Before long, the family finished breakfast, and the three of them stepped out of the doors of their house together. The morning sun washed the narrow pathways of Notting City's streets in golden light, and a soft breeze toyed with the tiled roofs above.
Qing Feng walked in between his parents, his small physique cushioned by the warmth of the two forces that dominated the family. He didn't say much—but his heart was beating in his throat.
Lin Rou held his hand softly, her fingers firm but warm. She looked down at him with a warm smile radiating from her cheeks.
"Xiao Feng," she said gently in a voice that piqued his curiosity. "We'll be heading down to the Spirit Hall branch for your Martial Soul Awakening ceremony today. Are you nervous?"
Qing Feng looked up at her. Her expression was remarkably gentle with nothing but a meaningful, tender heart, and no pressure.
"Nervous?" he blinked blankly, then gave a faint grin. "Maybe a little."
"But not for the reasons you would think." Qing Feng thought silently.
The only failure he was afraid of was not because he would fail—he was afraid of how blindingly successful he could be.
The secrets contained within his soul were not meant for this world.
As they passed through the bustling marketplace and crowded stands, a few of the neighbors waved to Lin Rou and Qing Yun, two famous soul masters in the city. Some passersby glanced at Qing Feng with curiosity.
"Today's the day."
"Lin Rou's boy, I heard he has the blood of a Soul Emperor couple!"
"Maybe he'll awaken something incredible..."
Qing Feng didn't respond to their whispers, his eyes remained fixed in front of him, on a distant building with the unmistakable crest of Spirit Hall.
A white tower with silver edges, a crimson crest pulsing faintly with soul energy. That was the place where fates would be changed.
--
When they reached the gates, Qing Yun placed a firm hand on his sons shoulder.
"Xiao Feng," he said solemnly, "no matter what soul you awaken today...know, that you are our pride."
Qing Feng paused and nodded slowly. But inside him, a quiet storm continued to churn.
Today is not just a day... today is the line that separates the powerless from the extraordinary. This is where the future begins.
Even with all of the knowledge he carried from Earth, even with the blood of two powerful soul masters coursing through his veins, he could not help but feel a slight twinge of nerves...
The Spirit Hall branch in Notting City was small for a temple, but still stood with a modest dignity. The insignia of the Spirit Hall's—silver trident with spread wings—was above and over its stone archway, which also had spirit energy lanterns on both sides of it.
Inside was a group of younglings, maybe six years old, already in a line. Some were giggling nervously; some were fidgeting. They were oddly filled with both fear and excitement.
Before them was a young man, around 24-25 years old, dressed in the white robes of Spirit Hall. He was comfortably putting his hand on the head of the child, and sending spirit energy into a circular awakening crystal at the center of their platform.
The man's face was youthful and with focus and a quiet kindness.
As he looked up and noticed Qing Yun, he nodded respectfully.
"Senior Qing Yun," he said.
"Deacon Su," Qing Yun replied with a small smile. "We're here for my son to awaken".
The man nodded. "You're right on time"
---
Qing Feng attracted his eyes a moment, and looked at the man carefully.
Su Yuntao...? Wait---Su Yuntao?!
The name came to mind instantly. Back in Earth, he had watched every single episode of Douluo Dalu. Su Yuntao was just a side character, an ordinary deacon of Spirit Hall. But as the series continued to the conclusion, some myths developed in fan circles. Some suggested:
"If your martial soul is awakening by Su Yuntao, you are destined for Godhood!"
"Every main character starts with him. He is the true hidden God King!"
Qing Feng couldn't help the very slight twitch at the edge of his mouth.
Time crawled by, and children were slowly being worked through the process of martial soul awakening.
One-by-one, children stepped up onto the awakening platform.
Some awakened sticks. Some awakened sickles. There were a few beast-type martial souls, such as a Wind Wolf Cub and Flame Rabbit. Two or three were considered 'ordinary', and one or two had such low innate soul power that they would be able to enter on the lowest path, and on with their lives.
But no one was excited. No glowing sky. No divine beasts. No spiritual pressure. It was just...more of the same.
And then -
"Next, Qing Feng!"
Su Yuntao's voice rang clear over the hall.
Immediately, all the idle chatter ceased, and an intense silence drifted through the hall.
Everyone's heads turned.
This time, Qing Feng moved, it was different.
The air surrounding the platform… shifted just slightly. As if the world itself was holding its breath.
---
Qing Feng stepped forward and made his way to the center of the Spirit Awakening Array, the round stone platform covered with ancient spirit patterns. The spirit crystal in its center pulsed with a soft blue light.
Su Yuntao gave Qing Feng a small nod and placed one hand on Qing Feng's shoulder, and he stretched his other hand towards the spirit crystal.
"Clear your mind. Let go of all thoughts. Feel the energy as I guide it into you."
Qing Feng closed his eyes.
His heart slowed. His mind quieted.
But within his soul… something ancient stirred.
BOOM!
As soon as Su Yuntao injected spirit energy into the array, the platform was hit by a violent shockwave.
The spirit crystal usually glowing with soft blue, shone a blinding white and a warm gold, and led to shards of divine light.
"What is happening?!"
"The spirit crystal....!!"
Gasps echoed across the room. Even Qing Yun and Lin Rou instinctively stepped forward in alarm.
Su Yuntao's eyes were opened wide. "This reaction.....?"
KE-BOOM!!!
A blinding light erupted from the chest of Qing Feng.
A large ray of red, blue, and gold soul lights began to shine a larger silhouette behind him.
Mechanical. Huge. Sacred.
A titan of steel and fire, with blue glowing optics, shoulder armor in the shape of lion heads, and a sword laying on its back, gleaming judgement itself.
"Wh-What is that?!"
"It's not an animal… it's not an tool… is that a… humanoid?!"
[What could be the second Martial Soul?
(Galvatron or Megatron?)
Because from the name of Galvatron, may be only Earth's fear but name of Megatron is feared by entire galaxy.]