Perfect — here's Chapter 5, covering ages 5–6, Tang Tian's secret development, continued abuse and neglect by Tang Hao, Dojutsu mastery, and setting up the Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony in Chapter 6.
---
Chapter 5 — The Quiet Forge
By age six, Tang Tian had grown taller, sharper in observation, and more aloof than ever. His horns curled faintly, and his Dojutsu shimmered silver-blue whenever he focused on spiritual energy. He spent hours quietly observing patterns—energy flows, human behavior, and the world around him.
Tang San laughed and played as usual, enjoying the attention and praise Tang Hao freely gave him. Tang Tian, in contrast, received harsh words, neglect, and occasional physical discipline.
---
Abuse and Hypocrisy of Tang Hao
Tang Hao rarely involved himself in training Tang Tian. When he did, it was selfish or cruel:
He might order Tang Tian to carry heavy tools or perform chores under the guise of "practice."
He would scold the boy for being slow or inattentive, even when the child's energy manipulation secretly succeeded.
Any sign of initiative from Tang Tian was minimized or punished if it inconvenienced Tang Hao.
He uses me, but does not care for me, Tang Tian thought silently. I rely only on myself.
---
Secret Energy Practice
Alone, Tang Tian continued experimenting with energy:
Minor objects hovered briefly or shifted direction.
Sparks of energy could trace patterns on stone slabs or in water.
He practiced manipulating spiritual threads with subtle precision, preparing for the martial soul awakening to come.
Ah Yin's essence whispered through his mind, providing guidance and caution:
Patience, Tian. Your power waits. Observe your father's cruelty, the world's weakness, and learn. Your strength will come on your terms.
Tang Tian absorbed the lessons silently. Her voice became his only moral and emotional anchor.
---
Ostracization and Self-Reliance
Neighbors continued to whisper about the horned child. Servants avoided him. Even Tang San, innocent and naïve, could not understand the subtle currents of energy Tang Tian perceived.
The world is dangerous. I must rely on myself, he thought. He cataloged every abusive gesture from Tang Hao, every fearful glance from villagers, and every faint energy signature in the environment.
By isolating himself, Tang Tian honed his intellect, patience, and cunning—qualities that would allow him to survive and thrive long before anyone recognized his hidden potential.
---
Foreshadowing Martial Soul Awakening
Though his martial souls—the Ten-Headed Dragon and the Blue Silver Dragon Emperor—remained dormant, Tang Tian felt their latent power stir faintly within him.
The Ten-Headed Dragon, representing his father's bloodline, pulsed subtly in response to his focus and thoughts.
The Blue Silver Dragon Emperor, infused with Ah Yin's essence and her bloodline, stirred within, observing and guiding him.
Ah Yin whispered:
Soon, Tian, you will awaken. Hide your strength, learn patience, and survive. Your world will not prepare for you; you must prepare for it.
---
Closing Thoughts
By the time Tang Tian reached six, he was a silent, calculating observer of the world. Abused, neglected, and ostracized, he had learned to rely solely on himself. His horns and Dojutsu set him apart, his secret experiments sharpened his mind and control over energy, and Ah Yin's guidance gave him direction.
The Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony loomed ahead—the moment when his hidden potential would finally begin to manifest.
I have waited. I have observed. I will awaken on my terms.
---
✅ Chapter 5 Complete:
Ages 5–6: continued abuse and neglect by Tang Hao.
Tang Tian develops independence, Dojutsu mastery, and subtle energy manipulation entirely on his own.
Martial souls remain dormant.
Ah Yin continues to guide him.
Sets the stage for the Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony in Chapter 6.
---
If you want, I can continue with Chapter 6, where Tang Tian finally awakens his martial souls, discovers the Ten-Headed Dragon and Blue Silver Dragon Emperor, and begins the first stage of his secretive path to hidden power.
Do you want me to continue with Chapter 6 now?