Douluo Continent.
Heaven Dou Empire.
Within a quiet noble estate.
A young boy with jet-black hair and dark, clear eyes stood alone in the courtyard, staring at the sky in a daze. His features were exceptionally delicate—almost too beautiful for a boy—and his expression was calm, though uncertainty lingered in his gaze.
"I'll awaken my martial soul today," he murmured softly. "I wonder what kind of talent I have... I hope I inherit a decent martial soul."
His name was Li Changan.
His parents had chosen that name in the hope he would live a long and peaceful life. But unlike ordinary children, Li Changan carried memories from a previous life—he was someone who had transmigrated from another world, a planet covered in blue oceans.
In this life, he was born into a fallen noble family, barely clinging to its status. Among this generation, he was the only descendant left.
But fate had not been kind.
His mother had grown ill and frail after suffering injuries during childbirth, eventually passing away when he was just three years old. His father, once a knight who served the empire, died in a border war with the Star Luo Empire last year, when Li Changan was five.
Now, at the age of six, he stood alone—without parents, without support.
Today, he would awaken his martial soul. It was his only chance.
If he was lucky enough to awaken a strong martial soul, preferably inheriting his father's sword-type soul and a decent level of innate soul power, then he might be able to protect the family name and estate. But if his luck was poor... if he inherited his mother's weak Green Snake martial soul with no soul power, like her...
Then at best, the family property would be taken from him through legal manipulation. At worst, he could be quietly killed, the estate absorbed by greedy rivals.
In this world, martial strength was the foundation of everything. Without power, even noble blood meant nothing.
How could he possibly keep hold of the family business with no strength, no support, and no connections?
And expecting fairness from the empire?
That was nothing more than wishful thinking. In a feudal society filled with corruption, there were no heroes to stand up for justice unless it brought them benefits. Even if his father died serving the country, he was not the only one. Plenty of other nobles had died as well.
Who would care about the life or death of a small, powerless noble like him?
People might offer polite words or feigned sympathy, but when it came to protecting him or his property, no one would dare offend others or risk their own interests.
"It all depends on today..."
Li Changan clenched his fists. If he awakened his father's sword martial soul and had at least level 4 innate soul power, he would have a real chance. But if he inherited his mother's weak martial soul with no spirit power...
Then everything would be lost. His family's title, land, wealth—gone. Maybe he'd be thrown out. Maybe he'd die in his own home without anyone even knowing.
This world was crueler than people imagined. The true ugliness of human nature often surpassed even what was shown in drama.
"Young master, the carriage is ready," a respectful voice called.
It was the family steward—an old man who had served their household for decades. He was one of the only loyal servants left.
"Alright. Let's go."
Li Changan followed the steward to the carriage. Today, he would go to the noble district's martial soul awakening center.
Unlike commoners, who awakened their martial souls in Spirit Hall, nobles had exclusive facilities provided by the empire for such occasions.
When they arrived, several noble children had already gathered, accompanied by their parents and elders. Boys and girls stood close to their families, eyes filled with nervous excitement.
Li Changan stood alone, with only the old steward by his side.
Some of the children glanced at him, but no one said anything. Among nobles, etiquette still held some weight. Mockery or insult without cause was rare. If someone did act rudely, it was usually because of an existing grudge or someone's instruction.
More families arrived, and once all were present, an elderly soul master came to lead the ceremony.
"Children, enter the hall. The awakening ceremony is about to begin. Parents and attendants, please wait outside."
The children stepped inside one by one.
The awakening hall was grand and solemn. In the center stood a large awakening array, far more refined than the portable ones used by Spirit Hall.
"You are all from noble families," said the old soul master. "I trust your parents explained the process before coming."
The children all nodded.
"Very well. Let us begin."
The soul master pointed to the first child, who stepped forward into the center of the formation.
As light swirled around him, a martial soul gradually appeared—a knight's spear materialized in his hand.
The soul master nodded in approval. "A good weapon-type soul."
The boy then placed his hand on a crystal orb. It lit up with a faint glow.
"Innate soul power: level 3. Martial Soul: Knight's Spear."
For noble children, level 3 innate soul power was quite respectable. If trained diligently, this child might one day reach the Soul King realm.
One by one, the children stepped forward to awaken their martial souls.
Most of them manifested weapon-type souls—swords, spears, sabers. These were strong and practical. In contrast, commoners often awakened martial souls like hoes, sickles, or hammers—tools with little combat value, typically classified as low-grade souls. These rarely had innate soul power, and even when they did, their abilities were usually weak and impractical in battle.
Even if two soul masters had the same soul ring and soul skill, a sword might cut steel while a sickle might only manage to cut wood. That was the difference between a powerful weapon soul and a low-grade tool soul.
Of course, this didn't apply to exceptional martial souls like the Seven Kill Sword or Clear Sky Hammer. Those were in a class of their own.
Eventually, it was Li Changan's turn.
He stepped forward with a calm expression, though his heart raced with tension. He walked to the center of the array and stood still.
Light erupted around him as the array activated.
A warm sensation spread through his chest. His vision blurred, and his consciousness was pulled into an unfamiliar realm.
In his mind, he saw a dense, wild soul beast forest. In a hidden cave lay a massive egg, etched with mysterious patterns. Suddenly, it cracked open.
From within emerged a triangular snake head, its golden eyes filled with confusion and a strange intelligence.
What was this place? Was this some illusion? Was this part of his awakening?
Then everything vanished.
Li Changan opened his eyes, startled.
He was still standing in the awakening array. In his hand, a sword had appeared—its blade sharp, elegant, and emanating a faint aura.
He stared at it in silence.
It seemed that, this time... fate had not abandoned him.