Chapter 5: Wuhun Appears in Donghuang!
This was a primordial land, pulsating with the aura of an ancient past.
In the sky, clouds rolled like waves as giant birds soared above.
On the ground, ferocious beasts ran rampant, their roars shaking the heavens.
Amidst it all stood a man, holding a colossal golden clock. His presence was domineering, and no one dared oppose him. Opposite him, twelve figures loomed like demonic gods, exuding terrifying auras. Their bodies radiated boundless energy as they commanded the forces of wind, fire, thunder, and lightning.
The clash between the two forces seemed inevitable.
The scene shifted, and the golden clock lay broken and abandoned on the ground. Then, suddenly, it flickered with golden light before vanishing.
Back in Holy Soul Village, inside a wooden house, Shen Lang quietly extended his left hand.
A miniature golden bell materialized in his palm.
"Donghuang Bell?" Shen Lang muttered under his breath, quickly concealing it before anyone noticed.
Bang!
The blue crystal ball shattered under the immense pressure, scattering fragments across the floor.
Su Yuntao's face darkened.
"My crystal ball... shattered?"
Shen Lang looked at him apologetically.
"Sorry, is my soul power too strong?"
Su Yuntao hesitated before responding.
"This is the first time I've seen a crystal ball break during a test. It could mean your soul power exceeded its limits… or the ball was simply worn out and overdue for replacement."
Either way, Su Yuntao didn't linger on the issue. "Well, the martial spirit awakening is over. I have to head to the next village."
He packed his belongings and headed out. As he opened the door, Old Jack was waiting outside with eager eyes.
"Master, how was it? Do any of our children have the potential to become soul masters this year?"
Su Yuntao sighed but answered truthfully.
"Yes, two of them possess innate full soul power, but unfortunately…"
Old Jack's eyes sparkled with hope.
"But what?"
"Unfortunately, one has Blue Silver Grass, and the other has a Black Canary. Useless martial spirits."
Old Jack's excitement deflated. He had lived long enough to understand the significance of full innate soul power, but to see it wasted on such martial spirits was truly disheartening.
As the children filed out of the house, Old Jack quickly approached Tang San and Shen Lang.
"Xiao San, Lang'er, what martial spirits did you awaken?"
"Grandpa Jack, mine is Blue Silver Grass. And Shen Lang's martial spirit is Black Canary," Tang San replied, casting a dissatisfied glance at Shen Lang. "He even joked earlier that I had a connection to Blue Silver Grass!"
Old Jack sighed, disappointment etched on his face.
"Blue Silver Grass and Black Canary… Innate full soul power on both of you, yet such martial spirits."
"I'm going back," Shen Lang interrupted, heading home without another word. His thoughts were consumed by his awakening. He needed to understand his martial spirit better.
A useless martial spirit? We'll see.
As Shen Lang walked off, Old Jack turned to Tang San, determination in his eyes.
"Xiao San, you have extraordinary talent despite your martial spirit. I think you should attend the special academy in Notting City to learn the soul master's path. Lang'er will go too. The village will cover the costs!"
Tang San hesitated but finally said, "Grandpa Jack, you'll need to ask my dad first."
Old Jack frowned. He wasn't looking forward to confronting Tang Hao, but he knew it was necessary.
"Let's go, Xiao San. Grandpa will talk to your father."
At the blacksmith's workshop, Tang Hao was resting as usual when Old Jack's voice shattered the peace.
"Tang Hao! Come out here!"
After a moment, Tang Hao pulled back the curtain and emerged. His rugged appearance and cold demeanor didn't faze Old Jack.
"What do you want, Old Jack?" Tang Hao asked gruffly.
"Today was Xiao San's martial spirit awakening. Do you even care?"
Tang Hao ignored the jab and turned to his son.
"San'er, what martial spirit did you awaken?"
"It's Blue Silver Grass," Tang San replied.
Tang Hao's expression faltered for a moment. He murmured, "Blue Silver Grass…"
"Although his martial spirit is Blue Silver Grass, Xiao San has innate full soul power!" Old Jack interjected. "I've decided to send him to the Notting City Junior Soul Master Academy. The village will cover the expenses. And Lang'er will go too!"
But Tang Hao's response stunned Old Jack.
"No."
"What did you say?" Old Jack demanded. "Do you realize the opportunity you're throwing away? With his talent, he could become the first soul master from our village in years!"
Tang Hao's voice was low but firm.
"I said no. Leave."
Old Jack was furious.
"Do you know what a soul master means for our village? With innate full soul power, all he needs is a soul ring to start on the path! Are you seriously going to ruin his future?"
Tang Hao's expression turned icy.
"Soul masters are worthless. Even with the strongest martial spirit, they're powerless to protect what truly matters."
His voice trembled with emotion.
"I won't let Xiao San repeat my mistakes."
With that, Tang Hao grabbed Tang San's hand and walked away.
Back at home, Shen Lang reflected on the events. Despite Su Yuntao's dismissal, he couldn't accept the notion of a useless martial spirit.
"Donghuang Bell… a waste? We'll see about that," he muttered to himself.
Shen Lang clenched his fist, determination burning in his eyes. He vowed to uncover the full potential of his martial spirit, no matter what others thought.
(End of Chapter)