The sun had barely begun to rise over Nuoding City, a modest settlement nestled at the crossroads of gently sloping hills and winding trade routes. Morning mist coiled between tiled rooftops, clinging to cobbled streets and swaying lanterns with a lingering touch, as though unwilling to surrender the city to daylight.
Though distant from the empire's bustling centers, Nuoding held a quiet charm—its stone walls timeworn, its markets humble, and its people forged by simple lives. Yet, at the city's core stood a structure of notable presence: a stone cathedral marked with the silver insignia of Spirit Hall, etched solemnly above its arched entryway. The Nuoding City Branch of Spirit Hall stood with understated dignity, housing priests, deacons, and clerics responsible for soul talent assessments and spirit awakenings.
Within its sacred interior, behind layers of thick wooden doors and linen-draped windows, one chamber remained undisturbed. A small bed sat in the corner of the stone room, surrounded by modest furnishings—a wooden shelf, a wash basin, and a neatly folded set of robes resting on a stool.
And on that bed… a boy stirred.
He appeared no older than six or seven, his raven-black hair tousled against the pillow. His breathing was uneven. Beneath closed lids, his eyes trembled, caught in some dream—or perhaps a nightmare.
Then, they snapped open.
Wide, dark eyes scanned the unfamiliar ceiling. The stone walls, the quiet echo, the faint scent of incense—none of it familiar.
Where… where am I?
I… died? Didn't I? The accident…
Panic surged through him, but his body resisted the turmoil of his mind. He rose slowly, feeling the unfamiliar weight of a frame not his own. Small arms. Thin legs. The room felt too large.
He lifted trembling hands to his face.
This isn't my body…
A sudden flood—memories not his—washed through his mind. Names. Faces. A temple. A woman's voice, gently calling: "Li Shen."
His name.
Not from Earth. Not from before. This was a new life.
His gaze shifted to the folded robes beside him, adorned with the sigil of Spirit Hall—a golden six-winged angel.
Spirit Hall… this is the world of Douluo Dalu…?
The realization hit like a thunderclap. He'd read the novels. Watched the series. He thought he understood this world. But now, he was part of it.
Reincarnated. Reborn.
Into a realm of soul rings, martial spirits, and legends.
[System Notification: Host's memories have been successfully awakened.]
[System is now fully online.]
[Welcome, Host, to the Ultimate Traveler System.]
[This system exists to elevate the host's body and destiny to the supreme level.]
[Currently, only the 'Status' function is unlocked.]
[Please awaken your Martial Soul to unlock additional system features.]
Li Shen blinked rapidly, trying to calm his breath as a chime echoed in his mind—clear, mechanical, yet faintly ethereal.
[System Function: STATUS — Initiating Display]
A shimmer of light unfurled before his eyes, translucent and suspended in the air like a floating screen of starlight and data. He stared, wide-eyed, as glowing text assembled line by line.
[Ultimate Traveler System – Status Interface]
Name: Li Shen
Age: 6
Race: Human (Reincarnated Soul)
Body Grade: Mortal Tier (Locked)
Martial Soul: ??? (Not Yet Awakened)
Spirit Power: Level 10 (Innate Full Spirit Power)
Spirit Rings: None
Spirit Bones: None
Bloodline: None
System Functions Unlocked: [Status]
System Functions Locked: [Quests], [Inventory], [Cultivation Path], [Talent Fusion], [Dimensional Archive]
[Warning: Martial Soul not yet awakened. Spirit Ring compatibility analysis is unavailable.]
[Recommendation: Attend local Spirit Awakening Ceremony.]
Li Shen exhaled slowly. A strange warmth pulsed from within—spirit power, already full despite his lack of rings or cultivation.
"It seems… I've really reincarnated into the world of Douluo," Li Shen murmured, sitting at the bed's edge, his feet barely brushing the stone floor.
He scanned the modest room—morning light spilled through a square window, and incense still lingered faintly in the air. His gaze returned to the folded robes bearing Spirit Hall's sigil, and flickers of memory surfaced in his mind.
From the memories I've inherited… I'm an orphan. Rescued by Ma Nuo—the head of this city's Spirit Hall branch.
His brows drew together as the haze cleared.
And during these past days… Everything was normal, until last Night. Or rather, the original Li Shen suddenly fell gravely ill last night. And now, he's passed on… leaving me in this body.
Li Shen released a quiet breath, placing a hand over his chest and closing his eyes.
"Rest in peace, Li Shen… from today onward, I am you. I don't know why I was chosen, but I swear—I'll live this life to the fullest. Your name… will echo through this world."
Rising from the bed, he approached the basin, washed his face, and dressed in the robes prepared for him. After straightening the collar and tying the sash, he stepped into the hallway.
The Spirit Hall's awakening chamber lay just ahead.
Inside, parents and children around his age had already gathered. Some of the children looked anxious, others excited. The stone hall buzzed with hushed chatter, and the golden emblem of Spirit Hall shone on the wall behind the raised platform.
"Ah! Little Shen, you're here," a warm voice called.
Li Shen turned to see Ma Nuo, a middle-aged man with silver-streaked hair and kind eyes. His robes bore the markings of a branch leader, yet his presence felt gentle, almost paternal. He placed a hand atop Li Shen's head, smiling kindly.
"Feeling better today?" Ma Nuo asked.
Li Shen offered a respectful nod. Though a different soul now occupied this body, he sensed the genuine care Ma Nuo had shown the original Li Shen.
"Yes… Thank you, Uncle Ma."
Ma Nuo's smile deepened. "Good. Today's a big day, after all. Who knows—you may possess a hidden talent even you're unaware of."
Heh… if only you knew, Li Shen thought. I already have full spirit power, and a system just waiting for my martial soul to awaken.
The crowd quieted as a tall man in silver-blue robes entered from a side door, carrying a ceremonial staff. His expression was stern, his steps steady.
"Deacon Su Yuntao has arrived," someone whispered.
The awakening ceremony was about to begin.