Chapter 88: Second Awakening

Chapter 88: Second Awakening

The basement was spacious, designed to feel open and not claustrophobic. Yet, the three disciples looked at each other in confusion, wondering why Ye Wen had summoned them here.

Ye Wen entered with a calm and serious demeanor, surveying the three as they stood in the center of the room. With Huo Jie and Huo Quan as his first two disciples, Ye Wen trusted the Huo siblings the most of all his students. Although Dao Ba was a recent addition, his pure hearted nature had also earned Ye Wen's approval. Despite his trust, Ye Wen's expression was grave as he spoke.

"I've called you here today because of something that may affect the rest of your cultivation journey. Follow me."

Ye Wen led them to the far wall, where he pressed a hidden latch, revealing a deeper chamber. The small room was no more than a hundred square meters, but powerful blue silver roots stretched down from the ceiling. Ah Yin was waiting for them inside.

Once the secret door closed, Huo Rui stepped forward, speaking up as the senior disciple.

"Master, what is it you want to show us here?"

"Patience. I will explain everything." After they settled on meditation cushions, Ye Wen focused on Huo Rui and Huo Quan. "Of all my students, you two have been with me the longest. As a result, I've had the most time to study your martial spirits. Through my research, I've discovered a special trait unique to innate martial spirits."

Huo Rui immediately became attentive, sensing the importance of Ye Wen's words. Huo Quan, still tired from his relentless training, perked up with interest.

"Innate martial spirits," Ye Wen explained, "are far more likely than any other spirit to undergo a second awakening."

"What is a second awakening?" Huo Quan asked curiously.

"A second awakening is when a martial spirit evolves beyond its initial form, becoming stronger. This phenomenon, though rare, is called a second awakening," Ye Wen said.

Huo Rui, always thoughtful, raised a question. As Ye Wen's longest standing disciple, she was well versed in many of his theories and asked, "But Master, according to your Origin Theory, every soul master has the potential for a second awakening if they obtain soul rings that match their spirit. Why are innate martial spirits more likely to undergo a second awakening?"

Ye Wen was pleased with her insight. "Exactly right, but there's a key difference. Innate martial spirits have a unique type of second awakening, distinct from the evolution seen in other spirits. When an innate martial spirit undergoes this process, a glowing aura of a specific color appears behind them. These colors are classified in ascending order as Black Iron, Bronze, and Silver."

"The records indicate that a Black Iron awakening enhances strength by 30%, Bronze by 60%, and Silver by a full 100%." He paused. "I haven't encountered any other colors yet, but the history of innate martial spirits is limited. Through many fragmented records, I've pieced together a method for triggering this second awakening. And that's why I've brought you here to help you unlock this power and awaken the full potential of your martial spirits."

The siblings exchanged glances, feeling both excitement and awe at this revelation. If news of such a breakthrough spread across the continent, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar. Yet the warmth of Ye Wen's dedication moved them deeply. Outside of their own family, only Ye Wen an older brother figure despite being only slightly older than them had invested so much in their futures.

"Thank you, Master," Huo Rui replied earnestly. "We're ready for this second awakening whenever you are."

Ye Wen's expression turned serious. "Be prepared. Second awakenings are rare not just because of the method involved but also due to the risks."

"We understand, Master," the siblings replied resolutely.

"Master? My martial spirit isn't an innate one, so why am I here?" Dao Ba asked, perplexed.

"You have a different task," Ye Wen said. "Now, you two follow Ah Yin to the next chamber. She'll guide you through the process. Don't worry; I've prepared for this thoroughly. Your safety is guaranteed."

The Huo siblings, thinking they were on the verge of beginning their awakening, were surprised to find that there was yet another hidden chamber. They couldn't help but wonder at their master's endless caution secret rooms within secret rooms, like a nesting doll.

Ah Yin led them to a chamber with a clear underground pool. Blue silver roots crisscrossed the ceiling, creating an aura of powerful life energy in the space.

"Who's first?" Ah Yin asked.

As the senior and leader of the disciples, Huo Rui stepped forward, volunteering without hesitation. Ah Yin moved quickly, pressing Huo Rui down into the water with ease.

Huo Quan's eyes widened in shock. "W wait! My sister didn't even have time to hear the process. You just pushed her in!"

Ah Yin remained calm. "Your master said the second awakening of innate martial spirits requires a life or death focus to activate. I'm following his instructions."

Huo Quan blinked, feeling slightly guilty as he realized that the method made sense. But then he paused, realizing the unfairness of it. His sister had gone in unaware, which could help her awakening. Meanwhile, he now understood the process, making it harder to attain the right mindset and easier to second guess.

As Huo Quan wrestled with these thoughts, back in the original chamber, Ye Wen turned to Dao Ba to address his unique situation.

"Dao Ba, your martial spirit is indeed a failed mutation. But fortunately, it wasn't a complete failure. The spirit retained its sharpness and battle instinct, putting it above ordinary high grade martial spirits. However, that strength has limits. For you to surpass them, your martial spirit must undergo a second awakening to reach its complete form."

Dao Ba scratched his head. He was well aware of his spirit's condition and knew a second awakening wasn't something easily triggered. "I'd like that too, Master, but I haven't even obtained my fourth soul ring yet. How would I trigger a second awakening now? Also, if I may, please call me Dao Ba. I no longer go by Ah Ba."

Ye Wen chuckled. He could tell Dao Ba had misunderstood, likely assuming he would undergo the process as outlined in the Origin Theory.

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(End of Chapter)

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