Awakening Ceremony_2

The thunderous voice belonged to Head Instructor Ci, whose reputation for strictness preceded him throughout the sect. His black and yellow robes shimmered faintly under the cold light of the hanging spirit-lanterns, every fold disciplined like his manner.

His long black hair was pulled back in a severe high ponytail. And his sharp brown eyes swept across the crowd of five-year-olds like a hawk searching for prey, cataloging each face with calculating precision.

For years, he had monitored every child's progress with unwavering attention—their studies, their physical development, their character. Those who failed to meet his exacting standards faced immediate and harsh discipline. Though he had never spoken directly to Jiu Mei, their paths had crossed during evaluations. She remembered those brief moments when his penetrating gaze would settle on her, followed by barely perceptible nods of approval during fitness tests and knowledge assessments.

"Most of you will walk out of here..." He paused, letting the silence stretch like a taut bowstring. His eyes seemed to gleam with dark amusement as he watched the children's faces. "...with heads held high and insurmountable confidence, knowing that you are the future strength of the greatest sect under the Heavens—the Heavenly Demon Pavilion!"

The children erupted in enthusiastic cheers, their young voices echoing off the marble walls. Yet Jiu Mei noticed how some of the more perceptive kids remained quiet, their expressions troubled.

Oh great, she thought, her stomach dropping. That pause wasn't dramatic effect—he's telling us some of us aren't walking out at all. 'Why do adults always have to be so ominous about everything?'

Her earlier excitement evaporated like morning mist, replaced by a cold dread that settled in her chest. She suspected that children whose awakened talents proved inadequate would be expelled from the sect—and that would be the most merciful outcome, considering the alternatives whispered about in darker corners of the dormitories.

"The awakening will proceed in two phases," Instructor Ci announced, his voice carrying easily across the vast hall. "First, each child will step before one of the seven instructors to have their meridians forcibly opened. We will channel our Qi through your bodies to awaken your dormant spiritual pathways. I will not lie to you—this process is excruciating."

Gasps rippled through the crowd like stones dropped in still water. Several children visibly paled, and Jiu Mei heard someone behind her whisper a prayer to their ancestors.

'Excruciating?' she thought nervously. 'That's just a fancy word for 'really really hurts,' isn't it? I bet it's not that bad. I've fallen off the roof before and that wasn't too—'

Instructor Ci's lips curved into what might generously be called a smile, though it held no warmth. "If you cannot endure a bit of pain, then you lack the fundamental qualities of Heavenly Demon Pavilion disciples. Perhaps you should save us all time and throw yourselves from the nearest cliff—unless you'd prefer I arrange that for you personally."

As he spoke, spiritual pressure erupted from his body like an invisible tsunami. Though carefully controlled to avoid permanent harm, the oppressive force crashed over the children with devastating effect. Several collapsed to their knees, tears streaming down their faces. Others stood frozen, their small bodies trembling like leaves in a hurricane.

Jiu Mei gritted her teeth, her serpentine tail coiling tighter beneath her robes as she fought to remain upright. The pressure felt like someone had tied rocks to every part of her body and then pushed her underwater.

Okay, maybe she was wrong about the pain thing, she admitted to herself, struggling to breathe.

After what felt like forever, Instructor Ci withdrew his aura. The relief was so intense that several children just collapsed on the spot.

"Adequate," he said dismissively. "Now, for the second phase. After your meridians are opened, you will approach the Awakening Statue and place your hand upon one of its six arms. The statue will channel ancient Qi through your newly opened pathways, and your martial spirit will manifest above your head."

He gestured toward the imposing demon statue, its three faces seeming to watch the proceedings with unsettling intensity.

"Your martial spirit will reflect your soul's essence and determine your elemental affinity. The known elements are Fire, Water, Earth, Lightning, Wind, Metal, Poison, Light, Darkness, Yin, and Yang. Some spirits may possess combined elements or rare variants. The quality ranges from Mortal Grade at the lowest, through Earth Grade, Heaven Grade, and in extraordinary cases, Divine Grade."

Jiu Mei's eyes widened. 'Divine Grade? That sounds amazing! I wonder what mine will be...

"Once your spirit is awakened," Instructor Ci continued, his tone becoming matter-of-fact, "you will be assigned to one of our thirteen halls through the sacred lottery system. The Heavenly Demon Pavilion believes that fate determines where disciples belong, not the narrow expectations of mortal minds. A cooking spirit might flourish in the Stellar Combat Hall, while a sword spirit might find their true calling in the Celestial Healing Hall."

"However," his voice took on a different quality, "certain Hall Masters may choose to make early claims on promising disciples before awakening. These Hall Masters have observed you for five years and made their gambles based on potential rather than manifested power. Such disciples, if claimed, will bypass the lottery entirely."

He gestured toward a section of the hall where thirteen elaborate banners hung from the marble pillars, each bearing the emblem of a different hall.

"Three disciples have already been claimed," Instructor Ci announced, consulting a jade tablet. "Lin Zhao, number 341, has been requested by Hall Master Shen of the Celestial Devil Hall. Zhao Yue, number 298, has been claimed by Hall Master Liu of the Heavenly Azure Dragon Hall. And Jiu Mei, number 847, has been requested by Hall Master Yinghua of the Derived Jade Enchantment Palace."

Wait, what? Jiu Mei's mind went blank as she almost went into a frenzy. 'Someone actually wanted me?! Before even seeing my spirit? Why the Derived Jade Enchantment Palace?!'

Around her, she heard whispers of surprise and envy. Being pre-selected was extremely rare and indicated that a Hall Master saw exceptional potential.

Yu Sheng subtly appeared at Jiu Mei's side, his usually cheerful face showing a mixture of excitement and worry. "Senior Sister," he whispered, "that's amazing! But... why have you been chosen for the Derived Jade Enchantment Palace?"

Before Jiu Mei could respond, Instructor Ci's sharp gaze fixed on their location. "Silence! The pre-selected disciples will still undergo awakening to determine their spirits, but their placements are sealed. For all others, remember—the lottery system exists because no singular hall will have more of an advantage over the other. Do not be deceived by appearances. Even the lowest spirit may kill and ascend to the highest, given time and blood."

As the inspirational speech went in one ear and out the other, she was still reeling from the revelation that someone had specifically requested her. 'Hall Master Yinghua must have seen something in my evaluations. But what?'

"However," his voice turned cold again, "those whose spirits show no potential whatsoever... will not be the sect's concern any longer."

"The first group will now approach. Numbers one through seven, step forward."

Seven children separated from the crowd with varying degrees of reluctance. Jiu Mei recognized most of them—including Lin Zhao, who moved with his characteristic calm confidence, and surprisingly, the frail girl Zhao Yue, who seemed to drift forward like a ghost.

Jiu Mei quickly registered that they were sending them forward based on their numbers given while still in schooling. As number 847, she would be waiting a very long time. Actually, maybe this was for the better! 'I can see what happens to everyone else first.'

"Stand before an instructor," Ci commanded. "When I give the signal, they will begin the meridian opening. Do not resist the process—resistance will only increase your suffering and potentially cripple you permanently."

The seven children took their positions, each facing one of the black-robed instructors. Lin Zhao stood before Instructor Ci himself, while Zhao Yue trembled before a stern-faced woman with silver hair.

"Begin," Ci commanded.

What happened next made Jiu Mei seriously reconsider her career choices. The instructors placed their hands on the children's backs, and immediately, the hall filled with screams that sounded like someone was torturing small animals.

Lin Zhao remained standing, though his face went completely white and sweat poured down his forehead. His hands clenched into fists so tight that blood dripped from where his nails pierced his palms, but he didn't make a sound.

Show off, Jiu Mei thought, though she had to admit she was impressed. 'How is he not screaming? Is he even human?'

Zhao Yue collapsed instantly, her tiny body convulsing as otherworldly energy coursed through her meridians. Yet even as she writhed on the marble floor, she bit down on her lip hard enough to draw blood rather than scream.

Jiu Mei immediately felt the urge to rush up there and stop the entire ceremony, but she knew doing so would only be detrimental to both herself and Zhao Yue.

The other five children fell somewhere between these extremes—some screaming, some whimpering, all clearly suffering beyond anything they had ever experienced.

"Pathetic," Instructor Ci muttered, though he continued channeling Qi into Lin Zhao's meridians with practiced precision. 

After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, the instructors stepped back. Several children lay motionless on the floor, though their chests were still rising and falling.

"Phase one complete," Instructor Ci announced. "Those who are conscious may proceed to the statue. Those who are not..." He shrugged indifferently. "We'll see if they wake up before the ceremony ends."

Lin Zhao was the first to move, walking toward the imposing demon statue with steps that barely showed what he'd just been through. He placed his hand on the leftmost arm without hesitation.

Immediately, the statue's three faces began to glow with an eerie blue light. The air around Lin Zhao shimmered, and above his head, something began to materialize.

A collective gasp rose from the watching children as Lin Zhao's martial spirit took shape—a magnificent obsidian dragon, its scales gleaming like polished midnight. Dark energy swirled around it in mesmerizing patterns, and its eyes blazed with inner fire.

"Void Shadow Dragon," Instructor Ci breathed, his usual composure cracking to reveal genuine awe. "High Earth Grade with darkness and spatial elements. The Immortal Sword Hall has made an excellent gamble."

'Of course it's a dragon', Jiu Mei thought with a mixture of admiration and jealousy. 'Of course he gets the coolest possible spirit. Though I guess being pre-selected makes sense now.'

Zhao Yue somehow managed to stand, swaying like she might fall over at any second. Her tiny hand barely reached the lowest arm, but when she made contact, the reaction was immediate and shocking.

The statue's glow intensified until it was nearly blinding, and the air itself seemed to crack with power. Above Zhao Yue's head, something extraordinary began to form—a phoenix made of pure silver light, its wings spread wide as it sang a hauntingly beautiful melody that seemed to resonate in everyone's bones.

"Impossible," one of the instructors whispered.

Instructor Ci's eyes widened. "Infernal Crimson Phoenix. Heaven Grade with light, fire, and Yang elements. The Heavenly Azure Dragon Hall's gamble has paid off magnificently."

Wait, what? Jiu Mei thought, her jaw dropping. This tiny sick girl has a Heaven Grade spirit? That's... that's better than Lin Zhao's! And it perfectly matches her hall assignment too. How did Hall Master Liu know?

The ceremony continued with the remaining five children from the first group. As their spirits manifested, Jiu Mei watched in fascination at the incredible variety—but more importantly, she observed how randomly they would be assigned.

A chubby boy named Wei Feng awakened a Bronze Cooking Pot spirit with fire elements. An assistant stepped forward with a spinning wheel marked with the thirteen hall symbols. When it stopped, it pointed to the Divine Fist Hall.

"Interesting match," one instructor mused. "Combat cooking—perhaps he'll learn to prepare battlefield rations that enhance fighting ability."

A quiet girl named Li Hua manifested a Silver Herb Garden spirit with earth and water elements. Her lottery wheel landed on the Eternal Twilight Serpent.

"Poisonous plants have many uses in our line of work," the hall's representative noted with approval.

Another boy, Chen Lu, produced a Copper Forge Hammer with fire and metal elements, but was assigned to the Void Tiger Hall.

But one boy produced no martial spirit at all. He stood by the statue for long minutes, his hand pressed against the arm, but nothing appeared above his head except empty air.

"Martial Spirit failure," Instructor Ci announced coldly. "Escort him out."

Two guards materialized from the shadows, their faces hidden behind masks. They lifted the sobbing boy by his arms and dragged him toward a side door that Jiu Mei had never noticed before.

"Where are they taking him?" Yu Sheng whispered, his voice barely audible.

'Somewhere that's probably not so nice', Jiu Mei thought, her mouth going dry as the boy's terrified screams echoed through the hall until the door slammed shut.

"Next group," Instructor Ci called out. "Numbers eight through fourteen, step forward."

As the ceremony continued, Jiu Mei watched each awakening with growing fascination and dread. The lottery assignments were creating some truly unexpected combinations:

Another boy awakened a Dancing Silk Ribbon spirit with wind elements but was assigned to the Abyssal Beast Hall. 

One particularly memorable awakening involved a boy named Hu Jin whose spirit was a Rainbow Peacock with light elements, but he was assigned to the Dark Nightshade Palace. His hall representative didn't appear to be too thrilled at this outcome.

The random assignments were creating fascinating possibilities that never would have occurred under the old system of matching spirits to obvious halls.

Some spirits seemed almost mundane at first glance. A girl i awakened a Simple Broom spirit with wind elements.

The failures were getting more frequent though. Every group had at least one child who either couldn't survive the meridian opening or produced no spirit at all. Each was dragged away through that same ominous door.

Jiu Mei gazed at the door in fright, as she started to get the feeling she might be the next one to go through it.Her serpentine tail coiled tighter with anxiety. Around her, the remaining children were getting more nervous too. Some were crying quietly. Others stood frozen with fear.

The numbers kept climbing. 100, 200, 300... Each group brought new surprises and unexpected lottery assignments that were already reshaping her understanding of how the sect worked.

Hours passed. The hall gradually emptied as successful children were moved to their assigned halls—some looking pleased with their lottery results, others appearing confused or worried about their unexpected placements.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Instructor Ci's voice rang out again.

"Numbers 840 through 847. Our second to last group of the day. Step forward."

Jiu Mei's heart stopped. Her number—847—was in this group.

This is it, she thought, her legs feeling like jelly as she stepped away from Yu Sheng's side. Time to find out if Hall Master Yinghua gamble was brilliant or terrible.

She looked around at the six other children in her group. Most looked terrified, but one girl—number 843—caught her attention. She had unusual silver hair and moved with a confidence that reminded Jiu Mei of Lin Zhao.

As they approached the instructors, Jiu Mei tried to calm her racing heart. Her scales were tingling under her robes, and her tail was twitching uncontrollably with nervous energy.

'Whatever happens, I'm going to face it head-on. I didn't survive five years in this crazy place just to give up now. And someone believed in me enough to claim me sight unseen. I won't let Hall Master Yinghua down.' She told herself firmly.

She went and stood in front of one of the two only female instructors. This woman was instructor Ling, and Jiu Mei had a very distasteful opinion of her. She remembered as a child this lady had cursed her presence in the sect. Even now, she hadn't forgiven her. 

Instructor Ling smiled happily at Jiu Mei and quietly told her, "Don't be a disappointment to Lord Xie." She had no idea what this meant but she just looked at her with a blank expression on her face and then simple ignored her entirely. The woman closed her eyes and frustratingly inhaled at this.

Jiu Mei then felt the hands of Instructor Ling on her back and exhaled, only thinking one thing:

'Please don't let me end up as one of those screaming kids getting dragged through the scary door.'