meridians, and blood. It resonated intensely—almost boiling—with the innate power he had been sensing and refining over the past two years! In an instant, the dormant phoenix imprint deep within his soul abruptly awakened. An indescribable, searing heat originating from the essence of life erupted from his heart, instantly coursing through his entire body!
A clear, ancient bird cry—as if traversing endless time—echoed from the depths of his soul, carrying an aura of pride, indomitability, and the eternal concept of rebirth. It faintly pierced through the quiet room's barriers, causing the servants waiting outside to instinctively look up and listen!
Dazzling cyan light burst forth from Marco's body, illuminating him like sacred jade, holy and extraordinary. The objects in the quiet room seemed tinged with a cyan glow. The light rapidly converged behind him, twisting and reshaping until it vaguely formed the magnificent silhouette of a divine bird with splendid wings, its body wreathed in leaping cyan flames intertwined with threads of golden fire that seemed alive! The giant bird raised its head in a proud cry, its demeanor haughty and commanding, its gaze sharp as lightning. The cyan flames burning around it did not evoke scorching destruction but instead radiated vast, boundless vitality and a sacred majesty that inspired reverence and the urge to kneel in worship!
"This is...!" Li Zhaoyan's pupils contracted abruptly, his face instantly filled with shock and disbelief. Having traveled the continent for years, he had witnessed countless rare types of Martial Souls, from powerful Beast Martial Souls to bizarre Item Martial Souls, but he had never seen such a peculiar, powerful, and complex avian Martial Soul! The sensation from the cyan flames was incredibly intricate—bearing both the blazing vitality of fire and the gentle nourishment of life energy, along with an indescribable nobility and immortality stemming from the depths of bloodline! This was no ordinary high-level Martial Soul; it might even surpass the category of top-tier Martial Souls!
Ye Wantang instinctively covered her mouth, her beautiful eyes wide with astonishment. As the possessor of the top-tier auxiliary Item Martial Soul, Nine Heart Begonia, she was extremely sensitive to life energy. She could clearly sense the immense, pure life essence within those cyan flames—seemingly more primal and powerful than the healing energy of her Nine Heart Begonia! This completely overturned her understanding!
The cyan light gradually receded, but the extraordinary and awe-inspiring Flame Divine Bird phantom did not vanish entirely. Instead, it transformed into a clear and profound cyan flame imprint, merging into Marco's body like a brand and becoming one with his soul. Simultaneously, a powerful suction force emanated from Marco, wildly drawing energy from the Awakening Array. The light surged once more, even more dazzling than before!
Li Zhaoyan handed the testing crystal to Marco, and instantly, a pure yet heart-palpitating surge of powerful energy rippled out! The entire quiet room was illuminated down to the finest detail by this formidable Innate Soul Power. The light sphere shone steadily and intensely, flawless in its brilliance.
"Innate Soul Power! And... Full Soul Power! Level 10 Full Soul Power!" Li Zhaoyan's voice carried a barely noticeable tremor, as immense joy and shock overwhelmed his mind. Innate Full Soul Power! This was a top-tier talent found in one in ten thousand—no, one in a million! It signified a starting point that was the endpoint for ordinary people! Combined with the Flame Divine Bird, an unprecedented Martial Soul that was clearly no ordinary top-grade one... His son was actually such a prodigious genius! He could already envision a new star rising in the continent's Soul Master world, destined to shine brilliantly across an era!
Ye Wantang was also moved to the point of tearing up, her eyes slightly reddened. She quickly stepped forward a few paces but hesitated, afraid of disturbing her child in his deep fusion with the Martial Soul. She could only clasp her hands tightly in front of her chest, her eyes filled with relief, pride, and indescribable, emotional tears. It was as if she could already see her child's bright future.