Principal Huang Bao's gaze swept over the students. "Today, you stand at the threshold of your destiny. The Awakening ceremony is not merely a tradition, it is the moment that defines your future. The martial spirit you awaken will determine your path, be it one of glory or mediocrity."
"The martial spirits are divided into nine ranks, from the lowest 1-star to the legendary 9-star, depending on their power level and usefulness," he explained, his voice echoing across the field.
Yang Chen noticed the mixture of awe and anxiety in the eyes of the students around him. Some clenched their fists tightly, determined to prove their worth. Others swallowed nervously, fear evident on their faces.
"The strong will be chosen by the sects, offered unimaginable resources, and rise to prominence. The weak..." The principal's voice lowered, laced with harsh reality. "Will remain as commoners. But even then, the path of cultivation is never truly closed to those with enough determination."
"There are cases of people having their martial spirits mutating due to some fortunate events."
Yang Chen scoffed internally.
"Easy for him to say. Not everyone has the luxury of endless resources and guidance. Without a powerful martial spirit, all the determination in the world won't get you far and even for mutations to occur depends on lucky opportunities."
Principal Huang Bao gestured toward the glowing formation on the stage and continued. "The Awakening Array has been prepared. Each of you will step forward, one by one when called forth. Upon activation, your martial spirit shall manifest. Do not resist it. Let it flow through you and reveal your true potential."
His sharp gaze turned steely. "Remember, the heavens do not favor the cowardly. Embrace your fate with pride." he tried to Motivate students.
A surge of spiritual energy erupted from the center of the array as the ores ignited with radiant light. The runes on the flags shimmered, casting a dazzling glow over the field. The Awakening Array was ready.
"The ceremony shall now begin!"
Excitement and dread rippled through the students. The first name was soon called.
"Zhao Wei!"
A nervous-looking boy with short black hair stumbled forward, his hands trembling. The crowd watched intently as he approached the array.
Yang Chen crossed his arms, watching the scene unfold.
Zhao Wei's steps were hesitant as he entered the glowing array. The flickering light from the runes illuminated his pale face, each step weighed down by anxiety.
The crowd hushed, anticipation thick in the air. Yang Chen could hear whispers among some random students.
"Zhao Wei's family runs a blacksmith shop. He's not from any prestigious background."
"His chances of awakening a powerful martial spirit are slim."
"I heard he tried to cultivate before, but without a spirit, it's useless."
Principal Huang Bao remained stoic, his hands clasped behind his back. "Step forward," he commanded.
Zhao Wei swallowed hard and moved to the center of the formation. The ores pulsed with a rhythmic hum, their light intensifying. The flags fluttered unnaturally as a faint breeze swept across the field.
"Activate!"
The principal's voice resonated, and in that instant, the Awakening Array surged to life. A torrent of energy rushed toward Zhao Wei, enveloping him in a swirling mist of spiritual qi.
Yang Chen narrowed his eyes. The air crackled with an electric charge, sending faint ripples through the ground. It was as if the array was probing Zhao Wei's soul, searching for the essence of his spirit.
Then, a faint glow emerged above Zhao Wei's head. The mist twisted and coiled, slowly taking shape. The students leaned forward, anticipation written all over their faces.
A dim figure appeared before everyone's eyes. A small, trembling ember, barely the size of a fist. Its dull orange light flickered weakly, like a candle struggling against the wind.
Murmurs spread among spectating students like wildfire.
"A Flame Ember Spirit? That's only a 1-star martial spirit!"
"How unfortunate. With that, he'll never reach the Foundation Establishment Realm."
"He's doomed to remain a commoner working in his family's blacksmith shop."
Zhao Wei's shoulders slumped. The weak glow of the Flame Ember Spirit flickered once more before vanishing into his body. His awakening was complete, but the outcome was clear, he was disappointed.
Principal Huang Bao's expression remained unchanged as he announced. "Zhao Wei 1-star Flame Ember Spirit. You may now step down."
The boy's trembling legs barely carried him away from the array. He kept his head low, avoiding the sympathetic glances of his peers.
"Next!"
The atmosphere grew heavier as the names were called one by one. The harsh reality of the ceremony was already sinking in. For most, their dreams of glory would be shattered the moment their martial spirit manifested.
Yang Chen remained still, his arms crossed. His expression was unreadable.
"A 1-star spirit, huh? So it's not just talent that determines your fate, but luck as well." he thought.
A girl named Liu Mei stepped forward, her long hair swaying as she confidently entered the array. The formation roared to life once again. This time, the mist swirled faster, forming a clearer shape.
A graceful white crane, its wings glowing with faint blue light, emerged. It let out a soft cry before merging into Liu Mei's body.
"5-star Ice Mist Crane Spirit!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd. Liu Mei beamed with pride, her back straightening under the envious gazes of her peers. A spirit of that level was enough to secure her entry into one of the mid-ranked sects.
Yang Chen, however, remained unmoved.
"A 4-star spirit only earns you a pass into a mid-ranked sect. I wonder what a true genius's spirit would look like."
More names were called. Spirits of all forms appeared — wolves, serpents, glowing orbs, even weapons like swords and spears. But most students only awakened 1-star or 2-star spirits.
The higher ranked spirits were rare with highest rank awakened by student till now was 6-star martial spirit 5 Element Cauldron, and the tension on the field grew palpable.
Then, another name was called.
"Luo Yanran!"
The whispers began anew.
"Luo Yanran, the only daughter of the Luo family head from Chang City. She must awaken a powerful martial spirit."
"Don't be so sure. Even noble blood doesn't guarantee strength, let's wait for the results." another said.
Luo Yanran stepped forward gracefully. The moment she entered the array, a blinding light surged from its core. The sky darkened, thick clouds swirling as faint flashes of lightning illuminated the heavens.
The ground quivered. The oppressive energy weighed heavily on the crowd. Then, in a sudden burst of radiance, the figure of a magnificent eagle materialized. Electricity crackled along its wings, its sharp gaze exuding pure dominance.
"Tribulation Spirit Eagle 7-star Martial Spirit!" Principal announced happily.
Gasps and exclamations echoed. Luo Yanran stood tall, her expression calm despite the awe around her. The eagle spirit merged into her body, its residual lightning sparking around her like a protective force.
Yang Chen's eyes gleamed with interest.
"A 7-star spirit. It's highest rank awakened till now, Not bad. But even that's not enough to shake the heavens."
The ceremony continued. The tension in the air grew heavier with each name called. And soon, Yang Chen knew his turn would come.
"Let's see what fate has in store for me."