Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, four years flew by like a shuttle weaving through silk.
Over those years, Gu Han steadily cultivated his strength, growing from a beginner soul master to level 22. His progress wasn't fast, but it was firm and stable.
This was largely because, during his training, Gu Han used part of his soul power to slowly raise the age of his soul ring — a technique taught by the mysterious cultivation method hidden deep in his mind.
However, this method came with a flaw: the soul power required to advance was far more than usual. As a result, his cultivation speed slowed.
Even so, the benefits were clear. Though only level 22, Gu Han could already go toe-to-toe with higher-level soul masters.
Today, Gu Han returned to Qinghe Village. It was a familiar road — one he had walked many times. Over the past four years, he had come back about ten times, but this might be the last for a while.
He rarely spent the golden soul coins given to him each year. Instead, he gave them to the village chief during each visit, keeping only what he needed for his daily expenses.
Pushing open the wooden door of his home, Gu Han saw his grandfather in the courtyard, preparing to slaughter a chicken.
"Grandpa, I'm back."
"Haha! Xiaohan, you're home. Just in time — Grandpa's making chicken today. Go rest first. I'll show you some real cooking."
Old Man Gu smiled warmly, his weathered face lighting up with joy.
"Grandpa, let me help. I'll cut the side dishes."
Gu Han washed his hands and headed into the kitchen.
Old Man Gu didn't stop him. He simply sighed to himself, "This child has always been so thoughtful."
Over the years, he quietly saved the money Gu Han brought. But last year, Gu Han insisted on using it to improve the village.
Eventually, the old man gave in. Roads were repaired, houses were fixed, and even a few small businesses were started.
Gu Han taught a few skilled aunties how to make street snacks from his past life. While the income wasn't large, it gave the villagers a new source of earnings.
The village grew to love Gu Han even more. In his absence, they often helped take care of his aging grandfather.
No one knew Old Man Gu's real name. Being the oldest, he was simply called Lao Gutou or the Old Village Chief.
That evening, their meal was simple — fried chicken, two vegetable dishes, a bowl of egg soup, and a bit of homemade wine.
After a few drinks and some laughter, Gu Han finally spoke.
"Grandpa, I've graduated this year. I plan to go to Longcheng. There's a big soul fighting arena there. I want to test myself."
Old Man Gu paused briefly, then placed another piece of chicken in Gu Han's bowl and sighed.
"You're a soul master. You should see the world. If you ever get tired, come home."
Feeling the weight of his grandfather's words, Gu Han nodded.
"Don't worry, Grandpa. No matter what happens, this will always be my home. I'll definitely come back."
The old man was stunned for a moment, then smiled kindly.
"Good boy. Grandpa doesn't need you to be famous — just stay safe."
"You too, Grandpa. Take care of yourself."
The next morning, Gu Han stayed in the village for half a month before leaving. The villagers saw him off warmly.
As he watched his grandson's figure fade into the distance, Old Man Gu muttered, "He's gone, after all."
"Don't be sad, Old Village Chief," a middle-aged man nearby said, patting him on the shoulder. "Xiaohan is smart and sensible. One day, he'll make us all proud."
"Hmph, don't worry about this old man. I'm not that fragile."
The old chief waved him off and returned to his home.
Arrival in Longcheng
Longcheng was one of the most important cities in Xuelingxing Province, located northeast of the Frozen Forest. It was much larger than Shuofeng City and didn't belong to any kingdom — it was directly under the Heaven Dou Empire.
Even in midsummer, the air was cool. The city was home to the famous Ice Crystal Advanced Soul Master Academy and a grand soul fighting arena.
Gu Han's first stop was the Martial Soul Hall to report in and collect his monthly allowance.
"Name..."
"Martial soul..."
"Summon your soul ring."
After checking everything, the clerk handed him ten golden soul coins.
"Here, this is your monthly subsidy."
Gu Han took the coins, tapped them once, and stored them in his white jade pendant.
Then, he made his way to the Ice Crystal Academy to register.
Thanks to his qualifications, he skipped most of the entrance tests and was accepted right away.
Three years ago, word spread that Pope Qian xunji had taken in an apprentice — a girl named Bibi Dong, crowned a saint.
Few details were shared, but Gu Han knew who she was: Bibi Dong — born with full innate soul power and twin martial souls. A true genius.
Three years ago, she was six. He was nine.
According to the original timeline, Bibi Dong would become a Titled Douluo in her thirties — just before Tang San was born.
That gave Gu Han around thirty years to rise.
As he walked through the city, deep in thought, two strange men appeared in front of him — one fat, one thin. Both wore mischievous grins.
"Hey kid, you new here? You know the rules around here?"
The tall, thin man crossed his arms, looking smug.
Gu Han sighed inwardly. Trouble, again?
"What are your names, big brothers?"
The two beamed and struck proud poses.
"I'm Ma hou— Martial soul: Snow Ape. Level 33 assault-type soul master."
"I'm Zhu Gangli — Martial soul: Nine-Foot Ice Rake. Level 34 assault-type soul master."
"Together, we're the foot monkey Duo!"
Gu Han's mouth twitched. Despite their ridiculous name, their levels weren't low.
He cupped his hands politely. "Gu Han, from the Martial Soul Hall. What rules are you talking about, brothers?"
"Martial Soul Hall?" The two stiffened. "You're with the Hall?"
Their expressions changed immediately. The Martial Soul Hall wasn't to be taken lightly.
"Yes."
Gu Han noticed their reaction and smiled inwardly. The Hall's name still carried weight.
"Ah, no problem, Brother Gu. We just wanted to welcome you."
Looking more closely, Gu Han realized they weren't students — they looked close to thirty.
"You two aren't students, are you?"
"Nope. We're security guards at the academy gate. We keep things safe for students — as long as they pay the protection fee."
Just as he suspected. These two were clearly bullies abusing their strength.
"I see. Well, I still have things to do. Maybe next time, brothers."
"Sure, sure. Go ahead."
Once they confirmed his identity, they quickly stepped aside and let him pass.