The Awakening Ceremony had arrived, and the entire Xian Clan was gathered in the grand hall for the highly anticipated event.
The air crackled with excitement and a sense of nervous anticipation as the younger generation prepared to undergo the ceremony that would determine their future.
At just 10 years old, Xian Tiandi stood among the others, his small frame now far from the fragile child he once was.
Since his mysterious rebirth, he had spent the last 10 years in the Xian Clan, quietly refining his soul through the Chaos Spirit Refinement Technique.
Slowly, his body had transformed, growing stronger and more resilient with every passing day. His golden eyes, sharp and intense, reflected the quiet wisdom and strength beyond his years.
Beside him stood Xian Yu, the patriarch's first daughter. At 9 years old, she was an exceptional child—talented, poised, and already showing a remarkable ability to connect to the spiritual world.
Xian Long, the patriarch's first son, was only 7 years old, his youthful enthusiasm evident as he bounced excitedly on his toes. Though still young, his heart was pure, and he eagerly awaited his turn in the ceremony.
Unlike most of the children in the clan, who had grown up in the shadow of the patriarch's power, Xian Tiandi's history was shrouded in mystery.
Xian Chen, the patriarch, had found him when he was no more than a baby, an abandoned child with no past.
Despite the unusual circumstances of his arrival, Xian Tiandi had been raised as one of their own, though his true potential had always seemed to transcend the ordinary.
The ceremony was simple, yet sacred. Each child would sit within the activation array, which would connect them to the Spirit World and awaken their Beast Spirit.
Beast Spirits were creatures born from the soul's connection to the spiritual realm, and their strength determined the cultivation speed and potential of the one who awakened them.
Beast Spirits were ranked in the following way:
Mortal Rank (Low, Mid, High, Peak) – Most people would awaken a Beast Spirit of this rank, with the majority falling into the Low Mortal rank. Awakening a Peak Mortal Rank Beast Spirit was rare a sign of great potential.
Profound Rank (Low, Mid, High, Peak) – Only the most exceptional individuals could awaken a Beast Spirit of the Profound rank in their first awakening.
It was rare, and those who did were seen as future leaders of the clan, often rising to power quickly.
Earth Rank (Low, Mid, High, Peak) – Earth Rank Beast Spirits were seen as powerful. Only those with extreme talent or fortune could awaken such a spirit.
Heavenly Rank (Low, Mid, High, Peak) – The highest rank, legendary Beast Spirits that could take a person to the pinnacle of cultivation. Very few ever reached this level, and fewer still could awaken such a beast spirit.
However, there was a rarity about the awakening process. Most children would awaken Low Mortal spirits, and only the most gifted would awaken a Peak Mortal.
The awakening of a Profound Rank or higher was considered almost impossible, with only the patriarchs and a few select elders possessing such power.
The children lined up in the activation array, and the light in the hall dimmed as the ceremony began.
First was Xian Yu. She stepped into the array with a calm and determined expression. Her eyes closed as the energy of the Spirit World connected to her, and a brilliant light filled the air.
The crowd gasped as a Low Heavenly Beast Spirit materialized in front of her—a White Tiger, its eyes gleaming with power. The White Tiger was a fierce and noble beast, known for its strength and resilience.
Though it was a Low Profound Rank, it was still a Profound Rank spirit, a rare and extraordinary awakening that few could ever hope to achieve.
The crowd erupted into applause, and Xian Tiandi watched as Xian Yu stood with pride, her spirit glowing around her.
Next was Xian Long, his youthful energy impossible to contain. The array lit up as he connected to the Spirit World. A swirling mist formed around him, and a Mid Mortal Beast Spirit materialized—a Gale Wolf, its eyes crackling with electric energy.
It wasn't a high-ranking beast spirit, but the Mid Mortal was still a strong awakening. The crowd cheered, and Xian Long beamed with pride, his small chest puffed out as though he had just achieved something monumental.
The ceremony continued, and one by one, each child in the array awakened their Beast Spirit. Most of them received Low Mortal or Mid Mortal Beast Spirits, as expected.
While none of them were extraordinary, they would each begin their cultivation journey and rise to greater heights with time.
Finally, it was Xian Tiandi's turn.
He stepped into the array, his small form calm and composed. His golden eyes gleamed with quiet determination as he focused all his energy on the Chaos Spirit Orb within his soul.
He allowed the orb to pulse and release its essence, expanding his soul power and reaching out to connect with the Spirit World.
The array hummed with energy as the connection was made, but as Xian Tiandi's soul reached deeper into the realm, he felt a strange resistance.
He could feel the power of the Primordial Divine Beast Spirit, but his soul power wasn't enough to fully connect with such an entity.
Xian Tiandi could have easily awakened a Peak Heavenly Beast Spirit, but he deliberately refrained from it.
Instead, the array flickered as the energy faded, leaving only a lingering pulse. It was clear to everyone watching that Xian Tiandi had failed to awaken a Beast Spirit.
The murmurs of the crowd filled the hall, with many whispering among themselves.
"Did he fail?" someone whispered. "He couldn't even awaken a low rank Mortal Beast Spirit?"
Xian Tiandi stood silently, his expression calm. He could feel the weight of disappointment pressing down on him, but he knew it was for the best.
There was more to his cultivation than simply awakening a spirit.
Xian Chen, the patriarch, observed his son with a thoughtful gaze, while Xian Yu stepped forward, her voice firm and comforting. "Don't worry, Tiandi. You have more time. You'll figure it out."
Xian Long tugged at his sleeve, his face full of concern. "Big Brother, you'll awaken your spirit next time, right?"
Xian Tiandi smiled faintly, patting his younger brother's head. "Thank you, both of you."
But inside, Xian Tiandi's thoughts were already focused on the next step. He had already planned a path to increase his soul power, and he would find a way to awaken the Primordial Divine Beast Spirit in time.
His journey was just beginning.
As the ceremony ended and the children filed out of the hall, Xian Tiandi's resolve only grew stronger.
He would find a way, no matter how long it took. The power to rise above the ordinary was within his grasp, and he would see it through.