Chapter 3: Su Yuntao
After Shen Lang finished speaking, he stretched out his hand, easily picked up the large hammer, and weighed it.
"It's a bit light," he remarked casually.
Clang! The hammer struck the iron, leaving a deep impression.
Tang San gasped in shock.
He had always needed to rely on his Xuantian Gong technique just to lift the hammer, and even then, his forging speed was painstakingly slow. Yet Shen Lang seemed to wield it as if it were a toy!
"Shen Lang, I can't believe you're this strong!" Tang San exclaimed.
"It's alright. Honestly, seeing your dedication every day has been a huge inspiration for me," Shen Lang replied with a smile, setting the hammer down.
"Thank me? For what? Anyway, Grandpa Jack mentioned the martial spirit awakening ceremony in a few days. Are you planning to attend?" Tang San asked.
"Sure, I'll check it out," Shen Lang replied. The ceremony piqued his curiosity. After all, he wanted to see what kind of martial spirit he might awaken.
"Grandpa Jack said if you awaken an exceptional martial spirit, you could become a soul master. The deacon conducting the ceremony this year is a Great Soul Master from Notting City's Spirit Hall branch," Tang San added with a conspiratorial tone.
Shen Lang nodded. "We'll see. It should be interesting."
Three days passed quickly.
During this time, Shen Lang devoted himself to practicing the Heaven-Devouring Demon Art and improving his strength. Though he hadn't yet achieved the highest level of the Three Thousand Thunders technique, his progress was steady, and he felt confident.
Old Jack arrived at the blacksmith shop on the appointed day but refrained from stepping inside, likely due to his dislike of Tang Hao. He called out from the entrance.
"Xiao San, Grandpa is here to pick you up!"
Tang San turned to his father, who responded coldly, "Go on, but don't forget to make lunch."
"Understood, Dad!" Tang San replied before leaving with Old Jack and Shen Lang.
The three walked along a gravel path towards the Spirit Hall.
"Xiao San, you've been practicing diligently for years. I believe you'll awaken a powerful martial spirit. But remember, don't get complacent," Old Jack encouraged, glancing at the vast farmland surrounding them.
Turning to Shen Lang, he added, "Lang'er, you've only just started practicing, but I hope you take the awakening seriously. The Holy Soul Village has high hopes for you too."
"Grandpa Jack, I'll do my best," Tang San said resolutely.
Shen Lang chuckled. "Tang San, look at all that blue silver grass growing around us. Don't you feel a strange connection to it?"
Tang San frowned. "What are you trying to say, Shen Lang?"
"If I awaken a martial spirit like Blue Silver Grass, I might just eat it out of frustration!" Tang San joked, masking his nerves.
Soon, the trio arrived at the Spirit Hall.
The building wasn't particularly imposing—a simple large wooden house with a signboard bearing the words "Spirit Hall." Despite its humble appearance, every village had a branch, as martial spirit awakening ceremonies were a staple of life in the Douluo Continent.
Inside, Shen Lang saw a young man in his twenties. He was handsome, with sharp features, wearing a white robe and a black cape. The fist-sized Soul emblem on his chest identified him as an official of the Spirit Hall.
The badge on his chest depicted three crossed swords, marking him as a Great Soul Master.
"So, this must be Su Yuntao. A combat soul master, huh? I wonder how strong he really is," Shen Lang mused.
Old Jack greeted Su Yuntao respectfully. "Greetings, honored Soul Master. Thank you for coming all this way."
Su Yuntao nodded impatiently, then moved to the center of the hall. "I am Su Yuntao, a Battle Soul Master. The awakening ceremony will now begin!"
Turning to the children, Su Yuntao said, "Line up, and don't be afraid, no matter what happens."
Su Yuntao opened his package, revealing six black stones and a glowing crystal ball. He placed the stones in a hexagonal formation on the ground and motioned for the first child to step forward.
"Close your eyes and focus," Su Yuntao instructed gently.
Suddenly, his eyes glowed green, and his voice deepened. "Lone Wolf, possessed!"
A green light enveloped him, and his body transformed—his eyes became feral, his hair turned gray, and his nails sharpened into claws. Two halos glimmered at his feet.
"This is a werewolf!" Shen Lang exclaimed under his breath.
The first child trembled, terrified by Su Yuntao's transformation.
"Don't be afraid. This is my martial spirit, Lone Wolf. If you become a soul master, you'll gain similar abilities," Su Yuntao reassured the boy.
A golden light emerged from Su Yuntao's hands and entered the child's body. "Stretch out your right hand," he instructed.
A miniature sickle appeared in the boy's hand.
"Your martial spirit is a weapon. Let's test your soul power."
Su Yuntao handed the child the crystal ball, but nothing happened. Shaking his head in disappointment, he gestured for the next child to step forward.
One by one, the children stepped into the hexagon, but Su Yuntao's disappointment only grew. Finally, it was Tang San's turn.
To Be Continued...