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Fire Phoenix Douluo noticed the Soul Awakener guiding them was looking anxious but too scared to say anything. She said in a calm, firm voice, "That's enough catching up for now. We can't keep Zheng Zhan waiting too long. These two kids still need to awaken their martial souls."
The Awakener gave her a grateful look as Shangguan Weier nodded slightly at them, then turned and left with Ye Guyi.
Seeing Meteor still playing with the pendant in his hand, Luan Yu spoke up, "That woman is the leader of the Mingdu Pingfan Alliance, a Titled Douluo. She runs all the entertainment in Mingdu, including most of the food and drink businesses. She's backed by several noble families. In short, she's a complicated woman. You two better keep your distance from her. It's a shame that little girl is following someone like Shangguan Weier."
She clicked her tongue at the end, clearly not fond of Shangguan Weier.
Meteor nodded thoughtfully. The entertainment industry in this world was nothing like the one he and Liuying knew—mostly gambling, soul dueling, and brothels. Since Shangguan Weier controlled the whole entertainment sector, she was definitely involved in that scene. No wonder Luan Yu didn't like her.
Thinking back to Shangguan Weier's seductive, alluring looks, Meteor realized her first impression was more like a femme fatale than a powerful Titled Douluo. Well, her profession probably explained that.
Then he remembered the blonde little girl, Ye Guyi, and how affectionate Shangguan Weier was with her—bringing her personally to awaken her martial soul. Clearly, that girl didn't need their concern. It didn't seem like Shangguan Weier planned to groom her for anything shady.
Soon, the Awakener led the group into one of the Awakening Chambers in the Awakening Hall. As soon as Meteor stepped inside, he felt dazzled. The floor, walls, and even the ceiling were covered in intricate and beautiful patterns. He had a strange feeling, like something deep inside him was trying to rise up.
Inside the chamber stood a middle-aged man in an old-fashioned robe. He had clearly been waiting a while. When he saw people coming in, he was about to lose his temper—until he recognized Fire Phoenix Douluo and Luan Yu. His anger vanished in an instant.
They were both Grade-9 Soul Engineers just like him, so of course he knew them. Ice Phoenix Douluo he didn't mind—she was the same level as him, a Rank 92 Titled Douluo. But Fire Phoenix Douluo was another story.
Not only was she Rank 94, but she was also the head of the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Regiment. Her combat ability was enough to go toe-to-toe with a Super Douluo. Definitely not someone he wanted to mess with—and certainly not both of them at once.
"Sorry, Indestructible Douluo," Luan Yu quickly said, "We got delayed talking with Shangguan Weier. Hope we didn't keep you waiting too long."
Even though she wasn't afraid of him, there was no need to make enemies over something so trivial—especially when he was a master of defensive soul tools. This was Zheng Zhan, the Indestructible Douluo, nicknamed the King of Defense. His defensive tools were so strong that even Super Douluos didn't dare say they could break them. When it came to preparing protective gear for the two kids, it was definitely better to have someone like him on their side.
Zheng Zhan saw that Luan Yu was being sincere, and honestly, they hadn't really wasted that much time. He wasn't the petty type anyway. He had only planned to give the latecomers a quick scolding before getting on with the awakening. It wasn't like he'd punish someone over something this small.
Thinking of Shangguan Weier, who'd just left, Zheng Zhan nodded. "It's fine. No big deal. I didn't take it personally."
Then he turned to Meteor and Liuying, smiling warmly. "Alright, you two—who wants to go first?"
Meteor looked at Liuying and said softly, "You go first."
Liuying nodded and gracefully stepped forward to stand before Zheng Zhan. Compared to Meteor, she was a lot calmer—no sign of nervousness at all.
"Clear your mind and stay still," Zheng Zhan said gently. "I'm about to begin."
Liuying nodded again, curiosity in her eyes but no fear at all. Zheng Zhan's expression softened with appreciation. He loved nurturing talented young people. Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken this gig as an Awakener. What he enjoyed most was seeing those gifted kids awaken their martial souls under his guidance—it gave him a real sense of satisfaction.
As Liuying stood in place, a soft white glow lit up in Zheng Zhan's hand. Everyone's eyes were drawn to it.
After spending two years in this world, Meteor was already familiar with soul power and had even studied it up close. Thank you, Nan Qiuqiu, our test subject.
Zheng Zhan raised his right hand and pointed to the air. The white light between his palms shot upward like a burst of fireworks, filling the chamber with dazzling brilliance.
The intricate patterns on the ceiling lit up and started glowing. The light flowed down the walls like it had a life of its own, spreading toward the floor beneath Liuying's feet, eventually converging where she stood.
Meteor focused his attention. Liuying's awakening would likely trigger his own. Thanks to the life-sharing ritual between them, there was a strong chance they would end up with the same martial soul.
That's why he'd let her go first. He wasn't sure if he could awaken a martial soul at all—but as the rightful successor of the Goddess of Life, Liuying definitely could.
A warm, tingly power surged up from the soles of Liuying's feet. She frowned slightly, instinctively trying to reject the invading soul power—but she'd been prepared for this. She held back that urge, knowing it was part of the awakening process.
From Luan Yu and Meteor's point of view, Liuying was now bathed in a soft white glow, her whole body shimmering faintly. Under this ancient and traditional awakening ritual, her martial soul was about to emerge.
Most kids don't feel much during a martial soul awakening. But in rare cases, a weak body can't handle the energy surge and it becomes dangerous. That's why both Luan Yu and Fire Phoenix Douluo were watching Liuying closely, ready to step in at a moment's notice.
Liuying was strong enough that there shouldn't be any problem, but you never know with soul awakenings—anything could happen.
As the ceremony continued, Zheng Zhan was surprised to see green veins appearing on Liuying's neck, slowly creeping toward her face.
At the same time, while everyone's eyes were on her, a faint green light also began to glow around Meteor's neck. Fine green lines spread across his skin—less dramatic than Liuying's, but still there.
"....."