# Chapter 1: The Awakening Dawn
Douluo Continent
Southwest of the Heaven Dou Empire, Fasinuo Province
Saint Spirit Village.
On a stormy night when thunder roared across the darkened sky, an old man named Jack trudged through the muddy road path, his weathered hands gripping a bundle of freshly cut wood. The rain had started as a gentle drizzle but was quickly building into a torrential downpour. As he hurried toward the warm glow of Saint Spirit Village in the distance, a faint crying sound reached his ears—barely audible above the howling wind.
Following the sound, Old Jack discovered a small red clothes beneath a large oak tree, a newborn child wrapped in fine silk cloth that spoke of noble origins. Without hesitation, the kind-hearted village chief took the infant home, never knowing that this child carried the soul of a man who had once lived in a world called Earth.
---
Six years later...
Early morning light filtered through the canopy as dawn broke over Saint Spirit Village. A rooster's proud crow echoed across the settlement, followed by a chorus of chicken calls that signaled the start of another day. The round moon gradually faded in the brightening sky.
In the northern part of the village, beneath the shade of an ancient tree near a modest courtyard, a boy of about six years old slowly opened his eyes. Though his face held the innocence of youth, his dark eyes contained a wisdom and depth that seemed far beyond his years.
Chen Sheng stretched his small but surprisingly well-developed frame as he sat up. Six years, he mused silently. Six years since I was reborn into this world, and still no system, no golden finger, nothing. He also born as Prince of star dou empire, In this life his mother was a maid who died after promising Queen that his son won't compete for throne. Let him live a peaceful life. But after his mother death queen remain cautious and ordered his most loyal soul Saint guard to put him in another empire to let him live in somewhere remote village. That guard put him under the big tree in heaven dou empire, he i this situation, cried for almost an hour to get attention from someone, he was lucky to survive because of Grandpa Jack.
Note: Queen is mother of three princes her influence in Palace is also great in Palace although Emperor was sad and little angry with his disappearance tried to find Chen Sheng (Dai Sheng). But find no clue in whole empire. He put a reward if someone find his son he will reward that person.
The disappointment he'd carried for years had long since transformed into determination. If he couldn't rely on supernatural advantages, he would forge his own strength. For the past year, he had maintained a rigorous training routine that would make grown men weep: 200 push-ups, 100 squats, 50 pull-ups, and a 7-kilometer run every single day without exception.
The results spoke for themselves. While other children his age played with wooden toys, Chen Sheng possessed a lean, muscular frame that radiated quiet strength. His movements held a fluid grace that came from disciplined training and muscle memory from his previous life's knowledge of various basic martial arts.
As he completed his morning stretches, his sharp eyes caught sight of a familiar small figure on the village entrance. Chen Sheng's lips curved into a knowing smile as he recognized the distinctive blue-black hair and determined stride.
"Tang San," he murmured, watching as the boy headed toward the small mountain that overlooked the village. "Off to practice your Mysterious Heaven Skill again, I see."
Chen Sheng had spent these six years carefully observing the protagonist of this world, never approaching too closely but always aware of Tang San's movements and progress. Based on his calculations, the awakening ceremony should be happening soon, which meant...
Su Yuntao will arrive today or tomorrow, Chen Sheng concluded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
After completing his own training routine in a secluded part of the forest—a more intense version that would have killed most adults—Chen Sheng made his way to the small stream that wound through the village outskirts. With practiced ease, he caught several large fish using techniques that combined his past life's knowledge with this superior physical capabilities.
As he returned through the forest path, coincidence brought him face to face with Tang San, who was descending from his mountain training session. Both boys paused, recognizing each other.
"Hey, Xiao San!" Chen Sheng called out with a friendly wave, maintaining the carefully cultivated image of a village boy that he'd built over the years.
Tang San's usually serious expression softened into a genuine smile. Despite the early hour and the exhaustion from his secret cultivation, he always had time for one of the few children in the village who treated him normally.
"Chen Sheng! You're up early too!" Tang San replied, noting the slight sheen of sweat on Chen Sheng's forehead that suggested he'd also been training.
Chen Sheng approached but stopped at a respectful distance, pulling one of the large fish from his catch. "Here, I caught some extra fish. Have one," he said casually, tossing the fish through the air.
Without hesitation, Tang San's hand shot out with remarkable speed and precision, catching the eight-pound fish with the fluid grace that spoke of his hidden martial arts training. His eyes flickered with brief surprise at Chen Sheng's generosity—and perhaps at the casual way Chen Sheng had thrown such a large fish as if it weighed nothing.
"Thank you," Tang San said, genuinely grateful. Fish was a luxury in Saint Spirit Village, and he knew this would make a welcome addition to his and his father's simple breakfast.
"Think nothing of it," Chen Sheng replied with a wave of his hand. "We're neighbors, after all."
Tang San shifted the fish to his other arm, already mentally planning how to prepare it. "I should head back and start breakfast for father. I'll see you later, Chen Sheng."
As Tang San disappeared down the path toward his home, Chen Sheng's friendly expression gradually shifted to something more contemplative. Today or tomorrow, he thought, watching the sunrise paint the sky in brilliant oranges and reds. Today or tomorrow, everything changes.
Returning to his own modest home, Chen Sheng carefully stored the remaining fish before seeking out Old Jack. The elderly village chief was already awake, tending to his small garden behind the house with the methodical care of a man who had spent decades working the land.
"Grandpa Jack," Chen Sheng called softly, the genuine affection in his voice unmistakable.
Old Jack looked up, his weathered face creasing into a warm smile at the sight of his adopted grandson. "Ah, little Sheng! You've been training again, I see. Come, help me with these vegetables, and then we'll have breakfast."
As Chen Sheng knelt beside the man who had saved his life six years ago, he couldn't help but feel a surge of protective gratitude. Old Jack had given him everything—a home, a name, love, and most importantly, a chance to grow strong in peace.
Whatever happens today, Chen Sheng promised silently as he worked beside his grandfather, I won't let anyone harm the people precious to me.
The morning sun continued its ascent, and somewhere in the distance, the sound of approaching hoofbeats could be heard on the main road leading to Saint Spirit Village. Change was coming, and Chen Sheng would be ready for it.
But first, he had a grandfather to take care of and a breakfast to share—simple pleasures that meant more to him than any system or cheat ability ever could.
---