Chapter 2: Born with an Alluring Aura, the True Martial Soul!

After a night’s rest, Jiang Beibei, fully refreshed but anxious, followed Liu Erlong into a somewhat lavishly decorated pointed-roof building.

“This must be the predecessor of Shrek Academy, the Blue Tyrant Academy.”

Judging by the architectural style and Liu Erlong’s attire, being a devoted Douluo fan, she quickly understood the situation.

The Blue Tyrant Academy was founded by Liu Erlong after parting ways with “Master” Yu Xiaogang.

Given the name and Liu Erlong’s background, it was clear that the financial backer behind it was the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus family.

Calculating the timeline, the original protagonist Tang San was probably about to be born.

“I hope I’m not so unlucky. At least I want to awaken my soul power, even if my martial soul isn’t exceptional.”

Jiang Beibei knew well that in the world of Douluo Continent, only by becoming a soul master could one truly find a foothold.

The prerequisite to becoming a soul master was possessing a martial soul, but more importantly, the level of soul power awakened.

If one’s innate soul power was zero or only half a level, it almost meant the path of the soul master was cut off.

Sensing her nervousness, Liu Erlong, walking ahead, slowed down and leaned close to her.

“Beibei, don’t be nervous. It’s great to become a soul master, but even if you don’t succeed in awakening, I will take care of you for life. I promise!”

From the moment Liu Erlong took Jiang Beibei in, she had planned to care for her forever.

Even if Jiang Beibei remained an ordinary person, survival would never be an issue.

“Mom…”

Hearing Liu Erlong’s promise, Jiang Beibei was momentarily dazed, whispering the word unconsciously.

At those two words, Liu Erlong, who had appeared normal moments before, instantly froze.

Then she pressed her lips together, swallowed several times but said nothing, instead pulling Jiang Beibei into a tight, affectionate hug.

After straightening up, tears welled in her eyes and circled before an elder appeared, prompting her to wipe away the redness with the back of her hand and quickly regain her usual spirited demeanor.

“Director? What brings you here today… Oh, who is this little girl?”

“She’s a child I happened upon in the Raymond Forest. I tested her bone age yesterday—it’s exactly six. She can join today’s martial soul awakening ceremony.”

Liu Erlong concealed her feelings well; the elder noticed nothing unusual about her. Or rather, all his attention was on Jiang Beibei.

Feeling the intense gaze, Jiang Beibei shyly hid behind Liu Erlong, peeking out cautiously at the elder.

Her action amused the elder, who had already formed an inexplicable fondness for her.

“Heh, indeed a lovely little girl. I truly hope she awakens soul power and becomes a strong soul master.”

About half an hour later, more people gathered inside.

The elder quickly set up an array formation in the center of the room, constructed from six black stones. Beside it lay a shining blue crystal ball.

Around the stage were children about Jiang Beibei’s height.

Except for Jiang Beibei, all the children had come with their parents.

Though unaware of Liu Erlong’s identity, the parents sensed something extraordinary about her and couldn’t help casting curious glances at the pair.

“My name is Ji Yunfei, a 43rd-level Weapon Soul Sect member. Today, I will conduct your martial soul awakening.”

“The awakening ceremony begins!”

At Ji Yunfei’s command, the room fell silent. All the children, including Jiang Beibei, grew tense.

Following his signal, a young boy stepped to the center of the six-pointed star array.

“Relax, close your eyes, and feel carefully.”

Ji Yunfei soothed softly, then his previously dim eyes suddenly brightened. “Soul Flower Martial Soul, manifest!”

His once gray hair turned a deep black in that moment, making him look at least twenty years younger.

As his soul power infused the array, golden light emanated, forming a faint golden shield enveloping the boy.

“Extend your right hand.”

The boy hesitated, and Ji Yunfei spoke again.

Soon, a grass fork appeared in the boy’s right hand.

“Weapon Soul: Grass Fork. Come test your soul power here.”

Ji Yunfei’s face remained kind, showing no disdain for the boy’s unremarkable martial soul. He handed the blue crystal ball to the boy.

As the boy’s martial soul manifested, his parents below, even more nervous, showed a hint of disappointment before embracing and silently praying for their child’s success.

When the boy’s palm touched the crystal ball, his body trembled uncontrollably. A faint glow swiftly streaked across the crystal ball.

Though the light was slight, the boy’s parents leapt up with joy.

“Half-level soul power! Congratulations, child!”

“This is wonderful! I have hope of becoming a soul master!”

Thrilled, the boy ran offstage and hugged his parents.

Other children cast envious glances his way.

With this auspicious start, the rest of the awakening ceremony proceeded quickly, leaving only Jiang Beibei last.

Unexpectedly, all the children succeeded in awakening soul power!

Though the highest power was only at level two, the success rate was already very satisfying.

“Beibei, relax. No matter the outcome, I… Mom will always support you!”

Thinking of Jiang Beibei’s past hardships, Liu Erlong decided to play the role of “temporary mother” to ease her anxiety.

“Mm!”

Jiang Beibei clenched her small fists and nodded firmly at Liu Mom, silently vowing: “I’m willing to trade twenty years of being single like Tang San for a good martial soul!”

Then she stepped slowly into the center of the array.

As soul power infused the formation, Jiang Beibei felt enveloped in a warm embrace. The comfort was so soothing she almost hummed softly.

“Hm?”

“This... What a powerful martial soul this must be!”

While she closed her eyes to feel it, everyone present was drawn to the dazzling golden specks shimmering around her.

Liu Erlong and Ji Yunfei, who understood their meaning, were astounded.

Jiang Beibei instinctively stretched out her right hand, but no object appeared. Instead, her cheeks and forehead shimmered with brilliant golden light so mesmerizing that anyone who glanced would be deeply captivated.

“What kind of martial soul is this?”

Even experienced Liu Erlong and Ji Yunfei frowned at this strange phenomenon.

They searched their memories but found no information relating to it.

“Phew!”

The golden light faded as Jiang Beibei exhaled, looking at her right hand expectantly.

“Ah? Where’s my martial soul? Could I have really failed to awaken?”

Her empty right hand startled her.

Just then, she caught her reflection in the nearby crystal ball and widened her eyes.

“Wait, could this be... an innate martial soul?!”