Martial Soul Awakening

The next morning in Notting City unfolded like an ink-wash painting. Soft morning light, like golden gauze, gently spilled across the staggered rooftops, coating the blue-gray tiles in a magnificent halo. A light breeze carried the fresh mingled scent of earth and grass, awakening the sleeping city.

Gu Hengzhi stood quietly amid the dreamlike scenery, yet his heart churned like a stormy sea. He knew that today was the day he would awaken his martial soul. His hands clenched unconsciously, his knuckles turning white as his breathing quickened.

Su Yuntao, dressed in the uniform of a Spirit Hall deacon, approached Gu Hengzhi with an upright posture and steady steps. "Hengzhi, go to the awakening room. Remember what I told you: no matter what happens, don't be afraid. This time, Grandpa Matthew Nuo will help you awaken your martial soul. Good luck!" Su Yuntao's voice was low and powerful, carrying a reassuring strength.

"Mm, okay, Brother Tao!" Gu Hengzhi clenched his fists tightly, anticipation and nervousness flashing in his eyes as he followed Su Yuntao to the awakening room.

Outside the awakening room, there were not only Gu Hengzhi, but also six other children. Some were excited, some nervous, and some curious as they waited for this important moment. Before long, Great Soul Master Matthew Nuo emerged from the awakening room, followed by a group of children. Disappointment covered their faces as they muttered, "Sigh, not a single one awakened Innate Soul Power..."

"All of you, come in." Great Soul Master Matthew Nuo addressed Gu Hengzhi and the other children. His voice was gentle and kind, as though it could bring warmth and hope. "I am Matthew Nuo, a level 28 Great Soul Master, and I will guide you through the awakening of your martial souls. I hope one of you can awaken Innate Soul Power..."

As he spoke, Matthew Nuo walked over to a nearby table and opened his bundle. His movements were soft and careful, as though it contained priceless treasures. He took out two items: six pitch-black round stones and a gleaming blue crystal ball.

Matthew Nuo arranged the six black stones into a hexagon on the ground. Each stone glimmered faintly, as if speaking of its mysterious power. Then, he motioned for the first child on his right to stand within it.

"Don't be afraid. Close your eyes and feel carefully." Matthew Nuo's voice was full of comfort and encouragement. The children all closed their eyes and quietly sensed the energy fluctuations around them.

Just then, Matthew Nuo's eyes suddenly lit up. Under the children's curious gazes, he gave a low shout, and a faint white light rose from his right hand. The light was as gentle as moonlight, yet contained boundless power. It was Great Soul Master Matthew Nuo's martial soul—the Tortoise Shell!

The Tortoise Shell martial soul emitted a faint glow, like a transparent shield that enveloped Matthew Nuo. Two rings of light lit up beneath his feet, circling continuously from his feet to the top of his head. One was white, like pure snowflakes; the other was yellow, like warm sunlight. The rings flickered faintly, echoing the black stones and creating a mysterious, magnificent scene.

"Don't be nervous. This is my martial soul—the Tortoise Shell. If any of you become soul masters in the future, you will possess the same ability."

With that, Matthew Nuo thrust out both hands like a gust of wind. Six faint rays of white light shot into the six awakening stones on the ground like meteors. In an instant, a hazy golden radiance burst from the stones like a rising golden sun, forming a pale platinum barrier that tightly enveloped the first child to awaken.

Platinum points of light fluttered from the awakening stones like lively fireflies before lightly burrowing into the child's body. His body began to tremble slightly, as though stirred by an invisible force, and he instinctively stretched out his right hand. In an instant, all the points of light surged forth like a raging tide, and a Forging Hammer gleaming with cold light abruptly appeared in his palm.

The hammer did not appear illusory, but truly tangible. Its hard texture and exquisite craftsmanship were astonishing.

"A tool martial soul—the Forging Hammer. This martial soul has a chance of awakening Innate Soul Power." Matthew Nuo nodded slightly in approval. "Use your mind to draw your martial soul back into your body. If you wish to use it again in the future, you must likewise summon it with your mind."

The boy did as instructed and withdrew his martial soul into his body. Immediately afterward, Great Soul Master Matthew Nuo held the crystal-clear blue crystal ball before him and motioned for him to place his right hand on it.

Yet after a moment, the blue crystal ball showed no response, like a sleeping beast. Matthew Nuo sighed in disappointment. "Sigh, what a pity. You do not possess Innate Soul Power and cannot become a soul master. Step aside for now."

The same scene played out again and again as five more children awakened their martial souls. Their martial souls came in all sorts of forms: Blue Silver Grass, widely recognized as the most useless martial soul in the world; clubs; butterflies; and even bread. As for Innate Soul Power, every one of them was judged by Great Soul Master Matthew Nuo to have "none."

At last, it was the final child's turn—Gu Hengzhi. Without needing Matthew Nuo's guidance, he stepped forward on his own and stood firmly in the center of the six awakening stones. As Matthew Nuo's six streams of soul power flowed in like clear springs, the platinum barrier once again burst into dazzling radiance.

Warmth, like a spring breeze, gently brushed across Gu Hengzhi's body. This warm soul power seemed alive as it slowly flowed through his meridians and seeped into every cell. Gu Hengzhi's right hand seemed to be pulled by an invisible force, extending on its own.

Matthew Nuo's eyes suddenly shone like stars. He saw the platinum points of light glittering like brilliant stars, more numerous and more dazzling than those of every child before him. A trace of anticipation rose in his heart, as though he sensed that a powerful martial soul was about to descend.

Yet the spark of hope was extinguished in an instant. A stone statue—broken, battered, and unfinished—appeared abruptly in Gu Hengzhi's hand. It seemed like a relic forgotten by time, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.

Matthew Nuo sighed helplessly and said softly, "All right, child. Put away your martial soul and come test your soul power..." Gu Hengzhi's palm slowly settled onto the blue crystal ball like a light butterfly. In an instant, his body jolted as though struck by an electric current. The blue crystal ball, like a greedy beast, continuously absorbed Gu Hengzhi's soul power.

"Innate level-five soul power! Child, you awakened Innate Soul Power. You can..." Matthew Nuo's voice was filled with shock and emotion. Yet Gu Hengzhi seemed immersed in a dream, utterly unaware of everything around him.

His consciousness was drawn by a powerful vortex, sinking deep into his spiritual sea. His golden finger—the God-Sealing Record—had stirred, forming an inexplicable connection with his martial soul.