Two years had passed since Lin Tianyu first met Tang San in Holy Soul Village, and the merchant caravan's regular circuit had brought them back to the small farming community twice during that time. Each visit had strengthened the friendship between the two boys, who shared an intellectual curiosity that set them apart from other children their age.
During their second reunion, Lin Tianyu had convinced Tang San to begin a rigorous physical training regimen alongside his own daily exercises. The blacksmith's son had initially been skeptical, but Lin Tianyu's detailed explanations about the connection between physical strength and soul ring absorption capacity had won him over.
"Remember what I told you about pushing the limits of soul ring absorption," Lin Tianyu had said during one of their morning training sessions. "The difference between a four hundred year ring and an eight hundred year ring could determine your entire cultivation path."
Tang San had wiped sweat from his brow as he completed another set of push-ups. "I still can't believe most people don't understand this connection. It seems so obvious once you explain it."
"That's the problem with following outdated theories instead of thinking for yourself. People like Yu Xiaogang have convinced everyone that cultivation is purely about spiritual power, completely ignoring the physical foundation that makes everything else possible."
Their training sessions had become a highlight of each visit to Holy Soul Village. While other children played simple games, Lin Tianyu and Tang San pushed their young bodies to develop the strength and endurance that would serve them well as future spirit masters. Tang San's blacksmithing work already provided significant upper body development, but Lin Tianyu's comprehensive exercise routine helped him build overall fitness and flexibility.
The bond between them had deepened beyond mere friendship. They shared the understanding that they were both destined for greatness, though neither fully grasped the extent of what lay ahead. Tang San's hidden techniques and cultivation methods from his past life as a Tang Sect disciple complemented Lin Tianyu's reborn knowledge of this world's future events and hidden secrets, creating a partnership that would prove invaluable in the years to come.
* * *
Now, as Lin Tianyu's sixth birthday approached, he knew the time had come for the most important milestone of his new life. The caravan had made its regular stop in Gengxin City, where his parents had business connections and access to the materials needed for a proper martial soul awakening ceremony.
"Tianyu," his father called from across their temporary residence in one of Gengxin City's better inns. "It's time."
Lin Qiang had arranged for complete privacy in a specially prepared room. The awakening ceremony was too important and potentially revealing to risk conducting in public. As successful merchants, the Lin family could afford the luxury of a private awakening, away from prying eyes and potential interference from anyone who might seek to exploit or harm a talented young spirit master.
Chen Lan smiled warmly at her son as he entered the prepared chamber. Two crystal orbs sat on a polished wooden table, their surfaces gleaming with contained spiritual energy. The awakening crystals had cost the family a considerable sum, but Lin Qiang had insisted on obtaining the highest quality materials available.
"Are you ready, son?" Lin Qiang asked, his voice carrying both pride and nervousness. "This moment will determine your future path as a spirit master."
Lin Tianyu nodded, his expression calm despite the significance of the moment. "I'm ready, Father."
Lin Qiang picked up the first crystal, a clear orb that would reveal Lin Tianyu's martial spirit. "Place your hand on the crystal and focus your mind inward. Feel for the spiritual power that lies dormant within your soul."
As Lin Tianyu's palm made contact with the crystal's smooth surface, he felt a surge of energy flow through his body. The sensation was unlike anything he had experienced in either of his lives, a tingling warmth that seemed to awaken something fundamental within his very essence.
The crystal began to glow with brilliant white light, and Lin Tianyu felt power stirring in his right hand. Energy coalesced and solidified, taking the familiar shape he had expected. When the light faded, he held a sword identical to his father's Merchant's Blade, its steel gleaming with spiritual energy.
"Excellent!" Lin Qiang exclaimed, his face beaming with pride. "The bloodline is strong. Your Merchant's Blade is well-formed and responsive."
Chen Lan clapped her hands together in delight. "It's beautiful, Tianyu. You can feel the spiritual connection, can't you?"
Lin Tianyu nodded, marveling at the weapon's perfect balance and the way it seemed to respond to his thoughts. But even as he celebrated this achievement, he felt something else stirring within his consciousness. A presence that hadn't existed before, something connected to the awakening energy but distinctly separate from his martial spirit.
Suddenly, text appeared in his mind's eye, glowing letters that seemed to float in his consciousness:
[Quantum Dimensional Simulator awakened]
[Spiritual energy threshold reached - system initialization complete]
[Would you like to view the tutorial now?]
Lin Tianyu blinked in surprise at the strange message, but forced himself to maintain focus on the ceremony while mentally responding, 'Not now.' He had no idea what this "Quantum Dimensional Simulator" was, but something about the interface felt oddly familiar. This mysterious development would have to wait for later investigation.
"Now for the spirit power test," Lin Qiang said, retrieving the second crystal. This one was blue in color, designed to measure the awakened individual's innate spiritual energy level.
Lin Tianyu placed his hand on the blue crystal, and it immediately erupted in brilliant light. The intensity was so great that all three family members had to shield their eyes. When the glow finally subsided, the crystal displayed the unmistakable sign of maximum resonance.
"Level ten innate spirit power," Chen Lan whispered in amazement. "Full innate spirit power."
Lin Qiang stared at the crystal in disbelief. "In thirty years of merchant travel, I've only heard rumors of such talent. Tianyu, do you understand what this means? You have the potential to become one of the most powerful spirit masters on the continent."
Before his parents could fully process this revelation, Lin Tianyu held up his left hand. "There's something else. I can feel a second martial spirit."
The room fell silent. Twin martial spirits were legendary, so rare that most people considered them mythical. In the entire recorded history of the continent, fewer than a dozen individuals had ever possessed dual spirits.
Energy gathered in Lin Tianyu's left palm, taking the shape of a compass similar to his mother's spirit but distinctly different. Where Chen Lan's Compass Rose was brass-colored and ornate, Lin Tianyu's compass appeared to be made of silver and crystal, with intricate runes etched around its circumference.
"It's a mutated version of your compass, Mother," Lin Tianyu said, studying the artifact in his hand. "But I can sense that its capabilities are far beyond simple navigation."
Chen Lan reached out tentatively, her own compass spirit manifesting for comparison. "The spiritual resonance is incredible. What can you sense from it?"
Lin Tianyu closed his eyes and focused on the compass's abilities. Information flowed into his mind, revealing the true scope of his inherited and mutated martial spirit.
"It can point toward anything I desire," he said slowly. "Not just directions or locations, but people, objects, opportunities, even abstract concepts like knowledge or power. The Desire Compass shows me the path to whatever I truly want to find or achieve, though its range seems limited to roughly this entire continent."
Lin Qiang and Chen Lan exchanged meaningful glances. As experienced merchants, they immediately understood the implications of such an ability.
Chen Lan let out a small laugh despite the seriousness of the moment. "Oh really? Only the entire continent? How limiting for you."
"Tianyu," his father said seriously, "you must never reveal this martial spirit to anyone outside our family. The Desire Compass alone could make you the most sought-after person on the continent. Every powerful individual and organization would want to control you or eliminate you as a threat."
"The merchant families, the noble clans, even Spirit Hall itself would see you as either a tool to be used or a danger to be removed," Chen Lan added. "Promise us you'll keep this spirit secret."
"I understand," Lin Tianyu replied solemnly. "The Merchant's Blade will be my public martial spirit. The Desire Compass will remain hidden."
Lin Qiang reached into a storage device and withdrew a small ring. "Speaking of keeping things secure, this is for you. Now that you've awakened as a spirit master, you can use soul guides properly."
He handed Lin Tianyu an elegant storage ring crafted from dark metal. "This has five cubic meters of internal space, roughly the size of a large room. Your mother and I have already stocked it with supplies."
Lin Tianyu slipped the ring onto his finger and immediately felt the connection form between his spiritual energy and the soul guide. Focusing his mind, he peered into the storage space and gasped at what he found.
The internal dimension was neatly organized with shelves and compartments containing everything a young spirit master might need. Freshly prepared meals of all kinds that would remain perfectly fresh due to the storage ring's time-locking properties, changes of clothing in various sizes to accommodate his growth, camping equipment, basic medicines, quality armor and swords for combat, and even a substantial amount of gold soul coins stored in secure pouches.
"This is incredible," he said, overwhelmed by his parents' thorough preparation. "You've thought of everything."
"We've been planning for this day since you were born," Chen Lan said warmly. "A merchant's child must be prepared for any situation, especially one with your exceptional talents."
Lin Qiang nodded approvingly at his son's amazed expression. "The ring itself is worth more than most families earn in a decade, but your safety and success are worth any price. Use it wisely."
"Now, we need to discuss your education," Chen Lan said, settling into a chair. "With your talents, you could gain admission to any academy on the continent. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy would welcome someone of your potential with open arms."
Lin Tianyu had been expecting this conversation and had prepared his arguments carefully. "Actually, I'd like to attend Notting Academy."
Both parents stared at him in surprise. Lin Qiang was the first to speak. "Notting Academy? Tianyu, that's a work-study school for commoners. With our wealth and your abilities, you could attend the most prestigious institutions available."
"That's exactly why I want to go to Notting Academy," Lin Tianyu replied earnestly. "Think about it from a merchant perspective. Our family's success comes from understanding people from all walks of life. If I attend an elite academy, I'll only interact with nobility and wealthy families. But at Notting Academy, I'll learn alongside common people who will become the backbone of society."
Chen Lan frowned thoughtfully. "I can see the logic, but you'd be limiting your cultivation resources and networking opportunities."
"Not necessarily," Lin Tianyu countered. "My cultivation foundation is already stronger than most students at elite academies. As for resources, our family can afford whatever I need - I don't require the school to provide that. What I truly need is practical experience and genuine relationships with people who aren't motivated by politics or family connections."
Lin Qiang stroked his beard as he considered his son's reasoning. "You make valid points. A merchant who only knows how to deal with the wealthy is severely limited in their potential markets."
"Exactly, Father. When I eventually take over the family business, I'll need to understand and relate to everyone from village farmers to imperial nobles. Notting Academy will teach me things that no elite institution could provide."
Chen Lan laughed at her son's strategic thinking. "You're already thinking like a true merchant at age six. Very well, I'm convinced. Notting Academy it is, but we'll ensure you have additional private tutoring to supplement their curriculum."
"Thank you for understanding," Lin Tianyu said, genuinely grateful for his parents' flexibility. "I promise I won't waste this opportunity."
Lin Qiang stood and walked to the window, gazing out at Gengxin City's bustling streets. "You know, son, I've been teaching you swordplay since you were four years old. Now that you have the Merchant's Blade, you should be able to demonstrate real proficiency immediately."
Lin Tianyu manifested his martial spirit and fell into the basic stance his father had drilled into him over the past two years. The sword felt natural in his grip, as if it had always been part of him. His movements flowed smoothly through the forms Lin Qiang had taught him, each technique improved by the spiritual connection between wielder and weapon. However, he could feel the blue-quality blade putting a strain on his soul power at his current level, meaning he couldn't maintain it for extended periods yet.
"Impressive," Lin Qiang said with obvious pride. "Most spirit masters need months to develop proper coordination with their martial spirits, but your training gives you an immediate advantage. You could probably hold your own against Spirit Grandmasters in pure swordplay, even without soul rings."
Chen Lan nodded approvingly. "Your dedication to training has certainly paid off. Most six-year-olds can barely lift a proper sword, let alone wield one with such skill."
As the family continued discussing plans and celebrating Lin Tianyu's successful awakening, he felt the strange presence in his mind growing stronger. The quantum consciousness transfer system was fully active now, waiting for his attention. He would need to find private time soon to explore this mysterious gift that had traveled with him across dimensional boundaries.
But for now, he was content to enjoy this moment with his loving parents, who had given him everything he needed to succeed in this new world. The awakening ceremony had exceeded all expectations, revealing not just his twin martial spirits and exceptional spirit power, but also activating the cheat system that would accelerate his growth beyond normal limits.
* * *
Several hours later, after his parents had retired for the evening, Lin Tianyu found himself alone in his room at the inn. The excitement of the day's events had left him wide awake, and he finally had the privacy needed to investigate the mysterious presence that had awakened alongside his martial spirits.
Closing his eyes and focusing inward, Lin Tianyu felt the system respond to his attention. Information flowed directly into his consciousness, accompanied by text that appeared in his mind's eye as clearly as if projected on a screen.
[Welcome, Host: Lin Tianyu]
[Quantum Dimensional Simulator activated]
[Initializing tutorial sequence...]
A soft blue glow illuminated Lin Tianyu's face as text materialized before his eyes. His heart raced with excitement as he realized what this meant—his consciousness transfer technology had somehow merged with his soul during the dimensional transfer.
[Tutorial: Quantum Dimensional Simulator]
[Primary Function: Text-based world simulation for ability acquisition]
[Daily Point Accumulation: 1 point per day (no upper limit)]
[Available Worlds: Douluo Dalu]
Lin Tianyu's eyes widened. His technology had evolved beyond anything he'd imagined, becoming a system that could simulate entire worlds as text narratives.
[Simulation Cost Structure:]
[1 point: Yellow/Green talents, bad luck, usually F rating]
[10 points: Yellow/Green talents, poor luck, usually E rating]
[30 points: Green/Blue talents, fair luck, usually D rating]
[90 points: Green/Blue talents, okay luck, usually C rating]
[180 points: Blue/Purple talents, good luck, usually B rating]
[360 points: Blue/Purple talents, very good luck, usually A rating]
[1080 points: Purple/Silver talents, very good luck, usually S rating]
[3600 points: Purple/Silver talents, great luck, usually SS rating]
[36000 points: Silver/Gold talents, excellent luck, usually SSS rating]
He nodded, quickly grasping the correlation between point investment and potential outcomes. The programmer in him appreciated the clear scaling system.
[Reward Structure: Choose 1 from 5 options after simulation]
[Higher ratings = better quality rewards]
[One reward always = chosen starting talent]
[Possible rewards: bloodlines, talents, techniques, knowledge, martial spirits, limited cultivation gains]
"This is incredible," Lin Tianyu whispered. The system was essentially offering him infinite growth potential through simulated lives. Each simulation would allow him to experience an entire lifetime as a text narrative, then extract valuable abilities from that experience.
[Text Simulation Mechanics:]
[- Your simulated self retains all current bloodlines, talents, techniques, knowledge, and martial spirits, but does not have access to the Quantum Dimensional Simulator]
[- Each simulation generates an alternate version of yourself in a parallel world with a unique background]
[- Before starting, you select one talent from three randomly generated options to aid your simulated self]
[- The simulation then generates a complete life story for your alternate self, presented as a detailed text narrative]
[- After the simulated life ends, your performance is rated from F to SSS based on your alternate self's accomplishments and impact on their world]
[- You then select one reward from five options to integrate into your real self, with higher ratings offering better rewards]
[- Rewards can include bloodlines, talents, techniques, knowledge, martial spirits, items, and limited cultivation or physical improvements gained by your simulated self]
[- If a reward is similar to an existing ability you possess, it will fuse with that existing ability]
Lin Tianyu nodded slowly as he processed the explanation. It was an elegant system - each simulation would create a version of himself with all his current abilities plus one new talent, then calculate a entire lifetime of experiences and growth. The rating system incentivized strategic talent selection and provided a gamified element to the process.
Most importantly, the rewards could stack and synergize over multiple simulations. With enough points and optimal talent choices, he could rapidly develop abilities that would normally take centuries to cultivate. It was like a hyper-accelerated version of the Dao of Heaven's reincarnation cycle, allowing him to live countless lives and draw upon their accumulated wisdom.
"A quantum consciousness simulator combined with Douluo Dalu's cultivation system," Lin Tianyu mused. "This... this could allow me to break through the limits of what's possible for a single lifetime. I could gain the knowledge and power of multiple lifetimes compressed into a few years."
The implications were staggering. With careful planning and patience, Lin Tianyu could use this system to transcend the boundaries of mortality itself. He could become something more than human - a being of profound enlightenment and world-shaking power.
But he would have to be cautious. The simulator was an incredible advantage, but it wasn't omnipotence. He would still have to put in the work to translate simulated experiences into real cultivation. And if anyone discovered his secret, they would stop at nothing to control or destroy him.
For now, he would focus on accumulating points and selecting talents that complemented his existing abilities. He would live each day in this world to the fullest, using his simulated experiences to guide his real growth. And when the time was right, he would begin his true ascension.
The Quantum Dimensional Simulator had given Lin Tianyu the key to unlimited potential. Now it was up to him to unlock that potential, one simulated life at a time.
[Tutorial complete. Displaying current host status...]
[System Status]
[Host: Lin Tianyu]
[Age: 6]
[Soul Power: 10]
[Martial Spirits:
* Desire Compass (Purple Tool Spirit)
* No Rings
* Merchant's Blade (Blue Weapon Spirit)
* No Rings]
[Bloodlines: None]
[Talents:
* Comprehension (Gold)
* Analytical Mind (Purple)
* Memory Database (Blue)]
[Techniques:
* Lin Family Basic Sword Forms (Green)]
[Knowledge: None]
[Simulation Points: 1]
[Novice Gift Pack Available]
[As a new user, you are eligible for a special first simulation package]
[Benefits: Choice from 3 Gold-tier talents, 3 reward selections instead of 1]
[Cost: 1 simulation point (standard cost)]
[Would you like to activate the Novice Gift Pack?]
Lin Tianyu considered the offer. The tutorial had explained that gold-tier talents were extremely rare and powerful, while the ability to choose three rewards instead of one would provide a massive advantage for his first simulation experience.
"Yes," he whispered, "activate the Novice Gift Pack."
[Novice Gift Pack activated]
[Generating premium talent options for Douluo Dalu simulation...]
[Improved luck modifier active]
[Please select one starting talent:]
[1. Battle Instinct (Gold): Perfect combat intuition, predictive abilities in battle, tactical genius that grows stronger with experience]
[2. Soul Beast Affinity (Gold): Natural connection with spirit beasts, can communicate with and befriend them, significantly easier soul ring acquisition with willing participants]
[3. Divine Craftsman (Gold): Master-level understanding of all crafting arts, ability to innovate and create techniques beyond conventional limits, perfect material analysis]
Lin Tianyu studied the options carefully. Battle Instinct would make his simulated self incredibly powerful in combat, potentially allowing him to defeat opponents far above his level through pure tactical superiority. Soul Beast Affinity would benefit his future path by allowing him to form bonds with spirit beasts that could become lifelong allies and guardians, creating a network of powerful creatures loyal to him throughout his journey.
But Divine Craftsman... that was the foundation for everything else. In a world where strength determined survival, being able to create tools, weapons, and soul guides that improved his abilities would provide advantages that grew exponentially over time. More importantly, soul guide crafting had been lost to this continent - if he could master those techniques, he could single-handedly revolutionize an entire field and bring back forgotten arts. His programming background told him this was the optimal long-term choice.
"I select Divine Craftsman," he decided.
[Talent selected: Divine Craftsman (Gold)]
[Initializing Douluo Dalu simulation...]
[Improved luck modifier active]
[Background: You are born as Lin Tianyu, third son of a minor noble family in Gengxin City. Your family has connections to the blacksmith guilds but limited political power.]
[Age 0: You are born during a lunar eclipse, which local craftsmen consider an auspicious sign for those destined to work with metal and tools.]
[Age 6: Martial Spirit Awakening. You manifest three spirits: Merchant's Blade, Desire Compass, and 'Myriad Tools' - a shapeshifting tool spirit that can become any crafting implement. You only reveal the Myriad Tools to the awakener, hiding your other two spirits. Rank 8 soul power. The awakener notes your revealed spirit's unprecedented adaptability.]
Lin Tianyu read rapidly as his simulated life unfolded. The Divine Craftsman talent combined with his existing Comprehension created a synergy that allowed his simulated self to understand crafting principles at an almost supernatural level.
[Age 7: Rank 12 Soul Master. You hunt your first soul ring from a 400-year Iron Hammer Bear. Your Desire Compass martial spirit guides you directly to the perfect specimen, while your crafting knowledge helps you prepare specialized traps and hunting equipment. Your first soul skill: 'Molten Core' - generates intense heat for forging.]
[Age 10: You begin apprenticing with multiple craftsmen simultaneously, using your shapeshifting spirit to excel in blacksmithing, woodworking, and jewelry making. Your innovative techniques draw attention from guild masters.]
[Age 15: Rank 38 Soul Elder. You've spent years studying ancient soul guides, reverse-engineering their construction methods through careful analysis. You become the first person in centuries to successfully craft new soul guides from scratch, recreating lost techniques that astound the crafting guilds.]
[Age 20: You establish the 'Divine Forge,' the most prestigious crafting workshop on the continent. Your techniques are studied by craftsmen from every major city. You've created soul guides that were previously thought impossible.]
[Age 30: Rank 56 Soul King. Your innovations in soul guide technology have advanced the field by decades. You've developed methods for creating modular soul guides that can be upgraded and customized.]
[Age 50: Rank 73 Soul Sage. Your mastery extends beyond simple crafting to understanding the fundamental principles of spiritual energy manipulation through constructed items. You create the first self-repairing soul guides.]
[Age 70: Rank 84 Soul Douluo. Known across the continent as the 'Divine Smith,' your creations are treasured by nobility and commoners alike. You've trained dozens of disciples who carry your techniques to every corner of the world.]
[Age 150: Rank 93 Titled Douluo. Your soul guide crafting techniques have spread across the continent, with entire schools of thought based on your innovations. You establish the first soul guide crafting academy in over a thousand years.]
[Age 500: Rank 96 Super Douluo. Your final masterpiece is a soul guide crafting system that allows even non-spirit masters to create basic soul guides. You die peacefully in your workshop, surrounded by hundreds of disciples and generations of masterworks, having revolutionized the world and lived far beyond normal limits thanks to your exceptional cultivation and gold-grade martial soul.]
[Simulation Complete]
[Performance Rating: SS]
[Your simulated life revolutionized crafting arts across the continent]
[Generating rewards based on SS-grade performance...]
[Available Rewards (Select 3):]
[1. Divine Craftsman (Gold Talent): Master-level understanding of all crafting arts, ability to innovate and create techniques beyond conventional limits, perfect material analysis]
[2. Myriad Tools (Gold Tool Spirit): Shapeshifting crafting tool spirit that can become any crafting implement]
[3. Soul Guide Crafting (Purple Knowledge): Complete understanding of soul guide theory and practice from one master craftsman's lifetime]
[4. Improved Material Sight (Blue Ability): Can analyze material properties and quality at a glance]
[5. Soul Power +15 levels (Cultivation Improvement)]
Lin Tianyu examined the rewards carefully. The simulation had been incredibly successful, and these options represented tremendous value for his development. The choice was clear - he would take the top three rewards that offered the most comprehensive benefits.
"I choose Divine Craftsman, Myriad Tools, and Soul Guide Crafting," he decided.
[Rewards selected and integrated]
[Divine Craftsman talent acquired - your understanding of all crafting arts has reached gold level]
[Myriad Tools martial spirit acquired - you now possess a third martial spirit]
[Soul Guide Crafting knowledge integrated - you possess the lifetime experience of a master craftsman]
[Simulation Points remaining: 0]
[Next simulation point in: 18:27:52]
Lin Tianyu felt the knowledge and abilities flowing into his mind and body. The Divine Craftsman talent provided an intuitive understanding of materials, techniques, and construction principles that would have taken decades to develop naturally. The Soul Guide Crafting knowledge gave him practical experience with every aspect of soul guide creation and maintenance.
Most remarkably, he could sense the presence of a third martial spirit - the Myriad Tools. It existed alongside his Merchant's Blade and Desire Compass, though he would need to be extremely careful about when and how to reveal that he has a third martial spirit.
Curious about its capabilities, Lin Tianyu manifested the Myriad Tools in his right hand. A shimmering golden implement appeared, its form shifting like liquid metal. With focused intention, he willed it to become a hammer, and the tool instantly transformed with perfect balance and craftsmanship. He tried a chisel next, then a measuring compass, each transformation seamless and precise.
However, the gold-level martial spirit drained his energy at an alarming rate. Within moments, he felt his soul power depleting rapidly, forcing him to dismiss the spirit before he collapsed from exhaustion. The Myriad Tools was incredibly powerful, but his current cultivation was far too weak to sustain it for more than brief periods.
As the integration completed, Lin Tianyu felt profoundly changed. His first simulation had provided benefits equivalent to centuries of study and practice, all compressed into a single experience. The quantum consciousness transfer system had exceeded even his wildest expectations.
Soon his family would depart for Notting City, where he would begin his formal education as a spirit master at Notting Academy. But tonight, he had gained the foundation for a future that surpassed anything possible through conventional cultivation alone.
The Quantum Dimensional Simulator had awakened, and Lin Tianyu's journey toward true power had officially begun.