The cosmos — a vast ecosystem composed of countless galaxies.
Each galaxy, formed of stars and planets, adheres to a certain order. And whenever a drastic change occurs, that order resists.
Once upon a time, in a specific cosmos, a dragon was exploring. This dragon was not unique at first. Like its kin, and even those before them, it sought power, dominance, and to rise above all others.
Marvelous beings like dragons, full of potential.
This dragon grew, became stronger, and ultimately disrupted the natural order. So, the order began to resist.
Amidst this clash of supernatural forces, among the infinite galaxies, there existed a fairly ordinary one — and within it, an intriguing planet.
A planet once settled by that very dragon, where it left its legacy: its descendants, later known as Soul Beasts.
This planet had no consciousness, yet its essence could not be ignored. Like all living beings or structured systems, it sought growth, strength, and completion.
The planet harbored both fear and greed for the dragon's power. So, with the cosmic order's will, a dark scheme was born — executed through the planet's subconscious.
Douluo.
A planet where all extraordinary events unfolded.
A world without magic, battle qi, or martial arts — but something far more mysterious: Martial Souls.
Ten thousand years had passed since the founding of the Tang Sect on the Douluo Continent and the ascension of the gods to the Divine Realm.
It was during this era that an unparalleled hero was born, destined to weave a legendary tale — a story of justice triumphing over evil.
Tang San.
A figure who left behind an eternal legacy on the planet Douluo.
Tales of his heroism once filled the air in the circles of Soul Masters.
No, not just Soul Masters — even ordinary folk had heard of the hero's fate.
Even poor villagers living in remote corners of the land.
Some stories fade into history as time marches on.
Some are lost entirely, never to linger in memory.
But a rare few become legend — passed down through generations, whispered by the elders, and carried on the tongues of those who still remember.
Such was the tradition of this land.
Many epics unfolded across Douluo, including the rise of the Sun-Moon Continent and its advanced Soul Tool technology.
These Soul Tools did not merely change the Soul Masters' systems — they changed everything.
Six thousand years after the gods' ascension, the Douluo Continent faced an enemy it never expected, nor was prepared for.
Chaos and fear surged in the wake of the collision between the Sun-Moon Continent and the Douluo Continent.
The people, both ordinary and Soul Masters alike, did not see only the glory of Soul Tools — they saw the massacre, the bloodshed brought upon them by the Sun-Moon Empire, and the deaths of countless innocents.
But the Douluo Continent was not defenseless.
Its ancient sects and noble clans rose, awakened their primal powers, and fought back.
At the forefront was the Shrek Academy, the elite institute for nurturing Soul Masters.
The academy's headmaster issued a call, and many alumni — old and new — answered.
Together, with overwhelming strength, they crushed the Sun-Moon Empire.
It was during this time that the true power of Shrek was revealed, solidifying its status as the number one Soul Master academy.
Though some recognized the utility of Soul Tools, most Soul Masters from Douluo's three main empires drowned in pride — unable to acknowledge the shifting tides.
Tides that were slowly, but surely, rewriting tradition.
And so, the once-glorious Tang Sect faded into a shadow of its former self.
The hidden weapons it once prided itself on no longer held the same power.
Technology found its place in daily life, and the very meaning of power began to shift.
Many, especially native Douluo citizens, resisted the change.
But can you truly resist a force that methodically reshapes everything?
Of course, Soul Masters are driven by a hunger for power and stop at nothing.
Besides their pride, the biggest reason they rejected Soul Tools was their failure to understand or respect them.
In any case, after all that war, Douluo was never truly unified — and to its native people, the Sun-Moon Empire was never accepted.
***
4,100 Years After the Great War
Sun-Moon Empire Territory
20 li from the Heavenly Soul Empire border
***
Yinchen (Silver Dust)
A city near the border, known as Yinchen, mostly functioned as a supply center for the imperial soldiers.
About a few li east or southeast, the borders of the Heavenly Soul Empire and Star Luo Empire were accessible.
However, the largest shared border was with the Star Luo Empire.
Conflicts occasionally erupted, sometimes escalating into small wars.
But certain boundaries were always respected; no army ever crossed them.
Still, no one remembered the last time these two empires weren't at odds.
The city resembled a stone fortress, with medium-height walls.
Soldiers were stationed along the ramparts, belonging to the Sixth Soul Engineer Legion — one of the groups responsible for maintaining border security during non-critical periods.
The first and second legions, made of elite engineers, guarded the border with the Star Luo Empire.
The Sun-Moon Empire's main military consisted of ten Soul Engineer Legions.
Above all was the Royal Soul Engineer Legion, elite warriors admitted only every five years.
Entry required a Soul Power of at least rank 50. This elite unit numbered around 300, with three commanders and three deputies — all rank 9 engineers, fiercely loyal to the emperor.
Next in strength was the Beast Lord Engineering Tier, composed of four specialized legions:
The Imperial Dragon Legion
The Terrorclaw Legion
The Phoenix Legion
The Evileye Tyrant Legion
Though the city looked like a military fort, it clearly had a civilian population.
A factory producing Soul Tools operated there, staffed by many engineers.
The city's supervisor was Overseer Lin, head of the minor Lin Clan — a rank 7 Soul Engineer and a rank 71 Soul Sage, whose Martial Soul was the Echo Mirage Beast, known for illusion and deception.
A rare spiritual martial soul in the Sun-Moon Empire, ideal for Soul Tools engineering.
The city ran in an orderly fashion under Overseer Lin.
Precious metals were transported via Mini Transport Pods, brought through secret tunnels, and unloaded into secure depots.
Scarce food, medicine, and essential supplies were brought in to sustain both soldiers and civilians.
A two-li radius around the city was designated a no-fly zone — entry and exit had to be by land.
One side of the city bordered a mountain range; the other had two gates: the left for entry, the right for exit.
At that moment, people queued outside the entrance gate, awaiting inspection.
Men and women.
Of all ages.
The sun was warm and the crowd restless.
"Maintain order!" a nearby engineer barked. His bald head glinted in the sun. "If you don't cooperate, inspections take longer!"
The noise dimmed, though whispers remained.
Near the front, two men conversed.
"More applicants lately."
The young man shrugged. "The army takes care of its soldiers and their families. Even with the rising tension, people line up to enlist."
The older man glanced over. "Hah. Comfort's for Soul Masters. What about us regular folks? We queue just to feed our families."
The young man shrugged again.
A voice rang out. "Next!" and the line moved forward.
A little further back, a family of three stood. Barely countable as three: a slightly plump man, a short, thin woman, and a toddler girl around two years old with chubby cheeks.
The child clung to her mother's neck.
The woman heard the men's conversation and frowned in worry. "Are you sure this is wise? They say tensions are high. It might be dangerous."
She gently stroked her daughter's hair.
The man, Ju Zifan, had a kind face and smiled warmly at his wife and daughter. "Don't worry, Li Zi. They always say that. Vice-Captain Shen personally wrote my recommendation. He wouldn't have if it were truly dangerous." He laughed heartily. "Come on, who'd harm a simple cook?"
The daughter, roused by his laugh, let go of her mother's neck and turned toward her father.
She had big brown eyes, fair skin, and thick orange hair — like a round little tangerine.
She sleepily reached out. "Food. I'm hungry, Daddy."
Ju Zifan laughed louder and patted her hair. "Once we settle in Yinchen, Daddy will cook you anything you want, Ju Zi."
"Next."
The line moved forward, ending the family's conversation.
Ju Zifan still smiled, but his eyes betrayed his concern. Truthfully, if it were up to him, he wouldn't be this close to a tension zone. But he had no other choice.
Though a well-known cook in his hometown, he wasn't a Soul Master — his Martial Soul, however, suited cooking. His natural talent and unique flavor earned him loyal customers, even among some Soul Masters.
His wife had been ill, and her condition worsened after their daughter was born.
Though he had insisted they didn't need children, he eventually gave in to Li Zi's wish.
After Ju Zi's birth, it was as if his wife's life force faded a little more with each passing day.
The cost of treatment was overwhelming. To keep Li Zi alive after childbirth, he had relied on a rare treasure — one granted to him through the favor of a Vice-Captain, something a man of his standing would never have had access to.
It was a loyal customer who introduced him to the Vice-Captain.
Now, he had to repay that favor — by serving as an army cook.
At the gate, a large table stood near the entrance. Engineers monitored all access points and even the walls above.
Behind the desk sat a man, flanked by two guards watching their surroundings sharply.
Forms were stacked on the table, along with a rectangular blue device with a card slot.
The seated man looked up. "Step forward. Where's your head at?"
Ju Zifan jumped, smiling apologetically. He hurried forward and bowed. "Sorry, sir. I'm Ju Zifan."
The man wordlessly pulled a form toward himself and began filling it out.
After a moment: "Your age?"
"30, sir."
"Place of birth and residence?"
"Born and lived in Luanxi."
The man glanced up. "Are you alone?"
"No, sir. My family's with me. Wife and daughter." He gestured behind, where Li Zi bowed respectfully.
"Very well. Give me your recommendation letter and ID card."
Ju Zifan handed them over with a smile. The man read the letter, then attached it to the form.
He slid the card into the device and placed a hand on it. The device glowed as he read data invisible to Ju Zifan.
After a moment: "No issues. You can take the form to the city management office."
He placed his hand on the form. A moment later, it was sealed — the paper now marked with a strange, scorched emblem.
He held the form out, but didn't let go.
Lowering his voice: "You're allowed to stay and serve within the city." He glanced around. "Tension at the Heavenly Soul border isn't too bad." He released the form and leaned forward slightly. "Your family's fine. But you might be sent to the Star Luo front if needed."
Ju Zifan's grip tightened briefly — then he composed himself and smiled. "Thank you for letting me know, sir."
He turned to guide his family through the gates.
The official watched the family pass, then turned back.
"Next!"
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