Chapter 1: The Boy with Spirit Eyes
A massive palace-like building shimmered under the midday sun, its golden glazed tiles dazzling brilliantly. With its golden rooftops and crimson doors, the antique architectural style exuded a sense of solemnity and grandeur.
From a distance, the sprawling estate was shrouded in mist, stretching so far that it seemed endless. At its towering main gate, five stories high, stood a grand archway inscribed with three large characters: The Duke’s Manor.
This vast estate, covering over three thousand acres, was not part of any city. Instead, it stood alone, fifty miles northwest of Star Luo City, the capital of the Star Luo Empire. Its immense size and isolated location spoke volumes about the owner’s supreme status within the empire.
At this moment, the sun was at its zenith, and its radiant light bathed the golden-glazed tiles, casting the entire Duke’s Manor in a dazzling golden glow. Even from the walls of Star Luo City, it could faintly be seen.
Quietly, the northern back gate of the Duke’s Manor creaked open, and a small figure slipped out.
It was a boy, around eleven or twelve years old. Slender and dressed in simple but clean gray clothes, he carried a small bundle on his back. His short black hair was neat and tidy, and his handsome face bore a maturity and resolve far beyond his years.
After gently closing the gate behind him, the boy took a few hurried steps forward but suddenly stopped. He turned back to look at the manor, and in his deep blue eyes, a fierce hatred burned.
“Mother, watch over me from the heavens. No matter the cost, one day I will return, and I will bring this place to its knees. From now on, I take your surname. I will be called Huo Yuhao.”
With these words, he cast one last lingering glance at the Duke’s Manor, then turned and walked away without hesitation.
He did not head southeast toward Star Luo City but instead chose the northern route. His small figure moved steadily under the noonday sun, shrinking into the distance. Despite his youth, there was no trace of helplessness in his steps—only unwavering determination.
The Duke’s Manor was surrounded by wide official roads in all directions. As he ran, Huo Yuhao’s eyes reddened slightly.
“Mother…” The memory of his mother’s sorrowful, unwilling expression in her final moments surfaced in his mind. Gritting his teeth, he reminded himself: Be strong. I must be strong. Mother always taught me that one can only rely on oneself. Only by being strong can one truly survive.
Scenes from his childhood flashed through his mind.
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The Duke’s Disregard
Huo Yuhao’s mother had been a personal maid to the Duke, accompanying him since childhood. As a maid, she was expected to serve her master in all capacities. Twelve years ago, on a fateful night, Huo Yuhao was conceived.
When he was born, despite his mother’s lowly status, Huo Yuhao was still the Duke’s son. This afforded him and his mother a slightly better life, even granting her a small courtyard to live in. Life should have been peaceful, but misfortune soon followed.
With the Duke frequently away leading battles for the Star Luo Empire, the estate’s affairs fell into the hands of the Duchess. The Duchess, already mother to a son and daughter, viewed Huo Yuhao and his mother as threats to her children’s future. Once the Duke left, the manor became her domain.
Jealous of the Duke’s affection for Huo Yuhao’s mother, the Duchess declared her a carrier of a contagious illness and banished mother and son to a tiny storage room in the servant quarters. Their financial support was cut off, forcing them into a life of poverty. Huo Yuhao was only two years old.
The harsh living conditions gradually took a toll on his mother’s health. Under the Duchess’s relentless oppression, her frail body finally gave out when Huo Yuhao was ten. She passed away, leaving him to face the world alone.
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The Awakening
At six years old, Huo Yuhao underwent the martial soul awakening ceremony—a pivotal moment in every Douluo Continent child’s life. Martial souls were an innate power, unique to every individual. Some were tools, others were beasts, and rare cases like Huo Yuhao’s belonged to a special category called body souls, where the soul was part of the body itself.
His martial soul, Spirit Eyes, was an extraordinary mutation and one of the rarest mental attribute martial souls. However, two significant flaws overshadowed its uniqueness: his innate soul power was only level one—an indicator of terrible talent—and mental attribute soul beasts were exceedingly rare, making it nearly impossible to acquire a matching soul ring.
Soul rings were essential for advancing a soul master’s power. Each breakthrough required hunting and absorbing a soul ring from a soul beast. Without them, progress was impossible.
Despite these setbacks, Huo Yuhao persisted. Over five arduous years, he painstakingly cultivated his soul power to level ten, the minimum required to acquire a soul ring and officially become a soul master.
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A Journey of Resolve
Yesterday marked the culmination of his efforts. Achieving level ten was his mother’s last wish, and now, it was time to leave the Duke’s Manor. With nothing but a small bundle of belongings, a short blade, and a map, Huo Yuhao set out for the Star Dou Forest, a perilous region teeming with soul beasts, determined to claim his first soul ring.
Walking along the northern road, Huo Yuhao’s eyes glimmered with a resolve that belied his age. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but in his heart, he carried an unshakable belief: becoming a soul master was his only path to survival and vengeance.
As the sunlight filtered through the trees, Huo Yuhao’s Spirit Eyes glowed faintly, revealing details unseen by ordinary eyes. Each step forward brought him closer to the forest and his destiny.
The journey had begun.
The Path Ahead
The northern road stretched endlessly before Huo Yuhao. Despite his youth, he moved with purpose, his resolve pushing him forward. The midday sun shone brightly overhead, and though the journey was long and arduous, his Spirit Eyes allowed him to see every detail of his surroundings with clarity. Each passing moment brought him closer to the Star Dou Forest, his chosen destination to hunt a spirit beast and obtain his first spirit ring.
He carried little with him—a small bundle of clothes, some hard bread, and a waterskin. Wrapped at his waist was a short dagger, its sheath aged but well-maintained. It was the only keepsake his mother had left him, a gift from the Duke during their better days, and she had cherished it until her final breath.
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A Dangerous Resolve
The Star Dou Forest was known throughout the Douluo Continent as one of the most perilous regions for soul masters. It was home to countless spirit beasts, ranging from the weakest ten-year beasts to the terrifying hundred-thousand-year ones. For an untrained boy with no spirit techniques, the forest was nothing short of a death trap.
But Huo Yuhao didn’t waver. He knew that staying in the Duke’s Manor would lead nowhere. To survive and carve out his future, he had to become a soul master—even if the odds were stacked against him.
Along the way, he stopped by a small creek to refill his waterskin. Kneeling by the clear stream, he splashed his face with cool water, the refreshing chill grounding him in the moment. As he gazed at his reflection, his deep blue eyes seemed to shine with an otherworldly glow, a subtle reminder of his unique martial soul, Spirit Eyes.
“My soul power is only level ten, and my talent is poor,” Huo Yuhao murmured to himself, gripping the waterskin tightly. “But I’ll make up for it with effort. I’ll keep pushing forward, no matter how hard it gets. Mother always said that strength comes from perseverance.”
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A Chance Encounter
As the afternoon waned, Huo Yuhao came across a small clearing by the roadside. The aroma of roasting fish wafted through the air, drawing his attention. His stomach growled involuntarily, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten since the morning.
Following the scent, he spotted two figures by a creek—a girl and a boy, both older than him. The girl, clad in a light blue outfit, exuded an air of vibrant energy. Her long black hair was tied in a high ponytail, and her bright eyes sparkled with curiosity. The boy beside her was tall and calm, his deep blue hair shimmering like gemstones under the fading sunlight. He radiated an aura of quiet confidence.
Noticing Huo Yuhao’s approach, the girl turned to him with a bright smile. “Hey there, little brother! Hungry? We have some extra fish if you’d like.”
Caught off guard by her enthusiasm, Huo Yuhao hesitated. He wasn’t accustomed to such kindness from strangers, but his empty stomach won the battle. “Thank you,” he said softly, sitting at a respectful distance.
The boy handed him a piece of freshly roasted fish with a warm smile. “I’m Beibei, and this is Tang Ya. What’s your name?”
“Huo Yuhao,” he replied, keeping his voice steady. He glanced at the fish, its golden skin glistening, and couldn’t help but take a bite. The flavor was simple but satisfying, and for a brief moment, he felt a warmth he hadn’t known in years.
Tang Ya leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “So, Yuhao, where are you headed? This isn’t exactly a safe area for someone traveling alone.”
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Huo Yuhao hesitated. He didn’t want to reveal too much, but their kindness made him lower his guard. “I’m going to the Star Dou Forest.”
Both Beibei and Tang Ya exchanged surprised glances. Tang Ya frowned. “The Star Dou Forest? Alone? Do you know how dangerous that is?”
“I know,” Huo Yuhao said firmly, his gaze steady. “But I need to go. I have to get a spirit ring.”
Beibei studied him thoughtfully. “You’re a soul master? What’s your martial soul?”
Huo Yuhao paused before answering, “Spirit Eyes.”
Tang Ya’s eyes widened. “Spirit Eyes? A mental attribute martial soul? That’s rare!”
Beibei nodded slowly, his expression serious. “You’re brave to try this on your own, but bravery isn’t enough. The forest is no place for someone without experience. You could—”
“Thank you for your concern,” Huo Yuhao interrupted, standing up. “But this is something I have to do on my own.”
Before they could respond, he gave them a polite nod, picked up his bundle, and continued down the road.
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Into the Forest
By nightfall, Huo Yuhao reached the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest. The air grew cooler, and an eerie silence blanketed the area. Tall, ancient trees loomed ahead, their twisted branches forming a natural barrier that seemed to whisper warnings of the dangers within.
Taking a deep breath, Huo Yuhao stepped forward, gripping the dagger at his waist. His Spirit Eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, enhancing his vision and allowing him to see the path ahead.
Every step brought him deeper into the unknown. The rustle of leaves, the occasional growl of distant beasts, and the sheer darkness of the forest tested his resolve. But Huo Yuhao pressed on, driven by the memory of his mother and his unyielding determination to become a soul master.
As he ventured further, the forest seemed to close in around him, its ancient power palpable. In this vast and dangerous wilderness, his journey was only beginning.
The Peril of the Forest
The Star Dou Forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant cries of spirit beasts. Huo Yuhao’s every sense was heightened, his Spirit Eyes glowing faintly in the dim twilight as he moved cautiously through the dense undergrowth.
This was no place for the weak. Spirit beasts of all levels prowled the forest, and danger lurked in every shadow. Huo Yuhao knew he was far from a match for most of the creatures here, but he also understood that a ten-year spirit beast would be his best and only chance to acquire a spirit ring.
Pausing by a cluster of ancient trees, he crouched low, listening carefully. His Spirit Eyes allowed him to spot movement that others might miss, and now he relied on that ability to navigate the treacherous forest. A flicker of motion caught his attention—a small, rabbit-like creature darting through the brush. Its pale fur shimmered in the faint light, and it moved with astonishing speed.
A potential target.
But before Huo Yuhao could act, the rabbit froze in place, its long ears twitching. A low growl rumbled through the air, and the rabbit bolted. Huo Yuhao’s heart raced as he turned his attention to the source of the sound. Emerging from the shadows was a wolf-like creature, its silver-gray fur bristling and its eyes glowing with a predatory light.
The beast was clearly no ordinary wolf. Its size and aura marked it as a hundred-year spirit beast—a creature far beyond Huo Yuhao’s ability to confront. He held his breath, gripping his dagger tightly as he slowly backed away. The wolf sniffed the air, its gaze sweeping the area before it turned and stalked away, seemingly uninterested in the boy.
Letting out a shaky breath, Huo Yuhao wiped the sweat from his brow. He had narrowly avoided disaster, but the encounter served as a grim reminder of how ill-prepared he was for the dangers of the forest.
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A Fortuitous Meeting
As the night deepened, Huo Yuhao found a small clearing where he decided to rest. He gathered a few dry branches and started a small fire, keeping it low to avoid attracting unwanted attention. The warmth of the flames was a welcome comfort in the cold, eerie forest.
Sitting by the fire, Huo Yuhao pulled out a piece of bread from his bundle. It was hard and stale, but he chewed it silently, his thoughts drifting to his mother. Her voice echoed in his mind: "Yuhao, no matter how difficult the path, you must walk it with courage."
He was about to extinguish the fire and settle in for the night when a sudden rustling from the trees put him on high alert. His Spirit Eyes flared as he scanned the darkness. A figure emerged from the shadows, stepping into the light of the fire.
It was Beibei.
“Well, I suppose it’s no surprise to find you here,” Beibei said with a faint smile, his calm demeanor unchanged. “Did you really think we’d let you venture into the Star Dou Forest alone?”
Before Huo Yuhao could respond, another figure appeared behind Beibei—Tang Ya. She grinned as she stepped forward, carrying a bundle of supplies. “You’re brave, little brother, but you’re also reckless. This place isn’t a playground.”
Huo Yuhao frowned. “I appreciate your concern, but this is my journey. I can’t involve you.”
Tang Ya plopped down by the fire, unbothered by his words. “Well, too bad. We’re already here, and we’re not leaving. Besides, we’re pretty good at handling ourselves.”
Beibei sat down as well, his expression serious. “Huo Yuhao, your spirit power may be level ten, but you’re not equipped to face the dangers of this forest alone. Let us help you. We can guide you to a suitable spirit beast and make sure you get out alive.”
Huo Yuhao hesitated. He wasn’t used to relying on others, but their sincerity and confidence were undeniable. Finally, he nodded. “Thank you.”
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The First Hunt
The next morning, the trio ventured deeper into the Star Dou Forest. Beibei took the lead, his steady presence reassuring, while Tang Ya’s sharp eyes and quick reflexes kept them alert. Huo Yuhao followed closely, absorbing their guidance and watching their movements.
It wasn’t long before they encountered their first spirit beast—a small, snake-like creature with emerald scales. Tang Ya identified it as a Green Vine Serpent, a ten-year spirit beast suitable for Huo Yuhao’s level.
“This one’s perfect,” Tang Ya whispered. “It’s not too strong, but don’t underestimate it. Its venom can be dangerous.”
Beibei nodded. “We’ll weaken it for you, but the final blow has to be yours. That’s the only way to obtain a spirit ring.”
Huo Yuhao gripped his dagger tightly, his heart pounding as he watched Beibei and Tang Ya move into position. With precision and skill, they worked together to corner the serpent, avoiding its strikes and wearing it down.
“Now, Yuhao!” Tang Ya called out.
Summoning every ounce of courage, Huo Yuhao lunged forward. His Spirit Eyes glowed as he focused on the serpent’s movements, anticipating its next strike. In a swift motion, he drove his dagger into the creature’s vulnerable neck.
The serpent let out a final hiss before collapsing to the ground. A faint ring of green light emerged from its body, floating above it like a halo.
“That’s your spirit ring,” Beibei said with a smile. “Sit down and focus. Absorb it.”
Trembling with excitement and nervousness, Huo Yuhao obeyed. As he began the process of absorbing the spirit ring, a wave of energy surged through his body, filling him with a newfound power.
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A New Beginning
When the process was complete, Huo Yuhao opened his eyes. They shone with a new intensity, and his body felt stronger, lighter. His Spirit Eyes had gained their first ability—a mental detection skill that heightened his awareness and reaction speed.
Tang Ya clapped him on the back. “Congratulations, little brother! You’re officially a soul master now.”
Beibei smiled warmly. “This is just the beginning, Yuhao. With determination like yours, you’ll go far.”
For the first time in years, Huo Yuhao felt a flicker of hope. He still had a long journey ahead, but with his first spirit ring and the support of new friends, he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
The Star Dou Forest seemed less daunting now. With his Spirit Eyes glowing faintly, Huo Yuhao took his first confident steps toward a future he was determined to shape.
The Forest Beckons
The trio continued deeper into the Star Dou Forest after Huo Yuhao successfully obtained his first spirit ring. His Spirit Eyes now possessed a detection ability, enhancing his perception and making him more attuned to his surroundings. As they navigated the forest, Huo Yuhao began to realize just how vast and dangerous it was.
Beibei and Tang Ya moved with practiced ease, their experience evident in their every step. They taught Huo Yuhao how to identify signs of nearby spirit beasts, recognize safe resting spots, and remain vigilant in such a perilous environment.
“You’ve got the basics now,” Tang Ya said with a grin as they stopped to rest near a small stream. “But remember, survival in the wild isn’t just about strength—it’s about strategy and preparation.”
Huo Yuhao nodded, absorbing her words. Though inexperienced, he was a quick learner, and his determination to grow stronger drove him to take every lesson to heart.
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A Glimpse of Strength
As they traveled, the group encountered various spirit beasts. Some were harmless and skittered away at the sight of them, while others were far more menacing. Beibei and Tang Ya occasionally demonstrated their abilities to protect the group.
At one point, a hundred-year Firetail Fox crossed their path. The creature’s sleek red fur and blazing tail made it an impressive sight, but its aggressive stance signaled danger.
“Stay back, Yuhao,” Beibei instructed, stepping forward. His martial soul, a Blue Lightning Dragon, materialized around him, crackling with electric energy. In a burst of power, he unleashed a bolt of lightning that struck the fox, sending it fleeing into the woods.
Huo Yuhao watched in awe. Though he had heard of soul masters with such abilities, seeing one in action was an entirely different experience. The gap between himself and Beibei was immense, but it only fueled his resolve to work harder.
“You’ll get there someday,” Beibei said, noticing Huo Yuhao’s expression. “Every soul master starts from the bottom. With effort and the right guidance, you’ll grow stronger.”
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The Tang Sect’s Invitation
One evening, as they sat around a small campfire, Tang Ya leaned toward Huo Yuhao with a mischievous grin. “So, little brother, what are your plans after this? You’ve got your first spirit ring now. What’s next?”
Huo Yuhao hesitated. His primary goal had always been to survive, and now that he was a soul master, he wasn’t entirely sure what his next step should be. “I… don’t know yet,” he admitted. “I want to keep improving, but I don’t have a clear path.”
Tang Ya’s grin widened. “Well, how about joining us?”
Huo Yuhao blinked. “Joining you?”
“Yes!” she exclaimed, her excitement palpable. “We’re part of the Tang Sect, a once-glorious organization that’s fallen on hard times. We’re working to rebuild it, and we could use someone with your potential.”
Beibei chuckled at Tang Ya’s enthusiasm. “She’s right, Yuhao. The Tang Sect has a rich history and unique techniques. If you’re willing, we’d be happy to train you and help you develop your skills.”
Huo Yuhao considered their offer. He had heard of the Tang Sect’s storied past, though its influence had waned over the centuries. Joining them would provide him with guidance and resources he desperately needed, but more importantly, it would give him a sense of belonging—something he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Finally, he nodded. “I’ll join you. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
Tang Ya clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. “Fantastic! Welcome to the Tang Sect, little brother! You won’t regret it.”
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A New Journey Begins
Over the next few days, Beibei and Tang Ya introduced Huo Yuhao to the basics of the Tang Sect’s techniques. Though they didn’t go into great detail, they shared enough to spark his curiosity and give him a sense of what he could learn in the future.
As they prepared to leave the Star Dou Forest, Huo Yuhao couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. He was stepping into a new world, one filled with endless possibilities but also countless challenges.
Standing at the edge of the forest, he looked back one last time. The Star Dou Forest had been his first real test, and though it had been daunting, he emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
Beibei placed a hand on his shoulder. “Ready?”
Huo Yuhao nodded, his Spirit Eyes glowing faintly. “I’m ready.”
With that, the trio set off, their journey taking them toward the next chapter of their lives—and toward the revival of the Tang Sect.