I reincarnated.
The gods of anime heard my wish and decided to grant it—just a little off on the timing. I was kinda hoping to die from old age or maybe be heroically run through (not like that) by Truck-kun after saving a kid or something noble. But hey, it is what it is. Now I just have to deal with it.
I don't know how long it's been since I reincarnated, but I've figured out a few things.
First—the setting of this mysterious new world. It's weird. Not in a bad way, more like chaotic weird. Like an artist splattered random paints on a canvas and accidentally created a masterpiece. The language sounds Eastern—maybe Chinese or Japanese—but the fashion is all over the place. Leather jackets and dresses mixed with qipaos and kimonos, like this place can't decide between historical drama and modern fantasy.
So far, I can't say for sure what world this is. Could be something like Black Clover. Could be as wild as Arifureta. All I know is: it's medieval, and it feels incredible.
The second thing is the people. I've been passed around a lot—yes, like a doll—and not just by my parents. Tons of different figures come to visit. From how they act around me, I can only assume one of two things: either I'm born into a huge family or I'm important. Like, noble important. Judging by the well-dressed strangers smiling at me and chatting with my parents, I'm leaning toward the latter.
Speaking of parents—
I'm shocked. Like, "this isn't real life" shocked. My mom? Drop-dead gorgeous. Top model level. The kind of person you'd expect to star in a romance drama. And my dad? Big, gruff, looks like a lumberjack and acts like a quiet enforcer from an 80s mafia movie, yet still oddly handsome. Together, they're a power couple, which is cool, because so far, they get along great and treat me well.
No tragic backstory. No abandonment. Just overwhelming affection and soft baby talk, which makes me want to bury my head in the sand sometimes.
Then there are the... unnatural events.
I knew something was off the moment my mom picked me up—crib and all—with one arm. Just lifted the whole thing like it was a feather duster.
Lady. What?
I know I'm tiny, but that crib has to be at least 35 kg. That's not normal. Unless she's hiding biceps under those silky sleeves.
And just when I thought that was it, I saw my dad floating. FLOATING. Like casually levitating while walking—or flying through the door. No effort, no fanfare, just a guy going "Hmm," and lifting off like a low-budget Superman.
So yeah. This world? Definitely supernatural. Magic? Probably. Cultivation? Maybe. Superpowers? At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if someone shot lightning from their butt.
And you know what?
Despite the obvious embarrassment of having an 18-year-old mind in a baby's body (and the frequent diaper incidents we don't talk about), I'm excited.
This is a chance.
A chance to be someone.
Back on Earth, my life was mapped out: engineering degree, decent job, save money, invest safe, settle down, get a nice car, maybe raise a family in a comfortable house.
The American—or Canadian—Dream, I guess.
But here? A medieval world with powers and nobles and floating dads?
Here, I could be different.
Hell, I could even be special.
For now, I'm stuck with baby arms and embarrassing bodily functions. But I'm surrounded by warmth and affection. I feel guilty sometimes—like I'm betraying my parents back on Earth—but this is my life now. I don't know if I'll eventually forget their faces. I don't even know if I want to remember. They always said staying stuck in the past is unhealthy so…
This is reality. My reality. And if fate's going to throw me into another world, I'll take it.
But seriously, next time, reincarnate me with a grown-up body, please.
I'd like to poop with dignity.
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It's been a year since my rebirth.
How do I know?
Simple.
Birthday party.
I'm currently in my mom's arms while she greets guests—who I guess are offering congratulations. From what I've observed during my time in this wooden prison (read: crib), I've started picking up a few words. Still can't figure out what language this is, though. I recognize basics like "hello" and "thank you," since people use them a lot, but overall, it's unfamiliar.
Sounds kind of like Chinese... or maybe close to it. I only heard it once in my past life, watching Soul Land just before… well, I died.
Wait.
No. It couldn't be… could it?
If that's true, then maybe I landed in the Type-Moon universe. But if this is ancient China, then all the western fashion I've seen doesn't make sense.
Alright, calm down…
You'll be fine.
Definitely.
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|POV: Tang Xiao|
Tang Xiao and his wife moved from table to table, greeting elders and sect disciples and accepting their blessings. Finally, he took his wife's hand and guided her to the center of the room. Holding their son close, he smiled and kissed her forehead before raising his glass.
"May I have your attention, please!" he said loudly.
The room quieted quickly. Guests raised their glasses, while the elders—led by Tang Xiao's father—joined him at the center.
"Elders, friends, disciples. Today, we celebrate my son's birthday and formally reveal his name so he can finally be added to our family registry and blessed by the sect."
Guests leaned in, eager to hear the name. The first birthday was a significant milestone—proof the child was healthy and worthy of the family. For sects, this was no small matter.
Tang Xiao continued, "We bow to the elders and ask for their blessings."
He and his wife bowed, the latter holding their son in her arms.
"We bow to the master and ask for his blessing," they said, turning to Tang Xiao's father.
"And finally, we bow to the ancestral grounds, so our son may be recognized by our forebears and blessed by the heroes of our sect."
They bowed toward the northern mountains, where the Clear Sky Sect's ancestral grounds lay.
Tang Wei, the sect master and Tang Xiao's father, looked on with pride. His voice boomed:
"As the current sect master, I accept your bows and offer my blessing. May this child be known as the grandson of Tang Wei, son of Tang Xiao, nephew of Tang Hao, and the future of the Clear Sky Clan. Now… say his name."
Tang Xiao stepped forward and declared, "Zhenlong. Tang Zhenlong."
As the name was spoken, the hall erupted in cheers. Guests raised their cups and toasted the new member of the Clear Sky Clan's main family.
|POV: Tang Zhenlong|
Tang Xiao.
Tang Hao.
Haotian.
Alright.
That confirms it.
I've reincarnated into Soul Land. And not just anywhere—I'm part of the Clear Sky Sect's main family.
Again, I ask:
What the hell is my life?!
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Author's Note:
Okay, so I added a bit of lore to the Soul Land universe in this chapter, as you probably noticed. The reason is that traditions, social etiquette, and similar things are never really explained in canon. All we know is: you awaken your martial soul at age six, and if you're talented, you go to an advanced spirit master academy at twelve—and that's pretty much it.
I wanted to add more substance to the world, so I came up with the following:
All spirit master families have three major celebrations marking key milestones in a child's life:
Inclusion in the Family Registry
As explained in the chapter, healing-type spirit skills only work on common illnesses and physical injuries. They can't cure mental illness or congenital defects. Because of this, families don't name their child right away—they wait until the baby turns one. The idea is to avoid forming too strong an emotional attachment if something goes wrong.
If the child shows signs of serious issues, they're quietly sent to an orphanage. But if everything is fine, a naming ceremony is held to formally include the child in the family registry.
For most, this is a small, private affair. But if you're part of the main family or related to an elder (like the MC), you get a much bigger celebration—just like in the chapter.
The ceremony was inspired by traditional Chinese wedding rituals (like bowing to each other, the heavens, ancestors) and the opening scene from Horizon Zero Dawn for those who recognize it.
Awakening Ceremony
At age six, the child awakens their martial soul and spirit power. This is a major turning point and determines their future potential. Pretty self explanatory.
Coming of Age Ceremony
Applies to everyone—commoners and nobles alike.
Age 15 marks maturity and the transition to adulthood. It's also when individuals typically choose their marriage partners or when arranged marriages occur.
Anyway, that's all the extra worldbuilding for now.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I'll see you in the next one!