As dawn broke, Kai woke up with excitement buzzing through him. After quickly dressing and having breakfast, he and hone of the caretakers from the Orphanage, Mrs. Daya, both wearing their best clothes, set out toward the Martial Soul Awakening Chamber. On the way, they ran into Tang Wulin, accompanied by his parents, strolling along in relaxed spirits. The two groups merged, chatting amiably as they walked together toward the chamber. Kai's caretakers exchanged warm greetings with Tang Wulin's parents, and soon enough, they reached their destination.
At the same time, beneath the dense canopy of many ancient trees, light barely pierced the Star Dou Forest. Shadows cloaked the ground, concealing a hidden lake with waters as pure as crystal but dangerously low, as if life itself was fading from this sanctuary.
Beside the lake stood a lone figure, a man draped in black, golden hair tracing his cheek. Around him gathered creatures of all shapes, unified by a somber gaze.
"Beast God," a woman in a jade cheongsam murmured beside him. "Ten thousand years... the Spirit Pagoda still stands, yet we soul beasts are nearly gone."
A painful glint crossed the Beast God's eyes. "Beast God? What God that couldn't protect those of his kinds for only us to remain to lead?"
Suddenly, a tremor spread through the ground. The lake began to churn, bubbles rising, and the earth quaked beneath them. Fear rippled through the crowd. "Humans? Have they come?" gasped the woman.
"No—it's something else," the Beast God murmured, hope flaring in his eyes. A booming voice echoed across the forest, shaking the heavens themselves.
The lake erupted, revealing a massive silver claw bursting forth, gleaming scales reflecting every glint of light. The ground shattered, trees bowed, and all the beasts dropped to their knees in reverence as a towering silver dragon emerged, over three hundred meters in length.
The nearby towering trees that had once stood tall were now replaced by this giant beast. When faced with this silver colossus, however, they could only prostrate themselves before it.
"It died, but I still live!" The deep voice roared with sorrow.
The silver colossus glowed brilliantly, filling every soul beast with exhilaration. A resplendent silver light blinded all of the soul beasts. They could only kneel, head lowered, as their bodies trembled with ecstasy.
The Beast God eagerly said, "Lord Silver Dragon King! Humanity has already grown too powerful! Even I am unable to contend for very long against their best soul mechas! Humanity has managed to thoroughly suppress us with their science and technology!"
The silver figure slowly lowered its head and spoke, but this time, its voice didn't resonate throughout the forest. "In order to destroy them, you must first understand them! Follow me! Since our world is already on the brink of destruction, then we will go and conquer their world!" saying which the figure slowly turned into a girlish one decreasing in size continuously as she started walking out of the forest.
Now getting back at Tang Wulin and Kai's Side, inside the chamber, anticipation filled the air as the Awakening Master greeted them cheerfully, especially taking a liking to the polite and eager children. The Awakening Master began by motivating Kai and Tang Wulin with encouraging words, letting them know this was an important step in their journey. Tang Wulin's turn came before Kai's so, he was the first to approach the awakening chamber. As he placed his hand down, a warm, radiant golden glow began to emanate from it, catching everyone's attention. The light grew brighter, and there was a brief moment of silence as everyone waited expectantly.
To their surprise, Tang Wulin's Martial Soul emerged as a Blue Silver Grass—a familiar yet unexpectedly vibrant version. This wasn't the ordinary Blue Silver Grass; it shimmered with golden patterns intertwined throughout its delicate leaves. The Awakening Master's eyes widened slightly. When the name "Blue Silver Grass" appeared on the board, as he realized it may be a mutated one, hinting at a much greater potential. Though Tang Wulin initially felt a bit disheartened, Kai and the others quickly reassured him, and upon hearing Awakening Master's words which were with him expressing admiration for the unique qualities of his Martial Soul being mutated having tested the strength being at least thrice as string as a normal one allowing him a great benefit.
The Awakening Master, visibly impressed, explained that this could be the "Mutated Blue Silver." a rare variant and the strongest among plant-type Martial Souls. Tang Wulin's soul power level was revealed to be Three [3], marking him as an average low level innate Soul Power wielder. Though Tang Wulin was depressed, with Kai's words of advice and his own determination he cheered up in a bit though Kai himself was surprised and confused as to how Tang Wulin's Blue Silver Grass was not simple instead with the dimly glowing golden lines which indicated the Blue Silver Emperor Bloodline... as he was drowned in his thoughts the Gaia system's message came for him:
[Kai, those fictional things you had read and seen in the digital about this world of your past life were only a part of this world. There are countless possibilities and so anything can happen and not always that one thing repeats itself so, just embrace this change and also be ready to know more about the Truth of this World or may I say the Douluo Universe.]
Kai having heard this advice-like words nodded in understanding and got ready as now, it was finally Kai's turn. As Kai approached the internal of chamber for his Martial Soul awakening, his mind raced with excitement and anticipation. This was the moment he had waited so hard for. Just as he reached the chamber's threshold, a sudden thought flashed through his mind—the [Copy] Card he'd received from the System, which he had once again almost forgotten about. The realization struck him like a spark, reminding him of the unique opportunity he had to obtain a rare and powerful trait. He remembered Tang Wulin possessed the Golden Dragon King Bloodline, sealed away by Tang San, Wulin's father. There was not only the Golden Dragon King's Bloodline but also blessings of countless other Gods and God Kings that Wulin had received during just after he was born.
The potential of the bloodline and any one of the blessings was immense. With it, Kai could potentially gain an ability unlike anything he had encountered, something rooted in the legendary dragon might and strength of the Golden Dragon King or some powerful ability of other blessings.
As Kai stood, moments before his Martial Soul awakening, he held the Copy Card firmly, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. With the card in hand, he knew he could attempt to copy only one of the incredible traits Tang Wulin carried. But which one? The divine blessings Wulin had received from gods, or the potent bloodline sealed within him?
Kai's mind raced as he considered his options. Wulin's blessings were rare and profound, divine gifts that could potentially elevate him to unprecedented levels of power and fortune. Yet, the thought of gaining a powerful bloodline, particularly the legendary Golden Dragon King Bloodline, filled him with equal excitement. This bloodline, with its fierce, unyielding strength and dragon-like qualities, could give Kai an edge in martial prowess and raw power that no blessing could match.
The dilemma gripped him tightly. Kai knew the value of divine blessings—they were rare, often granting power without limits. But the bloodline seemed to call to him more powerfully, a whisper in his heart that urged him towards it, offering tangible strength and transformation. Kai took a deep breath, clearing his mind. The decision was his alone to make, and there was no turning back. I need the power that's tangible, he thought. The power that can strengthen my body, my soul, and my will.
Without further hesitation, Kai let his instinct guide him. He chose to copy the bloodline.
In an instant, the Gaia System responded with a soft hum in his mind. [Congratulations, Kai. You have successfully absorbed the mutated Clear Sky Bloodline.]
Kai's eyes widened in shock. Clear Sky Bloodline? But… that wasn't the Golden Dragon Bloodline.
Kai was stunned. He hadn't expected this outcome at all. The Clear Sky Bloodline was powerful, yes, but he had his hopes set on the raw, fierce strength of the Golden Dragon King Bloodline. His pulse quickened, a mix of surprise and curiosity taking over as he tried to process what had just happened. A part of him felt a pang of disappointment, yet he quickly realized that this was still an extraordinary gain.
The Clear Sky Bloodline was legendary in its own right, directly tied to the Clear Sky Hammer, the strongest Tool Martial Soul known across Douluo Continent. The mutation might even make it more unique, a new blend of qualities that he alone would possess. As the realization settled within him, Kai began to feel the subtle but undeniable surge of power coursing through him—a strength that was ancient, potent, and solid as stone.
Despite the unexpected twist, Kai felt a deep satisfaction. Perhaps this bloodline would serve him even better than he'd anticipated as what he was going to awaken was a Weapon Martial Soul.
The Gaia system suddenly appeared before him, offering a message in its familiar, calm voice.
[Congratulations, Kai, on reaching the day of your Martial Soul awakening. With this step, your aptitude stats will vanish, replaced by the power of your awakened soul]
[Also, as you have a twin Martial Soul, you have the choice to keep one hidden. Revealing only one Martial Soul for now may help you avoid unnecessary attention and give you time to grow without distractions. When you're strong enough, you can reveal your second Martial Soul on your own terms.]
As Kai's awakening reached its climax, the Gaia system suddenly halted the process, drawing Kai's attention.
[Kai, you can elevate your seven-star aptitude to an extraordinary ten-star level. However, it is with a condition—you'd have to relinquish your innate full soul power, which meant starting from level one instead of level ten. While the choice is yours, I assure you that this choice could propel your growth to a level beyond your current seven-star aptitude, but yeah, ultimately it is your decision.]
The Gaia system continued: [Starting from Level 1 with a 10☆ aptitude will bring far greater benefits to your growth in the long run. The barriers between higher aptitude stars, such as between 3☆ and 4☆, or especially between 9☆ and 10☆, are immense. With 10☆ potential, your cultivation rate, power, and ability to break through limits will be far superior. It's your choice, though—stay with your 7☆ status at Level 10 or reset with 10☆ aptitude and work your way up.]
Kai thought deeply, weighing the offer. He knew the path to greatness was rarely straightforward, and to him, cultivating from level 1 would be a chance to build even stronger foundations. With unwavering confidence, Kai accepted, feeling his innate full soul power reset but sensing a powerful energy gradually merging within him. A black hammer with a sleek, pointed edge materialized in his hand—a rare, mutated martial soul that stunned the onlookers while name was Black Dragon Hammer. When they checked, his soul power was confirmed at level 1, yet Kai's expression was anything but disappointed.
Tang Wulin, who watched alongside him, asked with curiosity, "Kai, aren't you disappointed to start from level 1?"
Kai smiled calmly. "Not at all. Starting from the ground up lets me grow stronger step by step, and it'll mean even more when I reach the top. Hard work, determination, and resilience can surpass any limits." His words resonated deeply, instilling a quiet inspiration.
The Awakening Master, moved by Kai's outlook, nodded approvingly. "Wise words for one so young," he said, with admiration in his voice. "To willingly choose the harder path shows your true strength, Kai. Keep this mindset, and you'll accomplish great things."
With his martial soul awakened and his spirit uplifted, Kai had not only gained a rare ability but earned the respect of everyone around him.
After the awakening ceremony though there were countless notifications by Gaia system, Kai focused on his time with close peoples. Well,, even Gaia System being a fragment og Gaia is an important person in his heart but for time being he postponed the messages from the system. Kai's family, Kai's caretakers, and Tang Wulin's family, along with , decided to stop at a small, cozy restaurant. The mood was light and filled with laughter, as everyone was in high spirits following the successful awakening. However, what stunned the adults even more was the sheer amount of food Kai and Tang Wulin devoured—it was like they had boundless appetites! The two of them ate so much that it was hard to believe they were still kids; they managed portions that would normally feed the entire group.
Amid the meal, Kai casually brought up an idea that caught everyone's attention. He suggested that both he and Tang Wulin take up blacksmithing in addition to their training as Soul Masters. Although he couldn't fully explain it, Kai felt an instinctive draw toward the craft, especially since his own Martial Soul, Iron Black Hammer was more affinitive to Blacksmith.
Kai eagerly explained to Tang Wulin and their parents why blacksmithing could be a great path for both of them. "Think about it," Kai said, his eyes glinting with excitement. "If we learn blacksmithing, we can earn our own money and eventually support ourselves. We won't have to rely on anyone else which means our parents and elders won't be troubled because of us."
Tang Wulin's mother smiled, impressed by Kai's maturity. "You're right, Kai. Learning to be independent at your age is rare. It will help you both grow into responsible, capable young men."
Tang Wulin chimed in, "And with that money, we can buy any tools or materials we need for our training. We won't have to trouble anyone for that."
Kai's caretaker nodded approvingly. "You both have good heads on your shoulders. Thinking ahead like this is a valuable trait. It shows that you're taking control of your future."
Tang Wulin's mother, clearly proud, then mentioned, "You know, your father's brother is a blacksmith. He's quite skilled, and I'm sure he'd be happy to guide you both."
Tang Wulin's face lit up. "Really, Mom? That'd be amazing!" he exclaimed. Kai looked equally thrilled, the thought of having Tang Wulin's uncle, Meng Tian, as his mentor as well was filling him with renewed energy and excitement.
After this heartening conversation, the families finished their meal with laughter and light-hearted banter.
Once the meal ended, they all said their goodbyes and parted ways. Tang Wulin and his parents headed home, while Kai and his caretakers made their way back to the orphanage. Upon arrival, Kai was greeted by everyone who scrambled up to ask Kai of what Martial Soul he had awakened. After all sorts of questions and testing, they shared a simple dinner, talking quietly and enjoying each other's company. Before long, everyone drifted off to sleep, with Kai in particular falling into a deep slumber, his mind buzzing with the events of the day and the path he was starting to envision for himself including the training plan of his.
To Be Continued...8