Soul Emperor Awakening

Other than this Grass Mat, there was truly nothing else in the entire room. However, the Soul Martial Arts it contained encompassed the entire collection of the Divine Seal Sect. In fact, some weren’t even available in the Divine Seal Pavilion and could only be revealed by passing a soul assessment.

This room was, in essence, an assessment Stone Stele. Only by demonstrating the required level of skill would one be granted a corresponding Soul Martial Art. The stronger the ability, the more powerful the Soul Martial Art.

Soul Martial Arts were no different from ordinary Martial Arts, divided into Human, Earth, and Celestial Levels, with Celestial Level Martial Arts being the highest. Obtaining a Celestial Level Martial Art required an exceptionally powerful soul. If one’s soul wasn’t strong enough, the most one could receive was an Earth Level Soul Martial Art.

Of course, regardless of the Level, there were Martial Arts with varying effects. Celestial Level Martial Arts, for instance, were also divided into ordinary and top-tier versions. It all came down to whether one was capable of acquiring them.

The strongest Soul Martial Art in the Divine Seal Pavilion was the *Spirit God Technique*. It was, in fact, the Celestial Level Martial Art that the various Elders had mastered. The Spirit God Technique was the most formidable Soul Martial Art, and even the Elders themselves had to come here to comprehend it.

"I hope you can obtain the Spirit God Technique. Cultivating it ahead of time would be a great benefit to you," the Sixth Elder blessed him. The issue was that the Spirit God Technique was not so easily obtained. Generally, one had to reach the level of a Sixth Grade Pattern Master to even have a chance.

Hai Fugui, whom Lin Xuan had defeated last time, had not obtained the Spirit God Technique. If Sun Zhe could actually acquire it, it would be truly astonishing.

"I hope so. I also want the Spirit God Technique, but to be realistic, just obtaining the *Summoning Technique* would be great," Sun Zhe said with a humble smile. Everyone wanted the best, but the prerequisite was having the necessary strength. ’But I’ll still do my best. If I can get the Spirit God Technique, it will be a huge benefit for me!’

Legend said this was a legacy passed down from the ancestors of the Divine Seal Sect. Every generation had to acquire their Martial Arts through this place. No one, regardless of status, had special privileges. All had to undergo the trial on this Grass Mat, or they would receive no Martial Art. Failing the assessment not only meant leaving empty-handed but also proved that one’s soul was not strong enough.

After learning this, Lin Xuan couldn’t help but nod. ’The Divine Seal Sect’s strength is not without reason; its heritage is truly substantial. Especially their mastery of Soul Martial Arts, to have such an astonishing level. In a world where Soul Martial Arts are largely non-existent, the Divine Seal Sect can actually provide them!’

’I previously thought that not even the Divine Seal Sect had Soul Martial Arts, but it turns out they were just hidden away. This place not only possesses Soul Martial Arts but also holds extremely powerful resources.’

’No wonder the disciples of the Divine Seal Sect generally have higher Cultivation, with even more experts at the Core Formation Stage. Qingcheng Mansion is decent, but overall, it’s still a bit inferior to the Divine Seal Sect. If they were to truly fight, it would result in mutual destruction. Even with a disparity, it’s not an insurmountable one.’

’Besides, so what if they have Soul Martial Arts? Qingcheng Mansion focuses on honing Willpower, so their souls are also far from fragile.’

’The Spirit Refining Stage is the best example of this. The Spirit Refining Stage is all about tempering one’s soul. The soul is a vital part of the body; if it isn’t properly tempered, future breakthroughs become very difficult.’

’Qingcheng Mansion may not have corresponding Soul Martial Arts, but they have absolutely spared no effort when it comes to tempering their disciples’ souls.’

Since there was only one Grass Mat, Sun Zhe went first. Arriving before it, he slowly sat down and closed his eyes. An aura immediately surged from the Grass Mat, pouring into his body and beginning the soul assessment.

"This young man’s will is firm. His last setback served as a great trial for him. The effort we spent helping him recover was well worth it." The Sixth Elder stroked his beard as he watched Sun Zhe’s performance, looking quite satisfied.

Time ticked by. Lin Xuan waited quietly to the side, curious to see how the selection process worked. After half an Hour, Sun Zhe’s expression started to change, but he gritted his teeth and persevered. No one knew what was happening, much less what he was facing.

As he struggled, another half an Hour passed, bringing the total time to one full Hour. Suddenly, Sun Zhe’s face flushed red, and with a BANG, he was thrown off the Grass Mat. He quickly spun in mid-air to break his momentum before landing gently.

"One Hour, is it? A decent result, slightly longer than before." The Sixth Elder was not particularly satisfied, as this was not the outcome he desired.

It wasn’t just the Sixth Elder who was dissatisfied; Sun Zhe was displeased as well. His improvement over his previous attempt was minuscule, leaving him deeply frustrated. He had been brimming with confidence, yet he had failed all the same.

"A Heart Demon... It really is my Heart Demon... I still can’t overcome that trial!" His eyes turned bloodshot, and Killing Intent surged from him. The source, without a doubt, was his utter defeat at the hands of Lin Xuan.

Whether in the pattern competition or the martial arts duel, he had lost completely and thoroughly.

Just then, a pale yellow flash of light appeared in the air. It circled once before shooting into Sun Zhe’s forehead. He closed his eyes and began to absorb the memory. The Soul Martial Arts obtained through the soul assessment here could not be taken away; they could only be transmitted directly into one’s mind. Of course, it was theoretically possible to teach them to others. The main advantage was convenience; providing physical books for every possible technique would be impractical.

"An Earth Level Soul Martial Art... I suppose that’s acceptable. He should have been able to obtain a Celestial Level Martial Art, yet he only managed an Earth Level one... truly disappointing." The Sixth Elder shook his head incessantly.

While Sun Zhe was absorbing the technique, the Sixth Elder said to Lin Xuan with indifference, "You can go and try now. Don’t push yourself too hard." He had no interest in Lin Xuan’s results. ’He’s just a disciple at the Refining Spirit Stage Level, what kind of Soul Martial Art could he possibly obtain?’

"Sixth Elder, there’s something I don’t understand. How long does it take to obtain the very best Soul Martial Art?" Lin Xuan asked.

"Why do you need to know that?" the Sixth Elder asked, slightly displeased. The best Soul Martial Arts certainly required a great deal of time, and it was irksome when someone who clearly lacked the qualifications inquired about it.

"I was just asking," Lin Xuan replied.

"Under normal circumstances, obtaining a Celestial Level Martial Art requires at least an Hour and a half. As for the very best Soul Martial Art, there’s no point in discussing it. You’ll be fortunate just to get a decent Earth Level Soul Martial Art. Young man, don’t be so ambitious!" the Sixth Elder admonished.

Lin Xuan didn’t argue. He simply turned and sat down on the Grass Mat, a glint flashing in his eyes. ’So, a Celestial Level Martial Art takes an Hour and a half...’

He licked his lips. ’This time, I will definitely obtain the best Soul Martial Art. When the Divine Seal Sect finds out that I was the one who acquired it, I wonder what kind of expressions Hai Qingdong and the others will have?’