Awakening of a Genius

Amidst the cacophony of rumbling sounds echoing from within Qin Wentian's body, tyrannical Astral Qi careened chaotically along his shattered energy channels and meridians. It followed the path set by the Qi Spiral, swirling frenziedly, circulating throughout his entire being. Qin Wentian understood that this was the most crucial juncture. Success here marked the completion of his transformation.

The excruciating pain was almost unbearable. What made it even more horrifying was that he had to split his focus between two tasks: the condensation of his Astral Soul and the reconstruction of his entire meridian and energy channel structure.

"Pain is fleeting," he reminded himself, determination filling his heart. The Qi Spiral's power created an Astral Energy pathway, connecting it throughout his body, and successfully forming the legendary unique set of Stellar Meridians.

As the Heavenly Hammer took form, blood oozed from the corner of his mouth. Finally, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood and lapsed into unconsciousness.

Meanwhile, far from the Bai Clan's residence, inside the Clear Wind Inn, Mustang stood by a window. A faint shadow of an Astral Soul adorned his forehead – the Heavenly Vision Astral Soul, formed by connecting with the Heavenly Vision Constellation.

"What a potent Astral radiance. Autumn Snow's talent is truly exceptional. She should have no trouble passing the initial inspection," Mustang mused, his gaze fixed on the starlight descending toward the Bai Clan's location. Once the astral pressure subsided, he released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The Astral Power emanating from that source was at least from a Third Heavenly Layer constellation. In the Bai Clan, aside from Autumn Snow, no one else could form an innate link with constellations from the Third Layer of Heaven.

Stretching, Mustang decided it was time to retire for the night. After learning that Autumn Snow had successfully condensed an Astral Soul from the Third Layer of Heaven, the Emperor of Chu Country had dispatched scouts to investigate. Mustang was among them. Despite fierce competition among the scouts, he wasn't worried about losing Autumn Snow to anyone else. After all, he represented the prestigious Emperor Star Academy.