Fan Yue walked at a leisurely pace toward the Grand Library of Heavenly Dou City. Six years had passed since that fateful day at the Soul Awakening Center. Now twelve years old, he stood 135 centimeters tall, shorter than most of his peers.
His face was clear and bright, but all attention was drawn to his eyes — crystal clear, like a miniature starry sky. They held a depth unmatched by anyone else, and it was evident even now that, as he grew, they would only become brighter, and he would become remarkably handsome.
On his way, he stopped by a bakery, buying three chilled drinks and a couple of desserts. Upon entering the library, he raised his Soul Communicator to the turnstile and then stepped into the main hall.
The Soul Communicator, shaped like a watch, was issued to every resident of the Federation at age three. It contained a person's complete information, served as identification, and had countless other functions.
Following his usual route, Fan Yue reached the farthest reading table, where a girl of about 12 or 13 sat, her beauty immediately captivating. Her long blue hair shimmered like a calm ocean under the sun, and her snow-white skin was flawless, like the petal of a rare flower. Her ocean-colored eyes were deep and shining, reflecting a whole world, framed by long, delicate lashes that glimmered with every blink. She held a book, fully immersed in reading, as if the rest of the world had ceased to exist.
"Sister Dong Qianqiu… SISTER DONG QIANQIU!" Fan Yue called out, but the girl was so absorbed that she didn't hear him.
Fan Yue shook his head in resignation and slowly approached her from behind. Leaning close to her ear, he exhaled a warm breath.
"Buuu!"
"Ah!" the girl jerked, grabbing her ear.
Seeing Fan Yue, she blushed slightly.
"I told you to stop doing that, Yue."
Fan Yue smiled and placed the drinks and desserts on the table.
"Sister Qianqiu, you brought this on yourself. Ignoring me was a mistake."
Dong Qianqiu snorted, taking one of the drinks and sipping. Sitting opposite her, Fan Yue asked,
"Where is Sister Lan Mengqin?"
"The entrance exams for Shrek Academy start in three days, so she's busy cultivating," Dong Qianqiu replied, already nibbling on a dessert.
Hearing "Shrek Academy," Fan Yue lowered his gaze and muttered softly:
"I see…"
Shrek Academy was the premier institution in the entire Federation, holding the top position among all academies for forty thousand years. Over its long history, it had produced countless outstanding Soul Masters, as well as three legendary figures still renowned throughout the Federation.
The first was the founder of the Tang Sect and the man who destroyed the Spirit Temple 30,000 years ago, the Sea God Tang San. The second was Ho Yuhuo, founder of the Spirit Weather, creator of Artificial Spiritual Souls, and a visionary who advanced the continent thousands of years ahead; some say he ascended and became a god 20,000 years ago. The third, equally remarkable, was Douluo King of the Golden Dragons, Tang Wulin, who restored Shrek Academy 10,000 years ago and ended the long war between Spirit Beasts and Soul Masters. Whether he ascended to godhood or died is unknown.
Since childhood, Fan Yue had heard teachers and mentors speak of this academy. He had dreamed of enrolling and standing among these legends, but born with a Void Soul, he abandoned the dream.
Shaking his head, Fan Yue looked at Dong Qianqiu.
"Why aren't you cultivating? The exams are almost here."
Closing her book, Dong Qianqiu said with a hint of sadness,
"I'll be training intensively with Teacher Nana for these three days. After the first and second stages, I'll leave with Sister Mengqin to the Mother Planet. I want to say goodbye to you."
A weight settled in Fan Yue's chest.
"<
Summoning all his courage, Fan Yue suddenly stood, grabbed Dong Qianqiu's hand, and left the library with her.
Caught off guard, she exclaimed,
"Yue, what are you doing?! Where are we going?"
Fan Yue slowed. When they reached a spacious park filled with flowers, he released her hand and smiled.
"We haven't walked together in a while. This park is especially beautiful this time of year."
Dong Qianqiu remained silent, unsure what to say. Seeing his flushed face, she inwardly thought,
"Ha-ha, does he want to spend time with me? How sweet…"
Fan Yue suddenly stopped by a fountain.
"Sister Qianqiu, do you remember our first meeting?"
Dong Qianqiu looked at the fountain, memories surfacing.
"Yes. Back then, some boys from your school were teasing you. Mengqin and I defended you. The next day, we met in the library. You also liked history, so we quickly bonded. Though you and Sister Mengqin connected even faster."
Fan Yue nodded, lifting his gaze to her eyes. At their age, girls grew faster, and being a Soul Master, she had surpassed him in height and physical development, standing at 165 cm.
"Since that day you helped me, you became a light for me. I remember you reaching out and smiling."
Dong Qianqiu wanted to speak.
"Yue…"
But Fan Yue continued without pause.
"Since then, every day with you has been happiness. Your smile is what I want to see every day."
He took a deep breath, gathering all his courage.
"I… like you very much."
Dong Qianqiu, expecting this, looked into his crystal-clear eyes and softly said,
"Yue… I'm sorry, but I can't return your feelings. You've always been like a sweet little brother to me."
Fan Yue exhaled and smiled broadly.
"Ha-ha! Sister Qianqiu, don't worry. I already knew it wouldn't work between us."
Dong Qianqiu sighed in relief.
"I'm glad."
Fan Yue stepped forward, took her hands, and said,
"I don't know when we'll meet again. I hope you achieve your goals and become a strong Soul Master. I'll stay here, cheering for you. Take care!"
Fan Yue turned and sprinted away.
Dong Qianqiu did not chase him, though she could have. She looked at the shark pendant in her hand, smiled, and thought,
"<
Then she headed toward Teacher Nana.
Fan Yue stopped, panting heavily. The park was small, but his stamina left much to be desired. He sat on a nearby bench, trying to calm himself.
"Hu-huu…" he breathed quietly.
Though he convinced himself he was ready for Dong Qianqiu's reaction, he lied to himself. His eyes trembled, and his nose was damp — he looked like a forsaken puppy.
Suddenly, a cold can pressed against his neck. He turned sharply and saw a girl whose beauty slightly lagged behind Dong Qianqiu's. Her hair was snowy white like the first snow. Her face was delicate, her gaze penetrating. Jade-like skin and long legs drew attention, while a cold aura gave her unmatched charm.
Fan Yue grabbed the drink without hesitation and drank it in one gulp.
"Haah!" he exhaled, wiping his damp face.
"Thank you, Sister Lan Mengqin."
Lan Mengqin smirked.
"For what? The juice or leaving you alone with your beloved sister?"
Fan Yue blushed and looked down shyly.
"For both…"
Lan Mengqin sat beside him.
"Why did you confess to her?"
Fan Yue answered honestly.
"She's a Soul Master, exceptionally talented, while I'm ordinary. We're from different worlds. But if I didn't try, I'd regret it forever. I hoped she might return my feelings. And honestly… she still does in some way."
Lan Mengqin gently patted his head.
"Yue… don't worry. The important thing is being honest with yourself. Everything will be fine. I'm here, and you can rely on me if anything gets tough."
Fan Yue silently pulled a snowflake pendant from his pocket and handed it to her.
"This is for you. It's just a trinket, but I hope you accept it."
Lan Mengqin raised an eyebrow, her heart beating faster.
"<
She didn't know how to react, but a quiet, almost shy smile appeared. She carefully took the pendant, feeling its weight. Wearing it, she asked,
"How does it look? Suits me?"
Fan Yue looked at her and replied softly,
"It suits the elder sister perfectly. Take care of it, okay?"
Inside, Lan Mengqin felt a warmth, a sense of being valued and protected — not love, but care.
She stuck out her tongue and quickly stood.
"Trying to court me too?"
Fan Yue merely smiled faintly and rose from the bench.
"I wish you luck, though with your strength, it won't be needed. Just take care, elder sister."
Lan Mengqin smiled back.
"You too. I'll write to you — answer immediately! Don't make me worry."
After these words, they parted ways.
Fan Yue entered the spacious house, sprawling over 500 square meters. He immediately changed into his training clothes and headed to the training room. Thanks to his father's service in the Federation army, the house was equipped with everything necessary, including rooms for training and meditation provided by the Federation.
After a light warm-up, Fan Yue approached the wall and, using his soul communicator, activated a retractable weapons rack. Taking a simple wooden one-handed sword, he began swinging it. Each strike was precise and well-honed.
After an hour, drenched in sweat and exhausted, he stopped and entered the meditation room. Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes and gradually began to dive inward. Within minutes, Fan Yue found himself in a strange place. He could feel the ground beneath his feet but could not see it. In front of him stretched a vast chasm, as if an entire sea had been drained away. This place was his Sea of Consciousness, or Spirit Sea.
For Spiritual Masters, cultivating Spiritual Power was essential not only to absorb Spiritual Rings but also to strengthen the mind and consciousness. Mental Power represented the strength of the mind—it determined how well a Spiritual Master could understand the laws of Heaven and Earth, comprehend both his own and others' abilities. In short, a Spiritual Master's understanding depended on Mental Power. Unlike Spiritual Power, Mental Power existed in every person, but only Spiritual Masters could refine it.
Mental Power was divided into five Realms:
Realm of Spiritual Origin: 0–99
Realm of Spiritual Unity: 100–499
Realm of Spiritual Sea: 500–4,999
Realm of Spiritual Abyss: 5,000–19,999
Realm of Spiritual Domain: 20,000–49,999
Every person started in the Realm of Spiritual Origin at birth. Their Mental Power grew naturally until the age of six. If a person became a Spiritual Master, their Mental Power would continue growing until the age of forty. Ordinary people, however, would lose the ability to naturally refine their Mental Power, remaining trapped in the Realm of Spiritual Origin.
This would have been Fan Yue's fate as well, but from the age of six, his father, Fan Hobin, constantly fed him various treasures of Heaven and Earth and the meat of Spiritual Beasts. While these could not grant him the ability to cultivate, they greatly strengthened his weak body and extended his lifespan. Additionally, Fan Hobin deliberately provided treasures that increased Mental Power. Over six years, Fan Yue consumed them continuously.
Thanks to this, he broke into the Realm of Spiritual Unity and then into the Realm of the Spiritual Sea. Yet there was a drawback: being a normal person, he could not control and hold Mental Power in his Spirit Sea on such a large scale. Therefore, he could not obtain the power of the Realm of the Spiritual Sea. Still, there was a benefit—his memory was phenomenal, and unlike ordinary people, he could enter his Spirit Sea like a Spiritual Master.
Fan Yue heard someone enter the meditation room. Opening his eyes, he saw his father. He immediately stood, ready for their daily sparring.
Fan Yue had been weak and sickly since childhood, but thanks to his father, he had grown normally. Still, his stamina remained low, and he tired quickly.
Fan Hobin smiled, a wooden sword appearing in his hands. Before sparring, he asked:
— Yue, what is the meaning of battle?
For six years, Fan Hobin had asked this question before every sparring session. Fan Yue would listen but never answer; sparring would simply begin.
— The meaning of battle… is meaninglessness, — Fan Yue replied, not putting much thought into his words.
Fan Hobin said nothing and waited for Fan Yue to make the first move. Fan Yue gripped his sword tightly and stepped forward.
— Bang! — the sharp sound of two wooden swords clashing filled the room.
Ten minutes later, Fan Yue lay on the floor, soaked in sweat. Fan Hobin sat beside him.
— Your swordsmanship improves every day. You've memorized all my Martial Arts, but you cannot yet apply them. Still, I am proud of you.
Fan Yue shifted his gaze to his father's broad back and smiled. In his eyes, his father was the most important person in his life.
— Yue… — Fan Hobin's voice was calm but serious. — If you had the chance to become a Spiritual Master, but at the cost of having to reach the rank of God by age twenty… or die, would you still choose it?
Fan Yue did not answer immediately. He pondered deeply.
— <
He knew the world. He did not want to be weak or ordinary. Given his frail body, the desire to become stronger was as natural as sleep or eating. Though he hesitated briefly, he already knew the answer.
— Yes, I would become a Spiritual Master!
Fan Hobin sighed and smiled broadly.
— That's exactly what I expected from our son.
As a father, he was proud of his son's decision, though he wished Fan Yue could live a peaceful life.
— Father, do you really have a way to awaken my Battle Soul? — Fan Yue asked with hope in his heart.
— Of course. Do you think your old man spent six years doing nothing? — Fan Hobin replied. He paused briefly, then continued with a touch of sadness. — But first, I need to tell you something about myself… and your mother.
Fan Yue stayed silent, prepared to listen to his father to the end. Fan Hobin stroked his chin, considering his words.
— Hmm… where to begin… Yue, I am not from this world.
Fan Yue's eyes widened in disbelief.
— Not from this world?! Are there really other worlds?! This… this would shock all the scientists of the Federation!
The young Fan Yue had once decided to dedicate himself to science, believing he would not be able to become a Spiritual Master. He wanted to study Spirit Arrays, discover new ways to use them, and learn about Spiritual Beasts and Planets. But the news of other worlds electrified his young mind.
— I was shocked when I realized it too, — Fan Hobin continued. — That world lagged behind ours by tens of thousands of years. I was a Martial Arts Master there. Concepts like "Spiritual Master," "Spiritual Beasts," even "Heaven and Earth Qi" did not exist.
He paused, his eyes dimming briefly.
— There, people could shatter rocks with bare hands or walk on air, but most lived as ordinary folk, constantly at war. I died in one such battle, but unexpectedly woke here… in the body of the real Fan Hobin, who had been killed by a Dark Spiritual Master.
Fan Yue listened, wide-eyed, absorbing every word.
— It was a shock. I did not understand what had happened. I was utterly lost. Gradually, I realized I was somewhere beyond my homeland. Time was short, as I was caught in the center of a battle between Spiritual Masters and Dark Spiritual Masters. Only my experience and luck allowed me to survive.
He took a deep breath.
— After the battle, I was hospitalized. Using the previous body's injuries, I claimed amnesia. This allowed me to freely learn about this world and adapt.
Fan Yue was captivated, unable to tear his gaze from his father.
— Haha… — Fan Hobin chuckled bitterly. — You should have seen my face when I first discovered this world. It was far more dangerous, stronger, and mysterious than my home. I learned about Battle Souls, Spiritual Power, Spiritual Rings, and Spiritual Beasts. Fortunately, my Battle Soul at the time was a One-Handed Iron Sword.
He frowned, regret flashing in his eyes.
— Unfortunately, the previous owner of this body was lazy and untalented. He graduated with only two rings and worked as a guard. He was only twenty and could have lived peacefully… but fate had other plans.
Fan Yue listened, completely absorbed.
— I did not seek to return to my world. This world was… more interesting, but I did not want to remain weak. My only option was the Federation Army. That was my only chance to become stronger and understand this world.
— During military training, my experience and knowledge allowed me to rapidly develop Spiritual Power and my body. After six months, I reached Soul King (5) level and was sent to the front lines. The Federation fought continuous wars in space with invaders from other worlds. Facing these formidable beings, I was many times on the brink of life and death. But the war awakened my potential and pushed me beyond myself.
His voice softened, eyes filled with emotion.
— And then, in one battle, I met your mother.
Fan Yue froze.
— She was… stunning, like a goddess. But also so strong, beyond my comprehension. The most special thing was her eyes—bright, deep, like gems studded with stars. You inherited your eyes from her. She saved my life, and for the first time in two lifetimes, I understood love.
Fan Yue smiled, seeing his father's impulsive and passionate side.
— In the heat of battle, I proposed to her. She probably thought I was dying and talking nonsense, — Fan Hobin laughed. — She teleported me to the base. But after that day, I pursued her every day. She was initially unreachable, rejecting me and my gifts. Step by step, through battles and growing stronger, I earned her trust and heart. We married. But your birth was a real trial.
His voice grew quieter, pained by the memory.
— Your mother, while pregnant, did something reckless. She hid her pregnancy using her abilities to continue fighting. I did not even know. Then something terrible happened. A powerful enemy appeared on the field. We barely forced him to retreat… But when we tried to retreat ourselves, space tore apart and pulled us into a hostile world.
Fan Yue remained riveted, hanging on every word.
— Your mother was gravely injured, and the pregnancy could no longer be contained. That is where you were born…
Fan Hobin paused, swallowing hard.
— She could not survive her wounds… at least, that's what I thought then. I could only hide her body. With you in my arms, I had to fend off an entire army. Only a miracle let us return to the Douluo World.
His voice became resolute.
— Because you were born in another world, you lacked a Battle Soul. But who says that must always be so?! I found a way to give you a Battle Soul.
A golden spark appeared in his hand.
— Accept it, son.
The golden light surged into Fan Yue, enveloping him like a living stream of energy. Warmth spread through him, and his heart beat stronger than ever. A bright flash illuminated the room, walls shimmering with golden and dark hues.
When the light faded, a massive two-handed sword stood before him, nearly two meters long, forty centimeters wide at the base, tapering elegantly toward the tip. The blade and hilt merged seamlessly, as if forged by the universe itself. Darkness woven with golden streaks made it seem alive, a hidden power residing within.
Fan Yue froze, feeling every part of his body respond. His heart recognized it—the sword was not merely a weapon but a part of himself.
He carefully grasped the hilt. The sword responded, energy flowing through his hands, merging with his blood and consciousness.
— The Sword… of Three Luminaries… — he whispered, feeling its power flood his mind.
With his first swing, a whirlwind of air filled the room, matching the rhythm of his heart. The sword's energy penetrated him, intertwining with his Battle Spirit.
— This is your Battle Soul. Cherish it! — said Fan Hobin. — It embodies not only you but also me and your mother. Now, let's test your Spiritual Power.
He handed Fan Yue a metallic sphere. As soon as it touched his hands, a number "17" flashed on its surface. A faint smile appeared on Fan Hobin's face.
— Even higher than Full Innate Spiritual Power… Thank goodness he inherited your talent, Lan Yue.
Fan Hobin produced a black metallic sphere and gave it to his son.
— This is an Artificial Spiritual Soul of Black Rank. Since your Mental Power has reached the peak of the Realm of the Spiritual Sea, you can absorb it. It will grant you four Black Spiritual Rings. Until you reach Soul King (5), you need not seek your Spiritual Soul.
Fan Yue felt a storm of emotions—confusion, disbelief, joy. The chains that had bound him for so long were broken thanks to his father. Tears streamed down his face. He stepped forward and embraced Fan Hobin.
— Thank you… thank you, father!
Fan Hobin patted his head.
— Son, I am your father. A parent's duty is to make a child happy. Do not cry… When you cry, I cry too.
Tears ran down Fan Hobin's face as well, revealing the pain and grief he had hidden for years.
— I could never imagine how hard it was for you…
Fan Yue calmed down, looking at his father.
— Father, you said you thought Mother was dead… Does that mean she is alive?
Fan Hobin extended a black ring and a crimson emblem depicting a strange creature.
— Yes, your mother is alive. You know her name, but remember her title—Heavenly Moon, Lan Yue. She could not give you a mother's love, but she loved you more than life itself.
Hearing his mother's name and that she was alive, Fan Yue's heart filled with warmth and anticipation. He wanted to meet her.
— This emblem is of incredible value, — Fan Hobin continued. — It belonged to your mother. Tell no one. You will enter Shrek Academy—where your journey begins. Some there know your mother. You resemble her; they may recognize you. Her relationship with the academy is strained, but no one will harm you.
— Because you earned it through your service in the army, the Federation reserved a quota for your admission. In one and a half months, a representative will come for you. The crimson emblem allows you to use all of the academy's power once or request anything. The ring—your mother's storage ring. Drop a drop of your blood on it, and it will become yours.
Fan Yue carefully bit his finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the ring. His consciousness instantly entered it, revealing an endless empty space. He placed the crimson emblem inside. Fan Hobin nodded in satisfaction.
— Now, let's begin merging with your Spiritual Soul. I did not know what your Battle Soul would be, but I knew it would be connected to the stars. Your first Spiritual Soul is crucial. It will inherit your traits, follow your lineage, and grow with you, gaining consciousness. I will guide you through absorption.
Fan Yue nodded. He had just obtained Spiritual Power, so help was necessary. Pressing a button on the metallic sphere, he saw a black illusory figure emerge. Before him stood a wolf, about two meters tall. Its fur was black as night, eyes golden yet empty. A slit on its forehead resembled a third eye.
— "World-Contemplating Wolf…" — Fan Yue immediately recognized an incredibly rare and unusual Spiritual Beast.
Without hesitation, he sat cross-legged. Fan Hobin stood behind him, placing his hands on his son's back. Directing Fan Yue's Spiritual Power into the wolf, they began the merging process. Ten minutes later, the wolf completely dissolved into Fan Yue's body. A black spiritual ring swirled around him, enveloping him like a second breath.
Fan Yue opened his eyes. The world had changed—the colors brighter, outlines sharper, and the air filled with invisible energy streams.
— So this is how Spiritual Masters perceive the world… — he murmured, amazed.
Fan Hobin looked at his son with seriousness.
— Yue, I have little time. I must pass on the Blood Breathing Method. It's a special cultivation technique I discovered in a rift. It belonged to a mighty dragon.
— There are many types of energy in this world: Heaven and Earth Qi for Spiritual Power cultivation, Life Force for strengthening the body, Mental Power—the power of consciousness… But there is a special type: Lineage Power. Most Spiritual Masters know of it but cannot use it or even sense it. Only a few with strong lineage can wield it. Every Spiritual Master is born with a specific lineage, often linked to their Battle Soul, though sometimes there is no connection. Lineage determines potential and Battle Soul rank. Yet Spiritual Masters have not developed a way to refine it.
— This method is opposite to normal cultivation. It enhances your own blood to increase potential and body strength. It can be used for ordinary cultivation, but the potential it unlocks is incredible. It will also grant you the Dragon Lineage.
— Sit cross-legged. I will guide your lineage energy. You must remember the flow. Understood?
Fan Yue nodded, focusing intensely. He sat upright, feeling tension in every cell. Fan Hobin placed his hand on his back and began directing the energy. Moments later, Fan Yue felt his blood redirecting, flowing against its natural course. Pain pierced his body. Every cell screamed, yet he endured. His blood surged like a living river, forging new paths. The body heated, skin reddened, and a strange, unknown power rose in his chest.
Fan Hobin's voice sounded in his mind:
— "Direct and concentrate your lineage energy at the center of your chest."
Fan Yue slowly guided the energy. Every cell sensed the shift, like a river changing course. Fan Hobin watched carefully.
After an hour, Fan Yue accumulated an incredible amount of energy.
— "Now the second stage. Start spinning it as fast as possible, like a whirlwind," — his father instructed.
The pain faded, leaving only focus. Crimson energy spun, forming a whirlwind, accelerating with each rotation.
— "Lineage Whirlwind formed. Continue spinning!"
Life Force rushed into the whirlwind, absorbed by his body. Every cell, muscle, and tendon strengthened. Fan Yue felt his body becoming denser and sturdier, like a dried plant revived by water. Heaven and Earth Qi flowed into the whirlwind, Spiritual Power spread through his meridians, nourishing his Battle Soul.
An hour later, Fan Yue exhaled a plume of white vapor. Opening his eyes, he felt extraordinary lightness, harmony, and strength.
Fan Hobin placed his hand on his head, pride and pain mingling in his gaze.
— I'm sorry, son… I must search for your mother. I wish you could live peacefully, away from wars, but it is impossible. Time is short before a full-scale enemy invasion. No one will be safe. Yue, become strong. Strong enough to protect yourself! I believe in you… No, your mother and I believe in you! Cry if you must, shout if you must, but never give up!
Fan Yue nodded firmly, eyes shining with determination.
— When you return, your son will already be a God!
Fan Hobin hugged his son tightly. Fan Yue's eyelids grew heavy, and he drifted into a deep sleep. Fan Hobin gently laid him on the bed, his figure dissolving in golden light.
— "Lan Yue… wait for me!"