A sea of voices surged outside the Spirit Hall in Nuoding City. An endless stream of parents brought children of the right age to line up for martial soul awakening, their chatter rising and falling until it filled the entire street.
Holding Zhu Zhuqing's hand, Lin Chen threaded through the crowded throng and slowly entered the Spirit Hall's main hall.
The interior was spacious and bright, its layout and furnishings no different from when he had left several years ago. The familiar arrangement met his eyes, instantly stirring countless memories in his heart.
Faint fluctuations of soul power lingered in the air, mingled with the children's hushed whispers of nervousness and anticipation. Everything was just as it had been in his earliest memories.
Returning after several years to the place where it had all begun, Lin Chen felt a jumble of emotions: the warmth of a long-awaited reunion, along with the calm and wistfulness that came from having weathered the world.
He released Zhu Zhuqing's hand and strolled through the hall, his gaze slowly sweeping over its corners. His eyes softened as he watched the orderly martial soul awakening proceedings on the platform.
He had only been casually surveying his surroundings, but as his gaze wandered, a familiar figure suddenly came into view, bringing him to an abrupt halt.
On the raised platform, a woman dressed in the Spirit Hall's standard uniform carried herself with gentle grace. Her practiced movements flowed smoothly as she meticulously performed the martial soul awakening ritual for the child before her.
Raising her hand to draw forth soul power, activating the awakening formation, guiding soul power into the body—every step flowed like drifting clouds and running water, gentle yet steady.
It was his mother, Li Su.
Though several years had passed, Li Su showed no