The words hung in the air like a guillotine blade.
Huang Long's smile faltered. The joy in his eyes dimmed, replaced by something bittersweet—pride warring with loss.
Six years. He'd raised this boy for six years. Watched him grow from a helpless infant into the sharp-minded child standing before him now.
But this was the right path. He couldn't be selfish.
After a brief discussion with Su Yuntao about logistics and timing, Huang Long led Huang Wei back to their home one final time.
The old man moved with purpose, quickly preparing a bundle of provisions—corn, potatoes, yams, all carefully wrapped. He pressed them into Huang Wei's hands, then gripped his shoulders, meeting his eyes with rare intensity.
"Listen to me, grandson. When you get to Spirit Hall, you study hard. Make yourself strong—strong enough that others can't bully you." His voice cracked slightly. "But don't you become a bully yourself, understand? Stay kind. Stay humble."
Huang Wei felt an unexpected tightness in his chest. "I understand, Grandpa. And it's not like I'll never come back. Spirit Hall must have holidays—I'll visit then."
The words stirred old memories from his previous life—the nervous excitement of leaving for school as a child, saying goodbye to family...
Some emotions transcended lifetimes.
Huang Long's grip tightened, then released. He forced brightness back into his voice. "Good, good. Now—show your grandfather this martial soul of yours! I want to see it with my own eyes."
Huang Wei stepped back, took a breath, and whispered: "Black Turtle—possess!"
ROOOAAAAAR!
A majestic bellow shook the very air—primal, ancient, powerful. The spectral form of an enormous Black Turtle materialized behind Huang Wei, its presence commanding the entire room.
Simultaneously, emerald-green armor materialized across Huang Wei's body—perfectly fitted scales that gleamed like polished jade. His pupils shifted to golden-yellow, radiating an otherworldly, almost demonic charm. His frame grew taller, broader, more imposing.
The armor was formed from the Black Turtle's shell, yet the martial soul shadow behind him retained its own shell—a dual layering of defense.
This is incredible, Huang Wei thought, feeling the power coursing through him. My defensive capabilities have multiplied!
Testing instinctively, he focused his will on the concept of protection—
A massive turtle shell materialized around his body, encasing him completely like an impenetrable fortress.
"This is the Black Turtle, Grandpa," Huang Wei said, his voice slightly deeper in possessed form. "It's classified as a spiritual beast martial soul. My path is defense—absolute, unbreakable defense. In the mid to late stages, no one will be able to pierce my shell."
It was an arrogant claim for a six-year-old to make—but the system's existence gave him that confidence.
"Xuangui... good! Very good!" Huang Long's eyes shone with pride and relief. "Defense means you won't be bullied easily. That's... that's perfect."
Then he coughed, giving Huang Wei a pointed look. "But grandson—don't go around saying things like 'no one can break my defense.' Keep a low profile. Arrogance invites disaster."
"You're right, Grandpa. I'll be careful."
Huang Wei released his martial soul, the emerald armor dissolving as he returned to his normal appearance. He pulled his grandfather into a tight embrace—possibly the last one for a long time.
"It's time for me to go."
Huang Long held him for a long moment, then let go. "Go on, then. Make me proud."
Huang Wei grabbed his bundle, turned, and walked out the door without looking back.
Outside, Su Yuntao waited with barely contained enthusiasm. His mind was still swimming with visions of rewards, promotions, and finally marrying Sisi after all these years...
The moment he saw Huang Wei approaching, his grin widened.
"All said your goodbyes?"
"Yes, Master Su. I'm ready."
Su Yuntao's expression softened slightly. "Don't look so glum. You'll be back during holidays—it's not forever."
"I know."
They climbed into the waiting carriage. With a sharp whistle and crack of reins, the vehicle lurched into motion.
Huang Long stood in front of their house, watching the carriage disappear down the dusty road. He let out a long, slow sigh.
"You have to grow up eventually... Do your best out there, grandson."
Inside the carriage, Huang Wei settled into his seat and immediately turned his attention inward.
System, he thought. I need to ask you something—what should I aim for with my first soul ring?
The system's response was immediate—and surprisingly casual.
[Your soul skills have minimal connection to the soul rings you absorb. Soul rings merely serve as tools to help you break through level thresholds. You can obtain virtually any ring without worry.]
Huang Wei blinked. Wait, seriously? That's... actually amazing.
[However, it is recommended that you seek soul rings from turtle-type spirit beasts when possible. The absorption process will be significantly easier and more compatible with your martial soul.]
Got it. I'll keep that in mind.
He glanced at Su Yuntao, who was humming contentedly to himself. "Brother Su, how many more villages do you need to visit?"
"Hmm? Oh, just two more. But I've decided to escort you to the Spirit Hall branch in Notting City first. Your safety is more important than maintaining my exact schedule—besides, I gave those villages a three-day window. That's plenty of time."
"Thank you, Master Su."
Along the way, Huang Wei pulled out the provisions Huang Long had packed and offered some to Su Yuntao, who accepted with a pleased smile. They shared the food in comfortable silence, the carriage wheels creaking rhythmically beneath them.
After a while, Huang Wei turned his attention inward again.
System... don't I have a novice gift pack or something?
[Affirmative. Would you like to open it now?]
A slow smile spread across Huang Wei's face. Oh, absolutely.
"Yes. Open it."
[Ding! Novice Gift Pack successfully opened.]
[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining equipment: Thornmail x1]
[Thornmail has been automatically equipped to your Black Turtle martial soul.]
Huang Wei's breath caught as information flooded his mind:
[Thornmail: Massively increases defense and damage resistance. When attacked, reduces incoming damage by 60% and reflects 40% back to the attacker. If the opponent is under crowd control effects when attacking you, reflects 60% of damage instead. Reflected damage ignores level differences and defensive barriers—it strikes directly at the body and soul. Effects stack.]
[Note: If the attacker's power vastly exceeds your defensive threshold, reflected damage will gradually decrease.]
Huang Wei's eyes went wide. His heart hammered with excitement.
Holy shit. THORNMAIL. And it ignores level differences?!
This was insane. Absolutely insane.
Sure, there was a limitation at the end—but that was only reasonable. If there were no restrictions on such a godly defensive artifact, it would be genuinely broken beyond measure.
The system mentioned it had been equipped to his Black Turtle, but he didn't feel any different. Perhaps the effects would only become obvious when he summoned his martial soul for possession... or when someone actually tried to hit him.
A divine-tier artifact in the early game... Huang Wei couldn't suppress his grin. This system really came through.
While munching on a sweet potato, he pulled up his character interface:
[Turtle Invincibility System]
Host: Huang Wei
Martial Soul: Black Turtle
Talent: Turtle Longevity
Lifespan: 300 years
Soul Power: Level 10 (Soul Warrior)
Soul Skills: None
Equipment: Thornmail
Perfect. Everything was falling into place.
The carriage rolled onward for hours, the landscape shifting from rural farmland to increasingly developed roads. Finally, just as the sun reached its zenith, they arrived at Notting City.
The vehicle passed through the city gates with minimal inspection—Su Yuntao's Spirit Hall credentials saw to that—and soon came to a stop before an imposing structure.
Huang Wei stepped out and craned his neck upward.
The Spirit Hall branch loomed before him—magnificent architecture with soaring columns, intricate carvings, and an undeniable aura of authority. It was designed to inspire awe and perhaps a touch of intimidation in anyone who approached.
This is where my new life really begins, Huang Wei thought, a mix of anticipation and nervousness churning in his gut.
"We're here." Su Yuntao gestured toward the grand staircase. "Come on."
They ascended the steps together. Two guards in gleaming golden armor flanked the entrance, their expressions stern and vigilant.
One of them fixed his gaze on Huang Wei. "What's his business here?"
Su Yuntao didn't miss a beat. "He's a new recruit joining Spirit Hall."
The guards exchanged glances but said nothing further. This was standard protocol—they had to ask, but Spirit Hall personnel bringing in new members was common enough.
They passed through the entrance into a spacious hall. Polished marble floors reflected the afternoon light streaming through high windows. At the front desk sat a young woman who immediately stood upon seeing Su Yuntao, a professional smile lighting her features.
"Deacon Su! Welcome back."
"Ah, Huihui!" Su Yuntao's excitement was palpable. "You need to process this registration right away. I've awakened an absolute treasure this time!"
He practically shoved a rolled parchment from his soul tool into her hands—notes he'd scribbled during the carriage ride.
Huang Wei stepped forward with his most charming smile. "Hello, Big Sister. My name is Huang Wei. My martial soul is the Black Turtle, and I have innate full soul power."
Just as I suspected, he thought smugly. Even background characters in this world are gorgeous. There really aren't any ugly women here, are there?
The woman—Huihui, apparently—blinked in surprise, then returned his smile with twice the warmth. "Well hello there, Little Huang Wei! I'm Huihui, the registrar for the Notting City Spirit Hall branch. You can just call me Sister Huihui."
"Nice to meet you, Sister Huihui!" Huang Wei chirped obediently.
"What a polite child~" Huihui's smile deepened as she glanced down at the parchment Su Yuntao had handed her.
Her expression froze.
The color drained from her face, then rushed back in a flood of pink. Her eyes snapped up—first to Su Yuntao, then to Huang Wei, then back to the document as if the words might have changed.
"WHAT?!" Her voice cracked. "Innate full soul power?! You're serious?!"
She looked between them with wild disbelief, as if expecting someone to shout "just kidding!"
She thought I was lying to her, Huang Wei realized with amusement. Fair enough. It does sound too good to be true.
Chapter 5: Salas and the Pope's Palace
Huihui's hands trembled slightly as she completed the registration with unusual haste. Then she practically sprinted deeper into the building.
Minutes later, she returned with a middle-aged man in tow—dignified bearing, sharp eyes, wearing the formal robes of a high-ranking Spirit Hall official.
He held Huihui's report in his hands, and his expression was one of pure shock.
"A Black Turtle martial soul with innate full soul power?!" His voice boomed through the hall. "From... Huangjia Village of all places?!"
He read the document again, as if hoping to find some hidden clause that made sense of this impossibility. Finally, he looked up with a disbelieving laugh. "Incredible. I never imagined our branch would produce someone with full innate soul power!"
Su Yuntao quickly stepped forward, bringing Huang Wei with him. "Teacher, this is the young man I told you about."
He turned to Huang Wei. "Huang Wei, this is Matthewno—the Chief Deacon of our branch hall."
"Hello, Grandpa Ma!" Huang Wei said brightly, giving a respectful bow.
Matthewno's stern expression melted into grandfatherly warmth. "Haha! Hello, Little Wei." He reached out and gently ruffled Huang Wei's hair with an affectionate touch.
Then his expression turned serious as he fixed Su Yuntao with a piercing stare. "Are you absolutely certain about this? This information will be reported to higher authorities. There can be no room for error. A mistake would cause tremendous problems."
Su Yuntao straightened confidently. "Test him with the hall's soul-measuring orb. I'm certain—there's no way I could be wrong about this."
Despite his words, a flicker of anxiety crossed his face. What if somehow...?
"Very well." Matthewno nodded, then turned to Huang Wei with an encouraging smile. "Little Wei, come with me."
He led them deeper into the branch hall to a private chamber. At its center sat an enormous blue crystal orb—much larger and more refined than the portable version Su Yuntao had used.
"Just place your hand on it gently," Matthewno instructed.
Huang Wei approached without hesitation and pressed his palm against the smooth surface.
The orb exploded with light.
Brilliant azure radiance filled the chamber, pulsing with vibrant energy. Then, clear as day, glowing numerals materialized on the sphere's surface:
LV10
Both Su Yuntao and Matthewno released simultaneous sighs of relief, their tension evaporating.
"See? I told you!" Su Yuntao's grin was practically splitting his face. "My soul-measuring orb never lies!"
Matthewno nodded slowly, his expression grave despite the good news. "As a precaution, I had to verify. Now then—Little Wei has agreed to join Spirit Hall, correct?"
"Absolutely," Su Yuntao confirmed.
Matthewno's smile returned, broader than before. "Excellent. This matter requires immediate reporting to higher authorities. Little Wei, you'll stay here for the next few days while we make arrangements."
"Okay!" Huang Wei agreed readily.
Su Yuntao personally escorted Huang Wei to his quarters—a spacious room on the third floor with luxurious furnishings that far exceeded anything in Huangjia Village. A massive bed dominated one corner, thick curtains framed tall windows, and various amenities lined the walls.
This is... really nice, Huang Wei thought, running his hand along the smooth bedframe.
"You're currently a tenth-level Soul Warrior," Su Yuntao explained. "When the higher-ups arrive, they'll help you hunt for an appropriate first soul ring. Just wait here comfortably for the next few days. I need to leave now—two villages are still waiting for me to conduct their awakening ceremonies."
"I understand. Thank you, Brother Su."
Su Yuntao gave him one last encouraging pat on the shoulder, then departed, closing the door behind him.
Alone at last, Huang Wei walked to the window and pulled back the curtains. From the third floor, he had an excellent view of Notting City—streets bustling with activity, merchants hawking wares, the distant silhouettes of other impressive buildings.
A new chapter, he thought. No going back now.
He flopped onto the bed—which was wonderfully soft—and turned his attention inward.
System, what else can you do besides give missions and equipment?
Silence.
...System?
Nothing.
Huang Wei frowned. Is this thing not fully intelligent? Semi-intelligent at best? It doesn't seem very... smart.
He sighed. Well, beggars couldn't be choosers. At least it worked.
Meanwhile, Matthewno wasted no time. He immediately ordered a courier to deliver urgent documentation to the higher-level Spirit Hall authorities, marking it as priority intelligence.
The wheels were already turning. Huang Wei's arrival would not go unnoticed.
That Evening—Spirit Hall Main City
Night had fallen over Wuhun City, and the grand dining hall of one particular estate glowed with warm lamplight.
At a long table sat a man indulging in an evening feast—roasted meats, fine wine, an array of delicacies befitting his station. His face was slightly flushed from drink as he tore into a chicken leg with gusto.
A golden-armored knight approached the table and snapped to attention, fist over heart. "Bishop Salas!"
The man—Salas, Platinum Bishop of Spirit Hall and one of Pope Bibi Dong's most trusted subordinates—looked up mid-chew. He swallowed, wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin, and raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? What is it?"
The knight produced a sealed letter from his soul tool and extended it respectfully. "Lord Salas, this is urgent correspondence from Chief Deacon Matthewno of the Notting City branch. He reports a matter of critical importance."
"Critical importance?" Salas's interest piqued. He set down his wine glass and took the envelope, breaking the wax seal with a practiced motion.
His eyes scanned the contents.
His expression shifted—first curiosity, then surprise, then outright shock.
"Martial Soul: Black Turtle. Innate full soul power." The words left his mouth in a strangled whisper.
Then he shot to his feet, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. "WHAT?!"
Soul power erupted from his body in a controlled surge. In seconds, the technique purged all traces of alcohol from his system—the flush vanished from his cheeks, the cloudiness cleared from his eyes, even the faint smell of wine evaporated.
He stood perfectly sober, radiating authority and urgency.
The golden knight's eyes went wide. Innate full soul power...! From a tiny village, no less! This is massive!
"You will speak of this to no one," Salas commanded, his voice sharp as steel. "Is that understood?"
The knight saluted crisply. "Absolutely, Lord Salas! I swear on my honor—not a word will leave my lips!"
"Good. You're dismissed."
The knight bowed and departed swiftly.
Salas stared down at the letter, mind racing. A Black Turtle martial soul with innate full soul power. This level of talent appears maybe once a generation, if that. I must report this to Her Holiness immediately. In person.
He couldn't arrive at the Pope's Palace reeking of wine and food. That would be unacceptable.
Now properly composed, Salas gathered the documents and strode out of his estate with purpose.
Wuhun City—the heart of Spirit Hall's power—sprawled around him, and at its center stood the magnificent Pope's Palace. Fortunately, his residence wasn't far.
Within minutes, he approached the towering structure, its spires reaching toward the night sky like the fingers of a god.
Guards recognized him instantly and allowed him passage without question.
Her Holiness must know about this immediately, Salas thought as he climbed the grand staircase. This child could change everything.
The Pope's Palace rose before him like a monument to divine authority—magnificent, resplendent, almost overwhelmingly grand. Every surface gleamed with wealth and power. At the entrance stood an immense stone sculpture of an angel, wings spread wide, its expression solemn and sacred.
The moment Salas crossed the threshold, golden-armored knights snapped to attention, their salutes crisp and synchronized.
He paused to straighten his robes, ensuring every detail was perfect, then strode deeper into the temple's heart.
The main hall opened before him—vast, opulent, and dominated by a throne that seemed carved from shadows and starlight.
Salas dropped to one knee without hesitation. "Your Holiness, Pope Bibi Dong. Honorable Elders."
Upon that supreme throne sat a woman who commanded attention simply by existing.
She wore a luxurious black robe adorned with intricate gold patterns that caught the lamplight like trapped fire. A nine-curved purple-gold crown rested upon her head—regal, imposing. In her hand she held a two-meter scepter encrusted with countless gems that pulsed with latent power.
Her skin was porcelain-fair, almost luminescent. Her features were arranged with such perfect symmetry that they seemed sculpted by an artist who understood beauty on a fundamental level.
Long, elegant legs were folded gracefully, one over the other, radiating an effortless combination of charm and authority. A subtle, intoxicating feminine fragrance emanated from her—something that made her presence feel even more otherworldly.
But it was the aura that truly set her apart. An invisible nobility, a sanctity that demanded reverence. Looking at her, one couldn't help but feel the urge to kneel, to worship.
This was Pope Bibi Dong—beautiful beyond words, noble, elegant, serene. Every flattering adjective in existence could be applied to this woman, and still it wouldn't capture the full truth.
Though she was no longer in the first bloom of youth, time seemed to have forgotten to mark her. She remained ageless, eternal.
Flanking her throne stood two figures of equal menace.
To the left: a man clad in resplendent golden armor, his face bearing a certain haggard quality. His features were masculine, yet his aura carried an almost feminine elegance—coquettish, beautiful in an unsettling way.
Yue Guan—Chrysanthemum Douluo.
To the right: another armored figure, this one wearing shadow-colored plates that seemed to drink in the light. His face was pale as death, a ghostly tattoo marking his features like a brand. An eerie, spectral aura clung to him, radiating cold dread that made even brave souls want to take a step back.
Gui Mei—Ghost Douluo.
Both were Bibi Dong's right hands—Titled Douluo utterly devoted to supporting the Pope.
At this moment, both men wore matching expressions of mild irritation, their hands forming identical gestures. They'd clearly been in the middle of something before Salas arrived.
In fact, all three had been preparing to leave—some personal matter or strategic planning session—when Salas's sudden appearance interrupted them.
Bibi Dong's voice cut through the silence like a blade of ice. "What is it, Salas?"
Salas produced the envelope with a flourish. "Your Holiness—urgent intelligence from the Notting City Spirit Hall branch. Deacon Su Yuntao has awakened a child in Huangjia Village who possesses innate full soul power. His martial soul is called the Black Turtle."
The words hung in the air like a thunderclap.
"Innate full soul power?" Bibi Dong's perfect eyebrows rose fractionally. "A Black Turtle?"
Yue Guan and Gui Mei exchanged surprised glances.
"Black Turtle? What kind of species is that?" Yue Guan mused, tilting his head thoughtfully.
"Well, it's a turtle of some kind, obviously," Gui Mei muttered. "Probably defensive support-type."
Bibi Dong made a subtle gesture with one slender hand. The envelope flew from Salas's grasp as if pulled by invisible threads, landing gently in her palm.
She opened it with practiced elegance, her eyes scanning the contents. Slowly, a smile curved her lips—small, but unmistakable.
"Su Yuntao is remarkably fortunate. Issue him a promotion immediately, along with a reward of one hundred thousand gold soul coins."