10 years later, Azure Mountain
1st April, Year 42014 of Elemental Era
There is a large number of crowd gathered surrounding a majestic pavilion from all over the Azure Mountain. Celestial Soul Pavilion, standing atop Azure Mountain between Mountainview Village and Tranquil Vale Village. Once every five years, its ancient door opens for one day, allowing the younger generations to awaken their hidden potential. As bell chimes, the air vibrates with ancestral energy, stirring the spirits of those surrounding it. Those between 10-15 years old are sent to the pavilion awaken their Soul Imprint, starting their journey to cultivation.
Li Minghui is standing with Wang Jinlong near the gate of the pavilion. Li Gang and Li Yuxuan are standing behind Li Minghui, while a 12 year old boy, a 10 year old and a 13 year old girl is standing behind Wang Jinlong. These were Wang Haoran, Wang Xiaoyan, Wang Xueyao.
At the door, a middle aged man is standing. With a sturdy frame and strong muscles honed through years of labor, he exuded an aura of strength and resilience. His weathered face has traces of countless battles, yet his eyes sparkled with wisdom and determination. His name is Zhang Fengwei, rank 6 Warrior, from "Heaven's Hand sect". Heaven's Hand Sect is a well known sect in Southern Continent. They claim that they are Messengers of God.
Zhang Fengwei looked at the countless youngsters who came here for awakening ceremony and nodded. Then his eyes fell on two youngsters: a boy and a girl, and his eyes narrowed. These were Li Minghui's son Li Yuxong and Wang Jinlong's eldest daughter Wang Xueyao.
Li Yuxong is 10 years old now, and his temperament shows his righteousness and valour. He possess unwavering resolve, with honor and integrity engraved in the depth of his heart. His face shows maturity beyond someone like 10 years old, and at the same time childishness is visible in his eyes as he looked at everything with curiosity.
Wang Xueyao looks ethereal at a first glance. Her black hair falls to the waist. Anyone looking at her introverted face have only one wish, to protect such innocent beauty. Beside her, a little cute girl is standing scanning the crowd with her curiosity filled eyes and querying her elder brother from time to time. Wang Haoran patiently answers to everything Wang Xiaoyan asks with a look, full of confidence and adoration to his little sister.
Li Gang has also grown up a lot, with long black hair flowing down to his shoulders, and better than average face, which can be ignored at the first look. He is looking everything happening, he could feel the extra-ordinary strength of Zhang Fengwei with just one look. He could see those scars represent his experience in battles, and the eyes which scans surrounding youngsters, filled with wisdom. He also noticed the slight change in his demeanour when he looked towards Li Xuyong.
In last 10 years, Li Gang remain isolated, only speaking to his mother once in a while, and training silently, sometimes playing game of go chess, sometimes learning different languages, sometimes watching people's expression when they talk something or do various activities, and judging their behaviours. Li Gang became aware of human emotions, more than anyone could imagine. He has never been idle, mainly because of how isolated he became. Initially, he wanted to gain attention of his father, but after trying hard, training more than anyone else for entire 2 years, he realised that it was useless. He gave up, he was exhausted. He also had no friends, since his mental age was over 30 and he couldn't get childish with those of his age. Other than his mother, and sometimes his brother, he was alone. His presence nearly faded from the Li Mansion.
Gradually, his personality changed. He used to be cheerful person in his previous life, but after being isolated for 12 years, he became indifferent to many things. In last 8 years, he lived a very disciplined life. Going for sleep few hours before midnight, and waking up at dawn. After cleaning himself, he would immediately go to woods to practice. Spiritual Imprint only helps in increasing cultivation speed, even without it, one can cultivate. Though it would be slower.
Li Gang had read somewhere in his previous life, a person's 99% of the life is filled with wasting time. Let's take an example of walking to the shop to buy a milk packet. While walking, your mind is idle! If you use this time to think something, or revise your plans or you can take a book to read while walking, you can utilize even more of your time as long as you are cautious enough. Li Gang had planned of applying this strategy soon after he was born, to completely utilize the terrifying potential of a human brain.
But, he was also aware, he can't overdue. After all, a brain also needs rest to consolidate the things it learned. This is also something he learnt in his past life! He was a good chess player in his last life. He had seen, many people practicing day after day could only improve very slowly, but he would apply a unique strategy. He would continuously improve himself, and when he felt his improvement slowed down, he would discard the game for few months and restart again, only to face his decrease in skill momentarily and then exponential improvement for short amount of time, breaking through his earlier bottleneck! Thus, balance between hard work and rest is necessary. This is no fictional world, where hard work can let you achieve great things, in reality, many factors come into play.
Meanwhile, Zhang Fengwei opened the door, and asked 500 members at a time to enter the gate and go for the ceremony every half an hour. Everyone became excited and cheered. Azure mountain, which spans hundreds of miles has a population of over 10 millions. Around 15,000 youngsters came to participate in every ceremony. He reminded them, "As soon as you enter the pavilion, you will see countless doors. Choose one of them and enter. There, silently meditate and let go of yourself. Don't force anything. A ray of light will enter your soul, and awaken the hidden Spiritual Imprint within your soul."
Li Gang's face changed. His expression darkened. 'I need to prepare for the worst'.
Few hours later
In the crowd, noise of discussion was going on.
"As expected of Li Ming, son of great elder of Li family. He awakened Grade 5 Spiritual Imprint, wood type Teak Presence, which increases physical strength and resilience."
"Speaking of which, Li Ming also has C grade aptitude, similar to great elder, Li Hao. Li Hao is also a 6th rank warrior with C grade aptitude."
"There is also Wang Fang, who awakened Grade 4 Spiritual Imprint, water type Serene Serpent, which channels the fluid movements of water to enhance agility and grace in combat."
"Chen Tao, from Peaceful Hollow Village, also emerged as a dark horse, awakening Grade 4 Spiritual Imprint, fire type Blaze Ember, which can manipulate flames to scorch enemies from a distance."
At this moment, the 'gate' opened, and many people returned, some excited, some sad, some crying. Zhang Fengwei announced, "234 rank 1 awakening, 172 rank 2 awakening, 97 rank 3 awakening, 1 rank 4 awakening, 1 rank 6 awakening, 1 rank 7 awakening".
Immediately crowd went into commotion. They only had one question, who got grade 7 Spiritual Imprint? Soon they got their answer.
Wang Haoran:
Aptitude: grade C
Spiritual Imprint: rank 6 Liquid Shadow
Ability: Allows the user to blend with water, becoming virtual to a certain extent.
Wang Xiaoyan:
Aptitude: grade A
Spiritual Imprint: rank 7 Crystal Clear
Ability: Provides heightened clarity of mind, allowing for superior strategizing and decision-making.
"What? Wang Xiaoyan has grade A aptitude? Didn't the Wisdom Gauge Stone indicated it to be grade C?"
"Wang Jinlong hid too deeply, if not for this Awakening Ceremony, we wouldn't even know" Li Hao beside Li Minghui became gloomy.
At this time, another batch was entering the tower. This also includes Li Gang, Li Yuxong, and Wang Xueyao. Li Gang scanned the surrounding as soon as he entered the pavilion. It was very spacious, and there were many gates, which is impossible to count just by looking. But, he could guess, they must be more than 500, given so much could enter at once. He chose one of the gate at random, and entered. What comes into his vision is a very dark space, with countless stars visible as far as he could see.
As per the instructions, he started meditating. And unexpectedly, the ray of light kept surrounding his body as if near it's target, still far away.
Li Gang's face became gloomy. Even though he expected this outcome, it was still a great blow to him. After all, Spiritual Imprint makes up 60% of the potential of the person, remaining 40% being the aptitude. Li Gang not only has a low level D grade aptitude, now he doesn't even awaken Spiritual Imprint!
He remembered what Zhang Fengwei said.
'A ray of light will enter your soul and awaken the hidden Spiritual Imprint within your soul.'
Li Gang knew he was a transmigrator, and if ray of light only awakens hidden Spiritual Imprint, it might be possible that he doesn't even have Spiritual Imprint. And only those born in this world, and have soul created in this world will possess the Spiritual Imprint.
At that moment, a loud bell rang. Li Gang thought, 'it's time to leave!'. He came out, and many others alongside. Li Yuxong came to his side, hesitated a bit, and with a nervous voice asked, "how was it, big brother?"
Li Yuxong has always lived under the shadow of Li Gang. Even though outsiders always praised him, but under the unfathomable temperament and cold expression, Li Yuxong has always been afraid. Once Li Minghui let them fight each other, to dispel Li Yuxong's fear of his brother. He was confident of his training approach. But when they truly fought, from the beginning to the end, Li Yuxong was completely thrashed without any ability to fight. Li Yuxong was close to Li Gang in terms of physical abilities, and had even better battle experience. But Li Gang used Li Yuxong's fear as a weapon to completely cast his shadow in the soul of Li Yuxong.
Li Gang took a deep look at Li Yuxong, and then looked at a certain direction, in the direction of exit, with a meaningful smile and said "It's meaningless!".
Li Yuxong looked confused, but didn't say anything. He didn't have the courage to ask further. Li Gang didn't say anything further, and went ahead towards the gate.
Azure mountain is more like a plateau than a mountain. It does have few peaks, but mostly it is flat across large area. Rumour has it, there was once a god resided here, who created this mountain and gave shelter to countless homeless people. Even today, be it Wang family, or Li family or many small villages in the Azure Mountain, they worship him as Five Element God.
Soon, the gate opened, and many young generations started coming. As soon as they come out, they put there hand on a pillar, and focused their mind on the spiritual imprint and reported it.
After making sure everyone came out, Zhang Fengwei mentioned the outcome, "373 rank 1 awakening, 102 rank 2 awakening...", he suddenly frowned at that moment, but kept going on "21 rank 3 awakening, 1 rank 8 awakening, 1 rank 6 awakening".
As soon as these words appeared, the entire crowed gasped. Silence filled the surrounding. Li Minghui and Wang Jinlong were shocked, and immediately asked for clarification, regarding who made such a commotion.
Zhang Fengwei, was hundreds of years old, and had large number of experience. Other than rank 9, nothing can excite him. But, he was still frowning regarding the result. He glanced at Li Gang and Wang Xueyao for a slight moment, then retracted his gaze, and informed to the two leaders.
Zhou Yan:
Aptitude: grade B
Spiritual Imprint: rank 6, Metal type Nickel Essence
Ability: Resistance to psychic attacks and mental manipulation.
Li Yuxong:
Aptitude: grade S
Spiritual Imprint: rank 8, Wood type Poplar Resilience
Ability: Enhances recovery and regeneration abilities.
Crowd was also in commotion.
"What? Li Yuxon awakened rank 8 Soul Imprint!"
"As expected of S grade aptitude!"
At that moment, Wang Jinlong suddenly pointed out, "why only 498 members were in the awakening list?"
Hearing this, everyone was surprised. Zhang Fengwei also frowned, and explained, "Li Gang and Wang Xueyao didn't put their palm over the pillar, so there is no information about them". Hearing this, Wang Jinlong was stunned. Everyone became silent. Some were shocked, some were confused. Li Minghui frowned but didn't say anything. Since Zhang Fengwei didn't say anything, he doesn't have to either.
The grade of Spiritual Imprint indicates the upper limit which it can reach. It is at the same level as soul and continues to improve as one cultivates his soul. Even at the same level, ones with higher grade are more better as compared. Li Gang thought, 'Is it possible to improve upper limit of Spiritual Imprint? Or is it possible to artificially engrave a new Spiritual Imprint?' Because he had read, in this world, with resources, everything is possible.
Zhang Fengwei suddenly called Li Yuxong.
He gave Li Yuxong a token to "Heaven's Hand Sect" and said, "After 3 years, Heaven's Hand Sect will reopen and taking geniuses from all over the southern region. Using this token, you can participate in the Heaven's Hand Sect's test to enter into the sect as a disciple. It will be held on 3 years later."
Li Minghui looked at Wang jinlong with a smile, partly prideful and partly with disdain and mockery. Wang Jinlong looked with a heavy expression and snorted.
Wang family and Li family has been on a conflict due to a large scale spirit stone mine present in forest area of Azure Mountain. This forest is known as The Great Forest. Within this forest lie various dangerous beasts, and also many spiritual herbs. There are also many metal ores for weapon refining. But they are already occupied by many small villages.
In this way, the day soon came to an end and so does the awakening ceremony.
Li Family, Meeting Hall
All elders of Li family along with Li Minghui are sitting around a large circular table. Every elder has seriousness visible to the naked eye.
On one of the seat, A middle-aged man, robust and sly, with a demeanor that belies his strength, his eyes hold the wisdom of years. Great elder Li Hao spoke, "It's truly a pity. We wondered why Wang Jinlong never attempted assassination of Li Yuxuan. He really hid too deeply."
Li Hao is known as the strategist of Li family. He helped Li Minghui in conquering many resource points on Azure mountain, and established allies with many small villages to make the Li family stand on par with Wang family.
Li Minghui asked, "So, how should we deal with Wang Xiaoyan?"
Li Hao shook his head, "We don't have to do anything about Wang Xiaoyan, Wang Xiaoyan is only A grade aptitude with rank 7 Spiritual Imprint. Li Yuxong is enough for her."
One of the elder, Li Hua asked, "Even if she is only rank 7, she is still a danger. We can't ignore that. She can potentially reach a rank 7 Warrior!"
Li Hua is over 150 years old woman, with face filled with wrinkles. She possess great influence in the Li family because she helds a very unique position. She is grade 5 Forger, and grade 6 Alchemist. She is regarded very highly in the family because her ability makes up almost 50% of the revenue.
Li Minghui thought of something and said, "How about a marriage alliance between the two village? Li Yuxong also awakened grade 8 Spiritual Imprint."
Li Hao nodded and said, "Yes it is possible. But what I am worried about is not Wang Xiaoyan."
Li Minghui was caught off guard. "You mean?"
Li Hao explained. "Wang Jinlong hid Wang Xiaoyan too deeply, so can't he hide Wang Xueyao too? Now that he didn't even let Wang Xueyao show her name on the list, it is even more suspicious!"
Everyone became silent. Indeed, it is highly possible that Wang Xueyao is even more talented than Wang Xiaoyan. Thinking of this, everyone hissed.
Li Hua interjected: "But this is just a speculation, how can we be sure?"
Li Hao smiled meaningfully and said "We would just have to set a marriage alliance between them."
Core area of Li Mansion
In one of the room, Song Yunlan was speaking to Li Gang.
"What is the Spiritual Imprint you obtained? Don't worry, no matter what it is, you will always be my eldest son." Song Yunlan asked softly.
Song Yunlan is middle age woman. Traces of wrinkles can be seen on her face, but her imposing aura looks unmatchable. She is a rank 6 early stage warrior, contrary to what others know. This is a secret only she and Li Minghui share. She belonged to a small village, but with an aptitude of B grade, and also possessed a rare rank 6 Spiritual Imprint, space type Celestial Rift. Space attribute is very rare in itself and having rank 6, Song Yunlan was a genius emerged in Azure Mountain 20 years ago.
Celestial Rift is one of the most common space type attribute with an ability of manipulating spacetime to create temporary portals between locations. This is not a battle oriented ability.
Li Gang felt warm inwardly. His mother is the only person he loves in this world, and he will go to any extent to preserve the beautiful smile on her face.
He replied, "Don't worry mother, I am fine. It doesn't matter what ability I possess, I will do my best. Whether I succeed or not is another matter, but at least I will work hard to achieve my goal."
Li Gang thought, 'No matter what, I will find my way back. Whether my current mother, or past life parents. I love both of them. I want to make a beautiful world for them. Even if I fail at the end, I will leave no regrets in this life.'
Song Yunlan sighed. 'It seems he truly got a weak Spiritual Imprint. It doesn't matter, as long as I am here, you will live a happy life!'
Suddenly she felt something and said "Take a rest, we will talk later". Saying this, she left. Li Gang looked at his mother's leaving back and went into deep thought.
Li Gang thought of Wang Xueyao and Li Yuxong. His eyes became deep. He had noticed the pride in her eyes before the beginning of the ceremony itself. He knew she was extraordinary.
'There is only two possibility for someone like her not showing her Spiritual Imprint. Either she got too weak Spiritual Imprint that she is ashamed given her pride, or her Spiritual Imprint is so strong that she wants to hide them. Wang family never revealed her aptitude too, so latter one is most likely. No, there is one more possibility, like me, she could also be a traverser. But this is very unlikely.'
As for Li Yuxong, Li Gang was very well aware of his character. He was very proud of his aptitude and always wanted rank 9 Spiritual Imprint. But after seeing the result, Li Yuxong didn't show any dismay. His eyes were quite firm, and he had a confident smile.
"It seems I am not the only one hiding something, my little brother.", Li Gang murmured. His eyes were as dark as abyss, and he smiled meaningfully as he glanced towards the sky through the window, looking at three moons and countless stars hung above.
It is said that Gods created the moons to let the fated one inherit their position, and there are many who has tried in history, and none succeeded to get that. These moons are visible even in day time, but they shine only at night. The existence of stars has countless theories in this world, some say it is the proof of existence of heaven, some say it is also created by gods, and some say there are immortals living there and so on.
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