Tiandou Empire, Year 333 of the Magnolia Calendar.
In the sacred Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—renowned as the world's number one beast-type martial soul clan—the half-yearly Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony was underway.
Within the majestic Dragon Soul Hall, lanterns blazed as waves of clan members gathered, watching as the next generation awakened their destinies.
"Yushan, Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Martial Soul Strength: Grade Three."
"Yuhu, Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Martial Soul Strength: Grade Four."
"Yuming, Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Martial Soul Strength: Grade Three."
…
The ceremony proceeded with solemnity and order.
Suddenly, the Dragon Soul Crystal in the center of the stage erupted with radiant electric-blue light.
ROAR!
A crisp and majestic dragon's chant echoed throughout the hall, shaking the air.
The presiding elder, visibly stunned, stepped forward with trembling hands, voice ringing out:
"Yu Haoyun, Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Martial Soul Strength… Grade Eight!"
A wave of shock swept the hall.
Grade Eight martial soul strength. What did that mean?
Though all descendants of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan shared the same beast-type martial soul, their innate strength upon awakening varied widely.
The clan graded martial soul strength from one to nine—higher ranks denoting greater innate potential.
Grade Three or Four indicated the potential to become a strong spirit master.
Grade Five meant the clan would invest resources to groom them into elders.
But Grade Six or higher? That placed one in line for patriarchal candidacy.
Even the current clan head, Yu Yuan, had only awakened at Grade Seven—a feat praised as a once-in-a-century genius.
Now Yu Haoyun, grandson of the clan's Great Elder, awakened at Grade Eight.
He was destined for the patriarch's throne.
And what of Yu Yuan's lineage?
His firstborn, Yu Xiaogang, suffered a complete martial soul mutation. Once the pride of the clan, he had awakened a useless "Pig Beast" soul and left in shame.
His second son, Yuchen, was born with internal weakness, plagued by illness for twelve years. He was whispered about and mocked behind closed doors as another disgrace.
If Yuchen's awakening failed, the patriarch's line would face collapse.
"Master Yu Haoyun's talent is unrivaled! A dragon among men!"
The elder bowed respectfully to Yu Haoyun. Then, raising his voice: "Next for martial soul awakening—Master Yuchen!"
All eyes turned.
A pale, thin boy in blue robes stood silently.
This was Yuchen, son of the clan leader, frail since birth and long ridiculed. Today would decide his fate.
If he too failed like his brother, he would become a permanent mark of shame upon the patriarch's name.
To intensify the drama, Yuchen had been placed right after Yu Haoyun—only deepening the comparison.
"It's the worst timing to transmigrate!"
Yuchen clenched his fists as whispers surrounded him.
Transmigrated into this world, inheriting the body of a weakling scorned by his clan, he was now forced to prove himself.
Mocking voices rang out.
"Even if he steps up, it'll just be another joke like Yu Xiaogang."
"Hah, another pig beast? That would be rich!"
"He should be expelled from the clan like his brother!"
Most of the hecklers were sons of the Great Elder—the very faction that opposed the patriarch. Now that Yu Haoyun shone, they took the opportunity to trample Yuchen.
At that moment, a mechanical voice echoed in Yuchen's mind.
"Ding! Three-Choice Divine Selection System binding in progress... Binding complete!"
"Host has been ridiculed. Please make your choice."
1. Endure the humiliation silently. Reward: 500 gold coins.
2. Flee the hall in shame. Reward: Low-grade Storage Ring.
3. Confront Yu Haoyun and uphold your dignity. Reward: Beast Martial Soul—Azure Dragon!"
Please select within 30 seconds.
A flash of understanding lit Yuchen's eyes.
A system! Finally!
Though all three rewards were tempting for different people, only a fool would choose anything but the Azure Dragon!
More importantly—he was a transmigrator. Did they really think he'd endure this nonsense?
Yuchen sneered and stepped onto the Awakening Stage.
"Oh? You actually dared to show up?" Yu Haoyun smiled mockingly. "Too bad. Trash remains trash. Just like your brother."
Yuchen calmly met his gaze.
"Naivety... just means you haven't been beaten enough."
Yu Haoyun's smile froze.
This sickly brat dared talk back?
He was a Grade Eight talent! Destined to be a powerhouse!
Who gave this weakling the courage to challenge him?
Yuchen walked closer and spoke loud enough for the entire hall to hear:
"According to clan rules, insulting a superior warrants punishment. Shall we test whether the clan dares enforce its law?"
Yu Haoyun's face darkened.
Even with his newfound prestige, the clan laws still held sway. To defy them in public would be to disgrace himself.
While he hesitated, Yuchen's palm moved like lightning.
PA!
A crisp slap echoed in the hall.
Yu Haoyun staggered.
Though his martial soul had awakened at Grade Eight, he hadn't yet begun true cultivation. Yuchen's sudden strike caught him off guard.
The imprint of a palm bloomed red on his cheek. His arrogant face swelled with shame.
Dead silence.
The Dragon Soul Hall was frozen.
Everyone stared at Yuchen, dumbfounded.
The sickly joke of the clan had just slapped a Grade Eight genius across the face—and silenced the hall!