Southwest of the Heaven Dou Empire, in Fasno Province, lies Qingshi Village, a small settlement of just over two hundred people. At its entrance stands a massive bluestone where children often gather to play. Over time, the stone became the origin of the village's name.
For generations, the villagers of Qingshi have relied on farming. Thanks to the prosperity of nearby Notting City, they can sell their produce at fair prices, living comfortably alongside their neighbors in Holy Soul Village.
At this moment, a boy sat leaning against the great bluestone, his eyes filled with melancholy. His name was Zhou Hao, and he had been in this world for almost half a month.
In his past life, he had been an ordinary college student on Blue Star. Handsome, full of ambition, and close to graduation, he had gone skydiving on a trip with friends, only for a sudden bolt of lightning to strike him mid-air. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in the world of Douluo.
"The Douluo series was already on its fifth part back then… I never thought I'd end up here for real," Zhou Hao sighed inwardly.
The body he now inhabited also belonged to someone named Zhou Hao, an orphan raised by the village chief, Grandpa Jike. He was five years old this year.
Zhou Hao let out another sigh. "Why couldn't I have crossed over with Tang San? And where's my so-called golden finger?"
As if answering his complaint, a crisp electronic chime echoed in his ears:
"Ding! Sign-in system initializing…""Identity confirmed.""System binding complete."
Zhou Hao shot up in shock, staring at the translucent panel that appeared before him. For a moment, there was only one thought in his mind:
My cheat system has finally arrived!
A red dot pulsed in the corner of the panel. When Zhou Hao touched it, a voice rang out:
"Ding! Congratulations, Host, you have triggered the Novice Gift Pack. Please select your rewards."
Three shimmering icons unfolded before him:
Martial Soul Selection – Evil Eyed White Tiger, Nine Heart Begonia, Titan Giant Ape, or Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear (unknown effect).
Top-tier Storage Soul Guide – Choose between belt, bracelet, or ring.
Innate Trait Selection – Enhanced Charm, Strong Physique, or Wretched Temperament.
Zhou Hao's eyes immediately locked onto the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear Martial Soul. Known for unmatched attack and defense, it was one of the most feared beasts in Douluo. Though the system mentioned "unknown effects," Zhou Hao reasoned that a novice gift pack wouldn't harm him.
Without hesitation, he made his choices: the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear, the ring-shaped storage soul guide, and Strong Physique.
A surge of terrifying energy poured into his body.
From his right palm came the phantom roar of a giant bear, and Zhou Hao felt his very bloodline being reforged.
His martial soul wasn't just awakened, it carried the potential to evolve into the pinnacle of bear-kind.
Even in his five-year-old body, Zhou Hao suddenly felt brimming with strength. A dark blue ring shimmered faintly on his left hand.
Suppressing his excitement, he ran back to Grandpa Jike's house.
"Grandpa Jike, when will the Martial Soul Awakening come to our village? I'll be six soon!"
The old man stroked his beard kindly. "In about three months. When you and the children from Holy Soul Village turn six, Spirit Hall will send someone."
Looking at the child he had raised, Jike's wrinkled face softened. "Xiao Hao, you've been sensible since young. I hope you can become a soul master one day and leave this small village. That way, you won't have to rely on an old man like me."
Zhou Hao's heart warmed. "Grandpa, when I become a soul master, I'll make sure you live a good life."
Jike chuckled, his smile blooming like a flower.
Later that day, Zhou Hao slipped away to a hillside outside the village. With a casual punch, a massive rock shattered into pieces. The power within his small frame was terrifying. His eyes turned toward Holy Soul Village.
That was where Tang San, the destined Child of the Heavens, lived.
For a moment, Zhou Hao considered approaching him, but quickly dismissed the idea. You have Mysterious Heaven Skill, but I have my sign-in system. I will see you in the ring.
Just then, the system chimed again:
"Ding! New anchor detected: Holy Soul Village."
"Time-limited sign-in task: Location, Holy Soul Village.
Reward: Innate Full Soul Power. Time Limit: 3 Days."
Zhou Hao grinned. "Tang San… looks like I'll be meeting you soon."
Holy Soul Village
Old Jack was once again telling children the ancient legend of the Holy Soul.
As always, he handed out carrots to the kids gathered around him.
Meanwhile, young Tang San hurried home with firewood on his back, uninterested in fairy tales.
Zhou Hao arrived at the village gate just in time to catch sight of him. His sharp gaze lingered.
His complexion is healthy, his steps are steady… Mysterious Heaven Skill really is remarkable.
Tang San's senses quickly picked up on being watched.
His purple eyes flickered, and his body readied itself to strike, until he turned and saw Zhou Hao, a five-year-old boy from the neighboring village. Tang San relaxed slightly, though suspicion still lingered in his eyes.
Old Jack spotted Zhou Hao and waved cheerfully. "Xiao Hao! Come join us and have a carrot, you are looking a bit skinny."
Zhou Hao accepted it with a smile. "I just came back from Grandpa Jike's place. I wanted to see how everyone here was doing."
Inside, though, he silently chanted: Sign in.
"Ding! Sign-in successful. Reward: Innate Full Soul Power."
"Achievement unlocked: First Sign-in.
Additional reward, 500-year Soul Bone (Growth Type)."
Zhou Hao felt energy surge through him, his body heating as if it would burst.
Not only had his soul power instantly reached the tenth level, but his martial soul itself evolved, its bloodline directly elevated to a ten-thousand-year level foundation.
His right arm pulsed as the soul bone attached itself. Though externaly everything looked and remained the same.
"Dark Gold Terrorclaw Right Arm Bone obtained. Current age: 500 years. Will grow as host's cultivation increases."
Clenching his fist, Zhou Hao marveled at the razor-sharp aura radiating from his hand.
He smiled.
Host: Zhou HaoRealm: None (Level 10, Martial Soul not yet awakened)Martial Soul: Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear (Upgraded)Soul Bone: 500-year Dark Gold Terrorclaw Arm BoneSoul Guidance Device: Storage Ring
"With this system, Tang San won't be my match. Still, befriending him could be useful. For now, I'll watch quietly and bide my time."
His eyes gleamed with ambition. In just three months of his arrival, his Martial Soul had awakened, and he could attempt to hunt soul beasts far beyond what others his age could handle.
The legend of Douluo was destined to change with him in the mix.