Su Yuntao, who had been feeling somewhat restrained moments ago, suddenly brightened up. This was indeed a brand-new Martial Soul, one never seen before.
He hesitated for a moment and then asked, "Can you control it safely now?"
Jiang Chen nodded. "Yes, I can."
Since retracting the Martial Soul back into his body, he had already gained some insight. He was now able to control it at will. Even the poison within him, which had once been uncontrollable, was now mastered down to the finest detail. The dangerous toxin no longer leaked out as it used to.
"Then release your Martial Soul again," Su Yuntao said excitedly.
By now, he had forgotten the pain of his broken tools, completely thrilled. This was a brand-new Martial Soul, one he had personally helped awaken. Regardless of whether he could recruit Jiang Chen into the Martial Soul Hall, he stood to receive a generous reward.
As soon as Jiang Chen's zombie Martial Soul was reported, the higher-ups in the Martial Soul Hall would not forget his contribution. His name might even be recorded in the archives, passed down for generations.
Jiang Chen nodded and with a thought, effortlessly released his Martial Soul once more. This time, there was no thick black mist. The true form of the zombie Martial Soul was finally revealed to everyone.
The zombie was clad in ancient garments. Its skeleton was tall and imposing, with little muscle but a solid, sturdy frame.
Its black nails were as sharp as blades. A terrifying black aura swirled around it. Its gaunt face bore two sharp fangs, fearsome and chilling.
Su Yuntao, Tang San, Tang Hao, and Old Jack all widened their eyes, filled with astonishment.
This was actually a humanoid Martial Soul—something none of them had ever heard of before.
Su Yuntao and Tang Hao were familiar with a type called the "Original Body Martial Soul," but that kind referred to a single part or organ of the human body.
This zombie Martial Soul, however, was a complete human form. Could this be an enhanced version of the Original Body Martial Soul?
Legend had it that Original Body Martial Souls were incredibly powerful. Just how strong was Jiang Chen's Martial Soul?
"Martial Soul Manifestation!" Jiang Chen shouted lowly. The towering zombie behind him instantly transformed into a black streak and merged into his body. His form began to change rapidly.
The transformation was exactly like the one he had experienced before during training. Two sharp teeth protruded, his pupils turned entirely black, and his nails became razor-sharp.
Jiang Chen secretly sighed in relief. If he had turned into a skeletal corpse like the zombie Martial Soul, he would have wished for death.
"What abilities does your Martial Soul have?" Su Yuntao pulled out his little notebook, ready to record.
Clenching his fists, Jiang Chen excitedly explained, "After Martial Soul Manifestation, my strength, speed, and defense are greatly enhanced. Also, my soul power carries a violent toxicity."
Originally, his soul power already possessed an overwhelming poisonous quality, but after the manifestation, the poison became even more terrifying.
He was certain that releasing just a trace of this toxin could instantly kill a fully grown water buffalo.
Su Yuntao quickly jotted everything down. "Excellent. This is a brand-new and powerful Martial Soul. Next, I'll help you test your innate soul power."
He eagerly brought out a crystal orb and handed it to Jiang Chen.
Though he had never awakened a powerful Martial Soul himself, based on the theory he had learned in the Martial Soul Hall, the stronger the Martial Soul, the higher the soul power level.
For example, the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus Martial Soul—unless mutated—would never have soul power at just level one or two.
Jiang Chen's excitement matched Su Yuntao's. He placed his hand on the crystal orb and immediately felt a tremendous suction pulling at his soul power, which began surging uncontrollably into the orb.
Just like Tang San's earlier test, the orb absorbed the soul power and instantly burst into a brilliant light, bathing the entire room in a radiant blue glow.
"Hahaha... full innate soul power again! Today's my lucky day!" Su Yuntao laughed maniacally, nearly delirious. His hardships made this triumph feel like a miracle.
For the first time, he saw a path to the peak of his life.
"Kid, are you willing to join the mighty Martial Soul Hall?" Su Yuntao asked gently, like a big gray wolf trying to coax a pure little lamb.
Jiang Chen had long anticipated this moment. He smiled and replied, "Lord Su Yuntao, I'm not planning to join the Martial Soul Hall right now. I intend to study at Notting Soul Master Academy."
This was a plan he had made long ago. Though he possessed powerful skills and talent, he didn't believe he would have the kind of miraculous luck Tang San enjoyed. After all, it was normal for geniuses to fall by the wayside.
To become a god, staying close to the chosen one of the dimension—Tang San—was the safest path. Just a decade or so would secure a divine rank comfortably.
If he didn't choose this easy path, he'd be a fool.
"I suggest you reconsider. The Martial Soul Hall is currently the strongest soul master force on Douluo Continent. Joining will guarantee the best cultivation and training. With your full innate soul power talent, becoming a Title Douluo is very much within reach," Su Yuntao persuaded sincerely.
He had never desired anything as much as he did now. If he could bring Jiang Chen into the Martial Soul Hall, his own status would soar to new heights. Promotions, raises, and even the heart of the beautiful and charming Sisi—just the thought of it made Su Yuntao tremble with excitement.
Old Jack's cloudy eyes suddenly lit up with a sharp brilliance. Throwing caution to the wind, he stormed up to Jiang Chen, slapped him on the head, and shouted angrily:
"You little brat, are you out of your mind? Joining the Martial Soul Hall is such a great opportunity! In a few decades, when you become a Title Douluo, our Saint Soul Village could even be renamed Title Douluo Village!"
He huffed and puffed with anger, mustache bristling, clearly exasperated at what he saw as Jiang Chen's foolishness.
Jiang Chen stood there a bit stunned. In all these years, he had never seen Old Jack so fierce.
Su Yuntao, meanwhile, stood smiling warmly at Jiang Chen, patiently awaiting his answer. After all, Title Douluo—one of the most powerful beings in the world—was not a title easily resisted, especially by a child. He simply couldn't believe any young boy would turn down such temptation.
Seeing Jiang Chen remain silent, Su Yuntao pressed further. "If you join the Martial Soul Hall, we can take you tomorrow to get your first spirit ring and make you an official soul master."
Compared to the distant dream of becoming a Title Douluo, the prospect of immediately becoming a soul master was far more tangible—and just as alluring to a six-year-old. This wasn't a far-off fantasy, but something real, something he could grasp right now.
Su Yuntao didn't believe any child could resist that kind of offer.
But Jiang Chen stubbornly shook his head. "I'm sorry. I still don't want to join the Martial Soul Hall—for now."
Su Yuntao was bitterly disappointed. It seemed that recruiting Jiang Chen today was out of the question.
His gaze shifted toward Old Jack, a thought flickering in his mind. If he wanted to win over Jiang Chen, he would have to go through Old Jack instead.
"Very well. You may return now," he said to Jiang Chen. Then turning to the village elder, he added, "Village Chief Jack, please stay behind. I'll prepare the Martial Soul certificates for both children."
Old Jack gave Jiang Chen a fierce glare before turning to Su Yuntao, his wrinkled face suddenly blooming like a chrysanthemum. "Thank you, Lord Su Yuntao. Much appreciated."