All rights reserved to the respective authors.
"Dialogue": Represented in double quotes for conversations between characters.
'Thoughts': Represented in single quotation marks, indicating the characters' internal reflections.
[Diary]: Represented in square brackets, used for messages intended for the heroines or entries written by Tenshin.
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Ten Months Later
On the mountain behind Nuoding Academy, where Tenshin usually trained—
Tenshin was deep in spear practice, his shirtless torso drenched in sweat. Every muscle in his body tensed with exertion, radiating raw strength. If anyone were nearby, they would have sensed an invisible yet overwhelming presence around him—an aura both sharp and oppressive, brimming with intent.
This aura was an imitation of the spear intent found in the Wuxia worlds of his past life's fiction. He called it an "emulated version" because, unlike true intent, which stemmed from a profound understanding of a weapon, a Dao, or a Tao, his comprehension had yet to reach that level. To manifest this pseudo-intent, he combined his limited understanding with mental power to project his will, reinforcing it with soul power to influence the world around him.
In the world of Douluo Dalu, the closest anyone had come to true intent was Chen Xin, the Sword Douluo—and perhaps even his father before him.
"Huff~~" Tenshin exhaled deeply, executing his final spear movement. In an instant, the oppressive aura vanished, dissipating as though it had never existed. His grip relaxed, and the spear slipped from his hands.
"Crash!"
The weapon slammed into the ground, leaving a small crater upon impact.
"Even after a week of training with this reforged spear, I still haven't fully adjusted to its weight," Tenshin muttered, staring at the fractured earth, exhaustion flickering in his gaze.
After all, this spear weighed 150 kilograms—the same as the Clear Sky Hammer without soul rings.
His thoughts shifted to his current cultivation progress.'I've already reached level 17 in soul power. Ever since I completed my cultivation method a few weeks ago, I've deliberately refrained from using it until I reach level 20. Instead, I've been relying on a modified version of the Advanced Meditation Method I stole from Yu Xiaogang.'
Tenshin knew that most people in his position wouldn't hesitate to switch to a superior cultivation technique immediately. However, during the final stages of refining his own method, he had discovered a crucial detail about celestial qi that he had previously overlooked. To correct this flaw, he incorporated an idea he had been considering for a long time.
Flashback – Six Months Ago
Inside the Celestial Library, Tenshin sat at a cluttered table, surrounded by scattered papers, intricate diagrams, and worn notebooks. At the center lay a lavender-colored book titled Creation of Soul Cores, Douluo Dalu.
"This method has insanely strict prerequisites... not to mention how dangerous and unpredictable it is," Tenshin muttered, his brows furrowing as a flicker of unease crossed his eyes.
His concern stemmed from a discovery made months prior—a subtle yet critical flaw in his cultivation method that had previously escaped his notice. The issue lay in the stark difference between celestial qi, the energy harnessed from celestial bodies, and the soul power commonly wielded by soul masters. The contrast in their quality and density created an imbalance, one that could have unforeseen consequences if left unaddressed.
To grasp this disparity, one would need to understand several principles entirely unfamiliar to the people of Douluo Continent—concepts that were almost common knowledge in the modern world of Tenshin's previous life.
Celestial bodies not only shape the universe but also work in harmony to generate energy, structure space, regulate orbits, and sustain the cyclical processes of formation and evolution—all essential for maintaining conditions conducive to life.
Take, for instance, the two most familiar celestial bodies: the sun and the moon. The sun serves as the primary driving force of a planetary system, fueling countless physical and biological processes that sustain life and environmental balance. Meanwhile, the moon directly influences natural phenomena such as ocean tides and atmospheric patterns.
From this, one could infer that celestial bodies play a fundamental role in maintaining the equilibrium of the cosmos. When comparing the soul power of soul masters—derived primarily from absorbing the elemental essence of heaven and earth—to celestial qi, the difference became glaringly obvious. Soul power was merely a byproduct of localized natural forces, whereas celestial qi originated from the very mechanisms that governed the universe itself.
Tenshin's theory extended even further—he speculated that celestial qi could surpass even the Immortal Spiritual Energy wielded by the gods. This superiority, however, posed a major problem: attempting to replace soul power with celestial qi was akin to forcing a fragile vessel to contain an ocean. The sheer magnitude of celestial qi's pressure would crush any soul master unprepared for it.
After months of deliberation, Tenshin reached a single viable solution before fully transitioning to the cultivation method he had created—compressing and condensing his soul power. This concept, though primitive in its current form, would eventually evolve thousands of years into what future generations would recognize as the Soul Core. Yet, upon studying his own creation method, he found it crude, unstable, and too restrictive—even when compared to the more refined and safer techniques developed in later eras, such as those in Douluo Dalu 3 and Douluo Dalu 4.
The Soul Core Creation Method can be distilled into the following key stages:
1 - Prerequisites:
Soul power equivalent to that of a Soul Sage (Rank 70 or above).
A strong spiritual foundation and a resilient physique to endure the immense pressures involved in core formation.
2 - Core Locations:
Lower Dantian (Abdomen): The primary reservoir of soul power, responsible for enhancing energy capacity and circulation.
Middle Dantian (Heart/Chest): Balances physical and spiritual energies, reinforcing overall vitality and resilience.
Upper Dantian (Spiritual Sea/Head): Enhances spiritual perception and mental faculties, but poses the greatest risk of backlash should the process fail.
3 - Compression and Condensation
Accumulating vast quantities of soul power.
Compressing the accumulated energy into a dense, stable core.
Refining and purifying the condensed energy to stabilize the core's structure.
4 - Monitoring and Adjustment
Constant observation of the core's stability.
Making adaptive adjustments to the flow of energy to maintain balance and prevent collapse.
Despite its potential, Tenshin found the method too crude and dangerous—especially considering the upper limit of only three cores. The risks far outweighed the benefits.
Determined to find a better solution, Tenshin immersed himself in researching alternatives—seeking ways to modify, upgrade, or even reinvent the entire method. This relentless pursuit had brought him to this very moment, surrounded by notes and diagrams, in deep contemplation.
A few moments later, Tenshin slammed his forehead against the table, muttering through gritted teeth, "Idiot, idiot, idiot—I have a photographic memory, for crying out loud!"
Frustrated, he abruptly stood and stormed toward a section of the Celestial Library labeled Doupo Cangqiong / Battle Through the Heavens—the fiery world of the beloved protagonist, Xiao Yan. Tenshin had previously drafted a list, and one of the items was his idea to create a new Soul Core, inspired by the Dou-Qi Cyclone from Battle Through the Heavens.
"Where... where... where..." he muttered, scanning the neatly arranged volumes of novels, manhua, fanfics, and even the Doupo forum archives and wikis.
Finally, his eyes landed on a particular book.
"Here! I found it!" he exclaimed, clutching the tome like a treasure.
Since the library's reorganization during his first visit, Tenshin had made it a habit to come once a week, requesting the library to compile books based on recurring fragments from his memories. The book in his hands contained everything he could recall about the Dou-Qi Cyclone.
Tenshin quickly ran toward the table to start reading the book containing the information. However, halfway there, his gaze shifted to a specific section of the Celestial Library, and a look of nostalgia crossed his face. After a moment of contemplation, he quickly entered the section. When he emerged, two more books were in his hands, and he resumed his path toward the table.
Anyone who knew about his photographic memory might wonder why he was reading books that were essentially materialized versions of his memories, or synthesized recollections of specific topics. The truth was, even with a memory like his, recall wasn't always instantaneous. Reading these books acted as a "trigger," helping him recover details that might otherwise slip through the cracks.
When Tenshin reached the table, he set the two books he had picked up to the side and opened the one on the Douqi Cyclone. Fifteen minutes later, he closed the book, his mind processing the details. Based on its contents, he was able to break down the Douqi Cyclone into distinct stages, each with its own effects:
Creation of Douqi Cyclone: The practitioner begins by gathering Qi into a cyclone, compressing the Dou Zhi Qi into refined Dou Qi. This forms the foundational structure for visualization and internal training. Initially undifferentiated and milky-white, the Qi eventually becomes an energy that can be imbued with specific attributes.
Douqi Transformation: The internal cyclone's Dou Qi changes from a gaseous to a liquid state, allowing for the creation of a "Dou Qi cloak." This enhances the practitioner's physical abilities and improves control over the internal energy, enabling further refinement.
Dou Crystal Formation: As the Dou Qi condenses, it forms irregular, diamond-shaped crystals called Dou Crystals. These crystals can strengthen weapons or create protective armor, marking the shift to more advanced Dou Qi cultivation.
Dou Crystal Evolution: Dou Crystals evolve into more complex shapes, resembling a sea urchin with nine spines. This stage enhances the practitioner's abilities, allowing for short-distance flight, increased offensive and defensive powers, and the creation of superior weapons and armor.
Dou Qi Wings: The Qi of the cyclone resonates with external energy, forming "Dou Qi Wings" that enable hovering and flight. This stage also improves energy absorption, control, and the creation of energy barriers.
Crystal Dou Qi: Dou Qi becomes dense and crystallizes along the meridians and bones, granting control over spatial vibrations and distortions. Manipulating this thick, crystalline energy allows the practitioner to alter the surrounding space.
Refinement and Compression: At full capacity, the Dou Qi must be continually refined and compressed to accommodate new energy. This stage marks the threshold before entering the Saint realm, where energy fluctuations take on a unique, holy nature.
Cyclone Energy Domination: The cyclone's energy now controls a vast domain and integrates with the power of heaven and earth, causing cataclysmic effects with minimal effort. This stage allows the creation of chaotic battlefields, energy tides, and even the mutation of the cultivator's bloodline.
Culmination into Dou Di: The final stage of the Douqi Cyclone process involves absorbing the Origin Qi of heaven and earth, transforming both the Dou Qi and the soul. The soul evolves into a "Di Soul," granting the ability to reshape nature, destroy mountains, and control the cosmos. This marks the attainment of unparalleled influence and power over reality.
Now armed with this information, Tenshin could develop his own method to create Soul Cores, potentially solving the disparity between celestial qi and soul power.
End of flashback.
"And last week, I finally finished it..." Tenshin thought, a mixture of pride, happiness, and relief crossing his face. He was eager to change his cultivation method, especially with the addition of the two books related to his favorite manga and anime.
Honestly, if someone familiar with Tenshin's situation had asked whether he could create his own cultivation method without the enhancements and capabilities of his martial soul, the Celestial Book, and the Celestial Library, his answer would be a quick, unequivocal "no." Even with his above-average comprehension and all the knowledge he retained from his past life, it would have been impossible to remember every detail—specifically the fine points of his theories. Without the scanner function, obtaining all of Yu Xiaogang's knowledge would have been an insurmountable task. It wasn't the general theories—those were either obvious or common sense—it was the critical knowledge Yu Xiaogang had recorded from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, his position as the patriarch's son, and the stolen or gathered information from the Spirit Hall that truly mattered.
Advancing and evolving so quickly, or developing the fighting techniques and cultivation methods he had created, would have been impossible without the Celestial Book and the Celestial Library. Tenshin wasn't arrogant enough to think he could have accomplished all of this without such powerful tools and resources.
Shaking his head, he dismissed his scattered thoughts. He bent down, picked up the spear from the ground, and stored it in the soul guide storage device he had purchased with money he'd saved while working at the smithy—along with the coins he'd "conveniently found" on the ground. Seriously, noble children lost an absurd amount of money.
With a sigh, he made his way back to the dormitory for a shower. Today, he wouldn't be heading to the smithy; the academy was holding its annual end-of-year competition. From the second year onward, this event also served as the final exam, pitting students of the same grade against each other.
In the Afternoon
A lively crowd gathered at Nuoding Academy, with residents from Nuoding City and the surrounding villages coming to watch the competition. Every seat that the academy had rented out to the public was filled, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. This year, the event was especially vibrant. Why? Because someone was using their disciple to promote themselves. And that someone was Yu Xiaogang. For the past month, with the help of the Dean, they had tirelessly advertised the competition.
Once the commotion settled, the Dean stood and announced the official start of this year's final exam. According to the rules, students of the same grade would draw lots, and the two students who drew the same numbers would face off in the arena.
"Hey, isn't that the kid who's always with the master? Is he his student?"
"I heard from my son that his name is Tang San. He's only eight years old, and his martial spirit is just the worthless Blue Silver Grass... but he easily defeated another spirit master with a beast martial spirit in combat."
"I'm actually one of the academy's teachers. I was there when the master spoke to the headmaster about Tang San's soul ring. Believe it or not, his first soul ring came from a 400-year-old Mandala Snake. Master claims it's part of his theory on the 'Ten Core Skills of Martial Spirits'—that plant-based martial spirits can absorb beast spirit rings."
"Could the master really be different from what the rumors say? Is he actually that strong?"
"To guide a child with such a weak martial spirit to this level in just two years… Maybe we've been misjudging him all along."
"…"
Whispers rippled through the audience as more people witnessed Tang San's performance. Admiration for his strength grew, and little by little, the crowd's perception of Yu Xiaogang began to change.
When the final match ended, Tenshin entered the competition area with a weapon slung over his back. As he took his position, he picked up his spear and gripped it firmly in his hands.
"Who is this boy? Why is he bringing a weapon to the competition?"
"I'm not sure, but I heard his name is Tenshin. They say he's skilled in spearmanship. Some kids saw him practicing before, and he works at one of the smithies in the residential area."
"..."
Amid the murmurs of the audience, the match between Tenshin and another student began.
Since it was a friendly competition among classmates, Tenshin's spear was just a training weapon—blunt-tipped and lacking a spearhead.
"The competition begins!"
The teacher's voice rang out across the field, and the boy facing Tenshin made the first move.
"Possession of the martial spirit!"
In an instant, the boy's muscles swelled, his once-slender frame expanding until he looked as strong as an adult.
"A beast-type martial soul!"
"Beast-type martial souls grant immense physical strength to soul masters. Can Tenshin defeat him? He hasn't even summoned his martial soul… Wait, is he planning to fight without it? Does anyone even know what his martial soul is?"
"It's a book, and it has an innate soul power of seven. Rumor has it that his martial soul enhances his mind in some way… but no one really knows the details. We do know his soul ring came from a soul beast hundreds of years old, but no one knows what ability it gave him."
"A book? I didn't even know a martial soul like that could awaken soul power, much less at such a high level… No wonder he carries a spear. If his martial soul has no combat application, he must rely on external weapons. What a waste of potential."
"Huh? Wait… why is that kid already leaving the field?"
A sudden gasp rippled through the crowd.
All eyes turned to the competition area, where the beast-type martial soul user was staggering off the field, clutching his chest with a confused expression.
"Hiss—"
"He lost… already?"
"How did Tenshin do that?"
"We only talked for a few seconds, didn't we?"
"He knocked him out with one strike?"
"But that kid had a beast-type martial soul! Tenshin's martial soul is just a book. How can he be so strong?"
"I don't know… but I saw him stab the kid in the chest with his spear. After that, the kid seemed unsteady and retreated…"
In truth, the technique Tenshin used was nothing extraordinary—just the simplest, most fundamental spear attack.
But simplicity doesn't equate to weakness.
Tenshin had drilled the basic moves day after day, honing them until they became second nature. His strikes carried precision, speed, and efficiency far beyond what any average child could achieve. Although he had yet to reach true mastery, against opponents his own age with little to no combat experience, even these basic techniques made him nearly unbeatable.
'Leaving your chest exposed like that... Were you trying to bait me into attacking?' Tenshin thought, nodding politely to the referee, pulling out his training spear, and leaving the field.
Round after round, his battles unfolded much the same way.
Rarely did any match last more than three exchanges.
As the competition progressed, more and more spectators began to take notice.
Not only had Tenshin refrained from summoning his martial soul, but he hadn't used any soul skills either—defeating opponent after opponent with nothing but pure technique and a wooden weapon.
To anyone with a keen eye, it was obvious he was concealing his true strength.
"It seems today's competition is more interesting than expected. This Tenshin kid is something else."
"Maybe, but his opponents haven't been very strong so far."
"Even so, relying purely on physical strength and spear skills without using his martial soul or soul skills is impressive."
"Among the second-year students, only three stand out: Tenshin, that boy Tang San, and the little girl Xiao Wu with the rabbit martial soul."
Soon after, Xiao Wu entered the arena, having secured several victories.
This time, however, her opponent was none other than Tang San.
"Xiao Wu, I won't hold back this time," Tang San said, his voice calm yet polite, his gaze serious.
Among the second-year students, Tenshin had already secured his place in the finals. The winner of this match would go on to face him for the championship. Tang San knew he couldn't afford to be careless against Xiao Wu. Over the past two years, they had sparred countless times, and both were familiar with most of each other's tactics.
"You'd better not, Third Brother, because I won't hold back either," Xiao Wu replied with a playful smile, before suddenly springing from the ground. Her agile figure shot toward Tang San like a spring-loaded arrow.
Despite the sudden attack, Tang San remained unfazed. This was one of Xiao Wu's signature moves, a common tactic in their sparring matches—she always began by closing the distance quickly.
Although the competition rules prohibited him from using hidden weapons, Tang San's other Tang Sect techniques were more than sufficient to make him nearly untouchable.
Sure enough, as soon as he became serious, Tang San effortlessly dodged Xiao Wu's rapid strikes, moving with the fluid precision of his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track.
Xiao Wu's relentless barrage continued, but each attack met nothing but air.
Finally, with a flick of his wrist, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass unfurled, trapping Xiao Wu and tossing her smoothly out of the competition area.
"Hmph! I'll definitely defeat you next time, Third Brother," Xiao Wu declared.
Though a slight pout played on her lips, Xiao Wu didn't seem too bothered by her defeat. She marched back to the rest area without any complaints.
Her only regret was missing the opportunity to defeat Tenshin. That rabbit he had created during the last annual holiday still lingered in her mind. She hadn't forgotten that little grudge, and for the past year, she had been looking for any excuse to challenge him.
As Xiao Wu was defeated by Tang San, the atmosphere in the arena exploded.
The match everyone had been waiting for was finally about to begin—Tenshin versus Tang San.
The finals were set.