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Chapter 1: Awakening Day

Brain Evolution Institute

"I wonder how many students will successfully awaken this year. There are so few geniuses with martial spirit talent."

"It all depends on fate. But there are some promising students in Changqing No. 1 Middle School."

"They'd be incredibly lucky if they awaken."

"There are more than 1,100 fresh graduates this year, and they are all of good quality. There should be at least ten who succeed."

On the awakening stage and in the crowd below, the teachers and students of Changqing No. 1 Middle School were engaged in animated discussions.

Today was an important day—the Awakening Ceremony for fresh graduates. The entire school had gathered for the event, while parents and spectators waited anxiously outside the gates.

Talent awakening was a pivotal moment in every student's life, determining their future status in society. Those who awakened a martial spirit would have the chance to rise above the masses, securing power, wealth, and influence. Those who failed, however, were doomed to remain among the common folk, struggling like cattle and horses.

For this reason, students and their families placed immense importance on the ceremony. Inside the school, students awaited their turn, while parents outside held their breath, hoping for a miracle.

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"Master Xu, your family bought you so many Soul Condensing Pills. You're guaranteed to awaken! Don't forget us when you become rich!"

"Soul Condensing Pills can only strengthen one's soul. Awakening a martial spirit still depends on talent. I can't guarantee anything."

"But if you don't awaken, then hardly anyone in this class will! Hahaha!"

"That's right, Master Xu. Your family is rich and powerful, with resources far beyond what ordinary people can access. Your physical strength and soul power are already superior. If even you can't awaken, then no one stands a chance."

Xu Hong smirked, his face full of arrogance and pride. A trace of disdain flickered in his eyes as he glanced at his classmates.

These ignorant fools.

They had no idea that his family had also purchased an Awakening Pill, an expensive and rare treasure that could further increase the chances of awakening.

These commoners had probably never even heard of it, yet they still dreamt of clinging to his success. Pathetic.

But as these thoughts crossed his mind, Xu Hong's gaze landed on a young man in the crowd—a striking figure clad in a simple linen shirt.

His expression darkened.

Yang Xie…

Just wait. When I awaken, I'll show you the difference between us.

You may act noble, but how dare you get close to Nangong Ya after I warned you?

Xu Hong's eyes turned even more sinister as he shifted his focus to the girl standing beside Yang Xie.

She was tall, her waist slender like a willow, her long black hair cascading like a waterfall. Her flawless, jade-like skin was smooth and delicate, making her the center of attention.

Nangong Ya.

Xu Hong's gaze became lecherous.

Once I awaken, I'll have my family propose marriage. You'll be mine soon.

Nangong Ya, however, frowned slightly as if sensing the malice directed at her. A hint of impatience crossed her face, but when she turned to Yang Xie, her expression softened into concern.

Yang Xie was stubborn, always refusing to accept help from others. But awakening was a matter of life-changing importance. He couldn't afford to be reckless now.

Taking a deep breath, Nangong Ya made up her mind. Even if he refused, she had to try.

"Yang Xie, this is an Awakening Pill. It can increase your chances of awakening. Keep it and take it before going on stage."

She gently placed a small object into Yang Xie's palm.

Yang Xie looked at Nangong Ya's stunning yet serious expression. The warmth of her touch lingered in his hand, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Before he could respond, Nangong Ya continued,

"Stop being so stubborn. It was fine when you refused my help before, but this is different. Awakening is crucial. If you want to protect your grandmother and give her a better life, you must take this."

An Awakening Pill?

Yang Xie had never heard of such a thing in his eighteen years in this world. But if it could increase his chances, it was undoubtedly valuable.

He hesitated.

This rich girl is the devil… always tempting me to depend on her.

But how can I, Yang Xie, live off a woman? Even if I starve to death, I will never become a kept man—

Yet the moment Nangong Ya mentioned his grandmother, his resolve crumbled.

Grandma…

She had found him as an abandoned baby and raised him with great difficulty. She was the only family he had. Yang Xie could be proud, but he couldn't be recklessly foolish.

If swallowing his pride meant ensuring a better life for his grandmother, then so be it.

Yang Xie clenched his fist around the pill.

"Thank you, Ya Ya," he murmured softly, leaning closer to whisper in her ear. "I'll never forget your kindness. If you ever need me, I'll go through fire and water for you."

Nangong Ya's face turned red as warmth spread through her ears.

"N-no, it's nothing! As long as you can awaken, that's all that matters!" she stammered, waving her hands in embarrassment.

She was just happy that Yang Xie had finally accepted something from her.

Most people were too focused on the awakening ceremony to notice their intimate exchange—except for one.

Xu Hong.

His jaw tightened, his fists clenched so hard that his nails dug into his palms.

That bastard… How dare he?!

Watching Yang Xie and Nangong Ya's closeness, Xu Hong felt like his insides were boiling with rage.

Yang Xie, I will make you pay.

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The Awakening Ceremony Begins

With the official start of the Awakening Ceremony, students took the stage one by one to undergo testing.

"Wang Chujun—Awakening Failed. Next, Song Hao."

"Song Hao—Awakening Failed. Next, Qian Hui."

One by one, dozens of students attempted the awakening ritual—and failed.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Then, finally—

"Zhao Ritian—Awakening Successful! Martial Spirit: E-Rank Blue Wolf!"

After 130 students, someone had finally succeeded.

The crowd erupted in excitement.

"Finally! I was starting to sweat just watching!"

"Even though it's just an E-rank spirit, it's still a success!"

Zhao Ritian, overcome with joy, celebrated as if he had just won a grand prize. No one found his excitement strange—awakening a martial spirit meant changing one's destiny.

A translucent blue wolf materialized around Zhao Ritian, drawing envious stares from his classmates.

In this world, martial spirits weren't just indicators of talent—they were the keys to unlocking a warrior's potential.

Only those who successfully awakened could cultivate energy from heaven and earth, stepping onto the path of warriors.

To those who failed, this was an uncrossable chasm—one that separated the powerful from the powerless.

Yang Xie clenched his fists.

For eighteen years, he had struggled as a powerless orphan in a world where the strong ruled.

And today—his fate would be decided.

Would he awaken… or be left behind?

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