Su Yuntao's sharp command was infused with his soul power, roaring like a furious lion and instantly intimidating the villagers gathered at the entrance.
The villagers, staring at the enraged Su Yuntao, were overcome with fear. They stood frozen, unsure of what to do, silent as the entire world seemed to quiet down.
Inside the wooden hall, the seven children huddled together, trembling as they looked at Su Yuntao's stern, angry face.
The Soul Master of the Martial Soul Hall was furious—what could they do now?
Seeing the villagers still hesitating and refusing to step aside, Su Yuntao's displeasure deepened. He opened his mouth to scold them again when suddenly, Old Jack's booming voice rang out.
"What are you all standing there for? The Soul Master wants you to move aside—didn't you hear?"
Old Jack hurried over, dragging Tang San along behind him like an angry old lion, nearly ready to swing his cane at the few villagers blocking the way.
Those villagers quickly stepped aside, unwilling to challenge Old Jack's authority.
Old Jack continued to reprimand them, "Are you all out of your minds? If the Soul Master gets angry, who will help our children awaken their Martial Souls? Lord Su Yuntao is the greatest—do you understand?"
The villagers suddenly snapped back to their senses and hurriedly shouted, "Lord Su Yuntao, we were wrong!"
Su Yuntao's expression softened. Pleased with Old Jack's flattering words, he said gently, "Let the children come in. I'm a bit pressed for time."
Still, a few villagers dared to speak up, "Village chief, Jiang Chen—"
Old Jack shot a glare at them and ignored the remark. Instead, he called out to Jiang Chen, "Xiao Chen, come in. Remember to keep a safe distance."
"No problem!" Jiang Chen replied eagerly, stepping inside with a radiant smile.
The "safe distance" meant maintaining at least five meters from the others so nobody would worry about being harmed by his aura.
"Everyone else, wait outside," Old Jack instructed, leading Tang San into the hall.
With a loud bang, the wooden door of the Martial Soul Hall slammed shut, leaving all the adults outside anxiously waiting.
"Lord Su Yuntao, thank you for your help this time," Old Jack said respectfully as he stood beside the Soul Master.
Su Yuntao was very satisfied with Old Jack's attitude. "Let's begin. Children, line up in a row."
At his command, the seven children scrambled to the front. Tang San was reluctantly pushed toward the back, and Jiang Chen stood even further behind him.
With a mature mindset beyond his years, Tang San had long been out of sync with the other children and was naturally excluded by them.
Jiang Chen, more aware of the situation, wisely took his place at the very end, crossing his arms and leaning lazily against the wooden door.
Old Jack noticed Jiang Chen's casual stance and grew so annoyed he nearly blew his beard off. He kept signaling Jiang Chen with his eyes, forcing Jiang Chen to straighten up.
Five meters ahead of Jiang Chen, Tang San frequently glanced back, warily watching him as if fearing an unexpected "fatal strike."
Amused by Tang San's wary expression, Jiang Chen raised his hands to his pale face, baring two adorable little tiger fangs, and gave Tang San a sly, playful look.
Tang San shuddered and quickly turned his head away, unwilling to meet Jiang Chen's gaze again.
Seeing the children all lined up, Su Yuntao spoke, "I am Su Yuntao, a level 26 Great Soul Master, and your guide today. I will help you awaken your Martial Souls. When I release my soul power, it might be frightening, but don't be afraid! Don't be afraid! Don't be afraid!"
Repeating himself three times for emphasis, Su Yuntao sighed internally. Many children were terrified and ran off, which seriously delayed his work.
He then took out the awakening tools from his kit: six jet-black stones and a blue crystal orb.
Arranging the six black stones into a six-pointed star formation on the floor, he signaled the first child to step inside.
"Close your eyes and focus. Do not open them until I give the order."
"Lone Wolf, possess this body!" Su Yuntao transformed before the children's terrified eyes. His hair grew wild, his body swelled, and his clothes stretched as if about to burst.
Jiang Chen watched the transformation curiously. Apart from Su Yuntao's handsome face, the rest of his appearance was no different from the werewolves Jiang Chen had seen in Western movies in his previous life.
All the children except Jiang Chen and Tang San trembled with fear. The first child tightly shut his eyes and so did not witness Su Yuntao's terrifying transformation.
Su Yuntao was pleased. If the first child could awaken successfully, the others would be less afraid.
He activated the magic array on the ground. A golden dome instantly enveloped the boy.
Countless golden light particles drifted from the black stones into the boy's body, calming his trembling form.
"Extend your right hand," Su Yuntao said gently.
The boy instinctively stretched out his right hand, and slowly, a sickle materialized in his palm.
Su Yuntao felt a pang of disappointment. Although a sickle could be used for combat, he had never heard of a powerful Soul Master wielding a sickle as their Martial Soul. Such a soul was only suited for farming.
He picked up the crystal orb and tested the child's soul power. The result deepened his disappointment: there was no trace of soul power at all. This meant the child was unable to cultivate.
One after another, six children had awakened farming tool Martial Souls, leaving Su Yuntao utterly disheartened.
The little girl standing in front of Tang San was different—she had awakened a Blue Silver Grass.
"This is a useless Martial Soul," Su Yuntao declared coldly. "It has no combat value. Blue Silver Grass is the weakest Martial Soul on Douluo Continent."
Hearing this, the girl's eyes welled up with tears, and she burst into sobs.
Su Yuntao grabbed her hand and tested again—sure enough, she had no soul power either.
Finally, it was Tang San's turn. Without waiting for Su Yuntao's instruction, he stepped into the formation.
"Come on, Tang San!" Jiang Chen called from behind.
Tang San nodded solemnly. None of the seven children ahead of him had awakened a Martial Soul capable of cultivation, and his heart sank deeply.
So, becoming a Soul Master really was that difficult.
Su Yuntao activated the formation once more. Tang San's right hand smoothly formed his Martial Soul—a gently swaying Blue Silver Grass.
At first, Su Yuntao's heart leapt with joy as golden light radiating from the formation surpassed that of all the previous children combined. But when Tang San's Martial Soul appeared, it doused his enthusiasm like a bucket of cold water.
His joy vanished instantly, replaced by an expressionless face. He waved his hand dismissively. "Useless Martial Soul. Next!"
Old Jack, standing nearby, felt his heart sink. The worn lines on his face deepened with disappointment. This year, it seemed, was no different.
"Sir, you haven't tested my soul power yet," Tang San reminded quietly.
Su Yuntao replied indifferently, "No need. Your Martial Soul is useless; it won't have any soul power."
"Please, just let me try," Tang San insisted.
Jiang Chen also spoke up, "Soul Master, please test him. It won't take much of your time."
"Fine." Su Yuntao turned back, carrying the crystal orb and reluctantly approached Tang San.
Seeing Su Yuntao's indifferent attitude, Jiang Chen suppressed a smile. Soon enough, Tang San's soul power would surely shock Master Tao beyond belief.