Chapter 12: Preparing to Pluck Martial Soul Hall's Wool, Eve of the Shock!_1

The Central Square of the Martial Soul Hall.

At this moment, the place was buzzing with people, extremely lively.

Several Hexagram Arrays made of Awakening Stones were spread across the wide square, with Soul Sages and stronger experts accompanying their younger kin next to the arrays, rubbing their hands in anticipation.

Bi Bidong, wearing an Amethyst Gold Crown, sat cross-legged on the highest, majestic throne, her phoenix-like gaze sweeping over the crowd with an Empress's dignified majesty, looking down from above with imposing grandeur.

The unreachable nobility she exuded dominated the entire venue, so much so that no one dared to look her directly in the eye.

Elders and Bishops, dressed in luxurious garments and exuding formidable auras, stood in two rows below.

"It's quite lively," Luo Yu murmured as he stroked the Soft Bone Charming Rabbit in his arms, surveying the surroundings from the edge of the square and feeling quite moved.

Until now, unable to Transform and constrained by the damn heavenly tribulation, he had to hide and cultivate in the Aquipeia Forest, missing such liveliness for a long time.

Now that he had returned to the human world, he naturally wanted to enjoy the bustling mortal life thoroughly.

A smile played on the corners of Luo Yu's mouth as he considered the timing, which was just right.

Xiaowu was not yet married, Zhu Qing was still unwed, Rongrong was still the little enchantress, and Bai Chenxiang was a bud waiting to blossom...

He calculated and found that the future held boundless prospects, full of potential.

"You, you clearly have nothing good in mind," Hulena said disdainfully from beside him.

"Nonsense."

"Right, I saw that sly smile of yours just now," she retorted.

Luo Yu glared at her and teased, "Alright, smartypants, when is the test starting? I can hardly wait for you to change your tune."

"Hey! You're not really thinking of participating in the awakening, are you?" Hulena asked in surprise.

Luo Yu raised an eyebrow, "Wasn't it you who called me here?"

Hulena scrutinized Luo Yu, shaking her head repeatedly, "I still cannot believe you haven't awakened yet. It just doesn't make sense.

"The way you faced my pressure without flinching, you couldn't have done it without any soul power backing you."

"Is that strange?"

Hulena covered her lips and chuckled, "If that's true, I would gladly give up my title as the number one youth of Martial Soul Hall. If you're so capable, go ahead."

"Never mind, I haven't got the time to spare; I'd rather get some extra sleep," Luo Yu said, lacking any enthusiasm and waving a dismissive hand.

"What are you staring at me like that for?"

Hulena's charming eyes, filled with a desire to explore, gazed at Luo Yu, feeling that this man was very special, completely different from the so-called geniuses in the hall.

"I'm wondering whether you're putting on an act, or you're truly that confident," she mused.

"What do you think?" he asked.

After careful thought, Hulena confidently declared, "I am one hundred percent certain that even if you haven't awakened your soul power, it must be at least level thirty-five."

Luo Yu raised a finger, placing it before Hulena's lips.

"Shh! Don't be hasty."

At that moment, the ceremony was ready to begin, and the Empress stood up, her authoritative and domineering presence radiating throughout the venue.

Completely different from how she behaved with Luo Yu, she was now like an empress from the ninth heaven, grand and luxurious, stunningly beautiful yet imposing.

Her powerful presence made it hard for everyone to breathe, except for Luo Yu, who just smiled lightly.

He pondered, considering his future wife was so outstanding, should he stop trying hard?

Might he consider living off her?

When the Empress spoke, the entire crowd fell silent, so still it seemed that even the wind had ceased.

"All present are the finest direct disciples of the Martial Soul Hall, and I trust the progeny you have brought today also possess the best lineage, so the Martial Souls they awaken will naturally be more remarkable."

"You all are the future of the Martial Soul Hall."

"Therefore, I, on behalf of Martial Soul Hall, solemnly promise that those who awaken a top-tier Martial Soul and possess innate soul power of level seven or higher will be rewarded with a thousand golden soul coins."

"Those who reach level eight will be rewarded with ten thousand golden soul coins."

"For level nine, a Ten Thousand Year Elixir."

"And if there is someone who achieves innate soul power of level ten," Bi Bidong paused and surveyed the crowd below, "they will be rewarded with a soul bone."

"Whoosh!"

The crowd below instantly erupted into a frenzy.

Soul Sages, Soul Douluos, and even Titled Douluos grew envious, while the younger generation, full of vitality, were extremely excited, eager to awaken and prove themselves.

The older generation looked on with expectation, encouraging their own offspring.

"Son, that's a soul bone! The Martial Soul Hall has actually brought out such a treasure as a reward for this awakening ceremony; you must make a strong showing!"

"I don't ask for you to get the soul bone for me; just bring back a Ten Thousand Year Elixir, and I'll die happy," another said.

"Child, there's only one chance, and it's a rare one too. You've got to understand, despite serving Martial Soul Hall for so many years with my strength as a Soul Sage, I've never even laid eyes on the shadow of a soul bone."

"Innate soul power at level eight will do! I've been nurturing you ever since you were in your mother's womb, you better make me proud!!"

Luo Yu turned his head to look at Hulena, "So Martial Soul Hall really does have deep pockets, even willing to offer a soul bone as a reward."

Hulena, unconcerned, rolled her eyes disdainfully, "What's the use of everyone hooting and hollering? Innate full soul power, which hasn't appeared for so many years, is the sign of a true genius. The reward of a soul bone is probably just for show."

"What if there really is one?" Luo Yu mused.

"If there really is one? Martial Soul Hall would be ecstatic to death; that would be like finding a real treasure. They'd probably be more than happy to give away two soul bones."

Luo Yu's eyes looked odd, "What if it's Innate Level Twenty? What reward would be given for that?"

"What? Innate Level Twenty? Are you dreaming of fairy tales?"

Hulena shook her head repeatedly with wide eyes.

"Never mind that such a person can't possibly exist, but if there was, Martial Soul Hall would treat him like an ancestor and beg him not to leave, giving him whatever he asks for."

"Cough, cough, exaggerating, that's an exaggeration," Luo Yu coughed.

He was considering whether he should show his hand and grab some wool from Martial Soul Hall.

A soul bone? That's good stuff. Even if he didn't fancy it, he could give it to a girl, right?

Hulena interrupted, "Okay, stop daydreaming. All this has nothing to do with us. Just watch the excitement from the sidelines."

As soon as the Empress announced the start of the ceremony, awakening formations rose up all over the Central Square, shining brightly.

The lights varied in intensity, some as small as a bundle, while others illuminated ten yards around.

With the awakening of the Martial Soul, some were thrilled, others sighed with disappointment.

Most people had soul power around Innate Level Six when they awakened.

In the outside world, that would undoubtedly make one a precious talent.

But who was present? At their worst, they were descendants of Soul Sages, and Innate Level Six might not even measure up to their parents' talent, so naturally, they felt dejected.

The Empress and Elders on the stage were paying attention to the anomalies below, also somewhat sighing.

"This generation doesn't seem very promising."

"Yeah, the innate soul power levels are somewhat low on average."

"Those guest elders hidden in the shadows watching may not find suitable disciples, wonder if they'll get angry."

"Whoosh!"

In the Central Square, a golden light suddenly shone twenty yards high, with an intimidating Crocodile Dragon phantom emerging within it.

"Wang Teng, Martial Soul: Thorn Crocodile Dragon! Innate soul power Level Eight!"

The Elder on high continually sighed.

"Finally, a decent one appears."

"Not bad, Wang Teng has the potential of a Soul Douluo!"

"Looking at his Martial Soul, it seems to contain traces of dragon lineage. Perhaps there's a chance to assault the rank of Titled Douluo; indeed, he is material worth nurturing."

Wang Teng looked proud, and his father laughed heartily, patting him comfortingly on the shoulder.

"The Crocodile Dragon contains dragon blood, with limitless potential. My son Wang Teng, has great talent!"

Luo Yu stared at this scene in astonishment, somewhat dumbfounded, "This level excites them?"

Hulena pouted, "Please, innate soul power at Level Eight is quite good, okay? Although it's not as good as mine, outside, that would be the caliber of a pillar for a regular academy."

Luo Yu thought about it, and it seemed right.

Not many among Tang San's and Dai Mubai's group had full soul power.

Too bad, the following tests were unremarkable, one after another they clamored, but then stood dejectedly to the side after being tested.

The only one whose golden light reached twenty yards in the tests was Wang Teng alone.

"This generation, it seems this is the level of it."

"Alas, every generation is worse than the last."

The Elders shook their heads and sighed, the guest elders hidden in the shadows were full of disappointment. It seemed their trip was in vain, and they prepared to leave.

Only one 95th-Level guest elder suddenly appeared, expressing his willingness to take Wang Teng as a nominal disciple, and the envious glances of his colleagues gathered. Wang Teng and his father were beyond thrilled.

Just as the ceremony was about to end dismally and move on to the next stage,

An extraordinary golden light suddenly erupted on the Central Square, capturing everyone's attention.

All eyes turned uniformly towards it.

There, the tall girl with golden hair stood beside the awakening formation, while Luo Yu was in the center of the Hexagram Array, eyes closed, his expression solemn.

An unusual light began to surge out from within Luo Yu's body, growing more and more intense, as if the heavens and the earth were becoming restless at this very moment…