Invincible Divine Sword Chapter 1: Martial Soul World
1 Chapter 1: Martial Soul World
Translator: 549690339
The dawn was just starting to break over the horizon.
In the area behind the Yang Family Manor, a child of about seven or eight years was in constant motion. At times, he remained as still as a young maiden; at others, he moved with the agility of a sprinting rabbit. When he struck out with his fists, the force actually generated a powerful gust of wind.
Yang Xiaotian had lived in this realm for seven years, and since the age of four, he had been practicing the Taiji Scripture.
During his previous life on Earth, he was a descendant of the Wudang Sect. The Taiji Scripture served as a profound and hidden martial art of that lineage. Even though his current practice spanned only three years, a significant amount of inner strength had already accumulated within his body.
Despite his youthful appearance, a single strike from him could hurl an average adult backward by several meters. Two or three grown men would find it impossible to even get close to him.
As Yang Xiaotian continued his Taiji Scripture movements, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed from the base of the mountain.
Without needing to turn around, Yang Xiaotian already knew the identity of the visitor.
He halted his training and glanced over to see a young girl. She had a long braid and large, round eyes that gave her a cute, spirited appearance.
A smile touched Yang Xiaotian’s face upon seeing her.
This little girl was his younger sister, Yang Ling’er, who was his junior by one year.
Climbing the mountain slope, Yang Ling’er spotted Yang Xiaotian from a distance and let out a sweet laugh. “Big brother, I knew you had sneaked off to the back mountain to play the monkey again!”
Play the monkey?
Dark lines appeared on Yang Xiaotian’s brow as he replied, “This isn't playing the monkey. This is the profound Taiji Scripture of the Wudang Sect.” He had lost count of how many times he had explained this to her.
Nevertheless, Yang Ling’er simply stuck out her tongue and gave a playful smirk. “It’s definitely playing the monkey.”
Yang Xiaotian felt helpless; he was never a match for the little girl in a war of words.
“Why have you come looking for me?” Yang Xiaotian inquired. His sister might be small, but she was incredibly sharp. Whenever she sought him out on the back mountain, it usually meant trouble.
“Father and mother are looking for you,” Yang Ling’er said, twirling her braid with an air of mystery. “It looks like they plan to take you into the city for your Martial Soul Awakening.”
Martial Soul Awakening!
Yang Xiaotian’s heart skipped a beat.
He was well aware of what a Martial Soul Awakening entailed. In this land known as the Martial Soul World, every child had to undergo this ritual upon reaching a specific age.
Cultivation was only possible after one had successfully awakened a Martial Soul.
Yang Xiaotian’s fists tightened as his pulse quickened. He had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Having spent several years in this world, he was anxious to discover if he possessed a Martial Soul and what rank it might be.
“You should head back quickly, big brother. If mother and father can't find you, they’ll definitely be upset and give you a spanking,” Yang Ling’er remarked earnestly, tilting her round face toward him.
“Fine, let’s go back right away,” Yang Xiaotian said with a grin. He reached out and gave Yang Ling’er’s braid a playful tug as they started walking down toward the Yang Family Manor.
Yang Ling’er yelled after him, “Big brother! If you pull my hair again, I’m telling mother and father that you were playing the monkey on the mountain!”
The two siblings laughed and chased each other as they descended.
Before long, they arrived back at the manor.
Upon their return, they found the main hall crowded with people. In addition to Yang Xiaotian, his cousin Yang Zhong—the son of his uncle—was also there for the Martial Soul Awakening.
When Yang Chao saw his son return, he let out a stern snort. However, he refrained from scolding Yang Xiaotian in front of the crowd. He merely shot him a glare that suggested a lecture was coming later.
The old Manor Lord, Yang Ming, who was Yang Xiaotian’s grandfather, observed that everyone was present and announced loudly, “Since everyone has gathered, let us depart.”
Because the necessary Formation for the Martial Soul Awakening was located in the nearby Xingyue City, that was their destination.
The distance between Yang Family Manor and Xingyue City was short, and it took just over an hour for the group to reach the city square where the awakenings were held.
The awakening square was a vast, open area. Anyone could undergo the ritual provided they paid the required fee in Gold Coins.
The square was already teeming with people when they arrived. Not only were members of the Yang Family present, but disciples from various other clans in Xingyue City had also gathered, creating a frantic and busy atmosphere.
Soon, it was the Yang Family’s turn.
Yang Ming walked forward and paid the fees. A master from Xingyue City channeled power into the array, triggering the formation. Suddenly, a hexagonal light pattern rose from the ground.
“Zhong’er, you shall go first,” Yang Ming said kindly, gesturing for Yang Zhong to step forward with a smile.
As the eldest grandson, Yang Zhong was the apple of Yang Ming’s eye.
“Yes, Grandfather,” Yang Zhong answered. Under the collective gaze of the crowd, he walked into the center of the formation.
As the power of the formation enveloped him, a brilliant light erupted around Yang Zhong’s body. Suddenly, a cry like a phoenix echoed between the Heavens and the Earth, and a massive bird manifested behind him.
The giant bird was wreathed in flames, its wings spanning ten meters, radiating an intimidating aura.
The witnesses were stunned.
After the initial shock wore off, Yang Ming began to shake with fervor. “It’s the Green Phoenix! A level ten Martial Soul, the Green Phoenix!”
Martial Soul ranks progress from level one to ten, with the Supreme Martial Spirit sitting even higher.
Since Supreme Martial Spirits are incredibly rare, a level ten Martial Soul represents the pinnacle of talent. It was no wonder Yang Ming was so moved.
Yang Hai, who was Yang Zhong’s father, along with the other senior members of the Yang Family, were all overjoyed.
“My congratulations, Manor Lord Yang,” said Li Guang, the Patriarch of the Li Family from Xingyue City. He stepped forward with a respectful salute and a smile. “The Yang Family has birthed a magnificent talent; it is truly something to be envied.”
The Li Family was one of the most powerful families in the city, slightly surpassing the Yang Family Manor in influence. Hearing Li Guang’s praise, Yang Ming laughed loudly and returned the salute. “I thank you, Brother Li. I hope for your continued support in the future.” It was obvious to all that Yang Ming was bursting with pride.
Experts from various other families also came forward to offer their congratulations to Yang Ming and Yang Hai.
The two men beamed, their happiness impossible to conceal.
Amidst the envious stares of the crowd, Yang Zhong stepped out of the formation, his presence commanding everyone's attention. Even at his young age, he understood the prestige of owning a level ten Martial Soul.
From this day forward, he would be considered a favored child of the Heavens!
As he walked past Yang Xiaotian, he gave him a look full of arrogance.
Yang Xiaotian frowned at Yang Zhong’s boastful expression. Even though Yang Zhong was his cousin, the boy often bullied him and Yang Ling’er, relying on their grandfather’s blatant favoritism.
Regardless of who started their quarrels, their grandfather always sided with Yang Zhong, leaving Yang Xiaotian and his sister to endure the punishment.
“Xiaotian, it is your turn,” Yang Ming instructed.
Yang Xiaotian gave a nod and walked toward the center of the formation map.
Following Yang Zhong’s awakening of a level ten Martial Soul, Xiaotian felt a wave of nervousness as he stepped into the light.
In the Martial Soul World, the presence and rank of one’s Martial Soul dictated one’s entire destiny.
The representatives of the other city families watched Yang Xiaotian closely, curious to see what the other grandson of Yang Ming would reveal.
Yang Chao was just as anxious, watching his son while offering a silent prayer.
Standing in the heart of the formation and bathed in its energy, Yang Xiaotian felt a surge of warmth. Soon, the light began to swirl around him with increasing intensity.
Yang Chao’s heart pounded in his chest.
Hum!
With a low vibration, a phantom image manifested from within Yang Xiaotian’s body, hovering silently above his head.