Chapter 12: The Offer
The room fell into a heavy silence following Lin Tian's martial soul awakening. Teachers and students alike stared in stunned disbelief, their expressions fluctuating between awe and confusion. Some whispered in hushed tones, others remained frozen, unsure whether what they witnessed was a miracle or an anomaly.
Elder Xin, however, remained calm. Though his face betrayed only the slightest flicker of surprise, he quickly masked it with a composed demeanor. With a subtle gesture toward the scribe beside him, he gave a quiet command.
"Record everything," Elder Xin said evenly. Then, turning to Lin Tian with an approving glance, he added, "Come with me."
They exited the awakening hall, leaving behind the curious crowd of students awaiting their own turn. A junior teacher, sensing the shift in responsibility, bowed respectfully.
"Continue with the ceremony for the others," Elder Xin ordered, his voice carrying both authority and calmness. Then, through a transmission of soul power, he sent a mental message to Lin Tian's parents.
"Meet me by the library."
Lin Yun and Lin Yue exchanged anxious glances, unspoken concern passing between them like a silent current. They knew that something significant had just occurred—something far beyond a normal martial soul awakening. Without hesitation, they followed the elder's instructions and made their way through the academy grounds toward the secluded location behind the library.
The walk was quiet, save for the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet. Morning sunlight filtered through the branches of ancient trees lining the path, casting gentle shadows that swayed in the breeze. Despite the pleasant surroundings, Lin Yue couldn't shake the unease tightening in her chest.
At last, they arrived at a modest hut nestled behind the library. It was simple in design, but there was a warmth about it—like a sanctuary untouched by the commotion of the outside world. Elder Xin opened the door with a graceful sweep of his hand and gestured for them to enter.
"Come in," he invited, his tone gentle yet firm. Inside, the air was cool, and the scent of aged wood mingled with that of fresh tea leaves. "Please, sit."
Lin Tian, Lin Yun, and Lin Yue took their seats on low cushions surrounding a wooden table. Elder Xin moved quietly, preparing tea with a ritualistic precision that gave the impression he had performed this act countless times before.
"This is not a matter for alarm," Elder Xin said as he poured the tea, his calm demeanor contrasting with the tension in the air. "At least, not in the way you might fear."
Lin Yue leaned forward, her maternal instincts overriding her attempt to stay composed. Worry flickered in her eyes, making her voice soft but urgent.
"Did something go wrong with his martial soul?" she asked.
Elder Xin smiled gently, handing her a cup of tea. "Quite the opposite," he replied. "Your son's martial soul did not merely mutate—it evolved."
Lin Tian finally spoke, his voice steady despite the uncertainty that weighed on him. "It's called the Storm Tyrant Spear."
A look of pride bloomed across Lin Yue's face as she tousled her son's hair affectionately. "I knew it!" she exclaimed, casting a triumphant glance toward her husband. "He inherited my martial soul!"
Lin Yun gave a playful sigh, but there was a hint of admiration in his expression. He knew better than to argue at this moment. Elder Xin, however, remained focused on the task at hand, though a soft chuckle escaped him at the family's interaction.
"The Storm Tyrant Spear is no ordinary martial soul," the elder explained. "It places your son among the rarest martial souls—comparable to the Clear Sky Hammer or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon."
Lin Yun choked on his tea, coughing violently. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, glancing between Elder Xin and Lin Tian in disbelief.
"You mean... it's a top-tier martial soul?" Lin Yun asked, his voice shaky with shock.
Elder Xin gave a measured nod. "Indeed. The pressure it exudes confirms its exceptional potential." He turned to Lin Tian with a keen look. "Summon it again. Let us take a closer look."
Lin Tian closed his eyes, drawing in a slow, focused breath. Soul power surged through him, and the spear materialized in his hand with a crackling burst of energy. Lightning arced along its shaft, casting fleeting shadows on the walls. Sparks danced over his skin, humming with vibrant energy.
Lin Yue narrowed her eyes, studying the weapon carefully. "I can feel the difference," she murmured, her voice thoughtful. "This spear... it's stronger than mine. There's a tangible sense of oppression."
Elder Xin smiled, satisfied with the confirmation. "Exactly. What we are witnessing is not merely an inheritance but a rare evolution of the martial soul."
He paused, letting the gravity of his next words settle over the family. "With martial souls of this caliber, it is common for the user to awaken with innate soul power levels of seven or higher. Your son, however, has innate full soul power."
Lin Yun and Lin Yue exchanged looks, the weight of the revelation sinking in. Full soul power meant that Lin Tian was already leagues ahead of his peers—a prodigy among prodigies.
"And that," Elder Xin continued, "brings me to an offer." He locked eyes with Lin Tian. "If you can reach level 20 before your eighth birthday, I will personally take you on as my disciple."
Lin Tian's heart raced. Becoming Elder Xin's disciple would grant him access to unparalleled resources, guidance, and opportunities. In Lanshan, there was no greater mentor than the elder, and while he dreamed of being taught by a Titled Douluo, that dream remained distant for now.
After a moment of careful thought, Lin Tian gave a small, determined nod. "I accept."
Elder Xin smiled, his approval evident. "Good. I look forward to your progress."
The family bowed in gratitude before taking their leave, thanking the elder for his care and discretion. On the walk home, silence stretched between them, the magnitude of the day's events settling heavily on their minds.
When they finally reached their house, Lin Yun and Lin Yue went to prepare dinner. But Lin Tian remained in the center of the room, his expression unreadable.
"Mom, Dad," he called out. His parents turned toward him, curious. "There's... something else."
Lin Yun and Lin Yue shared a concerned glance. "What is it, Xiao Tian?" Lin Yun asked cautiously.
Lin Tian hesitated briefly, then exhaled slowly. "I have a second martial soul."
The room fell deathly silent. His parents froze, shock and disbelief etched across their faces.
"Does anyone else know?" Lin Yun asked sharply.
Lin Tian shook his head. "No. I felt it during the awakening but I suppressed it."
Relief washed over their expressions, though traces of worry remained. Lin Yue stepped closer, her voice hushed but insistent. "Show us."
Lin Tian closed his eyes, focused inward, and activated his second martial soul. His body swelled, muscles expanding and rippling with power. When he opened his eyes, a quiet intensity radiated from him.
"This…" he said calmly, "is my second martial soul. The Spirit Body."
For a long moment, Lin Yun stared at his son in stunned silence. Then, unexpectedly, he covered his face with his hand, shoulders trembling.
"Dad?" Lin Tian's voice wavered with uncertainty. "Are you… okay?"
When Lin Yun's laughter erupted from behind his hands, Lin Tian blinked in confusion. His mother, unamused by her husband's antics, smacked him on the back of his head.
Lin Yun winced but continued to laugh. "A second martial soul! Even if it's a weaker martial soul," He shook his head, still chuckling. "I couldn't be prouder, Xiao Tian."
Lin Yue crossed her arms, suppressing a smile. "Proud or not, this is serious."
Lin Yun sobered, wiping his eyes. "She's right. You'll have to hide the Spirit Body."
"Why?" Lin Tian asked, frowning.
"Because you'll be targeted by large sects, nobles and whoever wants to expand their power. Not to mention, cultivating twin martial souls is incredibly dangerous," Lin Yun explained. "Even Tang San, the Sea God, revealed that it's impossible without a full set of soul bones. He only succeeded because his body could withstand the strain of eighteen soul rings."
Lin Tian nodded thoughtfully. 'Tang San's information was clever,' he thought. 'He revealed this knowing that most people wouldn't have access to a full set of soul bones, earning him goodwill and faith. A win-win for all parties.'
"Of course, even with this revelation, people either got greedy or did not fully believe him. They failed," Lin Yun finished grimly. "Their bodies couldn't handle the burden, and they… well, they didn't survive."
"Some managed to survive by simultaneously cultivating both of their martial souls," Lin Tian added. "But that resulted in both martial souls having the normal soul ring combinations —yellow, purple, and black."
Lin Yun nodded approvingly at his son's understanding. "Exactly. So, until you have soul bones, no soul rings on the Spirit Body."
Lin Tian gave a firm nod. "I understand. I won't risk it."
Lin Tian thought to himself 'This is most likely the reason why Xiao Xiao added soul rings to both of her martial souls instead of attempting to do what Tang San and Bibi Dong did.'
With that, the tension in the room eased. Lin Yun placed a hand on his son's shoulder, his gaze warm with pride. "Good. Now let's have dinner, eh?"
The three of them sat down to a simple meal, the warmth of their family bond making the food taste richer. At that moment, Lin Tian knew that while his journey would be filled with challenges, he wouldn't be facing them alone.
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