Chapter 12: The Awakening of Tang San
The morning sun cast its golden hue over Holy Spirit Village, a small and remote settlement with nothing particularly special about it—except for one boy who was destined to change history.
Tang San, now six years old, stood outside his small wooden home. His deep blue eyes reflected a wisdom far beyond his years, a result of the memories of his past life as a Tang Sect disciple slowly surfacing over time. Even at such a young age, he had already begun practicing Xuantian Arts, refining his body's inner strength in secret while his father, Tang Hao, drowned himself in alcohol within their worn-down home.
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The Village Awakening Ceremony
It was the most important day for every six-year-old in Holy Spirit Village—the day they would awaken their Martial Souls. A group of eager children gathered in the center of the village, their faces filled with excitement and nervousness. Standing before them was a middle-aged man in a long robe, his scholarly appearance marking him as an official from Spirit Hall.
"Children, today marks the beginning of your journey as Spirit Masters—or whatever fate has planned for you," the man announced. "Step forward one at a time."
The ceremony began, and one by one, children placed their hands on the Spirit Awakening Stone, revealing various ordinary martial souls—hoes, sickles, and simple tools that spoke of their humble origins. Most had no spirit power, which meant their martial souls were useless for cultivation.
Then, it was Tang San's turn.
He stepped forward calmly, placing his small hand on the Awakening Stone. A faint golden glow enveloped him, and suddenly, blue vines sprouted from his palm, their delicate patterns forming an intricate design.
"Blue Silver Grass." The Spirit Hall official sighed, shaking his head. "Another useless martial soul..."
The other children whispered among themselves. "Just a weed... how unlucky."
But before the official could move on, something strange happened. A surge of energy erupted from Tang San's body, causing the Awakening Stone to shine again.
The official's eyes widened. "Innate Full Spirit Power?!"
That evening, Tang Hao remained silent. His expression was unreadable, but Tang San could sense something was different. That night, his father handed him a book on forging and instructed him to train.
Meeting Yu Xiaogang and Learning of a Monster
Upon arriving at Nuoding Academy, Tang San was introduced to Yu Xiaogang, a man infamous for his title, "Grandmaster", despite his spirit power being forever stuck at level 29. However, Tang San quickly realized that this man possessed knowledge far beyond his spirit power ranking.
When Yu Xiaogang tested Tang San's abilities and discovered his Twin Spirits, his entire demeanor shifted.
"Twin Spirits… This is both a blessing and a curse." His voice was serious. "If others find out, you will be hunted. Even Spirit Hall may seek to control you."
Tang San nodded solemnly.
Yu Xiaogang hesitated before adding, "Tang San, there is another person… Someone you must be aware of."
Tang San looked up, intrigued.
The Unfathomable Zhen Wuji
"His name is Zhen Wuji, the Holy Son of Spirit Hall."
Tang San frowned. He had never heard of this person before.
Yu Xiaogang continued, "He has been a mystery for years. Though only a few years older than you, he already stands at the edge of Title Douluo level. Many factions attempted to assassinate him in secret, but every single attempt failed. Not only that—he grew stronger with each battle, turning every life-or-death situation into an opportunity."
Tang San's heart pounded. Someone like that existed?
"There are few confirmed details about his abilities," Yu Xiaogang admitted, "but the most terrifying thing is that no one knows the full extent of his power. He rarely fights openly, and the few who have witnessed his abilities refuse to speak of them. Some say he can kill a Title Douluo in an instant; others claim he possesses divine powers that defy logic."
Tang San was silent for a long time before he asked, "Can I surpass him?"
Yu Xiaogang smiled, his confidence unshaken. "With your Twin Spirits and my guidance, you can.** But you must never underestimate him.**"
As the days turned to weeks, the broader world outside Nuoding Academy continued to buzz with rumors and fear. News of Zhen Wuji's exploits was scattered across the continent, carried by traders, warriors, and scholars alike. Though few had seen him, his name was synonymous with terror and awe.
At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Rongrong's adoration for Zhen Wuji had only deepened over the years. "I've admired his portrait since I was a child," she confided to a close friend, her voice barely a whisper. "His eyes hold secrets and power that no one can understand. I dream of the day I might catch a glimpse of him in person."
Her friend replied, "Be cautious, Rongrong. Legends are built on both truth and myth. Who knows what dangers lurk behind such beauty and power?"
In the quiet libraries of Shrek Academy, where the brightest minds debated strategy and power, professors and students discussed the legendary figure. "Every attempt on his life has failed," said one scholar, his voice filled with both fear and fascination. "He not only evades death, but each encounter only seems to enhance his abilities. He is like a force of nature, unpredictable and unstoppable."
Even in the opulent halls of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, whispers of Zhen Wuji reached the ears of the royal family. "Some say he is the future of Spirit Hall," murmured a young noble. "Others claim that his mere existence is a threat to our way of life. No one is sure what his end goal is."
These discussions, filled with conjecture and speculation, painted a picture of a legend—a being whose very presence was both a promise of greatness and a harbinger of doom. And through it all, Tang San listened, his youthful heart burning with determination and curiosity.In the days that followed, Tang San immersed himself in rigorous training. Under the strict tutelage of Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, he practiced for hours on end, mastering basic techniques and slowly delving into the more advanced methods of spirit cultivation. Every session was filled with detailed discussions and passionate debates about technique, power, and the mysteries of the martial soul.
One afternoon, as he trained in a secluded courtyard, Tang San paused to catch his breath. He turned to a fellow disciple, a quiet boy named Li Wei, and asked, "Do you think that one day, I might even surpass legends like Zhen Wuji?"
Li Wei's eyes shone with youthful hope as he replied, "I believe that true strength comes from within. If you work hard, learn from every failure, and never lose sight of your goal, then no one can ever hold you back."
Tang San smiled, the words echoing the promise he had made to himself that very night under the starry sky. "I will not let the shadows of legends define my future. I will carve my own path."
That evening, Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang convened a meeting with his most promising disciples. The room was filled with animated voices, as each student expressed both excitement and trepidation about the future. Yu Xiaogang cleared his throat and began, "My students, remember that power is not merely the ability to fight—it is the wisdom to know when to fight, and the courage to face the unknown. The world is changing rapidly. Legends rise and fall, but only those who overcome their inner demons can truly shine."
A student in the back asked, "Master, will we ever face beings like Zhen Wuji?"
Yu Xiaogang's gaze grew distant. "Perhaps, someday. But for now, focus on your own journey. Let every challenge you face strengthen your resolve, and let every failure teach you a lesson."
Tang San listened, his heart full of both determination and the weight of expectation. The conversation continued late into the night, with each disciple sharing their dreams, doubts, and aspirations. The hall was alive with the fervor of youth—a fire that would one day light the way for future legends.
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The Vow of a Spirit Master
As dawn broke over Nuoding Academy the following morning, Tang San stood alone at the edge of the training grounds. The first rays of sunlight painted the world in a soft, hopeful light. In that quiet moment, his thoughts turned inward.
He recalled every word spoken by Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, every whispered rumor about Zhen Wuji, and every debate among his fellow disciples. The world was vast, its mysteries many, and its legends both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Yet, in that moment of solitude, Tang San made a vow.
"I will become the greatest spirit master," he whispered to the morning light. "I will learn every secret, overcome every limitation, and one day, I will stand tall among legends. No matter how mysterious or powerful someone like Zhen Wuji may be, my destiny is mine to forge."
The gentle breeze carried his vow into the new day as if the universe itself acknowledged his promise. With a determined smile and a glimmer of hope in his deep blue eyes, Tang San stepped forward into the future—ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Meeting Xiao Wu
Tang San stepped into the boys' dormitory, carrying his few belongings. The place smelled of ink, straw, and food.
Someone was already there.
A girl.
She had long pink hair tied in twin buns, her legs curled on the top bunk, and a half-eaten carrot in her hand. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
"You're my roommate?" she asked, voice light and playful.
Tang San blinked. "…Isn't this the boys' dorm?"
The girl hopped down with unnatural grace and grinned. "I'm Xiao Wu. I beat up the dorm supervisor. This is my room now."
"You… beat up…?" Tang San trailed off.
"Don't worry! I only used a little force," she said proudly, then sized him up. "You're the new one, right? What's your spirit?"
"Blue Silver Grass."
She blinked. "Seriously? That's the weakest one I've ever heard of."
Tang San gave a small smile. "Maybe."
"...I like you already."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Later that day, Tang San moved into his assigned dormitory. It was a modest room shared by two.
He opened the door to find a girl already there—relaxing on the bed, munching on a carrot. She had long pink hair, bright red eyes, and a lively, mischievous aura.
"You're late," she said, chewing.
Tang San raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know I was expected."
"I picked the bed first," she said proudly. "You can have the one near the window."
"I don't mind," Tang San said calmly. "I'm Tang San."
She hopped off the bed with impressive agility and grinned. "I'm Xiao Wu! Your big sister from now on."
"You look my age."
"Don't sweat the small details."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
As days passed, Tang San and Xiao Wu settled into a rhythm. Xiao Wu was carefree and playful, but surprisingly skilled in close combat. Tang San, methodical and precise, spent hours meditating and testing his Blue Silver Grass.