"Holy Soul Village?" Qian Yu was slightly taken aback. Wasn't this the starting location in the Douluo Continent story? He had been reborn here in a past life and vaguely remembered reading the novel Douluo.
He hadn't expected to find himself in this place once again. What era was this? Could it be the time when Tang San was about to awaken his Martial Soul?
Just then, a voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Little friend, where did you come from? Why are you standing at the entrance to our village?" an elderly man asked.
Qian Yu looked up and saw a tall, lean old man, who appeared to be in his sixties. Despite his age, the man looked energetic and well-kept.
His clothes were clean, and his hair neatly combed. Seeing Qian Yu remain silent, the man continued, "It's getting dark, little one. If you don't have a place to stay, you're welcome to come to my home. I'm the village chief here!"
Qian Yu gave a calm nod and replied in a quiet, steady voice, "Thank you."
Hearing him speak, the old man blinked in surprise and muttered to himself, "This little fellow speaks like an adult…"
Qian Yu didn't say much and simply followed the man home. From their conversation along the way, he confirmed that this was indeed Holy Soul Village, and the old man was none other than Old Jack—the one who often guided newcomers in the story. What surprised Qian Yu most was the timing. This was the era when Tang San had just been born.
He hadn't expected to be reborn during such a crucial period, but it didn't matter. No matter when or where, Qian Yu had no intention of being overshadowed.
He would rise to the top of this era. Even if Tang San was the protagonist of Douluo Continent, Qian Yu would aim to surpass him.
He didn't particularly like Tang San, feeling that the character's actions were often hypocritical. He also thought poorly of Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, Dai Mubai, and others—flawed individuals who still ended up with favorable outcomes. Qian Yu didn't understand why.
Conversely, characters like Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue, who hadn't done anything truly wrong, were cast as villains standing in Tang San's way. Qian Yu felt a sense of sympathy for them. Now that he had returned to this era, perhaps it was time for a few changes.
Although Qian Yu had been reincarnated ten times, he hadn't lived for a million years in total. In each life, the system selected a point in time for him to be reborn. Once he achieved godhood, that life would end. For example, if he became a god at age thirty, then that life had only lasted thirty years.
So, despite a million years having passed since his first arrival in this world, the time he had actually lived in the Douluo Continent added up to only a few hundred years. He wasn't truly some ancient being.
More importantly, Qian Yu wasn't the type to become emotionless or detached over time. Quite the opposite—in each life, he loved deeply and hated intensely.
He cherished those he cared for and would go to great lengths to protect them. But for those he hated—or who stood in his way—Qian Yu would eliminate them without hesitation. Even those he merely found irritating wouldn't be spared.
"Little friend, where did you come from? Why did you end up in our Holy Soul Village?" Old Jack's voice pulled Qian Yu from his thoughts once more.
"Little friend" … Qian Yu smiled faintly at the term. If Old Jack knew he had lived through countless lifetimes, he'd probably be shocked.
Still, since he was here now, there was no need to overthink it. He had already played the role of a child nine times—he could do it again with ease.
Looking at Old Jack, Qian Yu quickly crafted a simple story and said, "I… I'm an orphan from Qianjia Village. After my parents passed away, I ran away and ended up here."
"Ah, what a poor child," Old Jack sighed. "My name's Jack. You can call me Grandpa Jack. If you don't mind, you're welcome to stay in our Holy Soul Village." His eyes were full of kindness as he looked at Qian Yu.
"Thank you, Grandpa Jack," Qian Yu replied without hesitation.
Just like that, Qian Yu settled down in Holy Soul Village.
The next day, Qian Yu went outside and encountered a boy dressed in blue. The boy spotted him and greeted him with a smile.
"Hi, my name is Tang San," he said, looking at Qian Yu curiously.
Although Qian Yu didn't particularly like Tang San, he wasn't going to harm him without reason. Tang San had done nothing to him, and besides, his father—Tang Hao—was a Title Douluo. With only level 30 innate Soul Power, Qian Yu was in no position to provoke someone like that.
"Qian Yu," he replied flatly, not wanting to get too close. Then he turned and walked away.
Several days passed. During that time, Qian Yu began cultivating his Soul Power. Since his Martial Soul was already awakened, all he had to do was meditate to increase his strength.
His goal in this life remained the same—to become a god—so he wasted no time.
Months passed in quiet cultivation. He continued living at Old Jack's house, and the old man treated him with genuine care.
Then one day, Old Jack returned home with an excited look on his face.
"Little Yu, I've got great news for you!"
Qian Yu looked up. "What is it, Grandpa Jack?"
"The deacon from Nuo Ding City is coming tomorrow to host the Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony right here in our village!"
Qian Yu's expression remained calm. He wasn't surprised. This was all part of his plan. He had no intention of staying in Holy Soul Village forever. He knew the Awakening Ceremony would take place here—that's why he chose to remain. It was the perfect chance to start his journey toward godhood.
"Why don't you look happy?" Old Jack asked, puzzled.
"I am happy," Qian Yu said, still composed.
"Sigh, you're such a strange little fellow. I hope you awaken a powerful Martial Soul and one day become a great Soul Master!"
Old Jack said with a sigh full of hope.
"Thank you, Grandpa Jack," Qian Yu replied sincerely.
Old Jack shook his head and chuckled. "Honestly, sometimes I think you're not a child at all, but an old monster who's lived for decades…" He waved his hand.
"Alright, enough talk. Go to bed early. Tomorrow's your big day."
"Mm." Qian Yu nodded gently.
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