Fasno Province
Holy Spirit Village
Behind the village, nestled against the rolling hills, a sharp-eyed boy with striking features practiced his swordwork with fierce determination. His wooden blade cut through the morning air in precise arcs, each movement flowing into the next with practiced ease.
"Alex! What are you still doing out here?" An urgent voice called from the village path. "The Spirit Master's already arrived for the awakening ceremony! If you miss this, we'll have to pay good money to find someone else!"
Alex lowered his practice sword and turned toward the approaching figure—the village chief, his weathered face creased with worry.
"Sorry, Gramps. Time got away from me." Alex jogged over to support the elderly man's arm. "Let's head back."
"Boy, I don't understand why you're not more excited about this," the chief said with a disappointed shake of his head. "This is the most important day of your life!"
Alex shrugged, his expression surprisingly calm for a six-year-old. "Look, awakening depends on bloodline, right? I'm just some orphan nobody wanted. Whatever spirit I get doesn't matter—this sword in my hands is all I need."
A glint of determination flashed in his eyes. "Besides, didn't you promise me a real blade once I awakened? I'm getting tired of practicing with wood."
The village chief chuckled despite himself. "Alright, alright. I've already had one forged for you. But you have to go through with the ceremony first."
He'd never understood Alex's obsession with swords, but the boy's dedication was undeniable. Most kids in Holy Spirit Village awakened crafting-related spirits anyway—who knew what Alex would manifest?
What the chief didn't know was that Alex carried memories of another life. In his previous world, he'd been a sword enthusiast and avid reader of web novels. When he'd realized he'd been reborn into the world of Soul Land, his feelings had been... complicated.
On one hand, this was a world where you could actually cultivate power. On the other hand, it was a world where your potential was locked in by genetics from birth.
Martial spirits are inherited through bloodline. For commoners to gain higher innate soul power, mutation is basically the only option.
The thought had initially discouraged him, but then he remembered the exceptions—geniuses who'd defied the odds through pure skill and determination. Ji Juechen had impressed him most: starting with only level 3 innate power, he'd cultivated his way to Titled Douluo through sword comprehension alone.
If he could do it, why can't I?
That's why Alex had thrown himself into sword training from the moment he could hold a blade. He'd practice from dawn to dusk, even eating meals one-handed so he could keep his sword work going.
He didn't really care what spirit he'd awaken, or whether he'd get some cheat system like the protagonists in his old world's novels. Better to keep expectations low and avoid disappointment.
Soon, the village chief led him to the special building reserved for spirit awakenings.
"Master Spirit Master, everyone's here now. Thank you for your assistance." The chief bowed respectfully to the robed figure waiting inside.
Alex took one look and nearly did a double-take. Holy crap, it's Su Yuntao! Just like in canon.
Su Yuntao waved dismissively. "Yeah, whatever. Let's get this over with—I've got three more villages to hit today."
"Of course! Children, follow the Spirit Master inside. I hope you all awaken something worthwhile." The chief quickly ushered the kids forward.
Inside the awakening chamber, Su Yuntao's demeanor shifted slightly. "Don't be afraid, kids. I'm Su Yuntao, a level 26 Great Spirit Master, and I'm here to guide you through this."
He pulled out six black stones and a crystal orb from his pack, arranging the stones in a hexagonal formation before gesturing to the first child.
"Sickle spirit, no soul power."
"Hammer spirit, innate level 1 soul power."
"Screw spirit, no soul power."
One by one, the village children stepped forward for their turn. Finally, Su Yuntao called Alex's name.
Despite his earlier bravado, Alex felt his heart race as he stepped into the formation. Sure, he'd prepared himself for disappointment, but who wouldn't want their spirit and soul power to be exceptional?
Following Su Yuntao's instructions, Alex focused inward—and suddenly, a rusted iron sword materialized in his right hand. The moment it appeared, something deep in his soul recognized it.
"Sword Spirit..." he whispered, then paused. "Wait... Fifteen?"
Su Yuntao raised an eyebrow at the corroded blade. "Fifteen? That's an odd name for a sword spirit. Still, weapon spirits often carry soul power, so let's test it."
There was barely contained excitement in the Spirit Master's voice. He'd been helping villages awaken spirits for months now, and most civilians produced nothing. But Holy Spirit Village usually yielded at least one spirit master per year, which kept his hopes up.
Alex studied the sword in his grip. Is this really Sword Fifteen? If so, even with low innate power, I might have a real shot at changing my fate.
More importantly, he could sense an intelligence within the blade—something no ordinary weapon spirit possessed. Even the legendary Seven Kill Sword couldn't match this level of awareness.
If this is truly Sword Fifteen, then it can move independently of my will. That's the key difference between it and every other weapon spirit.
He'd need to test that theory later, but for now...
Alex placed his free hand on the crystal orb.
"Innate soul power... level 5!"
Su Yuntao's eyes widened. He hadn't expected such an unremarkable-looking sword to grant level 5 power. Even his own awakening had only reached level 2!
Alex grinned. Level 5 wasn't bad at all, especially with a sword spirit. Maybe he really could follow Ji Juechen's path and develop true sword intent.
[DING! Congratulations, Host! Martial spirit awakening detected. System binding initiated.]
[DING! WARNING! 80,000-year Blue Silver Emperor detected in immediate vicinity! Evacuate immediately or face mortal danger!]
Alex's blood turned to ice. What the hell?
His mind raced. Blue Silver Emperors usually guard their ancestral lands. What would one be doing in a tiny village like this?
"System, got any solutions here?"
[DING! Negative. However, Host should not panic. Blue Silver Emperors are generally docile and rarely attack unprovoked. Of course, if you're unlucky... well, I'll just have to find a new Host.]
Great. Just great. My system's about as reliable as a chocolate teapot.
Something felt off about the warning though. There couldn't actually be a Blue Silver Emperor here... but there was plenty of ordinary blue silver grass growing around the village.
Wait a minute...
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Author's Note: Hope you enjoy this rewrite! Please leave reviews and add to your library if you'd like to see more chapters adapted.
(Regarding spirit mechanics and worldbuilding liberties—please be gentle with criticism!)