The air was still charged with excitement as I sat cross-legged, my breathing calm and steady after the intense absorption process. The faint glow of the black spirit ring around me slowly faded, but the power it left within me was unmistakable. My family's watchful eyes were locked on me as I finally stood up, a confident smile spreading across my face.
"Well?" Grandpa asked, his tone impatient but tinged with pride. "How do you feel?"
"Stronger than ever," I replied, my voice steady. "But before we get to the main event, let me start with this."
They leaned in with curiosity as I summoned my Eight Spider Lances. The lances emerged from my back with a sharp, metallic sound, but this time they looked different. The previously smooth, dark green surface now gleamed with intricate, glowing green patterns that pulsed faintly. They were larger, sturdier, and exuded an aura of overwhelming strength.
Grandpa's eyes widened as he stepped closer, examining the lances. "This… this feels like a 10,000-year-old soul bone!" he exclaimed.
Uncle Xin nodded in agreement, his expression filled with awe. "The aura coming off it… it's incredible. What happened, Bei?"
"When the Eight Spider Lances absorbed the Pit Demon Spider's energy, it underwent a breakthrough," I explained. "I could feel it strengthening during the process. And as of now, I've also reached rank 37."
Their astonished expressions brought a sense of satisfaction. But I wasn't finished yet. "And after absorbing the spirit ring, I broke through to rank 40."
Grandpa's jaw dropped. "Rank 40 already? That's absurdly fast! Even with your exceptional talent, this kind of progress is unheard of."
Uncle Xin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It's probably due to the age of the spirit rings he's absorbing. Each of them has been far above the conventional age limit for someone at his level."
"Exactly," I agreed. "And the Eight Spider Lances themselves have grown so much stronger. I'm certain that with this soul bone alone, I could take down that first Man-Faced Demon Spider we encountered without breaking a sweat."
The glow of pride in their eyes was evident, but I still had more to show. "But that's not all. There's another surprise."
I took a deep breath and released my martial soul. The transformation began, and they watched in awe as my Poison Devouring Spider Emperor appeared before them. But it wasn't the same as before. The changes were subtle yet profound. The spider form was smaller, more humanoid in shape, with darker, sleeker features that gave it a more menacing presence. My arms were still adorned with the signature green lances, but now they were complemented by a black, armor-like glow that extended over my arms and legs.
Uncle Xin's eyes widened. "It's evolved… Your martial soul has evolved!"
"It's more powerful than ever," I said, inspecting the changes with satisfaction. And honestly, I'm glad it looks less like my mother's Soul Devouring Spider Emperor now. Aside from the lances and the green energy, it's taken on a form that feels uniquely mine, I thought.
Grandpa nodded, his expression solemn. "This evolution is significant. It means your martial soul is growing in ways that none of us could've predicted. The armor-like feature… it's unique. This isn't something seen in ordinary transformations."
I smiled, the pride in their reactions fueling my own confidence. "But that's not all. I have a new ability to show you."
The anticipation was palpable as I activated my third spirit ring. The black ring shone brightly, standing out starkly against the purple of the previous two. The aura it radiated was heavier, more imposing.
"Spider Sense," I announced. "This ability allows me to sense movements, danger, and presences with pinpoint accuracy. It's even useful in predicting my opponent's moves in battle."
Grandpa raised an eyebrow. "That's a bold claim. Care to demonstrate?"
"Of course," I said confidently. "Uncle Xin, would you spar with me?"
Uncle Xin grinned, stepping forward. "Let's see if this new ability of yours lives up to the hype."
I activated Spider Sense, and immediately, the world around me shifted. Every movement, every subtle change in the air became crystal clear. I could sense Uncle Xin's intent before he even moved.
He lunged forward, his fist aiming for my shoulder, but I sidestepped with ease. Another punch came, and I ducked under it, pivoting to avoid the follow-up kick. Each of his attacks became slower in my perception, and I moved as though I were one step ahead of him.
"Impressive," Uncle Xin admitted, increasing the speed of his attacks. But no matter how fast or unpredictable he tried to be, I dodged every move with precision. The ability wasn't just effective, it was exhilarating.
Finally, Uncle Xin stepped back, breathing heavily. "Alright, I'm convinced. That ability is no joke."
Grandpa laughed heartily. "You've outdone yourself, Bei. Every step you take seems to defy expectations."
I retracted my martial soul, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. "This is just the beginning," I said, my voice filled with determination.