Ning Fengzhi wore a warm smile, and the majesty of the sect master inspired awe in the children gathered there.
He was the most powerful voice in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, a great figure these children rarely had the chance to see.
No one could keep their excitement in check. Their burning gazes followed Ning Fengzhi as he walked, hoping to catch his eye.
Only Ning Rongrong remained sulky, while Han Yu turned his gaze elsewhere.
From the high platform, Ning Fengzhi witnessed the scene. His gaze lingered briefly on the two of them before he gave a slight shake of his head, signaling the deacon to begin the awakening ceremony.
"The awakening ceremony begins now."
"First, Mo Juren."
A boy in a green robe stood anxiously inside the magic circle.
Specks of starlight appeared from thin air, drawing the Martial Soul within the boy past its barriers and gathering the Soul Power hidden in his body.
The next moment, a root-like object sprouted in the boy's hand, swaying from side to side with a lively air.
Then the boy placed his hand on the crystal ball to continue the test.
"Tool Martial Soul, Spirit Root. Innate Soul Power, level one."
The deacon glanced at it and silently made a note.
"Next."
"Beast Martial Soul, Maodie. No Soul Power."
"Martial Soul: Ears. Innate Soul Power, level five. Congratulations. What's your name?"
Whenever a child had Innate Soul Power of level five or higher, the deacon recorded their name separately.
Those whose names were recorded were disciples the sect considered worth cultivating with its resources.
Most of them had parents who were deacons, while a few had parents who were high-level Soul Masters. Their talents were far superior.
Ordinary disciples weren't so lucky. It was rare for them to have Innate Soul Power above level three, and even if they embarked on the path of a Soul Master, they were unlikely to achieve much.
Companions who had grown up under the same roof would soon part ways, their paths diverging by a world of difference.
That was how cruel this world was.
From the moment you were born, your Martial Soul and Soul Power had already stamped a label on you. Unless you underwent a mutation rarer than one in ten thousand, there was no chance of turning your fate around.
On the high platform,
Ning Fengzhi's smile turned somewhat strained, and he sighed softly.
He had hoped for a promising child with level-seven Innate Soul Power and a Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, but none had appeared. The best among this generation of clan children had only reached level five.
His fingers tightened slightly around his scepter, and disappointment stirred in his heart.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul had a major flaw: its Soul Masters could only cultivate to level seventy-nine, remaining stuck at the Soul Saint realm for life. Yet only after reaching the Soul Saint realm could the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda display the full extent of its abilities.
Under normal circumstances, a Soul Master with level-seven Innate Soul Power could easily become a Soul Saint.
That was why Ning Fengzhi hoped someone in the clan would be born with level-seven Innate Soul Power.
Now, the three of them pinned their hopes on Ning Rongrong.
"Next, Ning Rongrong."
The deacon looked at Ning Rongrong respectfully.
Ning Rongrong sauntered forward and stopped, making a face at those on the high platform.
As the awakening formation activated, specks of starlight rose from beneath her feet and began circling her, gradually forming a vortex.
A sudden change followed: dazzling white light slowly rose from her hand.
Ning Fengzhi sprang to his feet on the high platform, gripping his scepter with both hands.
A small, ice-blue pagoda no more than a foot tall floated into view. It had seven tiers, each narrowing toward the top. Its body was made of translucent, crystal-like glazed layers, and each eave held a cluster of tiny gemstones.
The little pagoda turned slowly, drawing every gaze in the hall toward it.
"What a beautiful Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda." The deacon grew even more respectful, his eyes filled with rapture.
He had overseen awakenings for many years, but this was the first time he had seen such a beautiful Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul.
"Miss, please test your Soul Power."
Ning Rongrong looked at the crystal ball before her, frowned, and carefully wiped it with a handkerchief before placing her small hand on it.
Another burst of dazzling white light flared.
The crystal ball shone like the sun, illuminating the entire hall.
"Innate Soul Power! Level nine!" The deacon couldn't contain himself and cried out in a high voice, incredulous delight on his face.
Ning Fengzhi appeared beneath the high platform in an instant and leaned close to inspect the crystal ball.
The number nine was clearly visible on its surface.
Ning Fengzhi, who was usually so unflappable, couldn't stay seated. He had come over in person.
Seeing this, envy flickered in Han Yu's eyes. He smiled, then let it go.
He couldn't compete with her father.
Ning Fengzhi had none of his usual solemnity now. His eyes were full of excitement as he swept Ning Rongrong into his arms.
The genius he had hoped for, a possessor of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul, had appeared.
And she was his most beloved daughter.
For Ning Fengzhi and the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, this was the best possible outcome.
With level-nine Innate Soul Power, she was the most talented possessor of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda ever. Perhaps in the future she could even break through the limit of level seventy-nine and become the first Titled Douluo of her kind.
"Rongrong, you did very well. Daddy's proud of you." Ning Fengzhi smiled fondly as he lifted Ning Rongrong onto his shoulders.
"Daddy, I'm not a little kid anymore. Put me down."
Ning Rongrong first froze. Then, seeing Han Yu looking at her, her cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned her head away.
"Hahaha." Old Qian laughed.
"Give everyone here ten thousand Gold Soul Coins." Ning Fengzhi waved his hand grandly, beaming.
"Thank you, Sect Master!" The deacon bowed respectfully.
"Hm? Why do your pants look a little loose?" Ning Fengzhi was in such a good mood that he took a sudden interest.
"This..."
"You should pull them up a bit."
"Thank you, Sect Master!!!" The deacon suddenly understood. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he knelt and bowed in thanks.
"Let's go." Ning Fengzhi turned to leave.
"Daddy, Han Yu hasn't gone yet." Ning Rongrong grabbed Ning Fengzhi by the ear and turned him back around.
With an awkward smile, Ning Fengzhi coaxed his beloved daughter and signaled the deacon to continue the awakening.
Only Han Yu remained, yet to awaken his Martial Soul.
Everyone's gaze now focused on him. Han Yu, who had always liked to stay at the back of the crowd, felt uncomfortable under their attention.
Still, Han Yu walked forward calmly, his expression untroubled.
The deacon swallowed and gave the boy a long look.
This seemed to be the young miss's childhood sweetheart, and that was no easy person to deal with. He didn't hold out much hope for the boy. If his awakening talent proved poor, the young miss might hold it against him.
All he could do was pray for the boy in his heart.
Han Yu steadied himself and walked slowly into the formation.
The next moment, starlight filled the sky, completely covering Han Yu and forming a colossal vortex that seemed poised to keep expanding.
"Darn you, Han Yu! If you don't awaken Soul Power... I... I'll never speak to you again!"
Sitting on Ning Fengzhi's shoulders, Ning Rongrong tugged hard at a few strands of his hair, oblivious to the resentful look in someone's eyes.