Chapter One: Sacred Soul Village

“Sheng, wake up! It's already noon—how are you still sleeping?”

Xu Sheng, who was fast asleep with his eyes closed on the bed, heard a childish voice beside him. He rubbed his eyes impatiently and sat up, then glared irritably at the plain-looking little boy next to him, his tone carrying a hint of gentle annoyance. “San, haven’t I told you not to bother me before the afternoon?”

The little boy’s lips twitched, and he rolled his eyes helplessly. “Sheng, who was it yesterday that asked me to wake you up early?”

This boy was none other than the predestined child of Douluo Continent, Tang San!

Xu Sheng’s mind jolted as he suddenly remembered that it was indeed he who had instructed Tang San to wake him up early the day before. Embarrassed, he scratched his messy hair and laughed sheepishly, “San, sorry about that!”

Tang San sighed, waving his hand dismissively. “It’s fine. Since you’re up, I’ll head to the mountain and chop some firewood.”

Sheng had a great personality, but whenever one stayed near him, a chill would seep into the body—a cold so biting it was almost unbearable.

With that, Tang San left the room. Xu Sheng stretched lazily, his deep gaze drifting toward the window.

His name was Xu Sheng. A few years ago, after accidentally falling asleep, he awoke to find himself transmigrated into Douluo Continent, landing in the Holy Soul Village of the Fasno Province.

Though he was without parents, he was gifted with a face so handsome that even women envied him. His gentle, watery eyes and exquisitely sculpted features gave him an air of profound depth.

As a transmigrator, he had waited several years, but no system or anything of the sort appeared. He resolved inwardly to live a leisurely, carefree life.

After getting out of bed and tidying himself, he looked into the mirror at the handsome youth reflected there, nodding with satisfaction.

Martial Spirit and soul power could be dispensable, but handsomeness—now that was absolutely essential.

He rested his chin in his hand, pondering, “According to the original story, tomorrow should be the day of Martial Spirit Awakening—the day Old Tao arrives!”

As the saying goes, the protagonist may change, but Su Yuntao is as unchanging as iron. In most fanfictions based on the original, the main character inevitably encounters this spirited fellow. From another angle, one could say he’s the true undercover agent lurking within the Spirit Hall.

Secretly, who knows how many terrifying enemies he’s set up for the Spirit Hall...

Just as Xu Sheng was lost in his musings, a hurried knocking sounded from outside—rat-tat-tat...

Xu Sheng snapped back to reality and glanced toward the door, his tone puzzled. “Come in!”

With a creak, the door slowly opened, and an elderly man entered, stooped over, clutching a cane in his left hand, his face kindly.

This was Jack, the village chief of Holy Soul Village.

He walked up to Xu Sheng with a warm smile. “Sheng, why are you up so early today?”

Xu Sheng spread his hands, somewhat helpless. “Couldn’t sleep.”

He then feigned ignorance. “But, Chief Jack, is there a reason you’ve come to see me so early?”

If his guess was correct, Jack was likely here to inform him about the Martial Spirit Awakening tomorrow.

Indeed, Jack’s expression grew solemn. “Sheng, tomorrow is the day of Martial Spirit Awakening. I’ll come to fetch you beforehand—don’t miss it!”

Xu Sheng rolled his eyes and tried, “Chief Jack, can I not go?”

Jack replied firmly and loudly, “No! Although those qualified to become soul masters are rare across the continent, one must at least try to know!”

Xu Sheng raised his brows slightly. “Alright, I’ll wait for you at home tomorrow, Chief Jack.”

Seeing Xu Sheng’s indifference, Jack grew serious. “Let me tell you, Sheng, Martial Spirit Awakening is important. Even if you awaken a sickle or a hoe, as long as there’s a trace of soul power, you can become a soul master!”

“If you become a soul master, you’ll stand above thousands! Our Holy Soul Village would benefit and flourish!”

With Jack saying so, what could Xu Sheng say? He only wanted to quietly latch onto someone powerful, enjoy a laid-back life—but why was it so difficult?

And what’s the point of awakening a sickle or a hoe? Just to make it easier to work the fields and be cannon fodder?

Impatiently, Xu Sheng waved his hand, urging, “Alright, I got it. Chief Jack, you probably need to inform others too, right? Hurry up and go!”

“Hey! You little rascal! Remember what I said!” Jack glared at him, gave a final admonition, and limped away.

Xu Sheng muttered under his breath, “And you’re a little bear cub yourself!”

Shoving Jack out of his mind, he briskly dusted off his spotless trousers, a gleam flickering in his eyes. “Alright, alright, now’s the time to find someone strong to rely on!”

…

Arriving in the forest where Tang San was chopping firewood, Xu Sheng watched from afar as Tang San swung his sickle, sweat streaming down his body.

Xu Sheng walked over at a leisurely pace, opening his water flask and calling out softly, “San, stop chopping for now. Come and have a drink before you continue!”

Tang San stared blankly at Xu Sheng, surprised by his sudden kindness, then took the flask, tipped his head back for a drink, and handed it back.

Wiping sweat from his brow, Tang San smiled, “Thanks, Sheng.”

He couldn’t shake the feeling that Xu Sheng was acting strangely today. Usually, Xu Sheng wouldn’t even bring him water—he’d slip away faster than anyone if asked to help chop firewood.

But today, he’d mercifully come to offer him water?

It didn’t make sense! Absolutely not!

Tang San’s instincts, honed over years, told him that Xu Sheng was up to something unusual.