THE REAL PROTEGE-Chapter 538: THE WEIGHT OF DUAL SPIRIT

Tension in the Hall

Chin Chin looked between her brother and the dragons, pride twinkling in her eyes.

"See!" she said. "Big Brother has two!"

Kim Kim nodded vigorously.

Xiao Chi gazed on in fascination.

"Does that mean Big Brother can turn into both?" she asked innocently.

The Azure Dragon laughed quietly.

"No, little one. Bloodline determines transformation."

He looked toward Shi Min with careful thought.

"But manifestation determines affinity."

Huang exhaled, breath slow and measured, his shoulders tight with controlled tension. His eyes flickered with worry before he steadied himself, suppressing unease beneath calm.

"To manifest both an Azure Dragon and a Netherflame Phoenix…"

He shook his head; the gesture was hardly noticeable. "That is not ordinary resonance. Such power brings both opportunity and threat. Those who carry both spirits might one day command awe, but also draw envy from rivals and suspicion from those who fear change. Many roads may open before Shi Min. Each step will be watched, and every success may bring a challenge."

Zhu crossed his arms.

"So the human boy is basically showing off two apex celestial spirits at once?"

Shi Min's eyes twitched, a brief shadow of anxiety flitting across his face before he masked it with a calm gaze.

"I do not show them off."

Zhu grinned.

"I know. That's what makes it worse."

Even Shi Min felt the trace of a smile.

But only almost.

Ling Li's Calm

Ling Li moved forward, her presence parting the taut air of the hall, her steady movements exuding calm which calmed tense nerves, like silk soothing raw skin.

"Most ascensions echoed the old ways, following the strict ranks of the martial world. Among the Five Great Sects, a cultivator facing heavenly tribulation would customarily see a single spirit, chosen as a sign matching their inner nature. At these moments, the path walked, core strengths, and inherited arts from various sects manifested.

From Outer Disciple to Core Disciple, and onward to Elders and true masters, each rank had its expectations. For most, a single spirit revealed itself — and only the most gifted ever saw more. Rare were those who witnessed multiple spirits; the truth behind such events was always shrouded in low voices. Some believed dual manifestations brought both promise and threat. To bear the dragon and phoenix together? Doors opened and closed swiftly. Honored yet kept at arm's length, such individuals were watched by those in power, guardians of the sects' secrets. Yet not every manifestation sealed a fate — destiny, even beneath the grandest spectacle, always shifted.

Majesty," she said evenly, "manifestation during ascension does not always define destiny."

Her manner was polite.

Though firm.

The Azure Dragon returned her gaze.

"And yet," he answered softly, "it often unveils potential."

Four Eyes caught it.

There was knowledge here, ancient and concealed. A trace of vulnerability passed through Ling Li's eyes before steeling. In the Azure Dragon's gaze, gravity met memory—neither warmth nor cold, but a nameless ache. For a flash, their mutual remembrance faltered their steadiness.

Shared.

Unspoken.

He realized he was at the center of a complex situation he did not yet fully understand.

Hidden Undercurrent

The bamboo outside rustled again.

The koi pond rippled faintly.

The air, though appearing calm, now shimmered with a pressure that bore on every chest, hearts beating more forceful with the unvoiced tension.

Dragon.

Phoenix.

Guardian spirits.

And a shadowed presence that Chin Chin alone had named.

The Azure Dragon set down his teacup.

"Young man," he said, voice no longer casual, "Hidden Valley will not forget your ascension."

His tone was not praising.

It was an acknowledgment.

"When dragon and phoenix roar together—"

He paused.

"Heaven marks the name."

Shi Min's immortal qi tightened almost imperceptibly; a twitch at his jaw and the narrowing of his eyes betrayed the sudden weight that held him.

Ling Li noticed.

Four Eyes noticed.

Red noticed.

But the children did not.

They continued whispering excitedly about phoenix feathers and dragon scales.

Chin Chin pulled on Shi Min's sleeve.

"Big Brother, next time, let us see the phoenix too!"

Shi Min glanced down at her.

For one moment.

The heaviness faded.

"Perhaps," he uttered quietly.

The Azure Dragon leaned back slightly.

Satisfied.

The conversation had moved.

Not in the direction of rivalry.

Not in the direction of a threat.

But toward something deeper. No one dared name it, but a mutual sense of understanding moved among them. If such manifestations had returned, important events were about to begin. New alliances could form, and former rivalries might reemerge. For some, this signaled an inevitable reckoning; for others, it brought both risk and possibility. Anything awaited them beyond the Garden Hall; the future was now set on a different course.

The next generation, indeed, was not ordinary.

Dragon.

Phoenix.

Guardian.

Shadow.

And farther than the visible sky—

The strands of destiny drew tighter, affecting everyone present.

The Garden Hall returned to joy and mirth, laughter rising louder as relief eased away the remaining tension, cheeks glowing with release from worry.

However, beneath it—

Destiny had taken another step forward, stirring unease in some hearts and kindling hope in others, each person feeling the change in their innermost bones.

And none of them could pretend not to see it anymore.

A calm descended on them, delicate as spun glass, and it shook at the sound of approaching footsteps.

A large, familiar figure strode into the entrance of the garden hall.

It was the guardian bear. The most trusted by His Majesty.

The guardian bear stood tall, gentle yet immense. He bowed, folding his great paws with surprising delicacy.

"Your Majesty," he uttered, voice sonorous as far-off thunder. "Lunch is prepared."

Beyond the arches, low tables gleamed with platters piled high: steaming Cloud Dumplings, nearly floating; honeyed lotus buns radiating with pollen; jewel-bright fruit slices dusted with sparkle; and crystal teapots aglow with blue light. The air was saturated with warm, unearthly scents: fragrant flower breads, sylvan nectar, and fire-roasted moonfish with silver scales.

These delicacies were like nothing found in the mortal world. For the sect's martial artists, such a feast was more than a celebration. It was tradition — a gathering to honor breakthroughs and nourish spirit and body alike. Meals after ascension reminded all present of ancient customs. Each dish was said to foster health, cultivate qi, and bind the company in fellowship before fate called them to new challenges.

The quiet spell broke at once, replaced by a quiver of anticipation that passed through the garden hall.

The Azure Dragon rose, his robes swirling like water.

"Good," he said with a nod. "Let us go."

With a subtle wave of his palm, he beckoned the others onward.

"Everyone must be hungry after such an eventful morning."