>> CHAPTER 05: THE FALSE AWAKENING
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Three days had passed since the conversation between Yu Tianlong and Gu Yuena.
Time had flowed calmly, yet brimming with anticipation. Today, however, the serenity gave way to bustling activity within the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, for the long-awaited day had finally arrived for all the children and clan members:
The day of the Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony.
The ceremonial field was located at the heart of the clan's territory—a vast circular stone courtyard surrounded by pillars adorned with dragon carvings. The place exuded tradition and reverence, as if carrying the silent presence of past generations.
At the center, a small blue jade altar emanated a faint spiritual energy, enveloped by a thin mist generated by hidden formations that aided in the awakening process.
In the stands surrounding the courtyard, dozens of clan members watched in silence. Among them, five prominent figures stood out: the patriarch Yu Yuanzhen and the four most powerful elders—Yu Loumian, Yu Zhenhai, Yu Leihao, and Yu Longwei. Their gazes were fixed on the altar, where a striking female figure took charge of the ceremony.
She was Yu Meilan, the one responsible for conducting that year's ceremony.
Despite her advanced age, her appearance retained an enchanting youthful air. Dressed in light blue robes with silver details and long blue hair tied in an elegant bun, her eyes carried the wisdom of time and the coldness of her martial soul—a rare Ice Dragon, distinct among the clan members who typically inherited variants of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.
As the younger sister of Elder Yu Loumian and a cultivator at level 87, Yu Meilan was a respected Spirit Douluo and one of the ten most powerful elders in the clan, revered for her strength and composure.
She stepped forward, raising her arms naturally, and a chilly breeze swept through the courtyard. The air seemed to freeze for a moment, silencing any murmurs. The children gathered before the altar instinctively hunched their shoulders, sensing the subtle weight of the spreading pressure.
"Silence!" she said, her voice calm but filled with authority.
"Today, we begin the ceremony to awaken your martial souls. I hope the heavens guide each of you to inherit the will of the dragons and that each awakens a powerful martial soul."
Without further delay, her eyes turned to the first child in line. With a firm gesture of her hand, she indicated the magical circle before her.
"You, little one, step into the formation," Yu Meilan said with a warm smile, pointing to a young girl with smooth purple hair and matching purple eyes.
The girl walked to the center of the magical circle with steady steps, without hesitation, as if nothing in the environment intimidated her.
Her name echoed in some murmurs from the stands.
Long Yeyue.
Daughter of Elder Yu Xuan Zi, one of the seven strongest elders of the clan, and also sister to another genius who had awakened a year ago with a powerful dragon spirit and the maximum innate soul power.
As she positioned herself at the center of the formation, the symbols on the ground began to glow with a golden light. The atmosphere around them changed instantly—the air became lighter, almost sacred.
Yu Meilan extended her hand, channeling a serene and refined spiritual energy that merged with the formation in a gentle flash of light. A subtle but extraordinary wave of pressure swept through the ceremonial field, causing the other youths to look on in awe.
Then, as if answering a call from the heavens, a roar echoed—soft but majestic.
"RROOOAAARRR!"
The sound made the stone structures vibrate slightly. The clouds parted above, revealing a beam of golden light that fell directly onto the center of the formation.
Behind the girl, a majestic silhouette materialized—a resplendent dragon with golden and white scales that shimmered like sacred crystals. Its wings seemed made of pure light, and an aura of sanctity emanated from its presence. Its eyes, deep as the firmament, observed everything with serene authority.
"This…!" exclaimed one of the elders, standing up in shock.
"Light Holy Dragon!" Yu Meilan announced in a grave but enchanted tone.
Unlike the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon—the clan's traditional symbol—the Light Holy Dragon was a supreme-class martial soul. Its rarity and power surpassed most other draconic souls.
In the stands, Elder Yu Leihao couldn't contain the smile forming on his face. His eyes fixed on Long Yeyue, with a mix of surprise and contentment. It was the same martial soul he possessed.
In time, she might become worthy of inheriting his teachings. He then looked at Yu Xuan Zi, the girl's father, who merely nodded in silence. A tacit understanding formed between the two.
But even amid this glorious awakening, something was strange.
Yu Meilan, for a brief moment, slightly furrowed her brow. She had seen the girl quickly hide her right hand, but she didn't think much of it, assuming it was just a childish prank.
So, she decided to let it go and continue the ceremony.
With the light dragon still floating behind her, Long Yeyue extended her hand to the light blue crystal Yu Meilan offered. Upon touching it, a flash of light appeared.
It illuminated the crystal completely with maximum intensity.
"Level 10. Maximum innate spiritual power," Yu Meilan declared with enthusiasm, though she had already expected this.
For someone with a martial soul like that, it was almost certain they would also have this level of innate spiritual power.
Murmurs of admiration echoed throughout the field. A perfect awakening. An almost unmatched talent.
Long Yeyue remained steadfast, showing no surprise, as if she had expected this result. She then stepped back, slowly walking to the end of the line, under the respectful gazes of the elders and youths.
But before fully moving away, her gaze met Yu Tianlong's.
She smiled.
A sweet yet confident smile. A soft glint danced in her purple eyes—an expression blending admiration, affection, and a slight hint of silent provocation.
Tianlong returned the gesture with a nod and a smile, congratulating her.
Yu Meilan observed everything from the corner of her eye, and for a brief moment, her smile grew discreetly.
"Next child," she announced, turning her attention back to the line.
As the ceremony continued, in the stands, Patriarch Yu Yuanzhen watched in silence, arms crossed, his eyes attentive to each child stepping into the center of the magical formation. His serene demeanor hid the whirlwind of thoughts accompanying him.
"Excellent… The ceremony today began in the best possible way," the Patriarch commented, his deep voice sounding natural and authoritative.
Beside him, Elder Yu Loumian let out a slight grunt of approval. "Hmph… Since that incident, the results of these ceremonies have completely exceeded our expectations."
"It's true," said Yu Leihao, glancing at the children in the stands. "Before, the average was between 3 and 5 innate spiritual power. Now, 5 to 7 has become the new normal. It's as if the talent of future generations has been elevated in an almost inexplicable way," he said, though he clearly knew the reason for it.
"Don't forget," added Yu Longwei, his brow slightly furrowed. "That night, every clan member had an immediate increase of two levels in their spiritual power. Even the babies… were touched by that force and received a two-level boost in their innate spiritual powers."
Yu Loumian grumbled, thoughtful. "Yes… Because of that, children who would have had mediocre talent, say level 3, suddenly reached level 5. And those few with level 8… went on to have the legendary maximum innate spiritual power. Something that was almost a myth within our clan."
"In the last six years…" Yu Longwei began.
"In every ceremony, at least one child awakened with maximum innate spiritual power. Three years ago, it was Tianxin, my son. Two years ago, little Tianheng, Leihao's son. And last year…" He cast a slight glance to the side.
"It was the eldest son of Elder Yu Xuan Zi, Yu Long Yue."
Yu Xuan Zi, hearing this, gave a faint, discreet smile filled with pride, as both of his children had awakened powerful draconic martial souls and maximum innate spiritual power.
The Patriarch, still observing the ceremony, exhaled slowly, sighing as if purging an unsettling thought.
"Ahh… Unfortunately… this miracle won't last forever."
All the elders around fell silent for a moment.
"It's been six years since that day. Children born after that… will most likely not have this blessing."
"Today… unfortunately, is the last group. The last generation touched by that inexplicable miracle." His voice was firm, but there was a certain melancholic weight to it.
"After today… we'll return to the natural cycle. The next awakenings won't have the same brilliance as today," he concluded.
"A fleeting blessing…" Loumian murmured thoughtfully, crossing his arms.
"But even a brief flame can illuminate generations," said Yu Leihao, with conviction and joy in his voice, for even though this blessing wouldn't last forever, at least his son was one of the blessed.
And then, as another child left the magical circle, Yu Meilan's firm voice echoed, interrupting the elders' silent contemplation.
"Next: Gu Yuena!"
Her voice rang through the field, and all eyes turned to the silver-haired girl approaching with light, silent steps.
Gu Yuena ascended the altar steps with an almost ethereal serenity. Her figure, still childlike, carried an aura that contrasted with her age. Dressed simply, with silver hair like moonlight and amethyst eyes that softly shimmered, she was impossible to ignore.
Yu Meilan, maintaining her elder's composure, extended her palm. A chilly energy spread around the formation, activating the spiritual beams contained in the symbols on the ground.
"Focus your mind. Let your martial soul emerge naturally," the elder ordered.
Gu Yuena closed her eyes without a word.
Then, the ground trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly—but enough for everyone to feel it. A heavy silence fell over the field, like a sudden mist. And then… it appeared.
A massive, translucent silver dragon emerged behind the girl.
Its form was colossal and majestic. Its enormous silver scales shimmered softly under the light, reflecting lilac hues that blended like gentle waves. Its violet eyes seemed to observe the world with silent understanding. The mere presence of the creature seemed to distort the air around it, and an ancient, almost divine pressure descended upon everyone present.
In that instant, everyone there felt as if their own powers had been slightly strengthened, as if an ancient energy had touched their souls. The children stood wide-eyed, some gasping. High-level spirit masters frowned, confused by the subtle elevation in their strength.
In the line, Yu Tianlong watched closely, slightly narrowing his eyes as he thought:
"Even as just a clone, the Silver Dragon King's aura still affects beast-type martial souls, huh… If she can strengthen them like this… then she must also be capable of weakening them, just as I can."
Meanwhile, the silence continued to dominate the field until reactions among the elders began to surface—subtle but intense.
"W-What kind of martial soul is that…? Is it some kind of mutation or variation of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon?" murmured Elder Yu Xun, instinctively stepping back, his eyes wide as he looked at the martial soul, trying to uncover its secrets.
"What a powerful draconic martial soul… I fear no martial soul like this has ever appeared before," said Elder Yu Lanyue in a low voice, searching her memories for any record of a similar martial soul.
Yu Loumian furrowed his brow deeply. "She possesses some kind of amplification aura… My powers increased by at least 10% during her manifestation."
Yu Meilan, the one responsible for conducting the awakening, remained silent for a second longer than she should have, enough to reveal that even she hadn't expected such a manifestation. Her eyes wavered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.
"This martial soul is definitely a super martial soul, or perhaps even an Ultimate Martial Soul," she murmured, as if trying to convince herself of the most plausible explanation.
Among the elders, however, four figures exchanged silent glances, showing no trace of surprise.
The patriarch, Yu Yuanzhen.
Yu Leihao.
Yu Longwei.
And, of course, Yu Zhenhai.
They knew. They knew she was a spirit beast and also knew that this wasn't an awakening… but merely a performance for the audience. Still, their expressions remained neutral. They simply observed—as guardians of a secret that could shake the world and, above all, their clan, if widely revealed.
After a few seconds of tense silence, Yu Meilan took a deep breath and signaled the next step.
"Alright… Now for the spiritual power test."
Gu Yuena nodded slightly and approached a blue crystal stone. As she touched it with her palm, the artifact reacted almost instantly, glowing with maximum intensity.
"Maximum…"
"Maximum innate spiritual power!" Yu Meilan announced with a faint smile on her lips, her voice carrying restrained enthusiasm. It was the sixth time in a few years she had spoken those words, but the glint in her eyes showed that the excitement was still genuine.
In the line, Yu Tianlong watched closely. His eyes narrowed for a brief moment as he observed the scene—soon, he too would have to step up there and try to deceive everyone.
To those unaware, it seemed Gu Yuena had just awakened at level 10 spiritual power, like any other extremely talented child.
But he, obviously, knew that she was currently at level 22.
In the stands, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Even the older members couldn't contain their excitement. Awakening an unprecedented martial soul was already incredible—but with maximum innate spiritual power? That was something that happened only once in a generation.
Although the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had witnessed this phenomenon more times in the last six years than in its entire previous history, each new talent was still a source of pride and renewed hope.
And in that moment, seeing the silver-haired girl stand out with such natural grace, many wondered if they were witnessing something even greater than the previous talents.
As Gu Yuena stepped away with the same serenity as before, her steps were light but carried a strange firmness—as if nothing in that place could surprise her.
And then, Yu Meilan's voice echoed through the field again.
"Next: Yu Tianlong!"
As soon as the name was announced, a respectful silence spread across the awakening field. Everyone there knew him—not only as the son of Elder Yu Zhenhai but for his reputation as one of the greatest geniuses in the recent history of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
At just six years old, he shone, easily defeating those of his generation and even cultivators two or three years older than him in the clan's internal matches. Only Gu Yuena, his adoptive sister, was a true match for him. But in their last bout, something changed: for the first time, Tianlong won. And his victory still echoed in the clan's conversations.
His steps were calm, but each movement carried unwavering confidence. When he stepped onto the awakening altar, all eyes were on him.
Yu Tianlong had an appearance that, in itself, already evoked something extraordinary. His hair was long, snow-white, with the tips dyed black, as if touched by darkness. His intense golden eyes shone like gems under the sunlight.
As he reached the center of the summoning circle, Elder Yu Meilan took a deep breath, trying to contain her anticipation. She had awakened many talents in recent years, but now she was quite curious about what kind of martial soul this boy, who had shocked the clan in recent years, would awaken.
"Step into the formation and focus your mind. Let your martial soul emerge naturally," the elder ordered.
Tianlong closed his eyes.
In the next instant, the sky seemed to still. The circle around him glowed with an intense silver light, and then… the world seemed to tremble.
With a muffled roar that echoed across the entire field, a colossal silhouette appeared behind the boy.
Once again, a dragon.
It was no ordinary dragon. Its imposing silhouette exuded an almost divine presence, with a body covered in white scales like celestial jade, shimmering softly under the sunlight, with intricate golden patterns snaking across its chest, wings, and tail, like veins of living energy. Its wings were broad and graceful, with translucent membranes threaded with golden filaments, while a flowing, pearlescent mane cascaded down its neck. Its eyes, a deep golden hue, overflowed with ancestral wisdom and authority, and its mere appearance caused everyone present to feel an invisible warmth coursing through their bodies—as if they had been touched by the will of the heavens themselves.
The moment Yu Tianlong's martial soul materialized, a silent wave of power swept through the field. It was as if the very air had become denser and more vibrant.
Just as had happened with Gu Yuena moments earlier, everyone felt their bodies lighten, their meridians clearer, their energy flow smoother. But this time… it was different. More intense. If they had felt a subtle elevation before, now it was as if their very blood was boiling, overflowing with vitality. Compared to the effect caused by Gu Yuena, this was twice as strong. If she had boosted them by 10%, Tianlong's boost felt like 20%.
There was a moment of silence. Then, astonishment.
"This is… even more intense than the previous one!" murmured one of the elders, his eyes widening as he looked at his hands, feeling the surge in power.
"This is truly incredible… I wonder what would happen if both he and Gu Yuena had their martial souls active… Wouldn't that give, perhaps, a boost of up to 30%?" asked another elder, turning to his companion, his face marked by shock.
Seeing everyone's reaction, a faint smirk appeared on Yu Tianlong's lips.
"That was kind of me… But now, how about we try the opposite… just out of curiosity?" he thought, quickly doing something.
At that instant, the atmosphere changed. An invisible pressure descended upon the field, and the spirit masters present felt their bodies grow heavy, as if their strength was being drained. It wasn't spiritual or mental pain—it was physical. Their muscles grew weaker, their breathing more labored. Those with weaker spirit bloodlines—or martial souls linked to lower-level beasts—were the most affected.
"What's happening?!" exclaimed one disciple, panting.
"I'm… getting weaker?" murmured another disciple, nearly falling to his knees.
Gu Yuena, watching from the crowd, shook her head with a faint smile. "Humph… Always so showy," she thought, also feeling a subtle weakness in her own body. That suppression in her lineage reminded her why she came to the clan; Tianlong's aura was so similar to the Dragon God's.
On the altar, Yu Zhenhai clenched his fists, his jaw tense. "Cheeky brat…" he muttered under his breath, a mix of irritation and pride in his voice. He and the other three elders knew of Tianlong's lineage potential, but they hadn't expected him to use his suppression ability there, in front of everyone, as if it were a game.
"Alright, Tianlong, retract your martial soul," Elder Yu Meilan said firmly, bothered by the pressure.
Tianlong blinked, dispelling the effect with the same ease with which he had invoked it. The colossal dragon vanished quickly, and the field returned to normal. He shrugged, as if nothing had happened, a playful smile on his lips.
"Now, extend your hand and test your innate spiritual power," Yu Meilan said, holding a blue crystal orb and offering it to him.
Without haste, he extended his hand and touched the cold surface of the crystal.
Within it, energy swirled like a contained hurricane behind a thin membrane. And then, just as Gu Yuena had done before, he suppressed his strength, hiding his true level.
A light burst from the crystal, a brilliant flash illuminating the orb.
"Maximum innate spiritual power."
Yu Meilan smiled for the eighth time in a few years, announcing with the same energy as always.
Little did she know that the boy before her was hiding his true power, which was currently at level 27. And also his second martial soul.
After the announcement, once again, the field erupted in applause and cheers of euphoria. But this time, there was something different. Beyond admiration… there was respect. Reverence. The recognition that a new generation of monsters was rising before their eyes.
Yu Meilan descended the altar steps, her robes fluttering in the wind. Her expression was firm, but a glint of pride shone in her eyes. She stopped before the gathered children, her gaze resting on Gu Yuena and Tianlong, who stood out among the others.
The elder raised her hand, calling for silence, and the field obeyed immediately.
"From this day forward, you are spirit masters recognized by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan," she declared, her voice resonating like a gentle thunder.
"In one month, you will all enroll in the Clan's Primary Academy, where you will learn the fundamentals of cultivation, combat, spiritual control, and much more. So, prepare yourselves. This is only the beginning of your journeys, children!"
As her words ceased, an imposing figure appeared at her side.
It was the patriarch.
His deep voice silenced the field once more.
"In the future, you will have the opportunity to transfer to intermediate academies and, with effort, perhaps even to the continent's elite academies. Places where the geniuses of generations gather, where the spirit is tempered like steel, and where the weak have no place. But remember well…"
He took a step forward, his gaze sweeping over each child present, lingering briefly on Gu Yuena, then on Yu Tianlong.
"…The true strength of a dragon lies not only in its innate power but in its will to defy the heavens, to break limits, to protect with fury, and to endure with honor. Let today's awakening be merely the first roar of your journeys."
At the end of his words, everyone present felt a shiver run down their spines. Not just from the power in the patriarch's voice, but from the truth it carried.
The children bowed deeply in a sign of respect. In that simple gesture, there was reverence, pride—and the beginning of a destiny that, one day, might lead them beyond the limits of the clan.
And so, under the blue sky speckled with clouds, with the excited murmurs of the children still lingering in the air…
The martial soul awakening ceremony came to an end.
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