Chapter 3: A Brand New Martial Soul Awakening Like You've Never Seen Before

Chapter 3: A Brand New Martial Soul Awakening Like You've Never Seen Before

Han Li didn't rush in but instead watched from a distance as the argument unfolded. He patiently observed until the buzz cut boy in the shadows stepped out to mediate before shifting his focus to the child in question.

At first glance, Tang San looked exactly as described small, dark skinned, and malnourished. His clothes were barely considered clean. Who would have thought that this scrawny child would one day be the protagonist of this world?

As for Yu Xiaogang, Han Li had already seen him multiple times while reading at the academy. To put it bluntly, in terms of looks and demeanor, he wasn't even on the same level as Brother Tao. Not worth discussing.

Han Li silently watched the confrontation, mentally narrating the scene with the famous line, "You have already chosen the path to your own demise," which made the whole thing rather amusing.

When Yu Xiaogang finally appeared and scolded the gatekeeper, prompting Old Jack to respectfully entrust Tang San to him, Han Li withdrew his gaze and looked toward his maid.

"Sister Xiu'er, ask the shopkeeper to bring us another pot of hot tea. We'll stay a little longer before heading back."

"Yes, Young Master."

Soon, a fresh pot of tea was placed before him. Han Li continued sipping while engaging in idle conversation with Xiu'er, glancing out the window now and then.

He waited until a little girl in a pink dress, her hair styled in a scorpion braid, successfully entered the academy. After watching for a while longer, he seemed to lose interest and finally left the restaurant, heading home.

"The wheels of fate have begun to turn from this moment on..."

Lying in bed, Han Li glanced at the girl beside him, who was completely engrossed in his storytelling. He took the initiative to end the night's session.

"Huh? That's it?"

Xiu'er only realized the story had ended when his voice didn't continue.

She rested her cheeks on her hands, puffing them up slightly, making her look adorably round. Without any hair accessories and with her small raccoon like ears perched on her head, she looked even more innocent finally behaving like a child of her age.

"It's already ten o'clock. Time for bed. Tomorrow is my martial soul awakening."

Han Li pointed at the clock on the wall, smiling at her.

She was, after all, just a ten year old girl. Even though she carried out her duties as a maid with remarkable diligence, she couldn't resist the allure of a good bedtime story. This routine had gone on for more than two years.

Their relationship was somewhat unconventional. Although Xiu'er was officially his maid, she had always treated him like a younger brother. Only when they were alone would she call him by his name.

Han Li, unable to change her ways, simply accepted her care. He knew that only by allowing this, Xiu'er could feel at ease she still blamed herself for his parents' deaths.

Of course, in his heart, he saw her as his little sister. At six years old, he naturally wouldn't say it out loud, but after two years of companionship, he had fully accepted her as his family.

"Then, Young Master, rest early. I'll wake you up in the morning."

Xiu'er glanced at the clock again, suddenly realizing how late it was. As a maid, failing to notice such an important detail was unacceptable. Her small face turned bright red, and she quickly dashed out of the room.

Watching her flee in embarrassment, Han Li shook his head with a smile, lay back down, and closed his eyes.

Tomorrow was his martial soul awakening. What would it be like?

Han Li cut off his thoughts, bid himself goodnight, and emptied his mind. Using the meditation techniques he had learned, he gradually drifted into sleep.

He had to admit, before awakening a martial soul, these meditation methods were quite effective as a sleep aid.

…

At dawn, Xiu'er, now back to her usual composed self, woke Han Li up. After a much more elaborate morning routine than usual, she helped him change into a brand new outfit.

Han Li looked at the mirror and was quite satisfied with what he saw.

Black hair, deep brown eyes, a youthful face still carrying traces of childhood, fair skin, and a fitted white outfit not particularly eye catching, but fresh and refined.

"Young Master, one more thing. This is my blessing for you something my mother taught me."

Xiu'er pulled him closer and carefully used a red eyebrow pencil to place a small red dot in the center of his forehead, gently smudging it. The red mark gave him a slightly more elegant and striking appearance.

Han Li didn't resist. Although he didn't like it reminding him of a certain doctor in a wheelchair from television it was Xiu'er's way of expressing her care. He wouldn't reject her goodwill.

"Alright! As expected, Young Master looks amazing!"

Xiu'er's eyes curved into crescent moons as she admired her work, clearly pleased.

"Let's go." Han Li took her hand and led her to the dining hall.

After an unusually lavish breakfast, they opted for a carriage rather than walking and headed toward the Spirit Hall.

The carriage stopped outside the Spirit Hall, and Han Li stepped out.

"Xiao Li, over here!"

Turning his head, Han Li saw a familiar figure and was slightly surprised.

"Uncle Xiao?"

Han Li smiled and walked over. Over the past two years, City Lord Xiao had taken great care of him, but he hadn't expected him to show up for his awakening ceremony.

"Feeling nervous? Don't worry, I'll go in with you."

Without waiting for a response, Xiao Zhan grabbed Han Li's hand and led him straight into the Spirit Hall, completely ignoring the guards.

Han Li glanced back, signaling for Xiu'er to follow. He then gave the guards an apologetic nod before quietly walking inside.

"Old man, come out and host Xiao Li's awakening ceremony!"

Xiao Zhan's voice was loud, shouting as soon as he stepped inside. Though he wasn't part of Spirit Hall, his martial soul had been awakened by Matthew Nuo, and in a small city like this, no one cared about such trivialities.

"Stop yelling, I've been ready for ages. Get over here."

A grumpy voice echoed from a nearby room. Xiao Zhan didn't mind, dragging Han Li inside.

Inside, aside from Matthew Nuo, Su Yuntao was also present. Finally, Xiao Zhan released his grip on Han Li.

Han Li greeted them politely. "Grandpa Matthew Nuo, Brother Tao."

Both men smiled warmly in response, their gazes filled with affection. They had watched this boy grow up, and now, it was finally time for his martial soul awakening.

After exchanging greetings, Han Li glanced at the side of the room. The black awakening stone was already set up, and next to it sat a crystal used for testing soul power.

"Xiao Li, are you ready, or do you want to wait a bit?"

Seeing his gaze, Su Yuntao asked with a smile.

"Let's do it now."

Han Li took a deep breath, watching as Xiu'er entered and closed the door. He turned back and answered.

"Alright. No need for extra words you've seen the awakening process plenty of times. Step into the center."

Su Yuntao walked over and patted his shoulder.

"Mm."

Han Li nodded at everyone before stepping onto the awakening stone. In his heart, he silently prayed, Heavenly Venerable Han, bless me. Compared to other deities, this one felt a bit more approachable.

As Su Yuntao injected soul power, Han Li felt a warm sensation spread through his body. Countless golden light particles emerged around him.

In a brief moment of distraction, flames burst forth as a curved blade materialized in his right hand, casting a fiery glow on the observers' faces.

"A high level martial soul…"

Matthew Nuo and Xiao Zhan immediately shot up from their seats, blurting out in astonishment.

The next second, Han Li's left hand lifted on its own. A second curved blade appeared, exuding an icy chill, seemingly unwilling to be overshadowed by the first.

"Twin martial souls?"

Matthew Nuo took an involuntary step forward, murmuring in disbelief.

Just as Su Yuntao's smile became uncontrollable, the awakening stone suddenly emitted a powerful suction force, draining his soul power completely.

Meanwhile, Han Li's hands moved involuntarily, bringing the two blades together.

"Buzz!"

A crisp sound echoed as the rings at the hilts of both blades fused. The twin sabers floated momentarily before settling into Han Li's grasp now a single weapon, exuding both fire and ice, resembling a bow… but without a string.

What… was this?

In all their years, none of them had ever seen an awakening like this. Today was a first.

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