It was a true, complete Angel Martial Soul.
A divine-grade Martial Soul—one that could even be said to stand a step closer to godhood.
More and more villagers came pouring out.
Old men, women, and children—all fair-skinned and golden-haired. The moment they saw Xu Yanli's Martial Soul, they froze where they stood.
Especially when they saw the twelve wings on his back.
An old man with a head of white hair emerged trembling from the crowd, leaning on a cane. He came up to Xu Yanli, his cloudy eyes fixed on the Angel Phantom behind him. His lips trembled for a long time before he finally managed to force out a few words. "An Angel... It really is an Innate God-Bestowed Angel..."
Tears trickled down his deeply wrinkled face. His voice was so hoarse it was almost impossible to hear.
"Ten thousand years... We've waited ten thousand years... At last... At last, it's come..."
Xu Yanli put away his Martial Soul and stepped forward, steadying the old man as he nearly collapsed.
"Sir, I'm no god," he said softly. "I've only come to find you."
The old man clutched his hand tightly, as though he feared that if he let go, the person before him would disappear.
"Child, what's your name?"
"Xu Yanli."
"Yanli..." The old man murmured the name. Then he suddenly smiled, his face wet with tears. "Good. That's a good name. Now that you've come, we have something to hope for."
He turned and shouted to the villagers still standing behind him, stunned. "What are you all waiting for? Welcome our honored guest into the village!"
Only then did the crowd snap out of it, scrambling to clear a path.
Supporting the old man, Xu Yanli slowly made his way into the village.
As he passed the