Over the next few days, Gu Han maintained a simple routine—eat, then run to the riverside to practice his swordsmanship.
Strangely, the mysterious cultivation method in his mind began to expand, now including basic sword techniques. Though not very advanced, they were perfectly suited for his current level.
Each morning, on the edge of the riverbank, Gu Han practiced with his Xuanshuang Sword. Thrusting, slashing, pointing, sweeping, lifting, collapsing, cutting, scraping, hanging, racking, pressing—he seamlessly cycled through the most fundamental sword forms. His footwork, paired with these techniques, formed a complete and disciplined routine.
This set of moves felt tailored for him. In just a few days, he had fully internalized it.
"Xiaohan! That's enough for now. Rest up—we're heading to Shuofeng City today!"
Mr. Gu's voice rang out from a distance.
"Got it, Grandpa!"
Gu Han sheathed his sword and jogged back.
After a good meal and some tidying up, Gu Han and his grandfather set off toward the city.
Arrival in Shuofeng City
Shuofeng City sat in the northern region of the Tiandou Empire, near the Far North. Soul masters here mostly possessed water or ice attributes. So, when Gu Han awakened his element, Lu Rentao hadn't been particularly surprised.
Though technically a city, Shuofeng was small and remote, surrounded by tall city walls but lacking the prosperity of places like Notting City. The cold and isolation explained its humble scale.
Interestingly, Gu Han had recently discovered that his jade pendant was actually a soul guide, containing a storage space of 20 cubic meters.
The Martial Soul Hall of Shuofeng City was located in the eastern part of town. Its architecture resembled a Western fantasy-style castle—imposing and grand, despite being only a branch hall.
As they approached the steps, two golden-armored guards halted them.
"Stop. State your business."
Mr. Gu stepped forward, handing over the Martial Soul certificate given by Lu Rentao days earlier.
"We've come to register with the Martial Soul Hall."
The guard inspected the document, nodded, and stepped aside
Inside, the grand hall was both elegant and surprisingly modern in its decor. Gu Han found himself thinking, "The technology in the Douluo Continent is truly strange..."
Soon, a familiar face appeared—Lu Rentao, the soul master who had helped him awaken his martial soul. Beside him stood an elderly man in white.
"You've arrived," said Lu Rentao. "This is our bishop Master zhen."
"Master zhen, this is Gu Han. He possesses innate soul power of level five—a true talent."
zhen gave Gu Han a thoughtful look.
"Hello, Master zhen. I'm Gu Han."
"Very good," zhen nodded. "From now on, you're a member of the Shuofeng Martial Soul Hall. If you ever need anything, speak to me or Lu Rentao."
He glanced at Lu Rentao, then turned back to Gu Han.
"Xiaohan, yes? I'll call you that."
"Of course, Master. As you wish."
"Haha, don't be so formal. If you don't mind, just call me Grandpa zhen."
Then, Bishop Markle released his four soul rings: white, yellow, yellow, and purple—a four-ring Soul Sect, strong by small-city standards.
"Grandpa zhen."
Gu Han didn't hesitate. The man was clearly older and powerful. Even if zhen wasn't going to personally look after him, being polite ensured he wouldn't become a target.
"When outside, it's wise to temper your edge. Not from fear—but to avoid unnecessary trouble."
Bishop Markle appreciated Gu Han's respectful nature and smiled warmly.
"Xiaotao, take him to Shuofeng City Junior Soul Master Academy tomorrow to complete his admission. Any necessary expenses, bring me the bill."
"Understood."
Lu Rentao grinned
The next day, Lu Rentao took Gu Han shopping for clothes, bedding, and daily essentials—far superior to what Gu Han had originally brought.
Shuofeng Junior Soul Master Academy was the largest school in the area. Its principal was a Soul Master, one of the strongest in the city.
Thanks to the Martial Soul Hall, Gu Han's admission went smoothly. He even received a single dorm room, far better than the conditions of regular work-study students.
Before leaving, Lu Rentao handed him a copy of the Martial Soul Hall's exclusive meditation method, a much higher-quality version than the standard one.
Although Gu Han had his own mysterious cultivation method, he still gratefully accepted the gift and stored it inside his soul guide.
After settling in, Gu Han was taken to his class by his new homeroom teacher, Ms. Qin, a stern, middle-aged Great Soul Master.
They arrived during class. Gu Han noted the room number—it was First Grade.
Naturally, their arrival drew attention. Ms. Qin clapped to get the class's focus.
"Class, we have a new student joining us. I hope you all get along."
"Introduce yourself, please."
Gu Han nodded, walked to the blackboard, wrote his name, and turned to face the class.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Gu Han. My martial soul is the Xuanshuang Sword. I hope we get along."
Bang bang bang!
The class applauded. Ms. Qin raised her hand, calming the students, and pointed toward an empty seat by the window.
"Gu Han, you may sit there."
He nodded and sat down.
Next to him sat a chubby boy in fine clothes. He looked at Gu Han's plain outfit with disdain but still asked:
"Hey, hillbilly, what's your innate soul power?"
Gu Han frowned but didn't retaliate.
"We're in class. I've already introduced myself."
The boy scoffed.
"Tch. Acting all high and mighty."
Gu Han held back. Picking a fight on the first day was beneath him.
The teacher began explaining the types of martial souls—beast, plant, and weapon types—and their respective roles: strong attack, agility, control, and support.
Gu Han paid close attention. Despite having read much about this world, he knew that true mastery required learning from all sources.
When class ended, Gu Han prepared to head to the library—but was blocked by a group of boys.
The chubby boy led them, arms crossed, nostrils flaring.
"Pretty cocky, huh?"
Gu Han remained calm.
"Move."
"Haha! Did you hear that? He told us to move!"
The others laughed. The class kept their distance, not wanting to get involved.
"Do you even know who I am?" the boy sneered.
"I don't care," Gu Han replied coldly. "If you don't move, don't blame me for being rude."
"Oh? I'd like to see how rude you can be."
The boy snapped his fingers, and the group advanced.
Gu Han didn't want trouble, but he wasn't afraid of it either. The moment they got close, he burst forward using the step method from his mysterious technique—fast as lightning.
With a clean, powerful punch, he knocked the chubby boy to the ground.
"AHHH!!"
The boy screamed, clutching his face.
"You dare hit me?! Get him!"
The group summoned their basic martial souls—mostly minor beasts or crude weapons.
But Gu Han responded with his Xuanshuang Sword, unleashing swift and clean basic sword techniques. Though they had numbers, their experience and power paled in comparison.
Within moments, the would-be bullies were on the floor.
Gu Han approached the trembling fat boy.
"Big bro! No! I was wrong! My grandpa is the City Lord of Shuofeng—please don't kill me!"
Gu Han grabbed him by the collar, eyes cold.
"I don't care who your grandfather is. Bother me again, and don't expect the Martial Soul Hall to protect you."
He released the boy and walked away, sword in hand.
"No point pretending to be weak with these clowns. Since I have backing, why not use it?"