3

Han Li didn't choose to approach rashly. Instead, he watched their argument from a distance, waiting until the buzz-cut head emerged from the shadows to mediate before he started observing the child's appearance from the side.

At first glance, Tang San looked exactly as described: dark-skinned, thin, and malnourished, with clothes that could only be considered barely clean. Who could have thought that this would be the future protagonist?

As for Yu Xiaogang, Han Li had already seen him more than once while reading books at the academy. In terms of appearance and demeanor, Yu Xiaogang was not even on par with Su Yuntao, so there was no need to mention him further.

Han Li silently watched the argument, mentally adding the voiceover "You have already chosen the path of death," which he found quite amusing.

It wasn't until Yu Xiaogang appeared, scolding the gatekeeper, that Old Jack respectfully entrusted Tang San to him. Only then did Han Li withdraw his gaze and turn to the maid beside him.

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

"Yes, young master."

Soon, the hot tea was served again. Han Li alternated between watching the scene outside the window and making casual conversation with Xiu'er.

After waiting until a little girl dressed in pink with a scorpion braid successfully entered the academy, he sat for a while longer, seemingly losing interest, and then left the tavern to head home.

"The wheel of destiny begins to turn slowly from this moment…"

Han Li lay on his bed, looking at the girl beside him who was engrossed in the story, and decided to end the storytelling session for the night.

"Huh, that's it?"

Xiu'er, not hearing the young master's voice continue, realized the story session was over.

Her hands, which were resting on the table supporting her cheeks, made her face look a bit round and chubby. She wasn't wearing any hair ornaments, and with the round bear ears on top of her head, she looked very cute and naive. At this moment, she seemed more like a girl her age should.

"It's already ten o'clock. Time to sleep. We have to go to the Spirit Hall to awaken our martial soul tomorrow."

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

After all, she was just a ten-year-old girl. Despite usually handling her maid duties meticulously, she couldn't resist the allure of stories, a habit that had persisted for over two years.

Their usual mode of interaction was quite peculiar. Although Xiu'er was a maid, she always treated him like a younger brother. Occasionally, when it was just the two of them, she would call him by his name.

Han Li couldn't refuse her care, understanding that this was the only way Xiu'er would feel better. She always blamed herself for causing him to lose his parents.

Of course, Han Li considered her as a sister in his heart. However, being only six years old in this life, he certainly wouldn't say it out loud. But after more than two years of companionship, he had accepted this girl as his family.

"Young master, you should rest early too. I'll come to wake you up in the morning."

Xiu'er glanced at the clock on the wall, realizing how late it was. As a maid, she hadn't noticed the time, which made her feel very unqualified. Her face turned red instantly, and she quickly ran out of the room.

Seeing Xiu'er flee in embarrassment, Han Li shook his head and lay back on his bed, closing his eyes.

"Tomorrow is the day for Martial Soul Awakening. What will it be like?"

Han Li deliberately cut off his thoughts, wished himself goodnight, and used the meditation techniques he had learned to fall asleep.

He had to admit, before awakening his martial soul, meditation was indeed a great sleep aid for someone who couldn't perceive anything.

...

Early the next morning, a refreshed Xiu'er woke Han Li. After a much more elaborate washing process than usual, she dressed him in brand-new clothes.

Han Li looked at the mirror, seeing a much more spirited and refined youth, and felt very satisfied.

With black hair, deep brown eyes, a youthful innocence on his face, fair skin, and a set of fitted white clothes, he was particularly handsome, and he looked very clean and fresh too.

"Young master, there's also this. It's a blessing from me, something my mom taught me."

Xiu'er pulled him over and carefully used a red eyebrow pencil to dot a red mark in the center of his forehead, gently blending it out. The red dot made him look even more striking.

Han Li didn't dodge, though he didn't particularly like it. It reminded him of a wheelchair-bound doctor he'd seen on TV before. But this was Xiu'er's heartfelt gesture, and he wouldn't refuse it.

"All done. As expected, young master looks especially good."

Xiu'er's eyes squinted with a satisfied smile at her handiwork.

"Let's go." Han Li took her hand and headed to the dining room.

After a particularly sumptuous breakfast, they didn't choose to walk. Instead, they boarded a carriage and headed towards the Spirit Hall.

The carriage stopped outside the Spirit Hall, and Han Li got off.

"Xiao/litte Li, over here."

Turning his head, Han Li saw a familiar figure, seemingly a bit surprised.

"Uncle Xiao."

Han Li smiled and went over to him. Over the past two years, this city lord uncle had taken good care of him. He hadn't expected him to attend today's awakening ceremony.

"How are you feeling? Nervous? I'll go in with you."

Without waiting for an answer, Uncle Xiao took Han Li's hand and led him into the Spirit Hall, ignoring the guards outside.

Han Li gestured for Xiu'er to follow, gave the guards an apologetic look, nodded, and walked in with them.

"Old man, come out and preside over Xiao Li's awakening ceremony."

Lord Xiao's voice was very loud as he shouted upon entering. Although they weren't part of the same organization, his martial soul was also awakened by Ma Xiunuo, and in this small town, no one cared about such distinctions.

"Stop shouting, I've been ready for a while. Come over here."

A voice filled with slight annoyance came from a room. It was Ma Xiuno. Lord Xiao didn't mind and pulled Han Li directly inside.

Inside the room, not only was Ma Xiuno there, but Su Yuntao was as well. Lord Xiao finally let go of Han Li's hand.

Han Li greeted the two politely, "Grandpa Ma, Brother Tao."

The two responded with smiles, looking at Han Li with affection and amusement. They had watched this boy grow up, and now it was time for his martial soul to awaken.

After greeting them, Han Li looked to the side. The black stone used for the awakening was already set up, and the crystal for testing soul power was placed on a nearby shelf.

"Xiao Li, should we start now, or do you want to wait a bit?"

Su Yuntao, noticing Han Li's gaze, asked with a smile.

"Let's start now."

Han Li took a deep breath, watched as Xiu'er entered and closed the door, and then replied.

"Alright. No need for more words; you've seen the awakening process more than once. Stand in the center."

Su Yuntao walked over and patted his shoulder.

"Okay."

Han Li nodded to everyone and stood at the center of the awakening stone, silently praying, "Goddess of Luck, please bless me." Compared to other beings, he felt this one was more approachable.

As Su Yuntao injected soul power, Han Li felt a warm sensation all over his body. Numerous golden light particles appeared around him. In just a moment, a flaming scimitar appeared in his outstretched right hand, casting a red glow on everyone's faces.

"A Super Martial Soul…"

Ma Xiuno and Lord Xiao suddenly stood up from their chairs, exclaiming.