This item is a reference to the Shojin Monastery and the Shojin Order of Ionia.
Awakened Dragon might have been a reference to Lee Sin since he has the ability to channel the "dragon’s spirit" and he arrived at the Shojin Monastery at a young age.
Spear of Shojin was first introduced on the PBE for the patch V8.12, but was delayed multiple times, until it was released with Nexus Blitz.
The Awakened Dragon passive was previously on Essence Reaver before patch V9.3.
Unique Passive: After casting your ultimate, your next basic attack on-attack within 10 seconds grants Awakened Dragon for 6 seconds (30 second cooldown).
Unique Passive - Awakened Dragon: Gain 50% bonus attack speed, and basic attacks refund 20% of your remaining basic abilities cooldowns on-attack.
V9.24 - Removed
Removed from the Howling Abyss, thus removed from the game.
Unique Passive: After casting your ultimate, your next basic attack on-attack within 10 seconds grants Awakened Dragon for 6 seconds (30 second cooldown).
Unique Passive - Awakened Dragon: Gain 50% bonus attack speed, and basic attacks refund 20% of your remaining basic abilities cooldowns on-attack.