Douluo Continent – Southwestern Tian Dou Empire, Fasinuo Province
The name Holy Spirit Village might sound grand and awe inspiring. But in truth, it was merely a modest settlement tucked away in the southern hills of Nuoding City, home to no more than three hundred households. According to local legend, a Spirit Saint Soul Master had once emerged from this very village a century ago. Since then, the name endured Holy Spirit a quiet reminder of past glory.
Surrounding the village lay a vast stretch of farmland. The crops and vegetables grown here were routinely sent to Nuoding City. While Nuoding wasn't among the largest cities in Fasinuo Province, its strategic location near the empire's borders made it a vital hub for commerce. As a result, the prosperity of Nuoding extended to the nearby villages, including Holy Spirit Village, granting its people a standard of living slightly better than most rural areas.
As the sky began to shift from night to a pale, grey dawn, two small silhouettes stood atop a low hill just outside the village. The hill rose only a hundred meters or so, but the view from its summit was clear and vast.
The two figures were children, no more than five or six years old. One had warm bronze skin from frequent sun exposure, neatly cropped black hair, and eyes that glimmered with quiet determination. The other had a striking contrast pale, almost porcelain like skin, and a head of dual colored hair: white on the right side, black on the left. Their clothes were simple but tidy, clearly maintained with care.
Despite their age, climbing the steep hill seemed to pose no difficulty to them. They showed no signs of fatigue no panting or flushed cheeks. Instead, their expressions were calm, almost serene, as if they found joy in the quiet stillness of the morning.
The dark haired boy sat cross legged at the summit, facing east. He inhaled through his nose, then slowly exhaled through his mouth in a steady rhythm, forming a refined and deliberate breathing cycle. Beside him, the boy with dual colored hair simply observed in silence, not wishing to interrupt.
Suddenly, his gaze sharpened.
Faint traces of purple light shimmered in the early grey light of dawn, drifting across the far horizon. It was so subtle that only those with exceptional vision and focus would even notice it.
The appearance of the violet energy snapped the sitting boy into deeper concentration. He stopped breathing altogether, inhaling softly without exhaling, his eyes locked onto the fleeting mist. He dared not blink, afraid to miss even a second.
But the phenomenon lasted only moments. As the sun rose higher and painted the sky in brighter colors, the purple light slowly faded until it vanished entirely.
The black haired boy closed his eyes and exhaled slowly, releasing a faint stream of white breath from his mouth. The air around him seemed to clear as he expelled the impurities from within his body.
He sat still for a while, then opened his eyes again. For the briefest moment, his pupils seemed to shimmer with a faint violet glow. It faded quickly, like the mist before, but while it lasted it was vivid and undeniable.
"Are you done, Brother San?" the other boy asked while observing with heterochromatic eyes. The left eye was black, marked by a '+' symbol in its iris, while the right was a pure white with an 'X' pattern shining faintly within.
"Yes. Time to go back, Kyle," Tang San replied, glancing up at the sky. His slender frame rose effortlessly as he leapt from the ground and began descending the hill in swift, graceful steps. Despite the uneven terrain, his movements were fluid, as if gravity itself bent to accommodate him.
Kyle followed close behind. His movements were less refined, yet brimming with raw strength. Each step he took cracked the ground beneath him, a testament to the overwhelming force his body naturally carried.
Together, they made their way back to the village. At its entrance, they parted ways to return to their own homes.
Kyle arrived at a house slightly larger than most a sign of its importance. This was the village chief's residence. Kyle had been adopted by the village chief years ago and raised as his own.
Inside, an elderly man with kind eyes and a strong presence was waiting patiently, seated in a wooden chair.
"Grandpa Jack!" Kyle called, bowing respectfully.
"Kyle," the old man said warmly, "there's something important we need to talk about. You've just turned six, and that means today is the day you'll undergo your Spirit Awakening, just like the other children."
"Yes, Grandpa!" Kyle's eyes lit up.
"Good," Grandpa Jack nodded. "Now go gather the others. The ceremony begins soon."
Old Jack and Kyle gathered the other children, and soon they all assembled at the Spirit Temple. In this land, every practitioner of martial arts awaited the annual "spirit awakening" ceremony an event held in the ubiquitous Spirit Halls scattered throughout the Douluo continent. Although these halls might appear similar at first glance, each one belonged to a different level of mastery.
This year, Holy Spirit Village sent a total of nine children to be "awakened" by their local Spirit Hall. Tang San was the final candidate under the care of Old Jack. Besides Old Jack and these nine children, another young man could be seen moving among them. A man in his twenties with striking, well-defined eyebrows and an unmistakable air of authority. Dressed in a crisp white shirt overlaid with a black cloak, he bore the standard insignia of the Spirit Hall's direct staff: prominently displayed on his chest was a soul as sizable as a clenched fist, and on his left, an engraved badge featuring three long swords. Those well-versed in the art of soul cultivation understood that the "three grips" signified the third division of Soul Masters, while the long swords embodied the warlike spirit of the Wu Hun Temple's deacons.
"Greetings, dearly beloved Battle Spirit Master," Old Jack said respectfully, bowing to the young man.
With a proud yet calm expression, the young man replied, "I don't have much time let's begin."
Old Jack addressed the eager children: "These children are under the guidance of the Battle Spirit Master from Nuoding City. He will now lead you in unlocking your own martial arts. Strive, work together, and remember within among you, there lies the potential to become a true Spirit Master."
Some of the children could barely contain their impatience. "You said just a few words last year how can it be so easy to become a Spirit Master? I've traveled through six villages, and none possess even a trace of soul power!" they murmured.
Old Jack sighed softly, "Indeed, it is true only those from the premier soul clans find it easier to become Spirit Masters. For ordinary folk, the task is far more arduous." With that, he stepped aside.
The young Battle Spirit Master's gaze swept over the nine children, his tone carrying both authority and expectation. "Children, please form a line," he ordered lightly. The nine obedient children lined up before him. Kyle standing at the far left, notably lean compared to his companions.
With a gentle smile, the young man introduced himself, "I am Su Yuntao, spirit grandmaster level 26 the leader of this awakening. I shall awaken each of you, one by one. Remember, no matter what happens, do not be afraid."
At his signal, Su Yuntao began by removing two objects from a nearby table. A set of six smooth, black stones and a gleaming blue crystal ball. Carefully, he arranged the six black stones into a hexagonal formation on the ground, then indicated the first child standing to his right.
"Close your eyes and concentrate. Feel with your heart," Su Yuntao instructed. Suddenly, his eyes shimmered as he murmured an incantation the words, "Lone Wolf Enhancement," drifted like a soft whisper. A faint glow of violet qi emerged from his brow and ascended along the hairline. His formerly black hair turned gray under the influence of the injected blue light; within moments the new color spread over his arms and body, emphasizing lean muscles that rippled under the flexible, specially designed Wu Hun attire. His eyes shifted to a pale green hue, while the claw-like crescents on his fingertips began to emit a dim, cool light. Two orbs of light one white, one yellow materialized and then danced upward along his legs and body, a mesmerizing and unmistakable spectacle.
The child at the designated stone gasped as he witnessed Su Yuntao's transformation, his eyes wide in alarm. "Ah–" he cried out.
Su Yuntao's gaze grew intense and commanding. "Do not be afraid. This is my martial art, Lone Wolf. Someday, if you become a Spirit Master, you too will be able to wield these powers."
Only Tang San and Kyle remained steadfast, their interest piqued by this display. In that moment, both boys realized their own future might be intertwined with the destiny of becoming Spirit Masters.
Without delay, Su Yuntao thrust his hand toward the six stones. Dim green light pulsed from them, releasing a soft golden brilliance that coalesced into a pale gold mask, enveloping the first child's face. Strangely, the child's tears halted almost instantly, replaced by a calm and almost amazed expression as the golden light entered him. A single point of golden light then detached from the stone and entered the child's body, leaving him trembling slightly, unable to utter a word.
"Extend your right hand," Su Yuntao's green eyes commanded. The child obeyed, and in an instant, a small scythe materialized in his palm real, tangible, not mere illusion.
"Your martial art is based on the scythe a tool-type spirit. Let me see if you possess soul power. Even with a tool-type spirit, if you have soul power, you can still train to become a Spirit Master. After all, the scythe itself carries certain offensive capabilities."
"Sir, what should I do now?" the child asked timidly.
"Concentrate and retract your martial soul," Su Yuntao answered indifferently. "In the future, you will summon your soul with your mind." The child practiced for several long moments until his scythe seemed to respond faintly to his will. Su Yuntao then handed him the blue crystal ball, guiding his right hand over it. Their contrasting touches the child's soft, small hand and Su Yuntao's firm, clawed grip created a clear, resonant interplay of energies. Despite his efforts, the crystal did not glow with soul power.
One by one, five more children underwent their awakenings using agricultural tools such as hoes and scythes. None managed to showcase any significant soul power each was deemed "soul-less" by Su Yuntao's stringent standards.
Finally, it was Tang San's turn. Stepping into the center of the hexagon, with the six black stones arranged before him, the golden light burst forth once again. Su Yuntao's eyes shone brightly as he anticipated a uniquely potent soul emerging this time perhaps a soul of immense power that would mark a rare prodigy, one who might elevate the Spirit Hall's standing dramatically. The prospect filled him with both excitement and high expectations.
However, his anticipation soon turned to disappointment. As Tang San raised his right hand, a familiar blue hue emerged a manifestation of the same "blue silver grass" martial soul that he had grown up with. Su Yuntao's expression fell.
"This too is but a common martial soul," he murmured. "Hand over your right hand." With that, he presented Tang San with the blue crystal ball.
As soon as Tang San's palm made contact with the crystal, his entire body trembled violently. Su Yuntao, taken aback, watched as the blue crystal flared to life. It shone with a dazzling brilliance reminiscent of a gem, its gentle blue radiance pulsating in an almost hypnotic motion. Even by conventional tests, this glowing crystal could only mean one thing. Tang San possessed innate, full soul power the rarest of gifts.
"My God… It truly is innate full potential," Su Yuntao whispered, his voice laced with disbelief as he regarded Tang San's radiant palm. The transformation in Tang San's eyes was striking, it was as if he had become something entirely new, something formidable.
Unable to contain his wonder, Tang San asked, "Uncle, what exactly is this innate soul power?"
Su Yuntao explained slowly, "The form of your martial soul greatly influences the strength you'll have at the moment of awakening. In addition, the amount of inherent soul power you possess determines how rapidly you can grow through training. Most who first awaken their martial soul find that they lack soul power and are hence destined never to become true Spirit Masters. However, if even the tiniest glimmer of soul power manifests immediately, then meditation can enable you to cultivate into a full-fledged Spirit Master. Your innate full potential sets the stage you start at the highest possible level, with every ten ranks of martial soul corresponding to one title. Without a soul ring, however, even the most rigorous training won't let you transcend your current rank. Thus, obtaining a soul ring is your next critical step."
Tang San inquired hesitantly, "So does that mean the soul ring is like an aura for our body? You're in your twenties, so you must have two soul rings?"
Su Yuntao nodded. "Exactly. Your condition is exceptionally rare a genius seen perhaps once every hundred years. Yet I regret that your martial art itself is unremarkable. It is little more than an agricultural tool a far cry from the truly formidable techniques. There is much to consider, but… now, let's continue."
He then called Kyle forward. As Kyle stepped into the circle of black stones, the golden light flared yet again. Su Yuntao's eyes shone as though he anticipated an even greater soul to manifest. Kyle raised his right hand and a brilliant, pure white form took shape: a spear materializing in his palm.
"I... I cannot say what this means precisely. Let's call it the 'White Spear' spirit," Su Yuntao admitted wearily. "Now, extend your right hand." He then presented Kyle with the blue crystal ball.
The moment Kyle's palm touched the crystal, his body vibrated fiercely. In an instant, the blue crystal erupted in a dazzling display, its light shimmering like a gemstone, subtly moving a manifestation undeniably indicative of innate full potential.
"My God… I never expected such rarity to appear in one place," Su Yuntao exclaimed, astonished. He looked deeply into Kyle's eyes as if witnessing a beast from legend.
"Tell me, child are you willing to join the Spirit Hall?" he asked.
Kyle replied calmly, "My name is Kyle, but I'm sorry I have no intention of joining."
"Why not?" pressed Su Yuntao. "The Spirit Hall can help you advance, guiding you to truly understand your martial soul."
"I value freedom and balance too much to be confined by such a path," Kyle answered, his tone resolute.
"Very well," Su Yuntao sighed, disappointed. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me. Now, children you may all leave." With that, he carefully gathered up the six stones and the crystal ball, and departed.
As the Spirit Hall's door opened, Old Jack greeted Su Yuntao with a troubled look. "Sir, what are your thoughts? Is there any chance that any of our village children will become Spirit Masters this year?"
Su Yuntao's expression grew somber. "Only two show any real promise but sadly, one of them is compromised by his own choices."
Old Jack's eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean?"
"In our nine children, two have awakened full soul power. One's martial art is based on blue silver grass, while the other it appears his spirit takes the form of a White Spear, yet he has refused to join the Spirit Hall. Do you understand?"
Old Jack's expression darkened with disappointment. "Blue silver grass? And a White Spear that turns away from the Spirit Hall? Innate full potential... My goodness."
For years as village chief, Old Jack had come to understand the value of a gifted soul. In many villages, several families would share a single quota for Spirit Master candidates but in Holy Spirit Village, only two slots were allocated. This was a precious opportunity for a child to rise above the ordinary, and Jack felt it even more acutely when one of those rare talents was squandered.
"Sir, is it truly impossible to cultivate blue silver grass?" Jack asked, his tone edged with frustration.
Su Yuntao, more humble now, rested a hand on Old Jack's shoulder and replied, "Not entirely impossible but blue silver grass, even when strengthened by martial soul, remains but scrap. Even if it becomes a teacher-class soul, its combat potential is limited. I fear it may degenerate into little more than a slave to a wayward soul. Alas, it is a pity to see such potential go to waste. I must depart now, I still have another village to visit today."
Before Tang San could ask further questions, Su Yuntao left. Left alone with Old Jack, Tang San gathered the courage to ask the question burning in his mind: "Grandpa Jack, what exactly is a soul ring? And how can I obtain one?"
Old Jack stared at him thoughtfully before replying, "I honestly don't know what a soul ring truly is it seems to be obtained only through hunting wild souls, a perilous endeavor that only a true Spirit Master might undertake."
Just then, Old Jack's tone shifted as he turned toward Tang San. "Xiao San, do you truly possess innate full potential and the martial soul of blue silver grass?"
Tang San nodded gently, "Yes, I do."
Old Jack knelt and looked steadily into Tang San's eyes. "Xiao San, I never expected your talent to be so profound. Regrettably, you bear the same martial legacy as your father. Otherwise, you might have become the second Spirit Master of our village. Tell me, would you be willing to attend the specialized school where you can learn the true methods of Spirit Master cultivation? Only there can you gain the most accurate knowledge about the martial soul."
"That must, of course, have my father's permission," Tang San replied cautiously.
At that moment, Old Jack turned to a surprised Kyle, "And what about you? The one whose martial soul takes the form of the White Spear and has innate full potential?"
Kyle stepped forward and said simply, "That would be me."
Old Jack smiled wryly. "Excellent. Like Tang San, you shall attend Nuoding City's academy as a pupil. But before we go, let me escort Tang San back home. Kyle, why don't you come along?"
"Very well," Kyle answered quietly.
Later that morning, as routine silence reigned in the village's blacksmith's shop, Old Jack's booming voice echoed through the air. "Tang Hao! Tang Hao!"
Old Jack, oblivious to whether Tang Hao was awake, growled his irritation barely concealed by the pitiful tools scattered about. If it weren't for the cheap forging implements, he would have gladly thrown Tang Hao out of the village.
As Tang Hao was roused from his sleep by the shouts, the drapes were drawn aside, and he stepped out slowly. First he spotted his son, then his gaze shifted to Jack. "Old Jack, what is it now?" he demanded.
Jack, his tone uncharacteristically mild, replied, "Today is the day your son's martial soul awakens. Don't you understand the importance of this moment? While others are supported by their parents, you still the same as always."
Tang Hao's eyes, however, betrayed little humor as he looked again at his son. "Xiao San, what is your martial soul?" he asked.
"Father, it's blue silver grass," Tang San responded quietly.
Tang Hao's expression hardened as he pronounced, "Even if it is blue silver grass, you possess full innate potential. This year, out of our village's two allocated slots, I've decided Xiao San will attend the Basic Soul School in Nuoding City."
Muttering "blue silver grass… what is the use of training such scrap?" Tang Hao's gaze fixed sharply, exuding a cold, unforgiving light that Tang San had never seen before. "I don't see the point. If you leave, who will take care of me? Blue silver grass what good is that in cultivation? It is nothing but a poor martial soul."
Old Jack's anger flared. "But with full innate potential, even the poorest soul, if paired with a soul ring even a low-grade one can make one a Spirit Master. Do you not understand? We haven't had a true Spirit Master in our village for years!"
Tang Hao's tone was nonchalant, "That is your goal. It doesn't matter if you want to go, then go."
"Tang Hao!" Old Jack's voice, thick with anger, resonated powerfully. "There's no need for shouting, I can hear just fine. You must understand that Xiao San is still so young. Doesn't he deserve a better chance? Do not hold him back from his destiny as a Spirit Master. At the very least, he will not meet the same fate as you. Should you change your mind, come see me. There are still three months to enroll in this year's Nuoding Soul Junior College."
Tang Hao's eyes flashed coldly as he replied, "What use is greatness? All I know is that if he leaves, there'll be no one left to cook for me."
Old Jack, incensed, called out, "But he has full innate potential! With even the poorest quality soul ring, he could become a true Soul Master, a gift that our village has been starved of for years."
At that, Tang Hao dismissed the matter with a wave. "Do what you will."
Finally, with a heavy sigh, Old Jack relented. "Very well, I'm leaving now. Come along, little Kyle."
Kyle, empathetic yet subdued, helped escort Old Jack out. As Jack passed by the door of the blacksmith's shop, he paused to turn back and address Tang Hao. "Tang Hao, your life is nearly over if you continue on this path but Xiao San is just a boy. Do you not think he deserves a better chance? Do not keep him from becoming a Spirit Master. If you change your mind, you know where to find me. There are still three months left to apply for Nuoding Soul Junior College this year."
After returning home with Grandpa Jack, Kyle quietly made his way to his room. A deep curiosity stirred within him he needed to understand the true nature of his Martial Souls.
"Uncle Su said the Martial Soul was only in my right hand," Kyle muttered, furrowing his brows. "But during the awakening... I definitely felt something more something beyond just my hand."
He sat cross-legged and began focusing his energy throughout his body.
First, he directed his attention to his right hand. In a flash of light, a gleaming white spear appeared pristine, noble, and deadly. Kyle stood, gripped the weapon firmly, and gave it a slow swing. Despite his restraint, the air around the spear quivered, releasing a subtle shockwave.
"Woah… My strength feels like it's multiplied six times over, maybe." He blinked in surprise, carefully willing the spear to vanish. "I'd better put this away before I accidentally destroy something."
Next, Kyle focused on his left hand. A blade materialized pure black, deep as a moonless night, absorbing the light around it. Its weight and balance mirrored the spear.
"A white spear and a black sword… opposites, yet perfectly paired. Light and shadow in harmony," he mused, admiring the elegant contrast. He dismissed the sword and continued his exploration.
"What about my head?" he whispered, shifting his focus upward.
There, just above his forehead, a lotus bloomed, colorless, yet mesmerizing in its beauty. It shimmered faintly, giving off subtle waves of illusionary energy.
"A lotus that creates illusions… this one's interesting. I can't wait to see what the rest can do," he said, dismissing it with a satisfied nod.
Now it was time for the body.
As Kyle focused on his torso, the image of a massive sea serpent began to take form its scales dark blue like the deepest ocean, glinting with an iron-like hardness. But before the beast could fully emerge, Kyle canceled the manifestation.
"That's way too big to try indoors," he muttered.
He sprinted toward the familiar mountain he often visited with Tang San. Once there, with no one around, he summoned it again.
A colossal sea serpent coiled around the other side of the mountain. Its length was around five meters, its scales harder than steel and glistening like the ocean at night.
"This… is ridiculous." Kyle's jaw dropped at the sheer scale. He quickly dispelled the beast before it drained his energy any further. "I can only keep it out for ten seconds… the energy cost is insane."
He sat to recover, breathing deeply.
A few moments later, he stood up. "Alright. Time for the next one."
He focused on his right leg.
A blinding blue light surged, forming into a magnificent sky dragon. Its scales shimmered like the heavens, radiant and sharp, tougher than any known metal. The beast stretched five meters long, its wings pulsing with energy.
As the dragon manifested, the once-clear sky above him darkened.
"So the sky dragon can manipulate weather…" Kyle noted calmly. "That explains the clouds. Power consumption feels the same as the sea serpent, though." He dismissed the dragon before it attracted unwanted attention and took another moment to rest.
Finally, he focused on his left leg.
A giant tortoise emerged, its massive shell resembling a green island, lush with vegetation. The shell looked far denser and more durable than the serpent's or the dragon's scales.
"A living fortress… looks like this one controls the earth," Kyle observed. "Same energy draw as the others."
After releasing the tortoise, he returned home under the cover of silence. No one had seen what he had just discovered.
Back in his room, Kyle quietly formed a plan.
"For now," he thought, "the tortoise will serve as defense. The dragon and serpent can attack and defend. The spear and sword are my primary offense, and the lotus… it'll be my tool for control."
From that moment on, Kyle dedicated himself to secret training mastering every Martial Soul he possessed.