After the awakening ceremony, the atmosphere inside the Elder Hall shifted. One by one, the elders quietly excused themselves, each returning to their designated duties under Qian Daoliu's direction—some to protect the Spirit Hall's inner sanctum, others to carry out missions across the continent.
Soon, only three remained: BiBi Dong, Qian Daoliu, and the boy who had just turned the Elder Hall upside down—Qing Chen.
As the last elder stepped through the massive stone doors, Qing Chen finally broke the silence.
"Grandpa Qian Daoliu," he began sweetly, flashing an innocent, almost mischievous smile, "do you mind if I just call you Grandpa from now on?"
His tone was casual, but the twinkle in his eye gave away his true motive. The real reason was simple: he absolutely hated calling people "Master" all the time. It grated on him more than he'd admit, especially given how often he'd have to say it from now on.
Qian Daoliu, caught off guard, paused mid-step. He turned to glance over his shoulder, a flicker of amusement softening the usual sternness in his golden eyes. After a moment of silent contemplation, he gave a small nod.
"If that's what you want, I don't see why not," he replied with a calm smile.
Qing Chen's eyes sparkled in triumph. No more stiff formalities. No more 'yes, Master' or 'thank you, Master' at every breath. It was a victory for his soul.
He clapped his hands together and turned to the two towering figures before him. "Grandpa, Mother—there's something important I want to discuss with both of you. It concerns my development."
That immediately piqued their interest.
Qian Daoliu raised an eyebrow. BiBi Dong's expression turned more focused. Both stepped closer.
Qing Chen summoned his Sun Devouring Guzheng, the divine instrument appearing with a soft flash beside him. Its golden strings glistened under the hall's light as he seated himself cross-legged and gently plucked a few notes, allowing the soft music to echo through the space like ripples in a calm lake.
"I want to share a secret with both of you," he said seriously, his fingers still dancing along the strings. "Now that you're officially my teachers, it's only right you know everything that matters."
The serene sound of the Guzheng filled the room as he continued, "Long before I awakened my martial souls, I created a self-made spirit skill using this instrument."
BiBi Dong blinked. Qian Daoliu froze, eyes narrowing.
"Wait," BiBi Dong said slowly, her voice laced with disbelief. "You created… a soul skill before awakening your martial soul?"
Qian Daoliu folded his arms, his tone stern. "That's impossible. No one can form a soul skill without first knowing the properties of their soul ring and soul bone. Let alone a six-year-old…"
But then, the music changed.
With each note, Qing Chen's spiritual energy flowed outward in gentle waves. Both of them could feel it clearly. The air shimmered faintly with layered effects: a sharp spike in attack potential, a delicate support aura swirling around them, and a subtle wave of control hidden beneath the surface, like strings waiting to entangle the unprepared.
"This is the skill I created," Qing Chen explained calmly. "I call it The Melody of Life. When I play, it increases my attack power, enhances support abilities like healing or spiritual clarity, and boosts control over illusions or battlefield flow."
Silence followed.
Neither Qian Daoliu nor BiBi Dong spoke for a moment. The shock was written clearly across both their faces. It was one thing to be a genius—it was another to casually defy the laws of cultivation.
He stopped playing, letting the last note hang in the air like a falling feather.
"I've been experimenting for a while," he added. "And I came to a decision. I want your guidance on two things."
He held up one finger. "First—should I focus on developing my Guzheng martial soul first, or the Illusion Sovereign Serpent?"
Then he raised a second finger. "Second—within the Guzheng, should I emphasize its attack, support, or control aspects first?"
BiBi Dong looked at Qian Daoliu, her expression unreadable. Qian Daoliu's brows were furrowed, deep in thought.
"This boy…" the old man muttered. "He's not just talented. He's monstrous."
BiBi Dong placed a hand on Qing Chen's head, gently ruffling his hair. "You're too young to carry such burdens alone, but you've done more than anyone your age should be capable of. I'm proud of you."
"I agree," Qian Daoliu said at last. "But choosing which martial soul to develop first isn't a simple matter."
BiBi Dong spoke up, her voice steady and regal. "The Illusion Sovereign Serpent would give you flexibility, stealth, and mental combat advantages. It's deceptive, lethal, and perfect for espionage or controlling battles from the shadows."
Qian Daoliu nodded. "But the Sun Devouring Guzheng gives you versatility no one else has. Support, control, even raw offense—it can shape you into a one-man army if cultivated properly."
Qing Chen listened quietly.
"Developing both at the same time would dilute your progress," BiBi Dong added. "It's better to specialize early, then balance later."
"Which is why," Qian Daoliu concluded, "we leave the final decision to you. What kind of cultivator do you want to become, Qing Chen?"
Qing Chen looked between the two towering figures before him—his mother and his newly adopted grandfather—then exhaled softly.
"The thing is…" he began carefully, "Grandpa, Mother… I want to focus my development on the Illusion Sovereign Serpent first."
BiBi Dong raised an eyebrow. Qian Daoliu's gaze narrowed with curiosity.
"I know the Sun Devouring Guzheng has more versatility," Qing Chen continued, "but that's exactly why I want to start with the serpent. My Guzheng can already enhance my illusion control, and that synergy is something I don't want to waste. Even if my Illusion Sovereign Serpent doesn't have a full set of ten-thousand-year spirit rings or innate overwhelming strength, the Guzheng can support it—elevate it."
He stepped forward, his tone turning serious.
"By building my foundation in illusion, I'll master deception, misdirection, and mental warfare. And with the Guzheng amplifying those aspects from the background, I can keep enemies guessing without needing to reveal everything."
BiBi Dong crossed her arms, watching him with something between pride and calculation.
"You're saying your instrument can compensate for the early weaknesses of your serpent," she said slowly. "Interesting… Very few would think that far ahead."
Qing Chen nodded. "I may not have all the answers yet, but I want to specialize first, then expand later. With the Illusion Sovereign Serpent leading, the Guzheng can serve as a secondary martial soul that enhances my path without stealing focus."
Qian Daoliu let out a low grunt of approval. "You speak like someone far older than six."
"Technically, I am," Qing Chen muttered under his breath.
"What was that?" BiBi Dong asked, leaning in with narrowed eyes.
"Nothing," Qing Chen said with a quick smile.
Qian Daoliu chuckled. "Hmph. I won't argue with your decision. Starting with your illusion soul will give you an edge in mental combat—and if nurtured properly, you'll become a nightmare on the battlefield."
BiBi Dong nodded. "Then it's settled. We'll cultivate the Illusion Sovereign Serpent first, and support it with the strength of the Sun Devouring Guzheng."
"But," she added, stepping forward and looking him directly in the eyes, "if you choose this path, Qing Chen, you'll be walking in the shadows before you walk in the light. Illusion is not an easy path. It requires subtlety, patience, and restraint. Can you handle that?"
Qing Chen's lips curled into a calm, knowing smile.
"I've been hiding my true strength since the day I could walk. I think I'm ready."
Qian Daoliu let out a low, approving laugh. "Then let us begin."