Soul City, Soul Hall
Bibi Dong was leaning on the throne, wearing a black and luxurious robe inlaid with gold patterns, a nine-curved purple gold crown on her head, and holding a two-meter-long scepter embedded with countless precious stones.
Her fair skin and almost perfect face revealed the majesty of the Pope.
At this moment, she was listening to the reports of the bishops of the temples below.
After a long while, she opened her eyes and parted her red lips to speak:"Okay, you all step back and hand over the information to Nana, and let her report it after sorting it out properly."
"Yes! Your Excellency the Pope." The cardinals bowed respectfully and retreated.
Once they disappeared at the end of the hall, a shadow in the corner stirred and saluted at Bibi Dong's side.
"Your Majesty, our people have searched all of Heaven Dou and Star Luo, including Star Dou and Sunset Forest. Tang Hao seems to have vanished from the world," reported Ghost
"Ghost Douluo, six years have passed, yet there has been no progress, you have thoroughly disappointed me. Do not fail me again."
Ghost Douluo knelt on one knee. "Your Majesty, please calm down. Considering this year, Tang Hao's son should awaken his Martial Soul. As long as we send orders and find the Clear Sky Hammer, we'll have clues to follow."
"Okay, do as you said. Make sure Tang Hao is found."
After speaking, Bibi Dong rubbed her temples and closed her eyes. The Ghost Douluo quietly retreated into the shadows and disappeared.
Three months later, Qingshi Village
Village head Ji Ke summoned the children.
"Children, the Master Soul Master of Soul Hall will soon arrive at our Village, and he will also perform the Martial Soul Awakening ceremony for you. Be obedient and don't be afraid, understood?"
Zhou Hao looked forward to it. Over the past three months, the system had fallen silent, and no further check-in tasks were issued.
He trained his body daily and sometimes even competed with Tang San.
Though Tang San didn't teach him his skills directly, he had learned much from him and benefited greatly.
Tang San for now atleast, remained a good companion.
Soon, the village entrance became lively.
A handsome young man walked in, a touch of arrogance in his eyes, and waved to Ji Ke under the envious eyes of the crowd.
"Bring those children here."
Ji Ke bowed respectfully and led the children to the Local Soul awakening Hall at the center of the village."Everyone, don't be nervous. Lord Su Yuntao will help you awaken and Grandpa wishes you all the best."
"Also all the elders please make the children, stand in a proper row," he added.
The young man then addressed the children kindly:"My name is Su Yuntao, a Level 26 Sould Grandmaster, My Martial Soul is lone wolf, and I am responsible for your Martial Soul Awakening today."
Zhou Hao complained silently: "Sure enough, it's the Blind Douluo, Su Yuntao, the best NPC at the beginning, and the number one model worker in Douluo, Bro's decision single handedly changed the world's entire power dynamic."
Su Yuntao took out six black spheres and one blue crystal sphere. After arranging the six spheres, he shouted:
"Lone wolf, possess!"
Under the surprised and frightened eyes of the children, Su Yuntao's body transformed into a wolf.
Then he comforted the children gently."Come on, Lets start. Carefully feel the energy deep in your body in this formation and stimulate it. If you awaken a Beast Soul Spirit, you can possess it like me."
A girl, unsure of herself, held out her hand, and a sunflower appeared in her palm."Your Martial Soul is Bloom Sunflower, not bad. Let's see your Spirit Power."
One by one, the children tested their Martial Souls.
Finally, it was Zhou Hao's turn.
Calmly, he stepped forward, sensing the power within his body.
Suddenly, a ferocious roar erupted, and an extremely strong dark golden bear figure appeared beside Zhou Hao.
The six black spheres trembled, and even Su Yuntao's wolf spirit felt faint under the powerful aura.
Su Yuntao's eyes widened as he carefully scanned his record book and felt the overwhelming energy.
"This… the Beast Soul Spirit is unusually powerful for a child of his age," he murmured, still trying to confirm the type.
"Son, what's your name?" Su Yuntao asked.
"Zhou Hao."
"Come on, test your Spirit Power."
As Zhou Hao placed his palm on the blue crystal, a strong suction pulled at his soul power.
The crystal's light grew intense, and the blue halo blinded everyone nearby.
"Innately full soul power again!" Su Yuntao exclaimed. "Kid your talent is unparalleled. Are you willing to join Soul Hall? The Soul Hall will provide the best training and environment."
"Thank you, but I don't plan to join Soul Hall now. I want to stay with Grandpa Ji Ke," Zhou Hao replied politely, his eyes firm and clear.
Su Yuntao hesitated for a moment, studying the boy's determined expression.
Part of him wanted to report such talent immediately, to secure the boy for Soul Hall, but another part understood that forcing a child this young could stifle his spirit rather than nurture it.
"At his age… perhaps the best path is to let him choose. I'll record this quietly for now and watch over him from afar," he thought, a rare flicker of warmth crossing his usually stoic features.
He handed over a certificate bearing his Soul Master handprint and the official Soul Hall seal. "If you want, you can study at Notting Elementary Soul Master Academy. You can come to the Soul Hall branch in Notting City anytime."
The system announced:
"Congratulations on completing Martial Soul Awakening.
New Sign-In task: Location, Star Dou Forest.
Reward: Strengthen first soul ring according to physical condition."
Zhou Hao clenched his fists.
In a few days, he would hunt for soul rings in Star Dou Forest.
"Grandpa, I don't want to go to school in Notting City. I want to rely on myself."
Ji Ke hesitated, brow furrowed. "Child, your talent is extraordinary, but without a teacher, obtaining a soul ring will be dangerous. Soul Beasts are unpredictable, and even the slightest mistake could be fatal. Old Jack says you can only secure a soul ring by defeating a soul beast, and most children your age don't survive the first encounter alone."
Zhou Hao's eyes shone with determination. "Grandpa, I understand the risks, but my Martial Soul is strong. I've trained every day, and I can sense the energy of the beasts. I'll be careful."
Ji Ke studied him carefully. This boy had always been calm, focused, and fully aware of the dangers, a rare combination in a child so young.
"He isn't like other children… and once he decides on something, he becomes the most stubborn person that I know, perhaps shielding him would only limit him."
After a long pause, Ji Ke nodded. "Very well. I cannot stop you, nor do I have the strength to shield you if trouble comes. But I can trust your judgment, and I know you respect your life and will act with caution. I will prepare what I can, marking safe paths and leaving supplies along the way. Beyond that, the rest is in your hands. If you succeed, it will only be because of your talent and care."
Zhou Hao smiled, gratitude mingled with excitement. "Thank you, Grandpa. I'll be careful and follow your guidance."
Back at the Soul Hall
The last batch of Martial Soul Awakening ceremonies concluded, bringing fresh blood to the world of Soul Masters in the two empires.
In the Soul Hall, Bibi Dong's gaze cut through Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, who knelt rigidly before her. Even the revered Titled Douluo felt the icy weight of her presence.
"Report," she commanded, her voice sharp and cold.
Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke carefully. "Your Majesty, we conducted thorough searches across Both empires, checking all newly awakened Martial Souls. Yet there was no sign of the Clear Sky Hammer. None of the children we observed displayed such a spirit."
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed. "So your plan to locate Tang Hao through his heir has failed?"
"Yes, Your Majesty,"Ghost Douluo admitted. "It is possible… the heir has not awakened the Clear Sky Hammer. Or perhaps he remains hidden. Either way, we have no leads to follow in the usual channels."
Bibi Dong's expression darkened, the icy weight of her presence suffocating. "If the Clear Sky Hammer has not appeared, then we must find another way to track Tang Hao. Do not waste any more time on assumptions, consider all possibilities and report only when you have solid evidence."
Chrysanthemum Douluo bowed low. "Understood, Your Majesty. We will adjust our methods immediately."
Bibi Dong's gaze lingered a moment longer, cold and commanding. "Go. And remember, another failure will not be tolerated."
The two Douluo rose and withdrew, their faces pale but controlled, fully aware of the gravity of their task.
At that moment, Hu Liena, only twelve years old, approached.
"Teacher, what's wrong with Grandpa Ghost?" she asked softly.
Bibi Dong's expression softened. "Nana doesn't need to know, they just made a few mistakes."