The glow of multiple monitors cast harsh blue light across the cluttered apartment, illuminating empty energy drink cans and forgotten takeout containers scattered across every available surface. Lin Tianyu's bloodshot eyes remained fixed on the cascading lines of code that had consumed his existence for the past seventy-two hours. His fingers, stained with caffeine and trembling from exhaustion, continued their relentless dance across the mechanical keyboard.
"Just a few more lines," he muttered to himself, the same phrase he had repeated countless times over the past three days. "The consciousness transfer protocol is almost complete."
At twenty-nine years old, Lin Tianyu had already established himself as a programming prodigy with an IQ that tested beyond the standard scales. Orphaned at twelve and left to navigate the world alone, he had retreated into the digital realm where logic reigned supreme and human relationships couldn't disappoint him. His genius had earned him enough money through freelance contracts to live comfortably as a hermit, working from his apartment and avoiding the complexities of social interaction.
But his true passion project lay in the quantum consciousness simulation technology he had been developing in secret. Years of research into neural interfaces, quantum computing, and consciousness mapping had led to this moment. He had already created his first virtual world, a perfect recreation of the Douluo Dalu world from his favorite novel series. Every detail had been meticulously programmed, from the power system mechanics to the political structures of the various empires.
The simulation was meant to be the ultimate escape, a world where he could experience adventure and companionship without the messy complications of real human relationships. He had spent months crafting the perfect protagonist experience, complete with detailed NPCs based on beloved characters from the series.
"Memory allocation optimized," he whispered, watching as another section of code compiled successfully. "Neural pathway mapping complete. Quantum consciousness bridge protocols..."
His vision blurred momentarily, and he shook his head violently to clear it. The empty coffee cup beside his keyboard mocked him with its dryness. When had he last eaten something substantial? The question seemed irrelevant compared to the breakthrough that lay just within reach.
The quantum consciousness transfer technology would revolutionize virtual reality. Instead of simply controlling an avatar through external interfaces, users would experience complete consciousness immersion. Every sensation, every emotion, every thought would feel absolutely real within the simulated environment. It would be indistinguishable from actual life.
"Final integration sequence initiating," Lin Tianyu announced to his empty apartment, his voice hoarse from disuse. His hands shook as he typed the last lines of code that would bridge the quantum consciousness matrix with the Douluo Dalu world simulation.
The multiple screens around him flickered as massive amounts of data processed through his custom-built quantum computing arrays. Months of theoretical work were finally becoming reality. The consciousness transfer pod he had constructed in his bedroom hummed with barely contained energy, its neural interface helmet gleaming under the fluorescent lights.
But something was wrong. Lin Tianyu's chest felt tight, and his heart hammered irregularly against his ribs. The room seemed to tilt sideways, and he gripped the edge of his desk to steady himself. His body, pushed beyond all reasonable limits, was finally rebelling against his relentless drive.
"No, not now," he gasped, forcing his fingers to continue typing. "I'm so close. Just need to activate the transfer sequence and test the initial connection..."
The world spun around him as he dragged himself toward the consciousness transfer pod. His legs felt like lead, and each breath came harder than the last. But the allure of his completed project drove him forward. After years of isolation and loneliness, he would finally experience the adventure and companionship he had always craved.
With the last of his strength, Lin Tianyu activated the quantum consciousness transfer protocol and collapsed into the neural interface helmet. The world dissolved into brilliant light as his exhausted body finally surrendered to the inevitable.
His consciousness went completely blank.
* * *
When awareness returned, Lin Tianyu felt utterly confused and disoriented. He couldn't move his body the way he expected, couldn't even lift his head or control his limbs properly. Panic began to set in until the shocking realization hit him: he was a baby.
The first sensation that registered in his new existence was warmth. Not the artificial heat of his apartment's climate control, but a natural, encompassing warmth that seemed to embrace his very soul. Gradually, other sensations followed: the gentle rhythm of a heartbeat that wasn't his own, the muffled sound of voices speaking in a language he somehow understood despite never having heard it before.
The voices around him spoke with warmth and excitement. A woman's voice, gentle and melodious, cooed softly while strong, calloused hands lifted him with surprising tenderness. Through eyes that could barely focus, he caught glimpses of faces filled with joy and wonder.
"He's perfect, Qiang," the woman's voice said, and Lin Tianyu realized she must be his new mother. "Look at those eyes. He seems so alert, so intelligent."
"Our little Tianyu," replied a deeper voice, presumably his father. "May he bring honor to the Lin family name."
As the days turned to weeks and weeks to months, Lin Tianyu began to piece together his new reality. His parents, Lin Qiang and Chen Lan, were traveling merchants who operated a successful caravan business. They journeyed in a regular circuit between various cities and towns, spending months in each location before moving on to the next stop in their established route.
The merchant lifestyle provided him with a unique perspective on this new world. Unlike children born to farmers or craftsmen who rarely left their home villages, Lin Tianyu was exposed to diverse cultures, customs, and knowledge from across the continent. The caravan attracted scholars, spirit masters, and traders from all walks of life, each carrying stories and information that gradually painted a clearer picture of where he now found himself.
Initially, Lin Tianyu believed he was trapped within his own virtual reality simulation. The world around him matched perfectly with the Douluo Dalu world he had so carefully programmed. The political structures, the power systems, even the geography aligned with his meticulous research and creative additions to the source material.
But as months turned to years, subtle discrepancies began to accumulate. The quantum physics governing the movement of soul power particles didn't match the simplified algorithms he had coded. Conversations between adults contained references to historical events and cultural details he had never included in his simulation. The very texture of reality possessed a depth and complexity that surpassed even his most sophisticated programming.
By his second birthday, Lin Tianyu had reached a startling conclusion: this wasn't his virtual world at all. Somehow, impossibly, he had been reborn into the actual Douluo Dalu world. The quantum consciousness transfer technology he had created hadn't transported him into a simulation; it had carried his soul across dimensional boundaries into a completely real alternate world.
The realization filled him with both excitement and trepidation. This world operated by rules that could be understood and mastered, but it also contained very real dangers. Death here wouldn't result in respawning at a checkpoint; it would be permanent and final.
His new parents doted on him with genuine affection that warmed his previously isolated heart. Lin Qiang, his father, was a powerful Spirit King with a Merchant's Blade martial spirit that served him well both in business negotiations and in protecting their caravan from bandits and spirit beasts. Chen Lan, his mother, possessed a Compass Rose spirit that made her invaluable for navigation and finding valuable trade goods.
The Lin family had built their reputation on honest dealing, fair prices, and reliable service. Their caravan was welcomed in every city they visited, and their wealth allowed them to afford quality soul guides, excellent tutors, and comfortable accommodations. Lin Tianyu realized he had been incredibly fortunate in his rebirth circumstances.
As he grew older and more mobile, Lin Tianyu began to demonstrate the analytical intelligence that had defined his previous life. His parents attributed his precocious development to exposure to the diverse knowledge available through their merchant connections. He absorbed information like a sponge, asking pointed questions that often surprised adults with their sophistication.
More importantly, Lin Tianyu understood a crucial principle that many spirit masters overlooked: physical conditioning was the foundation of cultivation success. Knowing that stronger spirit beasts provided more powerful soul rings, and that absorbing higher cultivation spirit beasts required tremendous physical resilience, he began implementing a strict daily exercise routine.
Every morning before dawn, Lin Tianyu would perform bodyweight exercises adapted for his young frame. Push-ups, sit-ups, running laps around their caravan camp, and stretching routines became as natural as breathing. His parents initially worried about their four-year-old son's obsession with physical training, but Lin Tianyu convinced them it was preparation for the dangerous merchant life ahead.
"A strong body leads to a strong spirit," he would tell them, quoting merchant wisdom about the connection between physical and spiritual strength. "If I'm going to inherit the family business someday, I need to be able to protect our caravans."
The harsh routine paid dividends. By age four, Lin Tianyu had developed into a remarkably articulate and insightful child with unusual physical capabilities for his age. His perfect memory allowed him to recall every conversation, every lesson, and every piece of information he encountered during their travels. The analytical mind that had made him a programming genius now helped him understand the complex political and economic systems governing this world, while his disciplined body provided the foundation for future cultivation success.
When their caravan made its regular stop at Holy Soul Village, Lin Tianyu knew exactly what he wanted to accomplish. Tang San, the protagonist of the original story, would be approximately the same age and living in this small farming community with his father, the blacksmith Tang Hao.
"Father, I'd like to explore the village while we're here," Lin Tianyu announced as their caravan settled into their usual camping spot near the village outskirts.
Lin Qiang looked up from the inventory ledgers he was reviewing. "Stay close to the village center, and don't wander into the surrounding forests. The spirit beasts in this region can be dangerous, even for adults."
"I understand, Father. I just want to meet some children my own age. It gets lonely traveling with only adults for company."
Chen Lan smiled warmly at her son's request. "That's a wonderful idea, Tianyu. Children your age should have opportunities to play and learn together. Just remember to be polite and respectful to the villagers."
Armed with permission and a small pouch of copper coins for emergencies, Lin Tianyu set off toward the village center. Holy Soul Village was exactly as he had imagined it: a collection of simple stone and wood buildings surrounded by agricultural fields. The morning air carried the scent of growing crops and the sounds of daily village life.
The blacksmith shop stood exactly where he expected it, marked by the rhythmic ringing of hammer on anvil. Smoke rose from the forge chimney, and the heat radiating from the open doorway created wavering distortions in the air. Lin Tianyu approached with carefully controlled excitement, knowing that inside he would find one of the most important characters from the story he had loved.
Tang San looked up from the small practice pieces he was working on as Lin Tianyu entered the smithy. The boy had the serious, intelligent eyes that Lin Tianyu remembered from descriptions in the novel, along with the calloused hands that spoke of hours spent helping his father at the forge.
"Hello," Tang San said politely, setting down his hammer. "I don't think I've seen you before. Are you visiting our village?"
"My name is Lin Tianyu," he replied with a friendly smile. "My family's merchant caravan stops here regularly, but this is the first time I've been old enough to explore on my own. I was just wandering around the village and heard the sound of hammering."
"I'm Tang San," the boy replied politely. "Are you interested in blacksmithing?"
"A little," Lin Tianyu said, examining the forge with genuine curiosity. "But I'm actually more curious about something else. Are you close to reaching six years old yet? You must be excited about awakening your martial spirit soon."
Tang San's expression became confused. "Martial spirit? What's that?"
Lin Tianyu's eyes lit up with excitement at the opportunity to share knowledge. "A martial spirit is something that awakens in every person when they turn six years old. It's the manifestation of your soul's power, and it determines whether you can become a spirit master."
Tang San set down his hammer completely, his full attention now focused on Lin Tianyu. "Spirit master? I've never heard of such things."
"Really?" Lin Tianyu asked, genuinely surprised despite knowing this would be Tang San's reaction. "I suppose living in a small village, you wouldn't encounter many spirit masters. But they're incredibly important in the outside world."
"What do they do?"
"Spirit masters are people who can cultivate their martial spirits to gain incredible power. They can become stronger than ten normal men, faster than horses, and some can even fly through the air or control the elements." Lin Tianyu gestured enthusiastically as he spoke. "The most powerful spirit masters can level mountains or command entire armies."
Tang San's analytical mind immediately began processing this information. "And everyone awakens this martial spirit at age six?"
"Everyone attempts to awaken one, but not everyone succeeds. Some people awaken martial spirits but lack the spirit power necessary to cultivate them. Others awaken powerful spirits but can't advance due to various limitations."
"What determines the strength of a martial spirit?"
Lin Tianyu smiled at Tang San's perceptive question. "There are many factors. Tool spirits like weapons can be incredibly powerful in combat. Beast spirits grant strengthened physical abilities based on the animal they represent. Plant spirits are rare but often have unique support capabilities. The quality and potential of your spirit depends on your bloodline, your innate talent, and sometimes just luck."
"You seem to know a great deal about this," Tang San observed.
"My family travels extensively for our merchant business. We encounter spirit masters regularly, and many of our best customers are powerful cultivators who can afford rare materials and equipment." Lin Tianyu examined the practice pieces Tang San had been working on, noting the precision and attention to detail. "Actually, skilled craftsmen like blacksmiths are highly valued by spirit masters. They need quality weapons and tools that can withstand the stresses of cultivation and combat."
Tang San's eyes sharpened with new interest. "So there's a connection between blacksmithing and spirit masters?"
"Absolutely. In fact, some of the most successful blacksmiths are spirit masters themselves, with tool spirits that make their crafting abilities even better." Lin Tianyu recognized the perfect opening. "Would you like to hear more about what I've learned? The world beyond Holy Soul Village is full of wonders and dangers that most people never imagine."
Over the following days, Lin Tianyu made daily visits to the blacksmith shop. Tang San proved to be an eager student, absorbing information about martial spirits, soul rings, and cultivation with the same intensity he applied to his smithing practice. Lin Tianyu carefully shared knowledge that would have been available to any well-traveled merchant's son, using his understanding of the world's mechanics to provide Tang San with crucial foundational knowledge.
"Spirit power levels determine how strong a spirit master can become," Lin Tianyu explained during one of their conversations. "Most people awaken with level one or two spirit power, but the truly exceptional might start with level three or four. Those born with higher initial spirit power have greater potential for advancement."
Tang San listened intently, occasionally asking questions that demonstrated his quick understanding. "And soul rings come from spirit beasts?"
"Exactly. When a spirit master kills a spirit beast, they can absorb its spiritual essence to form a soul ring. The age of the spirit beast determines the color and power of the resulting ring. White rings come from beasts under one hundred years old, yellow from beasts between one hundred and one thousand years, and purple from beasts over one thousand years old."
"What about black rings?"
"Those come from spirit beasts over ten thousand years old. They're incredibly dangerous to obtain, and most spirit masters never achieve the strength necessary to hunt such powerful creatures. Beyond black rings, there are legendary red rings from hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts, but those are almost mythical."
"There's something very important about soul rings that most people don't understand," Lin Tianyu said during one of their afternoon conversations. "The age of the spirit beast you can safely absorb is limited by your cultivation level and physical condition."
Tang San looked up from the metal piece he was filing. "What do you mean by limited?"
"Well, when you reach rank eleven and can obtain your first soul ring, most people can only safely absorb rings from spirit beasts around four hundred years old. If you try to absorb a ring from an older, more powerful beast, the spiritual pressure can kill you or permanently damage your cultivation."
"But wouldn't a stronger ring be better?"
"Exactly! That's why physical conditioning is so crucial," Lin Tianyu said enthusiastically. "The stronger your body, the more you can push those limits. Some exceptional individuals with perfect physical preparation can absorb rings nearly twice the normal age limit. The difference in power between a four hundred year ring and an eight hundred year ring is enormous."
Tang San nodded thoughtfully. "So that's why you exercise so much."
"Precisely. But here's where it gets frustrating," Lin Tianyu's expression darkened. "There's this so-called expert named Yu Xiaogang who calls himself the 'Grandmaster' of spirit beast theory. He's somehow convinced much of the continent that his research represents the pinnacle of cultivation knowledge."
"I've never heard of him."
"Lucky you," Lin Tianyu said with obvious irritation. "This fraud has been spreading completely outdated and dangerous theories for years. He promotes these rigid formulas about soul ring absorption that completely ignore individual physical differences and potential. His 'optimal' ages are pathetically conservative - basically designed for the weakest, most delicate person who never exercises. What's worse, he doesn't even seem to understand that soul ring absorption capacity is based on physical body strength! He never teaches people to work on their physical fitness, so everyone following his methods stays weak and can only absorb the most pathetic soul rings."
Tang San could hear the genuine anger in his friend's voice. "That sounds... limiting."
"It's worse than limiting, it's destructive! Yu Xiaogang preaches that 'there are no waste martial souls, only waste spirit masters,' but here's the beautiful irony - he has a mutated martial spirit called the Luo San Pao that has completely stunted his own cultivation. He's been stuck below level thirty for decades and can't advance any further. So according to his own famous quote, either his martial spirit IS waste, which proves his theory wrong, or HE is a waste spirit master, which means everything he teaches is the advice of someone who failed at cultivation himself."
Lin Tianyu began pacing as his frustration built. "And here's what makes it even worse - despite being a complete failure as a cultivator himself, he has the audacity to position himself as the continent's leading authority on cultivation theory. People actually seek him out for guidance, not realizing they're asking a crippled man to teach them how to run."
"That does seem contradictory," Tang San agreed.
"It gets worse. I've heard from reliable sources in my father's merchant network that much of Yu Xiaogang's so-called research is actually stolen from Spirit Hall's restricted archives. He took knowledge developed by true experts and repackaged it with his own conservative limitations, then claimed credit for discoveries he never made."
Tang San's eyes widened. "He stole the knowledge?"
"According to several independent sources, yes. And the most tragic part is that he specifically targets young, promising spirit masters for personal instruction. But when you examine the long-term outcomes for his students, they consistently underperform compared to their potential. They become dependent on his overly cautious methods and never learn to push their limits or think for themselves."
"Why would anyone follow such a person?"
"Because he's built a reputation through careful manipulation and self-promotion. He presents himself as the safe, scholarly alternative to more aggressive cultivation methods. Parents and students think they're choosing wisdom over recklessness, but they're actually choosing stagnation over growth."
Lin Tianyu's voice carried genuine concern as he continued. "Tang San, when you awaken your martial spirit and begin cultivation, promise me you'll judge any potential teacher by their actual results, not their reputation. Don't let anyone convince you to accept artificial limitations on your potential, especially not some fraud who couldn't even cultivate himself properly."
Over the following days, Lin Tianyu continued to share carefully selected information that highlighted the inconsistencies in Yu Xiaogang's reputation. He told Tang San about spirit masters who had followed Yu Xiaogang's advice and suffered setbacks in their cultivation. He mentioned theoretical frameworks that had been proven flawed through practical application. He described instances where Yu Xiaogang's predictions about spirit beast behavior had proven incorrect.
Each piece of information was presented as something Lin Tianyu had learned during his travels, shared without malice but with growing concern about the blind faith many people placed in Yu Xiaogang's teachings.
"The most troubling thing," Lin Tianyu said during their final conversation before his family's caravan prepared to leave Holy Soul Village, "is that Yu Xiaogang has somehow managed to convince the Spirit Master academies to adopt his conservative theories as standard curriculum. So now entire generations of spirit masters are being taught these limiting methods from the very beginning of their education."
Tang San had grown increasingly thoughtful over their discussions. His natural intelligence had led him to the same conclusions that Lin Tianyu was carefully guiding him toward.
"It does seem strange," Tang San admitted, "that someone with such theoretical knowledge would have so little practical success to show for it. And if his students often struggle despite his guidance..."
"The thing is," Lin Tianyu clarified, "Yu Xiaogang's methods actually appear successful on the surface because they're so conservative that almost nobody fails catastrophically when following them. Students and parents see this 'safety record' and think his approach is superior. But what they don't realize is that while his students avoid dramatic failures, they also never reach even half of their true potential. It's like teaching someone to walk when they could have learned to run. That's why I think it's important for promising young spirit masters like yourself to approach any potential teacher with healthy skepticism. Judge them by whether they can help you achieve your maximum potential, not just whether they can keep you safe."
Tang San nodded slowly. "That makes sense. Father has always taught me to evaluate people by their actions rather than their words."
"Your father sounds like a wise man. Speaking of which, I should probably return to help prepare for our departure tomorrow. My family's caravan moves on to Notting City next."
"Will you come back?" Tang San asked, and Lin Tianyu could hear genuine friendship in the question.
"We return to Holy Soul Village every year during our regular circuit. I'll look forward to continuing our conversations and hearing about your progress with smithing."
As Lin Tianyu walked back toward the merchant caravan, he felt satisfied with what he had accomplished. Tang San was now armed with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to avoid the pitfalls that had complicated his path in the original story. More importantly, their friendship had given Lin Tianyu his first genuine human connection since his rebirth.
The caravan prepared for departure as evening settled over Holy Soul Village. Lin Tianyu helped his parents secure their goods and tend to the horses, his mind already working on plans for the future. In two years, when he turned six, he would awaken his martial spirits and begin his own journey as a spirit master.
But for now, he was content to have planted the seeds that would help his friend Tang San avoid a potentially damaging relationship with Yu Xiaogang. Sometimes the smallest changes could have the most profound effects on the future.
As the caravan wheels began to roll toward their next destination, Lin Tianyu looked back at Holy Soul Village one final time. His new life in this world was just beginning, but he had already started making the changes necessary to create a better future for everyone he cared about.