Nuo Ke cautiously approached Qian Xunji, a hint of pleading in his eyes.
"Sir, this old man has an unreasonable request."
Seeing Nuo Ke act so humbly, Qian Xunji looked a little surprised.
"Oh? Go ahead."
Nuo Ke ventured, "Sir, there are eight families in our village with children who are all six years old. But our village moved away from its original location to avoid Soul Beast attacks, and our new settlement hasn't been registered yet. A Martial Soul Awakening Hall hasn't been built, so the Spirit Hall hasn't sent a Soul Master to awaken the children's Martial Souls.
"They're all nearly seven now... So we'd like to ask you, sir, if you could awaken their Martial Souls."
Hearing Nuo Ke's request, Qian Xunji paused in surprise, then nodded.
"Of course. It's no trouble at all. I happen to have an Awakening Stone here. Village chief, go gather the children, and we'll do it here tomorrow morning."
Nuo Ke's face lit up when Qian Xunji agreed. "Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!"
The next day.
Nuo Ke went from house to house, bringing the children who needed their Martial Souls awakened. There were seven of them in all.
"Sir, the children who need their Martial Souls awakened are all here."
Qian Xunji glanced over them, puzzled. "Village chief, didn't you say there were eight?"
Nuo Ke's eyes filled with sorrow. "I won't hide it from you, sir. That child was badly injured by the Crimson Flame Tiger yesterday and passed away last night."
Hearing Nuo Ke's words, Qian Xunji froze for a moment. He was only six—he hadn't even had the chance to see the world before he was gone.
"Alas, my condolences. Come on, let's begin the awakening."
At that, Nuo Ke lined the seven children up.