Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Awakening.
"Blue Silver Grass, a martial soul of no utility."
Within a magnificent hall, a young man in his twenties captivated onlookers with his sharp, sword-like eyebrows and starry gaze, exuding an air of remarkable handsomeness. Clad in a pristine white suit complemented by a flowing black cloak, an intricate soul emblem the size of a fist adorned the center of his chest.
The young man gazed at the wheat-skinned boy before him with a hint of disappointment and uttered softly, "Next."
"Uncle, you haven't assessed my soul power yet!"
"There's no need for an assessment. I've never heard of anyone with a Blue Silver Grass martial soul possessing soul power."
"Uncle, let's evaluate my soul power. It won't take long."
"Very well, let's proceed with the evaluation."
The scene unfolding in the hall played out exactly as anticipated by a young boy present.
This boy, with black hair and eyes, wore heavily patched clothing. His wheat-colored skin and profound eyes seemed to possess an unnatural insight for his age.
The boy's name was Ye Feng. He had entered the hall to awaken his martial soul.
"Your circumstances are unique. It's rare to encounter a prodigy with innate full-soul power. It's a shame... What pity. Even if your martial soul were a farming tool, it would surpass the effectiveness of the Blue Silver Grass martial soul."
Su Yuntao shook his head with a sigh, casting a glance at Ye Feng, who stood last in line, and called out, "Next!"
Tang San harbored numerous uncertainties, particularly regarding the matter of soul rings. Observing Su Yuntao's remarks, he could only temporarily step aside and allow Ye Feng to enter the formation.
Ye Feng positioned himself within the formation, allowing the golden soul power to permeate his being. It felt warm and exceedingly comforting. He sensed a metaphorical shackle within him being shattered.
"Ding dong!"
"The system has detected that the host is awakening his martial soul. The conditions for the system's activation have been met."
"Proceeding to establish a connection with the host!"
Binding: 10%.
Binding: 20%.
Binding: 30%.
...
A holographic progress bar materialized in Ye Feng's mind.
"System?"
"At long last, am I going to acquire my system?"
"Six years. System, do you understand how I've spent these six years?"
"System... I finally possess my system."
"If one aspires to grow stronger, hope is finally within reach."
Ye Feng was overwhelmed with excitement, yearning to gaze skyward and revel in laughter. Yet, his self-control enabled him to restrain such emotions.
Binding: Complete
"The time for the Martial Soul awakening has arrived."
Ye Feng glanced at the obedient Tang San standing nearby. Tang San was still internalizing the knowledge imparted by Su Yuntao.
Ye Feng pondered deeply, privately musing, 'Tang San is not a native of Holy Soul Village. According to Grandpa Jack, I, too, am not from Holy Soul Village. My parents encountered him coincidentally before their demise, entrusting me to his care. Therefore, my martial soul should not be deemed useless. Nonetheless, I cannot help but envy Tang San for awakening twin martial souls. The fortunate truly stand apart from the rest.'
"Ding dong!"
"The system detects the host's envy of Tang San's twin martial souls. The system expresses discontent and aids the host in awakening triple martial souls!"
"What, triple Martial Soul?" Ye Feng was dumbfounded, his eyes widening.
"Yes, host," affirmed the system.
"System, are you joking?" Ye Feng questioned, as throughout the history of the Douluo Continent, no individual had ever possessed a Triple Martial Soul.
"The system does not engage in jokes. Host, please select your first martial soul." With the system's voice resounding, a holographic image materialized in Ye Feng's mind.
"Ruyi Jingu Bang, Sun Shooting Bow, Regulus Star Sword."
"For my first martial soul, I choose the Regulus Star Sword!" Ye Feng said without hesitation.
"Are you certain?" inquired the system.
"Indeed!" affirmed Ye Feng. Within Chinese mysticism, this sword is hailed as the weapon of the Yellow Emperor and the very representation of the Regulus star, even said to be the king of weapons.
"Congratulations! You have acquired the first martial soul, Regulus Star Sword. Kindly proceed with the selection of the second martial soul," congratulated the system.
Another image emerged within Ye Feng's consciousness.
This time, the display differed significantly from the previous ones; it was no longer an offensive-type martial soul.
"Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, Blue Silver Emperor, Nine Heaven Flowering Begonia, Starlight Ice Scepter..."
"System, how does Nine Heaven Flowering Begonia differ from Nine Heart Flowering Begonia?" Ye Feng queried with curiosity.
"Nine Heaven Flowering Begonia is a mutated form of Nine Heart Flowering Begonia, ranking on par with Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda and Blue Silver Emperor. As a mutated spirit, Nine Heaven Flowering Begonia transcends mere healing capabilities, focusing instead on the enigmatic nature of the spirit. This suggests its boundless potential," the system elaborated.
"Very well, I shall select Nine Heaven Flowering Begonia as my second spirit," Ye Feng declared emotionally.
As a time traveler, Ye Feng comprehended the two potential directions of spirit mutation: one leading to a decrease in quality, exemplified by Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang's Luo Sanpao spirit; the other yielding positive outcomes, as seen in Feng Xiaotian's Gale Two-headed Demon Wolf.
Given Nine Heaven Flowering Begonia's comparable rank to Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda and Blue Silver Emperor, its mutation was likely favorable.
"If I were to overlook this martial soul, I would be deemed a fool," Ye Feng concluded.
"Are you certain?" prompted the system.
"Absolutely!" affirmed Ye Feng.
"Congratulations! You have acquired the second spirit, Nine Heaven Flowering Begonia. Kindly proceed with the selection of the third spirit."
Another distinct image appeared in Ye Feng's consciousness.
"Blazing Sun Flame Eye, Saint Golden Eye, Heaven Golden Eye, Holy Light's Eye, Eye of Hell, Eye of Necromancer."
Ye Feng noticed that the selection interface for the third spirit exclusively featured eye-type spirits.
If Ye Feng's deduction held, the initial spirits were all offensive, the subsequent spirits were auxiliary, and the final spirits were spiritual.
The system's intent was clear: to guide Ye Feng towards the path of individual strength, enabling him to vanquish multitudes of foes single-handedly.
"I choose the Eye of Hell!" Ye Feng declared.
"Are you certain?" inquired the system.
"Given my uncertainty, I shall opt for the Eye of Hell!" Ye Feng casually responded.
"Congratulations! You have obtained the third martial soul, the Eye of Hell."
Upon the system's announcement, a warm sensation enveloped Ye Feng's eyes while a comforting current nourished him. A harmonious sensation coursed through his left and right hands.
"Child, are you deaf? I instructed you to extend your right hand!" Su Yuntao's voice resonated in Ye Feng's ears.
Ye Feng complied, extending his right hand to reveal a colorless flower. Despite lacking color, the flower exuded grace and elegance, akin to a flawless piece of jade—truly exceptional.
Nonetheless, Su Yuntao shook his head with a sigh, remarking, "A flower, devoid of color, a waste martial soul. It appears my journey to Holy Soul Village has been futile once more. Very well, let us depart."
Ye Feng, upon hearing these words, remained unperturbed. With a mere thought, he retracted Nine Heaven Flowering Begonia. He realized that until he matured, the value of a martial soul, whether potent or ineffective, was inconsequential as long as he comprehended its essence.
Ye Feng looked towards Su Yuntao, offering a gentle reminder with a smile, "Uncle, you have yet to evaluate my soul power!"
(End of this chapter)