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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However, before making any decisions, Bibi Dong summoned several Titled Douluo—along with Hu Liena, Xie Yue, Yan, and others—to assess the situation. Once they had gathered, she distributed the three reports, a compiled dossier on Tenshin's background, and the accompanying letter from Matthew Nuo.
"This is astonishing!"
"Is he really only seven years old?"
"We should make him join Spirit Hall by any means necessary!"
"Your Majesty, I propose we send an envoy to escort Tenshin to Spirit City for training. His martial soul may be just a book, but he has already overcome its lack of combat application. In fact, his cultivation speed rivals that of someone born with full innate soul power—according to the letter, he's on the verge of bridging that gap."
After hearing their opinions, Bibi Dong declared: "I will allow Tenshin to develop freely. He already has a favorable impression of the Spirit Hall, and for people like him, growth through independent study and exploration is much more beneficial. If we force him to come to Spirit City, he may develop a grudge against the Spirit Hall. As for proceeding with the agreement he proposed—does anyone oppose it?"
Tenshin's groundbreaking research—on the variables affecting soul ring absorption, agricultural advancements, and his Advanced Meditation Method—was deemed invaluable. No one voiced opposition, though a few still advocated for bringing him to Spirit City.
Bibi Dong, however, dismissed the idea outright. Spirit Academy's curriculum was far stricter than those of other academies, and given Tenshin's intellect, conflicts with the instructors were inevitable. The faculty consisted of experienced soul masters, many of whom were set in their ways and proud of their expertise—how would they react if a mere seven-year-old exposed their flaws? They would never willingly admit to being surpassed. Moreover, Spirit Hall's vast archives were not freely accessible, and granting Tenshin unrestricted entry solely based on his theories would undoubtedly cause unrest among the academy's dedicated soul masters.
Upon considering her reasoning, those advocating for Tenshin's relocation relented. The discussion then shifted to practical matters. For the next half-hour, they debated the appropriate sales commission, the optimal timing for publishing the research on soul ring absorption and the new cultivation method, and how best to integrate the farming techniques into Bibi Dong's broader strategies.
Ultimately, they decided to release the findings after the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition, with Spirit Hall retaining 25% of the profits. This delay would allow for additional internal testing, ensuring the cultivation method was thoroughly vetted before its public release.
Bibi Dong had already envisioned the advantages this method could provide. If Spirit Hall's team in the competition consisted of participants trained in the technique, their superior control over energy and soul abilities could give them a decisive edge over rival academies.
Still, some council members voiced concerns. They warned that publicizing the cultivation method could inadvertently strengthen enemy factions and suggested keeping it secret. Others, however, argued that secrecy carried its own risks. If Spirit Hall's participants displayed abnormal growth during the competition, it could invite speculation, accusations, or even harm the organization's credibility. By publishing the findings afterward, Spirit Hall would not only demonstrate goodwill and transparency but also bolster its reputation, attracting even more talented soul masters to its ranks.
In Nuoding City, Tenshin—unaware of the specific arrangements Bibi Dong and Spirit Hall had made regarding his theories—strolled through the streets, idly passing the time while searching for anything that might catch his eye.
After browsing several shops, he found himself primarily drawn to materials and metals for forging and construction, eventually purchasing a selection of them. Out of curiosity, he also visited a few pharmacies, noting that many sold medicinal baths and so-called miracle remedies—products he largely dismissed as fraudulent. It wasn't that he doubted the existence of such medicines, but rather that Nuoding City was far removed from the major economic and medicinal hubs of either empire. The nearest notable city was Gengxin, home to the Blacksmith Association, located beyond the border in the Star Luo Empire.
Given this, the chances of finding genuine miracle medicines or refined pills here were slim. In fact, at this point in Douluo Continent's history, such advanced remedies were virtually nonexistent. True versions wouldn't emerge for nearly 100,000 years, though some primitive prototypes did exist.
'How many people fall for these scams? Especially the wealthy ones,' Tenshin mused, shaking his head as he continued his walk.
After some time, finding nothing else of interest, he stepped into a random shop. In a dimly lit corner, his gaze landed on a black crystal with an uneven surface—its color dull and lifeless. The moment he saw it, a single term flashed through his mind: Whale Glue.
Turning to the elderly shopkeeper, Tenshin asked, "What is this crystal, and how much do you want for it?"
The shopkeeper, who ran the pharmacy, smiled at the young boy and replied, "Kid, I'm not exactly sure what this is—I got it years ago from a fisherman." He paused, scratching his chin before adding, "Considering how long it's been sitting here unsold, let's say one silver coin."
"Alright, I'll take it," Tenshin said, pulling a silver coin from his pocket and handing it over.
After paying, he affixed the piece of whale glue to his soul tool, bid the shopkeeper farewell, and hurried home.
'What luck—finding whale glue on a random stroll,' he thought happily, humming to himself.
Upon returning home, Tenshin headed straight to his backyard. Since his recently purchased forge materials had yet to be delivered, he knew he'd have to improvise.
First, he built a stone support in a vacant, vegetation-free corner. Then, taking a small piece of whale glue—roughly the size of a fingernail—he placed it atop the support. He summoned a gentle flame to soften the substance, gradually increasing the temperature while exercising extreme caution against the infernal fire's overwhelming intensity.
As the heat worked its magic, the fishy odor dissipated, and the gum softened. Tenshin picked up the pliable mass, placed it in his mouth, and swallowed. Instantly, warmth surged through his body like a spreading tide. The gum was slick on his tongue, and though its taste was unpleasantly fishy, its effects were immediate.
He circulated his soul power, feeling the energy flow like pulsing blood from his heart. Carefully, he guided it through his meridians, reinforcing his body with the newfound vitality.
A minute later, as the heat faded, Tenshin sensed a tangible increase in his physical strength. With sharp mental power, he probed his condition, assessing the changes.
After a brief moment of introspection, Tenshin opened his eyes and murmured,
"The whale glue had a remarkable effect, but perhaps there's a more efficient method to enhance or refine its properties."
He shook his head, cutting off his own thoughts. "I'll leave this for later—my schedule is packed as it is. If I try to take on more, I'll just overwhelm myself." With that decision, he carefully stored the whale glue in his soul guide and headed to his room, stepping into the Celestial Library.
Since it was his day off, he decided to test one of the library's functions—the analysis system—which he had long known about but never had the time to explore. To unlock its full potential, Tenshin made his way to a specialized chamber deep within the library. After weaving through rows of shelves, he passed through an archway that marked the entrance to the analysis chamber. The moment he stepped inside, his martial soul—the Celestial Book—manifested on a glowing interface panel.
Approaching the panel, he saw three options displayed:
[General Analysis
A broad, surface-level examination of a target—whether it be techniques, skills, individuals, or objects. It provides a quick overview based on the host's current knowledge and the fundamental laws of the world. While it lacks intricate detail, it serves as a crucial tool for identifying patterns and basic functionality.]
[Specialized Analysis
A focused, energy-intensive evaluation that scans the target to determine specific areas requiring deeper understanding. It calculates the energy and resources needed for a thorough investigation, identifying improvements, flaws, benefits, and potential risks. This function aids in refining techniques and optimizing strategies through simulated insights.]
[Celestial Glimpse
A transformative process that temporarily heightens the host's perception, comprehension, and creativity for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, various areas of knowledge interconnect, revealing new insights and innovations in combat, cultivation, and strategy. However, the mental strain is proportional to the depth of the effort, and this powerful ability can only be used once per year.]
Tenshin let out a low whistle of admiration. "This would have been incredibly useful when I was developing my cultivation technique," he mused.
"Since the year's almost over, I have about a week and a half left... I'll use
"As for the other two functions… I'll test them now."
Without hesitation, he selected
[General Analysis – Tenshin]
[Name: Satoru Tenshin]
[Age: 7 years old]
[Innate Soul Power Level: 7]
[Martial Soul: Celestial Book
1st Soul Skill: Hellfire Summoning]
[Soul Power Elements/Properties: Fire, Evil/Demonic, Mental/Spiritual]
[Soul Power Rank: 18]
[Combat Power: Rank 23]
[Techniques:
Soul Power Control: Low–Mid Rank
Forging: Rank 2 – Master (Soul Land 3/4 equivalent)
Spearmanship: Semi-Intent
Hand-to-Hand Combat: Low–Mid Rank]
[Cultivation/Meditation Techniques:
Current Meditation Method: Advanced Rank
Celestial Qi Cultivation Method: Unranked]
Tenshin studied the information with a thoughtful expression. "I knew my combat power was above my level, but I expected something closer to Rank 20 or 21, not 23." He paused before continuing, "Actually, it makes sense. In the competition, I nearly defeated Tang San—who was Level 19 with a combat power of around 20–21—even without using my martial soul. Considering my other abilities, this result isn't too far off."
His eyes then shifted toward the
"Let's analyze Tang San's
[Specialized Analysis – Mysterious Heaven Skill]
[Pre-analysis Requirements:
Necessary Knowledge: Meridians, past life memories, data from sensory techniques and observations
Required Energy: 37–64% of mental power and 10–23% of soul power]
[Proceed with analysis? Y/N]
Tenshin's brows furrowed. "That's a steep energy cost… but it might be worth it."
He confirmed the analysis, feeling his mental and soul power fluctuating as the system siphoned energy.
Two hours later, having spent the time cultivating to counterbalance the drain, the process finally completed. Tenshin opened his eyes, stretched slightly, and examined the results.
[Specialized Analysis – Mysterious Heaven Skill]
[Replication Success Rate: 90%]
[Benefits/Habilities:
Usable by anyone without elemental, physique, or gender-based restrictions.
Enhances resistance to extreme pressures and poisons while improving health recovery and stamina.
Accelerates cultivation speed and refines soul power, increasing concentration and potency.
Produces a gentle, nourishing soul power.
Enables the external manifestation of internal strength.
Bloodline Inheritance/Absorption: Allows the absorption of bloodlines from both living and deceased beings.]
[Potential Consequences:
May introduce bloodline impurities or conflicts, potentially weakening the user.
Risk of addiction, leading to mental deterioration and an increased thirst for power.]
[Suggested Improvements:
Optimize meridian pathways to enhance cultivation speed, efficiency, and stability.
Replace Bloodline Inheritance/Absorption with a technique that purifies and strengthens the user's existing bloodline.]
[Record technique and data into memory? Y/N]
Tenshin nodded to himself. "As expected of a technique revered even after hundreds of thousands of years… It's impressive."
He leaned against the nearby shelf, deep in thought. "It's hard to believe that an assassin sect like Tang San's Tang Sect developed such a cultivation method. Most of their techniques focus on poisons and hidden weapons, aside from Purple Demon Eye, which is purely for mental enhancement."
"I have two theories. Either an ancestor of the Tang Sect discovered the foundational framework of the
With a final glance at the screen, he chosen [Yes], saving the analysis data to his memory before jotting a brief note in his personal records.