Chapter 1: Transcending to the Douluo Continent - Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony - Douluo's spirit bead sword

## Chapter 1: Transcending to the Douluo Continent - Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony Seven Treasures Village is a peaceful mountain village, modest in population but abundant in resources, with smiles adorning the faces of its inhabitants. At the village entrance, a small boy lay atop a large stone, basking in the sun and napping. He appeared five or six years old, his demeanor exhibiting a maturity beyond his years. The boy had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes; although not fully grown, there were traces of a future handsome young man. "Xiao Tian, come down, it's time for lunch," a gentle woman called from below. The boy leaped off the stone, responding with a smile, "I'm coming, Mom." "You always scare me like this." The woman seemed accustomed to his antics, but as a mother, seeing her child jump about with such impulsiveness was nerve-racking. "I know you're naturally healthier than other kids, but you still need to be careful. What would your father and I do if something happened to you?" "I know, I won't do it again!" The boy was named Jun Tian Lin. His parents were native villagers of Seven Treasures Village, but he was different; he was a traveler from another world. He had arrived mysteriously while gaming and watching the Douluo anime when his computer bizarrely exploded. It was said that on the day he was born, a meteor streaked across the sky, falling into the Star Dou Forest, witnessed by many on the Douluo Continent and allegedly causing a beast rampage there. His father believed this was a celestial sign, naming him Tian Lin, meaning 'son of the divine unicorn.' "Darn it, I was playing a Sword and Fairy game! How did I end up in the world of Douluo Continent? It defies all logic!" When he first arrived, Tian Lin's heart was filled with such roaring disbelief. (TN: Sword and Fairy is an actual game series, the MC's spirit is based on it. ) Indeed, he had crossed into the Douluo Continent, a realm filled with martial souls. Seven Treasures Village was associated with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, one of the top sects on the continent, known for its unparalleled auxiliary tool martial soul, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. However, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda lacked attack capabilities. Hence, besides its direct disciples, the sect recruited many affiliated families as protectors, such as the clans of Sword Douluo Chenxin and Bone Douluo Gujia. Moreover, the sect sheltered many villages beneath its mountain, hoping to discover talents among commoners, following the adage 'better more than less,' absorbing combat-type spirit masters en masse. Those capable were nurtured; the average became ordinary disciples of the sect. Even the most mundane weapon martial soul, with the assistance of their Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, could transcend realms to defeat enemies. If the renowned Clear Sky Sect dominated by quality, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect triumphed through quantity. Seven Treasures Village was the largest under the sect's mountain, originally Little Soul Village, renamed by a former sect leader after a folk hero emerged from here. This hero, an admired gold phoenix, now 78 years old, was Yin Yang, a revered speed-attack battle Douluo with the Thunder Feather Golden Eagle martial soul, and the village’s pride. He never appeared in the original texts, likely having fallen victim to the Spirit Hall's soul-hunting operations. The sheer size of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect suggested more powerhouses than the two titled Douluos featured prominently; the sect surely had its share of ordinary elite warriors, like more Soul Douluo and Soul Saints. Upon returning home, Tian Lin was met by his burly father, Jun Tian Hai, who lifted him up joyfully. "Haha, my precious son is back. Tomorrow is your martial soul awakening day. I'm counting on you to bring us honor!" "Dad, you better not hold too high hopes!" Tian Lin shrugged helplessly. Despite his father's high aspirations, he couldn't promise much. Martial soul inheritance typically comes from the stronger of the parents' lineages unless there's a mutation. But Tian Lin's parents had ordinary martial souls. His mother possessed a useless pearl, innately soul power deficient. His father wielded a sword, a decent combat martial soul, but it was a rusty sword with insufficient attack power and innate soul power of just one and a half level. Now almost thirty, his father remained a mere 21st-level Soul Master, with just one white and one yellow soul rings, possibly forever failing to become a Soul Elder. As a Soul Master, his father held some standing in the village as the warehouse keeper. Tian Lin, though understanding, often felt it unfortunate. "Couldn't it just be a regular sword? Why rusted? Is fate jesting with me?" Lacking a system or Tang San's advantage of bringing past life's skills and hidden weapons, Tian Lin pondered his survival on the martial strength-dominated Douluo Continent. Nonetheless, he wasn't entirely bereft of cheats. Within his mind were two books, but frustratingly, only their covers were visible, with no means to open them to reveal their contents. "Well, son, it doesn't matter what martial soul you inherit. If it's like mine, you can become the village's warehouse keeper. It offers income and status, marry a nice girl, and live a peaceful life," said his mother, Mo Lan, wishing for her son only a stable future. While eating, Tian Lin clenched his fists subtly. He wouldn’t accept a life like his mother envisioned. Here to leave his mark, he aspired to create a realm of his own. The awakening ceremony would happen tomorrow, and the results were still uncertain. Early the next morning, the Village Chief gathered all the children who had turned six. The elderly village chief, in a kindly manner, addressed them, "Children, soon a Soul Master from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will assist in your martial soul awakening. Cooperate well with the master, and Grandpa hopes some of you will become soul masters, like your Grandpa Yin Yang." At the mention of Yin Yang, the children were filled with admiration, having grown up hearing tales of him. This village's awakening was overseen by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, under their protection. If they relied on the Spirit Hall for awakening, it would undermine the sect's prestige. Before long, a sound was heard from the sky; a figure approached, descending from above before the children. It was a middle-aged man sporting wings, a clear sign of flying-type beast martial soul. Suspended around him were four glowing circles: one white, one yellow, and two purple—a formidable Soul Ancestor. "Respected Soul Ancestor, thank you for coming," the village chief greeted promptly. "Not at all, Chief, you're too kind." This Soul Ancestor was polite, though this courtesy was likely due to Yin Yang's influence. The Qibao Glazed Tile Sect's Third Elder hailed from this village, highly affectionate toward his birthplace. Misconduct here would surely incite severe repercussions from his elder. After brief exchanges, the Soul Ancestor led the children into the awakening shrine. "Alright, children, line up. Don't be nervous. My name is Tian Yu, from the Qibao Glazed Tile Sect's Scout Hall, a forty-two level speed-attack Soul Ancestor with the White Bird martial soul. I'll perform the martial soul awakening for you." The Qibao Glazed Tile Sect involved three halls for external combat apart from its direct disciples: the Battle Hall and the Guard Hall, led by Strength-attack Titled Douluo Chenxin and Defense Titled Douluo Gu Yuan, respectively. The Scout Hall's Elder was Yin Yang. Unlike the other two halls, this one lacks the fame, mainly handling reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. It houses several soul masters with flying-type martial souls. Thus, this Soul Ancestor was Yin Yang's direct subordinate, explaining his courtesy. "Ah, a pity it isn't Master Su Yun Tao overseeing my awakening. If he finds my martial soul to be a ‘waste,’ I might even hope someday to become a god," Tian Lin mused silently. He was familiar with the 'Blind Douluo' Su Yun Tao's name from his previous life, known for potentially identifying extraordinary talent in ordinary-looking martial souls. As Tian Lin let his thoughts wander, the awakening ceremony commenced. Tian Yu took out six black stones and a bright blue crystal ball. Arranging the stones, he motioned for the first child to stand among them. "Don't be afraid, close your eyes and feel carefully." As he spoke, Tian Yu channeled his soul power, his four soul rings re-emerging, "White Bird, possess!" Simultaneously, enormous snow-white wings unfurled from his back, his fingers morphing into sharp talons, embodying awe-inspiring prowess—that was the power of beast martial soul possession. Witnessing this scene, the children were amazed, including Tian Lin, who despite prior understanding, was taken aback by the spectacular application of martial soul by a Soul Master. "Children, this is my martial soul, the White Bird. If any of you awaken a beast martial soul, you'll have abilities like mine." "Now, child, extend your right hand!" Tian Yu commanded the boy with authority. The boy instinctively stretched out his right hand, and instantly, countless points of light from the six stones enveloped him. A spear slowly materialized in his hand. "Oh, a spear! That's quite a decent strong attack-type tool martial soul. Let me test your soul power. If you have soul power, you could become a Battle Soul Master in the future!" Tian Yu exclaimed with excitement. Responsible for awakening martial souls in various villages, he knew how challenging it was for commoners to become soul masters. That he had encountered such promise on his first try today was unexpected. "Sir, what should I do?" The boy mustered the courage to ask, seeing Tian Yu in a good mood. "Withdraw your martial soul with your mind. In the future, summoning it will also require mental effort. Then, we'll test your innate soul power!" Tian Yu explained as he handed the boy a crystal ball. The boy retracted his martial soul and placed his hand on the sphere. Immediately, it emitted a bright glow. "You indeed have soul power, reaching level four, the same as mine. Wonderful!" Tian Yu was overjoyed, as he would have good news for Elder Yin Yang. For years, no soul masters had emerged from Seven Treasures Village, and he had often heard his elder sigh in disappointment. "Alright, child, stand aside for now. You have the potential to become a soul master. I'll take you back to our sect later; train hard in the future, understood?" Tian Yu spoke gently. "Yes!" The boy was ecstatic—becoming a soul master was every child's dream in the village. Tian Yu lifted his head and announced, "Next!" Various scenarios unfolded consecutively, but sadly, apart from the first child, none were promising. "Martial soul, a hoe—barely usable as a weapon, but sadly lacking soul power." "Martial soul, a water jar—no soul power." "Martial soul, a chicken, a beast martial soul yet useless without soul power. It’s indeed impractical." "Martial soul, Blue Silver Grass—utterly useless, lacking attack, defense, and support capabilities; a standard waste martial soul!" After several awakenings, Tian Yu sighed heavily. He knew miracles were rare, though today's lone spear martial soul still justified the trip. As fewer remained, those unable to become soul masters looked downcast, while the first boy stood arrogantly, considering himself in a league of his own. After all, he was a child of destiny, a future soul master. "Phew, finally to the last one. Child, come forward!" After many awakenings, Tian Yu appeared somewhat fatigued. Catching a breath, he called forward the last one, Tian Lin. Nervously, Tian Lin stood within the formation. As Tian Yu mobilized his soul power, Tian Lin's body floated involuntarily, with the awakening stones glowing more brightly than ever. "This child, could he be…" Such an intense awakening scene made Tian Yu suspect a remarkable occurrence awaited. With his eyes closed, Tian Lin felt as if he were in a warm world, like being in his parents' embrace, as energy coursed through his entire being, bringing indescribable comfort. Simultaneously, he sensed powerful forces in both hands, seemingly ready to break free from the confines of his body. Tian Lin quickly clenched his left hand, extending only the right. Having read the original works, he suspected this was a sign of twin martial soul awakening. As a transmigrant, he knew the importance of discretion, so he mentally withdrew the item in his left hand, concealing it. In his right hand, an ethereal blue sword emerged, its blade etched with ancient Jianguo characters. "This is the Demon Sword!" Tian Lin was taken aback. Wasn't this the sigil sword from the "Sword and Fairy" series he was playing before his world transfer, the weapon of Murong Ziying and Jing Tian? He had once reached the final level, challenging the Demon King for the perfect ending, pushing the Demon Sword to its limits. Unexpectedly, the Demon Sword had crossed over with him. As for the object in his left hand, he could guess its nature—likely even mightier than the Demon Sword. "What a brilliant sword!" Tian Yu couldn't help but exclaim. The sword's elegant design alone suggested its exceptional quality. "Child, does this sword have a name?" "It does, named Demon Suppressing Sword," Tian Lin quickly replied. Initially, he intended "Demon Sword," but considering the Douluo Continent's distaste for evil soul masters, the name sounded unsuitable. Mistaken identity as an evil soul master would be an unnecessary risk. Adding "Zhen," meaning "to suppress," transformed its meaning entirely to "suppressing demons," suggesting a righteous divine weapon.