Light.
wind.
The morning light and the fresh spring breeze fluttered through the open window onto my face as I groaned from a good night's sleep. Slowly, clear golden eyes met the vibrant colors of the world.
Slowly, a groan escaped my lips as birds started to gather on my open window. My eyes contacted one of the birds, and he, seeing I was awake… or half awake at least, as I was trying to go back to sleep, chirped happily in excitement. Or out of hunger and spite.
But it caused a chain reaction as more birds gathered around and, in shared experience, chirped a pleasing tune as a wakeup call in perfect synchronization. I realized with dread that I would no longer be able to sleep.
Slowly turning, I threw away my blanket and slowly shifted my weight to sit on the edge of the bed. I sat there for a couple of seconds while my brain rebooted to begin the day.
Finally, clarity filled my eyes, blood rushed through my body, and excitement welled up in my chest. All for a simple reason.
Today is the day.
Martial soul awakening.
I stood up as fast as possible, but regret hit me immediately after. My vision blurred black, and a piercing sound assaulted my brain. I became disoriented and completely incapacitated in under a second and had no choice but to fall back on my bed; a moment later everything returned to normal.
'I stood up too fast.' I admonished myself with a wry smile, but a loud chirp pulled me out of my thoughts.
"Chirp! Chirp!" The angry chirps harmonized with the flock of birds on my window sill.
"Ah right, I'll give you some food." Without missing a beat, I skipped over to my desk and opened a drawer. Inside, multiple cups full of nuts and dried fruits waited to be ingested by hungry birds who, after 5 years, made it their job to wake up a certain youth from his slumber. All for a price, of course.
Taking a cup and 3 wooden self-made plates, I went over to the birds, who now started to chirp in anticipation of the food. I spread the plates across the windowsill, and the little birds already formed groups on which one to attack.
One by one, I spread the contents of the cup equally among the plates and saw how the birds swarmed and ravaged the plates. And with a small smile, I made my way to the bathroom to freshen myself up.
After splashing my face with cold water, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Every move and breath were reflected towards me; from the window in the corner, fresh morning light cast down a glow illuminating the bathroom. My bluish-silver hair, now reaching up to my shoulders, was dripping from the cold water just a moment ago.
My face looked almost exactly like my mom's, with thin lips and a well-set nose. With my long hair, I looked more beautiful than other girls my age and would have been considered the most beautiful girl in town, that is if I was one.
My big, deep golden eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance, but still, a spark of excitement lingered deep inside them.
After all, today is the day; although I will be turning 6 in just over a month, I am still eligible to awaken my martial spirit.
In my excitement I leaned over the sink a little, and a crisp 'crack' resounded in the bathroom as if a flower was just crushed.
And it's not far from the truth. Unconsciously, I turned over my left palm and saw a blue lotus flower blooming from my palm, while blood trickled from the wound that must have reopened.
'Did it still not heal yet?' I asked myself as the bandages that covered my arm started to stick to my skin, so I quickly removed them to see an ugly scar. A burn mark with flowers and petals drifting in it. I stared at it with eyes that seemed to be staring at something beautiful. But every time Mama looks at my hand, a look of disgust and pity crosses her face.
Shaking my head and burying those thoughts, I opened the drawer and retrieved a new pair of bandages while the crushed lotus fell off my hand and slowly withered and faded away. Only for a new one to bloom. A common sight that I have already grown used to, but Mama warned me not to let others see it before I awaken my martial spirit, but why?
Before I started putting on the bandages, I stared at my palm for a while, pondering another question. 'Why didn't it heal?' I wondered if this was the first time it didn't fully heal, but I noticed that the cut became smaller at least. Absentmindedly, I brushed my teeth and came back to my room to change.
My vision swept over my room and stopped by the window, or more specifically, the birds that were almost done eating, and then it hit me. 'I didn't eat last night.' As a look of realization dawned on me.
Right, I made food and cut myself, but I forgot to eat because I wanted to sleep early. So, it didn't heal because I need food to heal?
I didn't dwell on it for long as I began to change into white clothes; my mom loves white after all, and I made my way to the kitchen. Getting a stool to reach for the counter was the easy part. But now comes the hard part.
My little legs shuffled around, and my hands 'reached' for anything I needed: pans and bowls from a drawer, eggs from a fridge, and some utensils, and I set it up on the counter, close to the edge, of course; otherwise it would be impossible for me to reach it. But I had to make sure the eggs didn't roll off and smash to bits.
I tried my best to make the best eggs I could, putting the eggs in the bowl while removing the shells and throwing them away. I mixed them up and added some of the leftover salt while heating the pan on low heat and being careful not to set the lotus on fire; I learned from past experiences.
As the liquid slowly turned, I took a plate and set it aside, and when the eggs almost turned into a solid, I turned off the fire and let the residual heat do its thing.
After waiting a while, I scooped up a portion and set it up on the plate. And voilà. A perfect soft-scrambled egg.
I put the plate aside and dragged a bigger chair to reach the cabinet where the glasses were and filled one with water. After that I took a spoon and recovered the egg plate and made my way to my mother's room.
Slowly opening the door, I saw my mom sitting upright and gazing mindlessly outside the window. She had brown, flowing hair, and her big brown eyes snapped to me as I walked in while a brilliant smile formed on her lips.
"Did you already make breakfast, Qiqi?" She asked with a cheeky tone, but her voice sounded weak, and her face was pale. My eyes saddened seeing her like this, but I still nodded. "You didn't have to do this…" she said, but I simply ignored her and put the plate on her lap while I sat on a chair next to her bed.
She simply smiled at my actions and took the spoon. We've been over this conversation countless times, but I did this every morning, afternoon, and evening.
After a few bites, she put the spoon down and heaved a heavy sigh while muttering silently as she played with her food "How bland…" She put the spoon down and gestured with her hand for the glass in my hand, which I carefully gave. Once in her possession, her hand started to shake, but I ignored it as she used her other hand to support the cup.
While she was drinking, my eyes drifted off to the plate that seemed to not even have been touched, still full of eggs. "You ate less than usual…" My voice was soft, but Mom stopped drinking, indicating that she did indeed hear me while putting down the cup.
Then she looked at me. "Qiqi, today is the martial soul awakening, right?" She asked in a weirdly serious tone, but I was already busy taking the cup and plate from her bed.
"Mm."
She then looked outside the window with what seemed like reluctance in her eyes before finally sighing and turning back to me.
"Then let's go outside." She stated as she threw away her covers. Showing off her frail figure draped in a white gown.
She tried to jump off the bed, but her legs gave out, and she fell on the floor. In a panic, I got her wheelchair and helped her get up. Her smile beamed even though she was sick and weak while her laugh echoed throughout the empty house.
At the doorstep I took the paper umbrella leaning against the wall before opening the door and leaving the house. The first thing we saw was a plain view of grasslands, and not far away was a 'blue forest.' On the other side, further away, was a city called 'Blue Forest City.' I soon opened the umbrella and gave it to Mom before walking away.
With our backs touching the grass and an umbrella providing a shadow over our eyes. We relaxed on the ever-expanding field of grass. The sound of wind howled in my ear as I gazed at the ever-changing clouds, trying to catch a cloud in a specific shape.
My mom, on the other hand, gently stroked my hair and stared at my face. "So Qiqi, what kind of martial spirit do you want?"
I was caught off guard by her sudden request, but I pondered it nonetheless; suddenly, a cloud resembling a sword drifted among the clouds. "… a sword." I murmured unconsciously while my gaze focused on the clouds.
"'A sword' Haha. What a coincidence, Qiqi. Your father also uses a sword as a martial spirit. And a very powerful one at that. She boasted, pressing her chest up in pride. "You have the same hair and eyes as him... Of course, your lovely look comes from me. Hehe."
"Really?" My face morphed into a look of wonder. In fact, I knew very little about him except that he frequently provided us money. Mom never talked about him, but whenever I brought him up, she would change the subject.
So what does he do? What does Dad like? Is he an extremely powerful soul master? What is his martial soul? Willihavethesamespiritashim? Willialsobecomeapowerfulsoulmaster? Whereishe? Whatdoeshedo?" As my golden eyes sparkled in excitement, I blurted out a string of questions.
Of course, this will be exciting. This could possibly be about my future martial soul. A soulmaster. A respectable profession that has been around for over 100,000 years. As a result, multiple legends emerged, notably the most renowned legendary 'sea god,' Tang San, and my personal favourite,spirit ice,' Huo Yuhao.
Both men surpassed their generation and soared to prominence in history, affecting the course of history.
"Hahaha, excited are we..." She teased, twisting my hair around her finger. "So, let's see..." Your father is a teacher at Eastsea Academy and is constantly busy. But he still takes care of us by sending us money, so he must still care about us, right?" I simply nodded, confused about what she was talking about.
It's a shame he cannot visit us. I'm still grateful to him for sending us money and using someone to deliver items so I did not need to travel to town for food and other essentials.
If he is a teacher, I could consider attending Eastsea Academy when I'm older. Ah, but who will care for Mom? Just take her with me. Maybe he can apologise to Mom while she is there. That will be hilarious to see.
I chuckled while I pictured a kowtowing father and a mom smiling evilly in her bed. Mom, however, continued talking with a fond smile.
"So, your father's martial soul spirit is called 'skyfrost sword.' A martial soul with a tool-like nature. And the last time I saw him, I believed he was a 'spirit king,'" she kept going with a thoughtful look.
A 'spirit king'? How many rings were there? I questioned as I began counting the rings on my hand, but my mother continued.
"Your father is as cold as his blade on the outside, but on the inside, he has a very warm heart and cares deeply for those who are closest to him. Still, he refuses to admit it. You could even say he's a huge tsun-"But before she could continue, I spoke up in shock. "Five soul rings!!"
FIVE soul rings!! A spirit king! My father is extremely powerful! Not many soul masters are capable of such a feat, and if my mother and he are the same age, he should be quite young as well. Will I also reach such levels?
But before my thoughts got going, a hand chopped my head, causing me to yelp in pain. Slight smoke escaped from the damaged area, and blue lotuses bloomed to soothe the injury as I turned towards Mom.
"Why did you hit me!?" I shouted, but she responded swiftly. "Then why did you interrupt me, little Qiqi?" This time, she gazed at me with a deadly shine in her eyes, shooting chills down my spine.
Yet, she gently sighed and went on. "Your father is a 'spirit king' with 5 soul rings, perhaps even a 'spirit emperor' by now. And he's a battle-armour master too!" She exclaimed with fresh enthusiasm while I stood stunned by her claims.
Battle armour master. Of course, I understand what it is. My mother taught me all kinds of soul master knowledge, so I knew how powerful battle armour is. It was a legacy left by 'spirit ice' Huo Yuhao that brought birth to the technology known as mecha.
My eyes shined with excitement as Mom told me stories about my father. How they met, went to school together, and so on, and before I knew it, it was afternoon. The sun had passed its peak, and it was time for the awakening ceremony.
A slight swaying startled me awake as I lay on my mom's lap. I stretched my arms comfortably while releasing a deep yawn. But in the middle of it, my nose was pinched as Mom dragged me into a hug.
"Oh, little Qiqi, it's time you leave. It's almost time for your awakening, so being late is not good, you know?" She teased again as she giggled lightly, while the birds around us ridiculed me with chirps.
When my vision cleared up, I noticed Mom holding the 'lyre' she loved playing. And, though I know how to use it, I wasn't particularly good at it yet. But every time Mom plays, birds flock to listen, and every time she sings, they sing in harmony.
It was a truly captivating scene. She appeared like a princess when she performed under the moonlight, surrounded by the luminous trees of the 'Blue Forest' and animals sitting and listening.
But then the words she had said hit me like a jolt as they processed through my still-sleeping brain. The terms 'waking,' 'awakening,' and 'late.' in specific
I jumped up on my feet, frightening a few birds, and prepared myself for a sprint all the way to town. Yet it would still take an hour from here. I'm not sure if I'll make it now.
"Ah, Qiqi. Don't forget to bandage your hand." Otherwise, you'll shock many people. Perhaps you'll make some girls cry." Her voice cut through my racing thoughts as I glanced down at my left hand.
The flower that bloomed this morning is not there, and there is no scar seen for the burn mark. Without hesitation, I took a bandage from my pocket and securely wrapped it around my hand and fingers, squeezing my hand a few times to make sure it wasn't too tightly wrapped.
Without waiting, I kissed Mom on the cheek since she was already pushing her cheek in my face with eyes that begged me to kiss it. After that, she grinned smugly and triumphantly while she waved me farewell as I dashed towards the city. As I raced, I noticed, 'I still don't know his name...'
I came to a halt and looked up at the sky one last time. To my amazement, a perfectly round circle replaced the sword's old spot, and above it was a gigantic, pointy, crooked hat. While below, there seems to be a dragon. How peculiar.
I took a final glance at my mom, who was still under the white paper umbrella with the beautiful pink tree painted on it. Who was still waving at me, and her lips moved, but what she said couldn't reach me at this distance unless she shouted.
So I exaggerated my wave while shouting.
"Bye, Mom! I will be coming back shortly! And with an amazing soul spirit!!" I caught a lovely chuckle borne by the wind, and with a genuine grin I turned around and rushed towards the academy.
But, unknown to me, my mother, Long Bing, murmured under her breath, sadness seizing her entire body and sinking the minute I disappeared from sight.
"...Take care, 'my' child. Long Yanqing."
An hour later, I arrived in front of 'Blue Forest Academy.' An elementary academy has been established to teach the basics of soul master theory to those that have awakened their soul power.
A large crowd of parents gathered outside the gates, some to surrender their kids to the academy to awaken, whereas others received their child from a teacher who had just awakened. Of course, there were mixed conclusions from many different families. Some cried, some gazed at their child in despair, some accepted the situation not expecting much in the first place, while others simply ignored and left their child. The majority, however, expressed an envy for the families who had a different outcome.
Those who cried out of delight rather than disappointment. Others bore a proud expression, and some raised their kid in the air as if holding a precious possession. Some even boasted about it to friends and family whose children did not make the cut.
This clearly shows how highly regarded soul power was. For regular people, they were practically gods. They were on a stage that they would never attain. This is not entirely accurate; with the spirit guide and mecha technology, citizens may still contend with soul masters to some degree.
'Some' being the keyword, as, fundamentally, soul power is still the basis of everything, and I personally believe that even if a civilian is equipped with the most advanced mecha technology, ignoring the backlash it will have on the body, they will still lose to a soul master of higher rank.
"Long, Yanqing! Is there a 'Long Yanqing' in the crowd?" My name was shouted out, disrupting every thought I had and compelling me to raise my hand as my blood began to boil with excitement.
"Here!" I exclaimed loudly with a tired breath as I pushed through the crowd to make it in front of the teacher. He nodded, taking in my appearance, before heading back and leaving a few words behind. "Follow me."
I eagerly followed the teacher, who was now completely ignoring me, as he lead me into a circular building with roughly seven levels. If I remember correctly, Mom stated that there will be awakening rooms to help children in awakening their martial souls.
Soon, I was taken to the fifth floor and shown into a chamber. Inside, the room had several inscriptions imprinted onto the walls, floor, and ceiling. Making things appear exquisite and magical.
In the centre of the room stood a man in an orange robe with a soul beast embroidered on his back.
This must be the soul master from the spirit pagoda. Wow, they certainly have a different feel than ordinary people.
Hearing my footsteps, the man turned around and gazed at me for a moment before sighing. "Finally, not an orphan, but man do I hope this one has something to show for…" He grumbled under his breath before presenting the sweetest smile he had to offer and pointed towards the centre of the room.
"Come, child; don't be nervous. Just stand in the centre of the room." He enquired, asking me to follow his instructions.
After placing myself, I felt myself fidget as doubts crept in. 'What if I don't inherit my father's spirit?' or 'What if I don't develop soul power?' But I had no time to contemplate as light shone from the soul master's hand.
The white light stretched and flew higher, illuminating the room, and the inscriptions lit up from the ceiling and proceeded down until they converged under my feet. An unknown energy entered my body from my legs and surged up, leaving me feeling warm and cosy.
Without knowing it, my body began to emanate light, and in a state of euphoria washed over me, I raised my right palm, resulting in a dazzling light flashing through the room as the temperature dropped a few degrees.
Above my hand, an exquisite pale-blue longsword gleamed in all its brilliance. I recognised this sword right away. My father's spirit, a spirit that Mom wished I inherited. 'The Skyfrost Sword.'.
I felt a new feeling in my lower abdomen, which I recognised as soul power. Soul power! It is soul power!
Excitement erupted within me, but it wasn't over yet. A mark formed underneath my right eye, and strength flowed through my body as everything became clear. The colours got brighter, and I felt like I was moving slowly.
This was different. It was not like when the Skyfrost Sword came. What's this?
I glanced up for an answer, but all I got was a look of shock and awe from the spirit master, who muttered three words in disbelief.
"T-twin martial souls!!"