Chapter 125: It is Real!
The vast hall was enveloped in silence as every gaze fixed on the young man standing at the center.
"If you don't know why you're here," Jun Wu began, his tone calm yet commanding.
"Then let me tell you…" His voice, soft and steady, carried across the hall with a natural.
All attention was fixed on him—especially the disciples and academy students.
"You are here to undergo a life-changing ceremony," Jun Wu continued, his expression unreadable.
"And I hope many of you will be chosen for an extraordinary path."
He spoke sincerely, though in his heart, he knew the truth.
The chances of anyone awakening the potential to become a Master Teacher were painfully slim.
Only a select few would be chosen.
Because of that, Jun Wu refrained from revealing too much.
Only those who were chosen had the right to truly understand what was about to happen.
He turned to the array president and the gathered elders.
"Please ask anyone who isn't here for the awakening to leave us. This ceremony is not meant for outside eyes."
The Array Association's president exchanged knowing glances with the other elders and nodded.
They understood perfectly well what Jun Wu meant.
Turning to the clan leaders who stood at the back, and they gestured politely toward the doors.
A few of the leaders sighed, reluctant to go.
They had secretly hoped to witness the mysterious awakening themselves.
But despite their curiosity, they knew better.
With helpless smiles, they left the hall.
As long as one of their disciples was chosen today, that would be more than enough.
Soon, the long hall grew empty until only the chosen participants remained.
Jun Wu's expression hardened slightly as his gaze swept across the few remaining figures.
"Listen carefully," he said solemnly. "Whatever you hear or see during the awakening. You can only speak to me and no one else. Is that clear?"
His voice was grave, each word carrying invisible weight.
Everyone nodded, though confusion flickered in their eyes.
None of them understood why such secrecy was required for what seemed like a simple awakening.
Among the chosen students were Jiang Yawen, Yuan Lan, and Mei Ling. They were all Jun Wu acquaintance.
Yet Jun Wu didn't spare them a second glance.
His focus remained entirely on the ceremony.
He turned and stepped toward the inner chamber, his hands forming several seals in rapid succession.
A low hum filled the air as the awakening formation came alive.
Mysterious runes etched into the stone walls began to glow, pulsating with otherworldly energy.
Light flickered, spiraling into streams that wove together like living threads.
The crowd stared in silent awe.
Many had never seen such an intricate array before.
"Let the first person come forward," Jun Wu commanded softly.
Elder Shen immediately guided a tall, handsome boy toward the awakening platform.
The boy's face was pale with curiosity and unease.
Various questions appeared in his mind, but Jun Wu gave him no chance to ask them.
"Sit on the platform," Jun Wu instructed firmly. "Close your eyes and open your mind."
The boy hesitated.
The strange glowing symbols carved into the platform gave him an inexplicable sense of dread.
Still, he took a deep breath, forced himself to remain calm, and followed the instruction.
He sat cross-legged on the platform, eyes shut, hands resting on his knees.
The hall fell entirely silent.
Even Jun Wu's expression softened slightly as he watched.
A minute later, nothing happened.
After an entire minute, Jun Wu exhaled quietly.
"You may stand and leave," he said plainly.
The boy blinked in confusion.
"Is… is that it?"
Jun Wu simply nodded and gestured toward the exit.
"You may go."
A wave of uncertainty rippled through the room. The participants exchanged nervous looks.
"Why did nothing happen?" someone muttered.
"Wasn't this supposed to be an awakening?" another whispered skeptically.
A girl in the back scoffed under her breath. "Don't tell me this is just a waste of time…"
Instantly, several people turned toward her with disapproving stares.
Realizing her mistake, the girl lowered her head, cheeks flushing red.
Elder Shen's voice cut sharply through the murmurs.
"Next!"
Another student stepped forward—a young woman.
She repeated the process exactly, but again, nothing happened.
"Next!" Elder Shen barked.
One after another, the participants stepped up.
Failed!
Failed!
Failed!
The atmosphere grew tense.
Doubt began to creep into the hearts of the elders.
Was the awakening platform even genuine?
Or was this some elaborate scheme created by Jun Wu?
Some whispered among themselves. Perhaps there's no such thing as a Master Teacher after all.
Jun Wu, however, stood still and unmoved.
He could feel their doubts and hear their silent accusations, but he paid them no mind.
His expression remained calm, almost indifferent.
He had done his part.
The rest depended on fate.
Finally, the next participant stepped forward.
She was Yuan Lan.
Their eyes met briefly, and Jun Wu gave her a small nod.
She smiled faintly in return, her calmness contrasting the tension in the air.
Without hesitation, Yuan Lan climbed the steps and sat on the awakening platform.
She didn't understand why everyone before her had failed, but she refused to let it bother her.
She knew what she wanted in her heart. Her goal was to become an Array Master just like her ancestors and nothing would stop her from achieving that.
Even if she failed whatever the awakening ceremony was, she would continue to pursue that path with all her strength.
As she closed her eyes, silence reigned over the chamber. Most of the people had already given up hope.
Many were even certain this would end the same way…fail.
Elder Shen and Elder Kang, however, remained watchful, their eyes glued to the platform.
Then, without warning, a deep humming sound resonated through the chamber.
The air vibrated.
Light erupted from the formation beneath Yuan Lan, flooding the chamber in blinding brilliance.
Streams of spiritual energy surged toward her like rivers converging into a single point.
Gasps filled the hall.
The light shifted rapidly from white to yellow, and finally to a slight red hue.
"It's real…" Elder Kang whispered. His eyes wide in disbelief.
"Hahaha! I knew it!" Elder Shen exclaimed with joy.
Those who had doubted moments ago stood frozen, staring at the scene before them dazed.
The same people who had whispered that it was a scene now watched in awe.
Slowly, the light began to fade. Yuan Lan opened her eyes, still dazed, her expression filled with wonder and confusion.
Jun Wu stepped forward, his face calm but his eyes gleaming faintly with satisfaction.
"I know you have many questions troubling you." He said gently. "I will answer them, but not yet."
He extended a hand, helping her down from the platform.
"This is a special moment. Don't waste it. Go and comprehend what you've just gained."
Then, turning to Elder Shen, Jun Wu said.
"Please, take her to the special room."