Martial Soul Awakening Day, Twin Lights Soar Skyward

The silence in the hall lasted for a full three breaths.

Ning Rongrong's cheer was the first to break the silence. The little girl squeezed through the crowd and ran to the edge of the formation, tugging Lin Che's sleeve. With her little face raised proudly, she said, "I knew Lin Che was the best! Dual Martial Souls! You're so much stronger than those disciples who only know how to train brute force!"

Her voice was like a stone cast into a still lake, and the hall instantly erupted.

"Dual Martial Souls? It really is Dual Martial Souls! This is the first time I've ever seen them in my life!"

"Not only Dual Martial Souls, but Innate Soul Power Rank 20! This... this is practically a divine gift!"

"No wonder Lord Gu Douluo dotes on him so much. Little Brother Lin Che is actually such a monster!"

Amid the praise were a few barely noticeable notes of jealousy. A disciple in blue standing at the back of the crowd unconsciously tightened his grip on the hem of his robes, a trace of gloom flashing through his eyes. He had once been the sect's recognized genius, with Innate Soul Power Rank 10. Yet Lin Che's appearance had instantly crushed all his brilliance.

Ning Fengzhi quickly recovered and raised a hand to press down. The uproar in the hall immediately subsided. He walked over to Lin Che, his gaze falling on the Azure Water Sword and the Universe Cauldron. His fingertips lightly brushed the blade, and he could actually sense an aura that was gentle yet sharp. When he touched the cauldron, a heavy surge of Soul Power repelled his hand.

"Excellent Martial Souls." Ning Fengzhi's voice carried barely concealed excitement. "The Azure Water Sword possesses ultimate offensive power, while the Universe Cauldron can defend and support. They complement each other perfectly. This is practically a combination tailor-made for a Soul Master. Uncle Gu, you've found a treasure."

Gu Rong walked forward and reached out to pat Lin Che's head. The normally hard lines of his face softened considerably. "This child earned it himself." Though his words were plain, he could not hide the smile in his eyes. He had seen countless geniuses in his life, but never one like Lin Che, who gave him such a reassuring sense that there was someone to carry on the legacy.

"However," Ning Fengzhi said, changing the subject as his expression darkened, "Dual Martial Souls and Innate Soul Power Rank 20 are far too conspicuous. Especially now, when Spirit Hall is lurking around the major sects. This matter must be kept secret. It absolutely cannot spread outside."

He swept his gaze across the disciples in the hall, his voice carrying the authority of a Sect Master. "If anyone dares reveal even half a word about what happened today, they will be dealt with according to sect rules!"

The disciples all lowered their heads and acknowledged the order. The blue-robed disciple hurriedly echoed them, though the gloom in his eyes deepened. He secretly touched a Black Token at his waist. Half a month ago, a Mysterious Person had slipped it to him and told him only to keep watch on the sect's geniuses and send word if anything unusual occurred.

Lin Che saw all of this but said nothing. Though six-year-old him was not as worldly as an adult, he still knew that people's hearts were complicated. His Adoptive Father and Sect Master Ning were not being overly cautious. He put away the Azure Water Sword and Universe Cauldron, the warmth from his Martial Souls leaving his body still lingering on his fingertips. Then the system's voice rang out beside his ear. "Ding! System Space has been unlocked. The Novice Crate can be opened at any time. Open it now?"

I'll open it later, Lin Che replied silently. There were too many people around, and he did not want to cause any further trouble.

After the awakening ceremony ended, Gu Rong brought Lin Che back to the courtyard. Zhang Pozi had already prepared some snacks. When she saw Lin Che return, she hurriedly brought over a steaming plate of osmanthus cakes. "Young Master, you worked hard today. Quickly, try these cakes this old woman just made. They'll help nourish your body."

Lin Che accepted the plate and sweetly said, "Thank you, Grandma Zhang." Zhang Pozi looked at him and smiled until her eyes narrowed to slits. This child had been sensible since he was little, far more considerate than those spoiled disciples.

Only after Zhang Pozi left did Gu Rong pull Lin Che down to sit, his expression turning serious. "Che'er, do you know what Dual Martial Souls mean?"

Lin Che nodded. "Adoptive Father told me that a Soul Master can only have one Martial Soul in their lifetime. Those with Dual Martial Souls either become the continent's greatest powerhouses, or... they are treated as freaks and invite disaster upon themselves."

"It's good that you understand." Gu Rong sighed. "Bibi Dong of Spirit Hall was feared by the previous Pope because of her Dual Martial Souls. If she had not been ruthless enough, she probably would have died long ago. You are still young and lack strength. You must learn to hide your talent. Unless absolutely necessary, you must never reveal your Dual Martial Souls."

He took out a small jade pendant from his robes and handed it to Lin Che. "This is Soul Concealing Jade. It can suppress your Soul Power Fluctuation and keep others from seeing that your Innate Soul Power is Rank 20. You must wear it whenever you leave the sect from now on."

Lin Che took the jade pendant. It felt cool to the touch. Once he put it around his neck, he immediately felt the Soul Power Inside the Body converge considerably. The power that had nearly Overflowed now became as gentle as a stream.

"Thank you, Adoptive Father." Lin Che tightened his grip around the pendant, warmth filling his heart.

Gu Rong looked at him and continued gently, "But you do not need to be too nervous. With your Adoptive Father here, I will protect you completely. I will personally teach you how to use your Azure Water Sword and Universe Cauldron. Once your Soul Power stabilizes further, I'll take you to hunt Soul Beasts and obtain your First Soul Ring."

At the mention of Soul Rings, Lin Che suddenly remembered the Novice Crate in System Space, and his eyes lit up. "Adoptive Father, I want to go back to my room and rest for a while."

"Go on, but don't overexert yourself." Gu Rong assumed that Lin Che had spent too much Soul Power today and did not think much of it.

Lin Che returned to his room, shut the door, and immediately said in his heart, Open System Space.

A translucent panel instantly Appeared before his eyes. In the center sat a dull gray clay jar with the words "Novice Crate" written on it. Beside it was a line of notes: "Contains random beginner benefits. Upon opening, the host may obtain Soul Skills, Soul Power pills, or Martial Soul support items."

"Open the Novice Crate!"

At Lin Che's command, the clay jar cracked open with a snap. A Pale Golden light flew out, Fell Onto the panel, and Turned into a yellowed booklet and a crystalline jade bottle.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining beginner rewards: Soul Skill 'Azure Water Sword Art (Beginner Chapter),' Spirit Calming Pill ×3."

"Azure Water Sword Art (Beginner Chapter): A foundational cultivation method for Huaxia sword cultivators. It can increase the Azure Water Sword's attack power and Soul Power conversion rate. Once proficient, it can unlock the sword technique 'Azure Edge Break.'"

"Spirit Calming Pill: After consumption, it stabilizes Soul Power Fluctuation and increases cultivation speed. Suitable for low-level Soul Masters."

Lin Che picked up the booklet. The moment his fingertips touched the page, its contents Turned into a warm current and Poured Into his mind. Countless diagrams of sword moves and routes for operating Soul Power were instantly imprinted in his memory, as if he had practiced this sword art for years.

He tried operating his Soul Power, sending it toward his left hand according to the sword art's route. Pale blue light lit up once more, and the Azure Water Sword floated above his palm. The duckweed grass pattern on the blade seemed a little clearer. With a light swing, it actually sliced through the airflow In the Air with a soft whoosh.

"So powerful!" Lin Che's eyes widened in delight. This sword art was far stronger than the haphazard methods he had used to manipulate Soul Power before. If paired with a Soul Ring, its power would surely be even more astonishing.

He picked up the jade bottle again and poured out a Spirit Calming Pill. The pill was pale green and Emitted a fresh scent of grass and wood. After he swallowed it, a gentle current of Soul Power circulated through his body. The somewhat chaotic aura left over from awakening his Martial Souls instantly settled, and even his desire to cultivate grew stronger.

The system really is useful! Lin Che was overjoyed. With this cheat, he would certainly grow stronger as quickly as possible, live up to his Adoptive Father's Expectations, and protect the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect one day.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Ning Rongrong's voice. "Lin Che! What are you doing? Come out and play!"

Lin Che put away the system panel and opened the door. Ning Rongrong held a kite in her hand and said as she bounced excitedly, "The weather's great today. Let's go fly a kite at the back mountain! I specially had Artisans make one with a duckweed grass pattern, just like your Martial Soul!"

Seeing the Expectations in Ning Rongrong's eyes, Lin Che could not bear to refuse. He nodded. "All right. Let me tell Adoptive Father first."

As the two headed toward the back mountain, Lin Che noticed that the blue-robed disciple from earlier was sneaking along behind them. He held a slip of paper in his hand and seemed to be writing something.

"Sister Rongrong, go on ahead. I need to use the latrine." Lin Che spoke without giving anything away.

Ning Rongrong did not think much of it and ran off with the kite. Lin Che Circled Around behind a large tree instead, operating his Soul Power and enhancing his hearing to its limit. Sure enough, he heard the blue-robed disciple mutter, "... Dual Martial Souls, Innate Soul Power Rank 20, confirmed..."

Lin Che's gaze turned cold. It seemed Sect Master Ning's worries had already come true. This blue-robed disciple was indeed a Martial Soul Hall informer.

He did not expose him immediately. Instead, he quietly withdrew and caught up with Ning Rongrong. It was not time yet. He needed to inform his Adoptive Father and Sect Master Ning first, then make further plans.

The wind at the back mountain was gentle. The kite bearing the duckweed grass pattern flew high against the blue sky. Ning Rongrong clapped and laughed, but Lin Che had little interest in playing. His mind remained fixed on the blue-robed disciple.

"Lin Che, How Come you don't seem happy?" Ning Rongrong noticed something was wrong and stopped to ask.

Lin Che Shook Head and forced a smile. "It's nothing. Maybe I'm just tired from today."

He raised his head toward the sky. The sunlight was just right, but he knew that the peaceful days probably would not last much longer. The Martial Soul Hall informer had already set his sights on him. The road ahead would only become harder.

But he would not retreat. With his Adoptive Father's protection, the system's help, and a friend like Ning Rongrong, he would certainly overcome every hardship and let the brilliance of the Azure Water Sword and Universe Cauldron truly illuminate Douluo Continent.

The laughter from flying kites echoed through the mountains as Lin Che quietly clenched his fists. His First Soul Ring and his first battle might be coming soon. And that dull gray Novice Crate was only the first step on his legendary path—more exciting adventures were still waiting ahead.

As the sun set, the two returned carrying the kite. The moment Lin Che entered the courtyard, he saw Gu Rong standing at the entrance with a solemn expression. "Che'er, come here. Sect Master Fengzhi just sent word. Spirit Hall may already know about you."

Lin Che's heart Tightened. Just as he had guessed.

"Adoptive Father, today at the back mountain, I saw..." Lin Che told him about the blue-robed disciple.

After hearing him out, Gu Rong's eyes turned cold. "Spirit Hall has some nerve, planting an informer in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! It seems we need to prepare in advance."

He patted Lin Che's shoulder. "Don't be afraid. Your Adoptive Father is here. Starting tomorrow, I'll teach you to cultivate the Azure Water Sword Art and bring you to familiarize yourself with the sect's defensive formations. We also need to obtain your First Soul Ring as soon as possible. Only by growing stronger can you avoid being bullied by others."

Lin Che nodded firmly. He knew that his peaceful days as an adopted son were over. What came next would be the time for him to truly grow.

Night gradually deepened, and lights came on one after another throughout the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. In Gu Rong's study, candlelight flickered as he spoke quietly with Ning Fengzhi. A sheet of paper lay spread across the table, bearing several names. The first was that blue-robed disciple's.

Meanwhile, in Lin Che's room, he sat cross-legged on his bed, operating the Azure Water Sword Art and absorbing the medicinal power of the Spirit Calming Pill. Pale blue Soul Power circulated Inside the Body like a small stream, slowly flowing into his Dantian. On the system panel, his Soul Power Level was displayed as "Level 20 (Early Stage)." He still had some way to go before obtaining his First Soul Ring.

Moonlight streamed in through the window and Fell Onto Lin Che's face, reflecting the determination in his eyes.

The twin lights soaring skyward on Martial Soul Awakening Day had not only illuminated the main hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but also lit his future path—a path to becoming a powerhouse, filled with challenges yet brimming with hope.