Chapter 5: The Rising Star of Spirit Hall
Three years had passed since Zhen Wuji's birth. Within this short span, he had already become a mystery, a fascination, and a source of both admiration and irritation for the entirety of Spirit Hall.
Unlike an ordinary child, his growth had been nothing short of shocking. At only three years old, he was already as tall as a five-year-old, his body strong and refined beyond normal human limits. His silver-white hair gleamed in the sunlight, his crystal-clear blue eyes shone with intelligence, and his arrogant smirk made it clear he saw himself as above everyone else.
Despite his young age, Zhen Wuji had already mastered walking, speaking fluently, and even reading and writing. The elders of Spirit Hall were stunned—no child should develop this quickly. But then again, Zhen Wuji was no ordinary child.
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A Boy Who Defies Logic
Zhen Wuji had spent the past three years experimenting with his abilities.
His Six Eyes allowed him to see the true nature of things, analyze people's strengths, and detect hidden information. But to his surprise, he could control when he used this power, unlike Gojo Satoru, who had to consciously block his vision with a blindfold.
His Infinity symbol on his palm had intrigued him even more. While he had yet to extract any luck from the world, he had discovered its first free use—the ability to manipulate the will of someone under the level of Super Douluo. He had carefully stored this knowledge, knowing Bibi Dong would be his perfect target in the future.
But one thing bothered him—his spirit power had not increased since birth.
his spirit power should had exceeded level 20, yet instead of growing further, it had been absorbed into his adaptive body, strengthening his physical attributes instead. He had tested everything—meditation, energy absorption, even special Spirit Hall techniques—but no matter what he did, his spirit power remained locked at level 20.
At first, he was frustrated. But soon, he realized something else—his physical strength kept increasing without limit.
By three years old, he was already stronger than some adult Spirit Masters, and his combat instincts were terrifyingly sharp. If his body could continuously adapt and improve, then perhaps he didn't need traditional cultivation at all.
He smirked at the thought.
"Seems like I truly am built differently."
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Qian Renxue: His Most Loyal Companion
Despite his dominance, Zhen Wuji was never alone.
Qian Renxue, the granddaughter of Qian Daoliu, had been by his side since birth. The little girl, just a few months younger than him, had grown deeply attached to him over the years.
She followed him everywhere, always staying close, as if afraid he would disappear.
Zhen Wuji, of course, found her interesting. She was obedient, quiet, and had an innate nobility about her—but her eyes always carried sadness.
Even as a child, he could sense her hidden pain.
Her mother, Bibi Dong, had rejected her since birth, and her father, Qian Xunji, was merely an observer in the shadows. She had no real family to love her, no warmth in her home.
But she had him.
Whenever she was sad, Zhen Wuji would tease her playfully, make her laugh, or comfort her in his own way. And she never questioned why he cared for her—she simply accepted it, relying on him completely.
However, whenever he asked about her sadness, she would change the topic or give excuses.
"You wouldn't understand," she once muttered. "You… don't have parents either, right? I don't want to make you sad."
Zhen Wuji merely smiled at that.
"What a foolish girl," he thought. "You don't even realize you've already lost to me."
He didn't need her to open up—not yet. One day, she would be completely dependent on him, and that was enough for now.
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Irritating the Elders of Spirit Hall
Zhen Wuji was arrogant by nature, and Spirit Hall's elders hated it.
They had expected him to be respectful, obedient, and disciplined, like a proper disciple of the great Qian Daoliu. Instead, they got a cocky, playful, and mischievous brat who mocked them openly.
Even the strictest elders, who had trained many generations of Spirit Masters, found themselves completely helpless against him.
"This child is unbearable!" one elder complained. "Does he have no respect for his seniors?"
"He's just a child," another sighed. "But… a monstrous one."
Despite their irritation, none of them could do anything.
Zhen Wuji was under Qian Daoliu's protection, and his potential was too terrifying to suppress. Even His Holiness Qian Xunji observed from a distance, watching but never interfering.
It was clear to everyone—this boy would be a force to be reckoned with.
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The Portrait That Shook the World
As news of Zhen Wuji's existence spread, Spirit Hall commissioned an official portrait of him.
When the painting was unveiled, it immediately caused a sensation across the continent.
A young boy with silver-white hair, radiant blue eyes, and an elegant but mischievous smile—his appearance was beyond ordinary beauty. The way his Six Eyes gleamed in the painting made it look as though he could see through reality itself.
The portrait was sent to various noble clans, sects, and factions across the Douluo Continent, and the reactions were all the same—curiosity, admiration, and fear.
"A boy raised by Qian Daoliu himself? Who is he?"
"His features… they are almost divine. Could he be a chosen one?"
"No… his presence is dangerous. That arrogance in his eyes—he is not an ordinary talent. He will change everything."
Even in the Clear Sky Sect, Tang Hao's father received the news. The powerful Titled Douluo stared at the painting for a long time, his expression unreadable.
Meanwhile, Tang San's future master, Yu Xiaogang, also heard of the mysterious child being raised in Spirit Hall.
"Spirit Hall… is truly terrifying," he muttered, realizing that the power balance of the world was shifting.
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Zhen Wuji's Thoughts: The Path Forward
Zhen Wuji sat in his room, deep in thought.
His abilities were still evolving. His Six Eyes were stronger than ever, his physical body surpassed human limits, and his Infinity symbol held limitless potential—all he needed was luck to activate new abilities.
His path was becoming clearer.
He had already secured Qian Renxue's trust, and soon, he would move on Bibi Dong. Manipulating her emotions would be his next grand play—but only when the time was right.
"Spirit Hall is the perfect foundation," he mused. "If I want to shape this world, I must start here."