WebNovels

Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: The Duskwind Awakening

Holy Soul Village – a remote, peaceful corner of the Douluo Continent, famous only for producing one soul master in recent generations. That soul master was the village's pride—and unbeknownst to its people, another future soul master was quietly preparing for his own beginning.

Evan Cross stood at the edge of the village's farmland, gripping a worn wooden hoe. The morning sun had just crested the treetops, casting long golden rays across the fields. At age six, most children would still be sleeping or playing—but Evan had long since learned the cost of idleness. His adoptive parents, both elderly farmers, barely scraped by. There was no room for luxury, not even on a day like this.

Today was Martial Soul Awakening Day.

Despite knowing this, Evan worked. He wasn't nervous—just determined.

In his past life, Evan had been an ordinary university student in a modern world. One freak accident later, he'd awakened in this quiet village as a newborn child. It took years to accept it, but he'd long since realized—this was Soul Land. The world of spirit rings, martial souls, and cultivation.

The most terrifying and wondrous part?

He'd been reborn six years before Tang San.

He remembered everything from the manhua and the novel. The rules of cultivation, the dangers of spirit rings too old, the politics of Spirit Hall—it all lay ahead. And yet, he didn't feel chosen or special. He was just a child, one with no cheat system, no twin martial souls, and no genius-level talent.

But today, he would awaken. And maybe, just maybe, he could seize his first foothold on the path of survival—and strength.

The village chief, Old Jack, had gathered five other children at the village square near the small shrine of Spirit Hall. All six-year-olds, freshly scrubbed, and buzzing with excitement. Evan stood silently among them, a little more serious than the others. He'd been waiting for this moment for years.

A white-robed Soul Master bearing the sigil of Spirit Hall stood on the stone dais. He was in his thirties, tall, with a polite but aloof air.

"I am Soul Master Jalen, appointed by Spirit Hall to conduct your martial soul awakenings today."

Evan bowed along with the others.

One by one, the other children stepped into the soul formation and placed their hands on the crystal ball. A hoe. A sickle. A blue vine. One boy even awakened a gray rabbit, drawing giggles. Only one girl showed innate soul power—rank 3, which was already considered decent.

Then it was Evan's turn.

He stepped onto the circle calmly and pressed his palm against the crystal. He took a deep breath.

The Soul Master chanted softly, activating the formation.

Golden light surrounded Evan. A tingle rose from his spine—and then a shockwave of energy burst outward.

A shadowy silhouette emerged behind him, sleek and low to the ground. Its body was lean, its muscles coiled like springs. Silver fur shimmered over its form, black stripes etched across its limbs. Two glowing violet eyes flickered into view, filled with instinct and power.

The beast let out a low growl, inaudible yet intense.

The villagers gasped.

"A panther?" Old Jack muttered.

Soul Master Jalen's brows lifted. "Not quite. That's… a Duskwind Panther."

The name echoed across the square.

"Agility-type beast soul. Rare. Excellent potential in stealth, speed, and burst attacks." The Soul Master's tone changed subtly, growing more respectful. "A step above the average martial soul for sure."

Evan felt it. The panther melted into his body, settling just behind his spirit gate. It was cold and sharp, like a blade pressed gently to the back of his neck—always ready.

The crystal ball lit up faintly.

"Rank 6 innate soul power," the Soul Master said. "Above average. Not genius level, but quite promising, especially for a commoner."

The villagers applauded, but Evan remained composed. He knew how rare rank 6 was in places like this. Most kids awakened with nothing—or with rank 1 or 2 at best. But it wasn't genius-level, and that was fine by him.

He didn't want to stand out too much. Not yet.

Soul Master Jalen looked at him directly. "Do you have plans to enter an academy? Or support to continue your cultivation?"

Old Jack cleared his throat. "His family is poor, sir. But he's hardworking."

Jalen considered this for a moment. "Spirit Hall offers scholarships for children like you. You'll be given food, shelter, and cultivation guidance if you join

Yes I will join Evan didn't hesitate

*******

I decided to write a original Fanfic

More Chapters