NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Martial Spirit Awakening (2)
"Hehe." I smiled lightly, basking in my mother's praise.
"Mother, I have another martial spirit," I said, unable to suppress my happiness. I decided to share the surprise with her instead of keeping it hidden.
"What?" My mother's eyes widened in shock as she instinctively held my shoulders. "A twin martial spirit? Is it humanoid like the first one, or is it a beast spirit?"
"I don't know," I admitted truthfully, a hint of curiosity mingling with my excitement. "Let me switch and find out."
As I retracted my Frost Sovereign martial spirit, the cold air and frost that had enveloped the surroundings dissipated like a retreating tide. Then, with a deep breath, I activated my second martial spirit.
A figure materialized behind me, ethereal and humanoid in form. Its scarlet eyes glowed menacingly, piercing through the darkened hall. In its left hand, it held a long, blood-red scythe that radiated an ominous aura. On its head rested a jagged black crown, etched with dark runes and adorned with pulsating crimson gemstones. The crown seemed alive, exuding malice and unyielding power.
As the martial spirit emerged, an oppressive darkness swallowed the room. The hall's light was extinguished, replaced by a heavy, suffocating malice that hung in the air like a storm cloud.
I turned to my mother, eager to hear her reaction, but froze at the sight of her face. Her expression was a mix of pain, fear, and something I couldn't quite identify—was it sadness? Resentment?
"Mother, this is my second martial spirit," I explained softly, waiting for her to say something.
She didn't respond. Her gaze was fixed on the figure behind me, her lips trembling as if she was struggling to form words.
"Mother?" I called again, concern creeping into my voice.
She snapped out of her daze, her expression hardening into something cold and distant. "Xue, take back your martial spirit," she commanded, her voice devoid of warmth.
I hesitated but nodded quickly, sensing the urgency in her tone. With a thought, I withdrew the martial spirit, and the oppressive darkness receded as the hall's light returned.
"Tell me, my child," she said, walking toward me with measured steps before kneeling to meet my eyes. "Does this martial spirit… influence you? Do you feel any… evil thoughts when you summon it?"
"Evil thoughts?" I echoed, confused by her question. "No, Mother. I can control it perfectly. It doesn't try to affect me. The only thing is the darkness it spreads during possession, but other than that, I have complete control."
Her tense shoulders relaxed slightly, and a faint trace of her usual gentleness returned to her expression. "That's good to hear," she said softly, though her eyes still held a flicker of unease.
"Mother, is something wrong?" I asked cautiously.
"Nothing you need to worry about for now," she replied, her voice back to its tender tone. "Let's check your innate spirit power first. After that, I'll explain a few things."
She pulled out a small soul tool—a crystal carved with intricate patterns. "This is a spirit power testing tool. Place your hand on it, and it will reveal your innate spirit power."
I nodded, already knowing my level but deciding to go along with her. Placing my hand on the crystal, I watched as it glowed brightly. A moment later, the number 20 appeared, shining vividly for both of us to see.
My mother's eyes widened in disbelief. "Level 20?!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with shock. "Is this truly a God-given martial spirit? But… how is that possible?"
She stood there, staring at me with a mixture of awe and concern, her lips moving silently as if trying to make sense of what she'd just witnessed.
"Mother, what is a God-Given Martial Spirit?" I asked innocently, tilting my head in curiosity. Even though I already knew the answer thanks to the system's notes, I had to act the part of a child.
'Well, technically, I am a child. No need to overthink it,' I reminded myself.
My mother's eyes softened as she placed a hand gently on my shoulder. "Xue'er, a God-Given Martial Spirit is exactly what it sounds like—a martial spirit bestowed by the gods themselves. It is a true God-Level Martial Spirit, unlike the ones mortals can awaken."
She paused, her tone becoming more serious as she continued, "You see, martial spirits are divided into different levels. There are Trash-Level, Top-Level, and Super-Level Martial Spirits. Above them are the rarest—God-Level and God-Given Martial Spirits. But only a God-Given Martial Spirit can grant an innate spirit power of Level 20 during awakening. This is what makes them unique."
I nodded, pretending to process the information while she spoke.
"According to historical records, the last time someone awakened a God-Given Martial Spirit was over ten thousand years ago," she explained, her voice filled with awe and reverence. "Even someone with a normal God-Level Martial Spirit would only have a maximum of Level 10 innate spirit power because it wasn't granted by the gods."
Her expression softened again, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and longing. "Xue'er, this means you have the potential to become a god. Do you understand how extraordinary that is? In the past ten thousand years, no one has ascended to godhood. You could be the first."
Her words hung in the air, heavy with significance. I could see the pride in her gaze, but there was something else—a shadow of concern, perhaps even fear. It seemed as though she was both amazed and apprehensive about what my future might hold.
"Mother…" I hesitated, searching for the right words.
Finally, I looked up, meeting her gaze with determination. "If I have the talent to become a god, then I will become one," I said firmly. Deep down, I knew the system's help gave me the tools to succeed—as long as I trained properly and survived the dangers ahead. I could become God.
My mother's expression softened, but her eyes carried a mix of pride and worry. She sighed, placing her hands gently on my shoulders. "Xue'er, it's not your talent or potential that concerns me. What worries me is the world's reaction to your gifts."
She paused, her tone becoming serious. "Let me explain. You have awakened not just one but two God-Level Martial Spirits. Both of them have semi-awakened domains—an incredibly rare and powerful trait. The 'darkness' you mentioned is part of your second martial spirit's domain, but because it isn't fully awakened, you cannot control it yet. Once you fully awaken the domain, you'll be able to wield that power freely."
I nodded silently looking at her concered face, absorbing her words.
"Domains themselves are exceedingly rare," she continued. "Even most Titled Douluo go their entire lives without possessing one. Many will envy you for that alone. But, my child, your second martial spirit… it's dangerous in more ways than one."
She hesitated for a moment, her grip on my shoulders tightening slightly. "Because of its darkness and evil attributes, people will fear it. Even if you commit no crime, they may brand you as evil. Fear and ignorance drive people to act irrationally. If they can't harm you, they will label you, isolate you, or try to destroy you."
Her words sent a chill down my spine, I also knew this world has so called Protagonist and Villain, so if stayed with mother I will surely be branded as evil so I don't think I have any option but I remained quiet, letting her continue.
"Think about it, Xue'er," she said, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "You have three Ultimate Elements, Twin God-Given Martial Spirits, Level 20 Innate Spirit Power, and two semi-awakened domains. Even among the greatest geniuses in history, this level of talent is unheard of. People will see you as a threat. They will fear you. And those who fear you will seek to harm you—directly or indirectly."
Her gaze hardened, her protective instincts clear. "You must never reveal your second martial spirit to anyone unless absolutely necessary. If someone does discover it… you must ensure they cannot spread the word. Do you understand?"
I swallowed, nodding. Her words were heavy, but I understood their importance.
"As for your Level 20 innate spirit power, it will already attract enough attention," she added, her tone softening slightly. "Thankfully, as long as we're in the Sun Moon Empire, it shouldn't be much of a problem. But outside of these borders, you'll need to tread carefully."
Her protective gaze lingered on me for a moment before she finally smiled faintly. "Xue'er, you have unimaginable potential, but the road ahead will be filled with danger. I will do everything in my power to protect you, but you must promise me you will be cautious."
I looked into her eyes, walking towards her I hugged her lightly and said "I promise, Mother, I will follow your warnings."
Here's an improved version of your text with enhanced descriptions, emotions, and smoother transitions:
---
"Let's go out for dinner, then," my mother said with a gentle smile, patting my head affectionately. "But starting tomorrow, your physical training begins. Three months of rigorous work to build your foundation, and after that, we'll obtain your first spirit ring."
Her determination was evident in her tone, but the warmth of her smile reassured me. I nodded eagerly, feeling both excited and slightly apprehensive about the training to come.
We returned to the main hall, where Wu Yun and Wu Yu were waiting patiently. They stood side by side, their postures straight and expressions neutral, as always. When my mother explained my awakening to them, they offered polite congratulations.
"Congratulations, Young Master," Wu Yun said, her tone respectful but devoid of emotion.
"You've taken your first step on the path to greatness," Wu Yu added, her voice equally flat.
Despite their kind words, I couldn't help but notice the lack of any visible joy or excitement on their faces. It was as if their emotions were locked away, hidden behind an impenetrable mask. Was it because of their martial spirits, or was something else at play? I made a mental note to ask them about it later.
Following my mother, we exited the estate and climbed into a luxurious carriage.