The sun had barely risen when Tang Hao gently roused his son from sleep. For the first time, his voice was steady and warm.
"San, today's the day."
Tang San blinked the sleep away and nodded. He already knew what this day meant—Martial Soul Awakening. He was six years old today. This was the day every child in Nuoding City waited for.
Except this time, instead of being accompanied by Grandpa Jack, it was his own father, Tang Hao, who would be taking him.
They walked the familiar village path. Though Tang San had made the journey many times, usually watching other kids leave for the awakening ceremony, this time he walked it as one of them.
Grandpa Jack was already waiting in front of the Spirit Hall branch. The old man's eyes widened slightly when he saw Tang Hao, dressed in clean clothes, hair tied back neatly, and sober.
"Old Tang," he said, stunned, "you're coming today?"
Tang Hao gave a rare nod. "It's time I took responsibility."
Jack smiled. "Glad to see you back on your feet."
They didn't exchange many words after that. Soon, the group of six-year-olds gathered, nervous and fidgeting, outside the Spirit Hall. The branch was a white-stoned building decorated with the emblem of Spirit Hall—a six-winged angel embossed in gold.
Inside stood a man in white robes. The branch deacon, Su Yuntao.
He looked the children over, already tired of this routine.
"All of you quiet down. I'll be awakening your martial souls one by one. Don't get your hopes up too high—most of you will just have ordinary spirits like farm tools or plants. But if you're lucky, you may awaken something stronger and become a true Spirit Master."
He pulled out a six-sided crystal, translucent and glowing faintly.
"Stand inside the Spirit Awakening Formation, one at a time. Place your hand on the crystal. Let's begin."
One by one, the children went in. A sickle. A hammer. A hoe. A bowl. Su Yuntao didn't even bother hiding his disappointment. None of them had innate spirit power either.
Finally, it was Tang San's turn.
The boy stepped forward with calm confidence, drawing the faint attention of Su Yuntao and Tang Hao both. He looked composed, unusually so for a six-year-old.
"Name?" Su Yuntao asked.
"Tang San."
"Step into the formation and place your hand on the crystal."
Tang San obeyed.
Su Yuntao placed both palms forward. Six streaks of light lit up beneath him, forming the ancient, mysterious Spirit Awakening Formation.
An ethereal glow engulfed Tang San's body. The Spirit Power Crystal in his hand began to shine.
From his right palm—a gentle vine unfurled, a thin and unassuming plant, covered in tiny barbs.
"Blue Silver Grass…" Su Yuntao sighed. "Another useless martial soul."
But before he could turn away—the crystal flared again.
Tang San's left hand clenched. A second energy surged through his body. A black hammer, rustic yet oppressive, shimmered faintly behind his form before disappearing in an instant.
No one else seemed to notice.
Su Yuntao blinked. "What just happened?"
Tang San calmly lowered his right hand, hiding the flicker in his left. "Was that it, sir?"
Su Yuntao nodded, rubbing his eyes. "...Yes, that's all. Blue Silver Grass."
He turned to the crystal. His expression changed. "Wait—!"
Su Yuntao leaned closer, staring at the crystal. "You… you have innate full spirit power!"
The room quieted.
Grandpa Jack was stunned. Even Tang Hao's eyes narrowed in seriousness.
"Innate full spirit power means you were born with spirit power level ten. With the right spirit ring, you'll become a Spirit Master immediately," Su Yuntao said, his tone finally laced with respect.
"Though your martial soul is ordinary, with talent like this... anything is possible."
After a brief explanation about spirit rings and cultivation, the ceremony concluded. Most children left dejected, but Tang San remained calm as ever.
He walked quietly behind Tang Hao as they made their way home.
And as they approached the door to their little smithy, Tang Hao suddenly stopped.
"San."
"Yes, Father?"
"That hammer you hid." Tang Hao didn't turn around. "You don't need to explain."
Tang San tensed.
"You're my son. I know exactly what it is."
Tang Hao's voice trembled, just slightly.
Then Tang San raised his hand again—this time, revealing only the Blue Silver Grass.
When the simple vine appeared once more, Tang Hao stared at it with such softness that Tang San was taken aback.
Tears welled in the man's eyes.
"…You have her spirit," he said, kneeling down and gently touching the vine. "It's just like hers…"
Tang San stared. "This was Mom's?"
Tang Hao nodded, slowly.
"She was the strongest person I've ever known."