After settling into the academy, our lives quickly found a rhythm. Grandpa spent most of his time doting on baby Dugu Yan, a sight that brought warmth to everyone's hearts. Meanwhile, Liu Erlong and Dugu Xin devoted themselves to rigorous training.
One morning, as we gathered for breakfast in the dining hall, I decided it was time to fulfill part of a promise. Turning to Liu Erlong, I said, "I haven't forgotten what I said about helping you become a Titled Douluo." Her eyes lit up with curiosity and determination. I pulled out a radiant Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia from the Ruyi Treasure Bag, its vibrant purple leaves shimmering in the morning light.
"This is an immortal herb," I explained. "It has an incredible value. Consuming it will help accelerate your cultivation."
Liu Erlong's face reflected both gratitude and eagerness. She quickly finished her meal, thanked me, and hurried to the meditation area to consume the herb. Dugu Xin and Grandpa watched her leave with a grin, both of them knew the feeling.
Hours later, she returned to the courtyard, her aura noticeably stronger. "Thank you, Dugu Bei," she said with a smile. "I've advanced three ranks! I'm now a rank 74 Spirit Saint." Her excitement was palpable as she immediately turned to Dugu Xin. "Let's spar. I need to test this new strength."
Dugu Xin barely had time to react before she dragged him toward the academy's sparring arena. In his haste, he handed Dugu Yan to me. I cradled her carefully and chuckled at their enthusiasm. Turning to Grandpa, I said, "I'll need your help tonight for some special training if you're available." Grandpa nodded, intrigued by my request.
That evening, in the forest near the academy, Grandpa and I stood among the trees. The air was cool and serene, It was a nice night. Perfect to practice.
"Grandpa," I began, "since I became a Spirit Emperor, I've felt a unique power stirring within me. It's like a latent force waiting to awaken, but I can't quite grasp it. When I saw you use your Domain against Yu Yuanzhen, I realized it might be a Domain of my own. I just don't know how to awaken or control it."
Grandpa's expression grew thoughtful. "Domains are unique to each individual," he said. "They're not just an extension of your martial soul; they're a reflection of your essence, your will. My Poison Dragon Domain is tied to my poison, it's an extension of my mastery over venom and toxins."
He paused, studying me. "If you feel this power inside you, then it's there. You just need to find a way to connect with it. Tell me, what does it feel like?"
I closed my eyes, trying to articulate the sensation. "It's like… a suction. An immense, invisible force surrounding me, as if it wanted to absorb my life and power. But whenever I try to grasp it to control it, it disappears."
Grandpa nodded. "A suction, you say? That makes sense given your martial soul. Perhaps your Domain is tied to control and consumption, much like the devouring nature of your spirit."
"How did you awaken your Domain, Grandpa?" I asked.
He smiled faintly as if recalling a distant memory. "It took me years of meditation and battle experience. Domains often manifest in moments of extreme need or heightened emotional states. In the end, I couldn't do it until I became a Tilted Douluo in the weirdest possible way, I believe that if I had absorved a normal spirit ring, I wouldn't have awaken my Domain. So I guess that is something else I should Thank your other martial soul for. But with your talent, it might only require a combination of meditation and combat training, I believe you will achieve it in no time."
"Then let's start," I said, determination gleaming in my eyes.
The training was grueling but enlightening. Grandpa guided me through a series of exercises designed to heighten my awareness and connection to my martial soul. We began with meditation, sitting cross-legged in the forest's heart. Grandpa instructed me to visualize the suction I felt inside me, to see how it worked and understand its function.
Hours passed, and though I could feel the suction more clearly, I still couldn't command it. Frustration began to creep in, but Grandpa's steady presence kept me focused.
Next, we moved to combat exercises. Grandpa unleashed controlled bursts of his poison, forcing me to dodge and counterattack. "Feel you Domain," he urged. "Let it guide how to react."
At first, I struggled to balance the physical demands of battle with the mental effort of connecting to my Domain. But gradually, I began to notice subtle changes. My movements became more fluid, more instinctual. It was as if this Domain inside me was starting to influence my actions, even if I couldn't fully control it yet.
By the end of the night, I was exhausted but exhilarated. Though I hadn't awakened my Domain, I could feel that I wasn't far. Grandpa seemed pleased with my progress.
"You're closer than you think," he said. "Keep training, and it will come."
I nodded, determination burning in my chest. "Thank you, Grandpa. I'll keep working at it."
As we walked back to the academy under the moonlight, I couldn't help but smile. My Domain would awaken soon.