The evening was serene, the air heavy with anticipation as our family gathered for the ceremony. The flickering light of lanterns cast long shadows across the hall, and an array of spirit stones surrounded me in a deliberate pattern. This was it, the moment I'd been waiting for, dreading, and hoping for. My martial soul awakening.
I stood in the center of the room, nervous but resolute. No matter the result, I vowed to grow strong. Strong enough to protect the people who had become my family. Strong enough to one day face them. Bibi Dong, the woman who had brought me into this world and left me to die, and Yu Xiaogang, the father who didn't even look at me in the eyes.
Dugu Bo stood to my right, his imposing figure cloaked in his characteristic green robes. His piercing eyes held a rare softness as he looked at me. To my left, Dugu Xin gave me an encouraging nod, his calm demeanor soothing my nerves. Despite the venomous nature of their martial souls, these two men radiated warmth and love—a stark contrast to the cold abandonment I'd once known.
"Are you ready, Bei?" Dugu Bo asked, his voice steady.
I nodded, my small fists clenched at my sides. "I'm ready, Grandpa."
With a subtle gesture, Dugu Bo activated the spirit stones. A faint hum filled the air as a soft light enveloped me. I closed my eyes, focusing on the energy coursing through my body. It started as a gentle warmth, then grew hotter, more intense. My heart pounded in my chest as something deep within me stirred, something ancient and powerful.
It came suddenly. A dark, ominous energy burst forth from my back, coalescing into a massive, intricate spider shadow. Its eight legs extended menacingly, and its body shimmered with a faint green hue, exuding an aura of dominance. Gasps filled the room as the energy settled, revealing my first martial soul.
"What is that?" Dugu Bo asked, his brows furrowed as he studied the ethereal spider.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself before answering. "This is the Poison Devouring Spider Emperor. It's unique, a fusion of two martial souls. Its strength lies in its ability to absorb and neutralize poisons while growing stronger from them. Its venom is… overwhelming."
Dugu Xin's eyes widened in amazement. "A martial soul that can devour poison? Incredible! It's as if it's perfectly suited for our family."
I nodded, suppressing a bitter smile. Perfectly suited because it draws from her…
Just as I began to relish the significance of my first martial soul, an overwhelming surge of power erupted from my right hand. Pain shot through my arm, and I doubled over, struggling to breathe. The atmosphere grew oppressive, the sheer intensity of the energy forcing Dugu Bo and Dugu Xin to step back.
"What's happening?" Dugu Xin shouted, his voice tinged with alarm.
Through gritted teeth, I managed to look at my right hand. A brilliant golden light emerged, shaping itself into a weapon, a massive saber that radiated an aura of unyielding authority. The blade shimmered with an otherworldly glow, its edge sharp enough to split the heavens. This was no ordinary martial soul.
"What… what is this?" Dugu Bo asked, shielding his eyes from the weapon's blinding light.
"This," I said, forcing the words out through the pain, "is the Dragon Slaying Saber. It's a divine weapon, forged from the Dragon God's horn. In ancient times, it was used to punish rebellious dragons, absorbing their souls to grow stronger. Its presence alone can suppress dragon-type martial souls."
Dugu Xin's jaw dropped. "A divine weapon… as a martial soul? Bei, this is unheard of!"
I couldn't fully understand why I got this Martial Soul either until I remembered something. At the end of the day, Yu Xioagang, my trash father, comes from a family able to use the power of the Light Holy Dragon, who was a descendant of The Light Dragon King, the former owner of the Dragon Slaying Saber.
The room fell silent as the energy around me subsided. My body trembled from the strain, but a newfound determination burned within me. I wasn't just a child abandoned to die in a forest. I was Dugu Bei, the grandson of Dugu Bo, the nephew of Dugu Xin, and the bearer of two martial souls that would reshape my destiny.
Dugu Bo stepped forward, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. His gaze was intense, a mixture of pride and protectiveness. "Bei, your path will be fraught with challenges. But you are no ordinary child. You carry the legacy of our family… and something far greater. Whatever lies ahead, know that we'll face it together."
I nodded, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. "I'll make you proud, Grandpa. I promise."
The weight of my awakening began to settle. The Poison Devouring Spider Emperor and the Dragon Slaying Saber. Two gifts, or perhaps curses, that would shape my future. I didn't yet know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain: the world would come to know the name Dugu Bei.
For now, though, I allowed myself a moment of peace. Little did I know, this was only the beginning of more surprises that awaited us tonight.