In a quiet corner of the Douluo Continent,
within an orphanage run by the Martial Soul Temple, a boy could be seen moving with determination far beyond his years.
Every morning before sunrise,
while the other children were still tucked under their thin blankets, he was already awake—sweating, panting, pushing himself through rigorous exercises. Push-ups, squats, sprints around the orphanage yard—he didn't miss a single day. His muscles were sore, his palms often scraped, but he never stopped.
After the physical training came meditation. Sitting cross-legged beneath a tree, eyes closed, back straight, he focused on his breath, trying to sense any trace of spiritual energy within his body. Though he hadn't awakened his martial soul yet, he treated his preparation with the discipline of a veteran cultivator.
Sometimes, he ventured out to the nearby mountains, climbing rocky paths, testing his endurance under the weight of stones he carried on his back. The caretakers thought he was overworking himself, but he ignored their concerns. Deep down, he knew he didn't have a cheat, a system, or any external support—just his knowledge and his will.
He had only one month until the awakening ceremony. One month to sharpen his body, steady his mind, and ready his spirit for whatever martial soul fate had prepared for him.
....
Boy's Point of View
I don't know how much soul power I'll awaken with… he thought, sitting cross-legged on the cool stone floor of the orphanage's backyard, the morning sun casting a soft glow across his face.
But I've trained hard this month. I've meditated every single day—without fail.
A slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Back in my old world, during school, I learned proper meditation techniques in yoga class. Who would've thought they'd come in handy in the Douluo Continent? His breathing deepened, steady and rhythmic. I refined those techniques, adapted them to this world's energy... and I can feel it. My body's different now. Calmer. Stronger.
He opened his eyes and looked down at his hands—calloused, bruised, but steady.
With this level of focus, I should at least awaken with rank 5 or 6 innate soul power... maybe even more if I'm lucky.
His gaze shifted to the distant mountain peaks, recalling the days he had climbed them with rocks tied to his back, limbs trembling from exhaustion.
Most people here don't even realize that strengthening the physical body before getting a soul ring can let them absorb higher age soul rings safely. He grinned to himself. But I know. I trained my body specifically to endure more—to absorb better soul rings when the time comes. It's a hidden edge no one here even considers.
...
Author's Point of View
Just as dawn began to break over the orphanage grounds, a loud voice rang out from the main building.
"Children! Come down quickly! An official from the Martial Soul Hall has arrived!"
The caretaker's urgency stirred the children into motion. Some stumbled sleepily from their beds, while others rushed to fix their clothes, sensing the importance of the moment.
Su Chen, who had been meditating quietly in the courtyard, opened his eyes and stood up at once. He brushed the dust from his pants and moved toward the gathering point. By the time he arrived, a few children were still trailing in behind him, yawning and rubbing their eyes.
Then, the atmosphere shifted.
A man in his forties stepped into view—his posture firm, his expression calm, yet stern. He wore the official robes of the Martial Soul Temple, the same ceremonial attire that Su Chen recognized from his memories of the novel. The resemblance to the once-appearing Su Yuntao, the blind-eyed Awakening Master, was uncanny.
A Deacon. That much was clear from the golden insignia on his shoulder.
The caretaker turned to the children and explained, "This year, you won't be awakening your martial souls here. By the order of the Martial Soul Temple, all orphanage children will be taken to the central hall in the city."
The announcement caused a ripple of excitement and confusion among the orphans.
Su Chen's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
So they're bringing even us to the main hall? That's never happened before…
Then the caretaker added quietly, "It's because His Holiness the Pope's disciple was also raised in an orphanage. They want to give the same opportunity to others like her."
Su Chen's heart skipped a beat.
Pope Bibi Dong's disciple… that means Hu Liena, he thought. Which means the current timeline is probably around 2 year before Tang San starts at Nuoding Academy. Qin Renxue is about six years older than him, and Hu Liena five. If I'm two years older than Tang San, that puts me at the same age as Dai Mubai.
He shook his head slightly, chuckling under his breath.
Let's not get lost in the timeline details. What matters now is the Martial Soul Awakening.
He looked up toward the city walls in the distance, a spark of excitement flashing in his eyes.
For an orphan, this is a rare chance. If we awaken powerful martial souls with high innate soul power, we might finally step out of the shadows and be recognized. Normally, orphans can't even hunt for soul rings easily, nor do they have anyone to guide their cultivation.
He clenched his fists slightly.
This could be the start of something big. Maybe… I'll even get to meet the legendary Pope herself.
The thought filled him with anticipation. Despite all his planning, preparation, and past life memories—this moment, this awakening—was still the first true test of his fate in this world.
....
With everything prepared, the children were soon gathered into a large wooden carriage, its wheels creaking softly as it began to move. Packed tightly together, their eyes were filled with anticipation, nervousness, and curiosity.
Their destination? Martial Soul City—one of the three largest cities on the entire Douluo Continent, and the sacred heart of the Martial Soul Temple. In the future, it would become the capital of the Martial Soul Empire. But to the children of the orphanage, it was a city of dreams, wrapped in rumors and distant stories.
Su Chen leaned slightly out of the window, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon as they approached.
So this is the Martial Soul City...
Back in the orphanage, they had often whispered about how beautiful the city was—how it was unlike anything else in the world. Su Chen, despite all his knowledge from his previous life, hadn't seen a proper description of it. His expectations were high, but the moment the towering walls and shining rooftops came into view—he was left breathless.
The streets were wide and clean, lined with trees and glowing spirit lamps. Noble carriages passed by, driven by soul beasts. The buildings had intricate carvings of angels, spears, and sacred beasts. At the center of it all stood the towering spires of the Martial Soul Hall, like a palace out of myth.
It's even more beautiful than I imagined, Su Chen thought, awe flickering in his eyes. If I had time, I'd love to explore every corner of this place… but for now, I have something more important to do.
The carriage slowly came to a halt before a massive, radiant structure—the Martial Soul Awakening Hall.
As the children stepped down one by one, their gazes naturally rose to the awe-inspiring building before them. The hall was constructed of gleaming white stone, its tall arched windows glowing faintly with golden light. Statues of spirit angels stood at its gates, and holy symbols were etched into every surface.
It felt like a place untouched by time—serene, powerful, sacred.
To Su Chen, the moment he stood before it, he felt a strange energy settle over him.
This place... it really does feel divine. Like the city of the Goddess of Light herself. No wonder they say this hall was blessed by the gods.
His heart beat faster—not out of fear, but out of expectation.
The moment of awakening was near.
...
As the boys entered the room with the deacon, their eyes widened at the sight before them. Dozens of children were gathered, accompanied by their parents. Some wore the fine silks and confident expressions of noble lineage, while others had the more practical attire and humble pride of merchant families. A few stood alone—orphans from Martial Soul City, their clothes plain and their eyes alert. Su Chen could easily distinguish their backgrounds based on their clothing and the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) arrogance in their demeanor. They were all here for one reason: to catch a glimpse of the legendary, beautiful Pope and the powerful elder who wielded the Hall's authority. Occasionally, children with exceptional martial souls were fortunate enough to be chosen as a disciple by such elders—a life-changing fate that had drawn hopeful families from far and wide.
....