"I'm back, Grandpa Jack!"
Suifeng bounced home, dismissing his Ethereal Steps as he skipped into the house.
"Hmph! Why are you back so late? Where were you goofing off this time?"
Old Jack frowned at him as he brought the dishes to the table.
"And why are you so sweaty and dirty?!"
Suifeng scratched his nose awkwardly.
"Uh… Tang San and I saw a rabbit and wanted to catch it for you—as a bonus for dinner. But I fell into a hole and it took me forever to climb out… The rabbit ran off."
Old Jack's expression softened instantly.
He was both amused and exasperated. It was like your kid using your brand-new lipstick to scribble "Mom, I love you" on the wall.
Do you scold him? Or not?
Now that's a dilemma.
He gently flicked Suifeng on the forehead.
"Grandpa appreciates your thoughtfulness. But don't run off like that next time, okay? What if something bad happened to you? Now go wash up—dinner's ready."
"Got it~"
Suifeng happily went to take a nice, hot bath.
Afterward, he noticed something strange—was it just his imagination, or was his skin smoother, more delicate? His complexion was glowing with a healthy flush.
"Hmm? Am I turning into some pretty boy material?"
Suifeng couldn't help but stroke his face narcissistically.
His damp hair hung over his shoulders. The simple blue robe accentuated his tall, lean frame and gave his gentle features a touch of otherworldly grace.
Old Jack often had the sense that this child was no ordinary boy. His fair skin and refined demeanor made him seem like he could be the child of a noble family—abandoned near Sacred Soul Village due to some political feud.
He absentmindedly touched the jade pendant on his chest, unsure whether he should give it to Suifeng.
Jack had two grandsons of his own, but neither was worth much—always getting into trouble.
Suifeng, on the other hand, was kind, thoughtful, and—even if a little mischievous—always listened when spoken to.
He wasn't Jack's blood, but in many ways, he felt closer than real family.
Jack didn't hope for riches—only that Suifeng would live a safe, peaceful life.
We'll see what his Martial Soul is in a few days…
If he's got potential, I'll give him what was left in that basket. If not, well… even a normal life in Sacred Soul Village can be a happy one.
Old Jack made up his mind.
"Grandpa Jack, come eat!"
Suifeng noticed him zoning out and quickly served him some food.
"Hehe, you eat. I'm old. I've eaten everything there is to eat. You need it more than I do."
Suifeng scrunched his little nose.
"Hmph! I've got a long life ahead of me to eat. You should eat more while you can!"
The scene was warm, peaceful—filled with quiet joy.
A restful night passed.
The next morning, Suifeng woke up early for breakfast, sticking to a strict routine now.
Why? Because in Douluo Continent… no phones, no internet, no WiFi. Pain.
He stretched and then got started on his warm-up exercises.
"Middle school calisthenics, first set—stretching."
"Second set—chest expansion!"
After a full set, he felt energized and limber.
Time for round two of the village laps.
Let's go, kid. Your bright future awaits!
With yesterday's experience, he was no longer a rookie. He quickly got into the rhythm, chasing that same exhilarating feeling from before.
Yeah... that feeling. Addictive. Unforgettable.
Arms stretched wide, and he ran toward the rising sun.
Nothing can hold back my yearning for freedom!
As a great poet once said:
The heart—it's the strongest muscle.
My heart is like iron—unbreakable. Brave and wise, soaring high.
Time seemed to vanish.
He lost track of how many laps he ran. A few villagers greeted him as he passed—he just waved back, signaling he was busy.
Sunset.
His pace slowed.
Except for a short meal break, he had been running the whole time.
And the most ridiculous part? The kid who used to be exhausted after just 30 minutes… had now run five hours straight at a steady pace.
This would've been impossible back in the real world…
He opened the system panel.
Mission: Run 100 laps around Sacred Soul Village in one week.
Reward: Random
Progress: 35 laps completed
Time Left: 5 days, 7 hours
Suifeng was shocked.
Wait, 35 laps?! Does that mean I did 20 just today?!
I'm actually… kind of amazing. At this rate, I'll finish early!
Then he noticed someone sitting nearby.
Isn't that Tang San?
"Hey, Tang San! What are you doing?"
Tang San's breath was slightly unstable.
He had been training alone behind the mountain. Normally, only Suifeng ever came to talk to him. When Suifeng hadn't shown up earlier, he assumed he wouldn't.
That day had been packed:
Morning: Purple Demon Eye training.
Afternoon: Xuan Tian Gong.
Just as he was wrapping up and preparing to head home…
"You, okay?"
A smooth, delicate hand landed on his shoulder—like a girl's hand.
"Pu—!"
Tang San coughed up a mouthful of blood.
He stared pale-faced at Suifeng, who looked perfectly innocent.
"Wait, what happened?! Why are you coughing up blood?!"
Suifeng was shocked.
"You tell me."
Tang San gave him a dead-fish stare.
Watching all that blood, Suifeng couldn't help but mutter:
Man… if he's spewing this much blood at his age, how's any poor rabbit gonna survive him later on?
"Uh-huh... lovely sunset today!
Right! My grandpa's calling me for dinner! See ya!"
Suifeng glanced awkwardly at the glowing sky and slowly backed away.
"I don't recall giving you permission to leave…"
Tang San's ghostly voice echoed behind him.
Suifeng turned around, a bit embarrassed.
"Come at me, bro!"
His words were brave—but his tone… not so much.
Tang San frowned but remembered the strange footwork Suifeng had shown the other day.
"Hmph. I was gonna go easy on you. But since you asked for it—watch out."
He picked up a few pebbles.
"Left shoulder!"
With a flick of the wrist, the stone flew out with terrifying speed.
Suifeng's expression turned serious.
He knew how deadly Tang San's hidden weapon skills were—he could even injure high-level soul masters with them.
As the stone sliced through the air, whistling like a blade, Suifeng focused—
Wind… it's slowing?
Just as the stone was about to hit, he sidestepped, narrowly avoiding it.
Whew! Lucky I'm a guy—if I had a 36D chest, that pebble might've…
Tang San's eyes narrowed.
He's not ordinary, that's for sure.
"Right shoulder. Left calf. Right calf."
Three more stones flew out, each with erratic flight paths.
Suifeng smirked—
I've already predicted your trajectory!
But then—mid-flight—the stones changed direction unnaturally.
Xuan Tian Gong!
Suifeng barely managed a backflip to dodge.
Tang San's sure-hit attack failed—his expression faltered. He pulled out a full handful of pebbles.
"Heavenly Maiden Scatters Flowers!!"
But Suifeng, powered by Ethereal Steps and Wind Affinity, weaved through the barrage like a phantom.
Dodging left and right—gliding through the chaos without a scratch.
"Is that all you've got?" Suifeng teased.
I might not be able to beat you… but you can't hit me either!
Tang San: "I can't take this humiliation!"
Ghost Shadow Steps activated, Xuan Yu Hand ready.
His eyes glowed a deep, noble purple.
Crane Capture Dragon Grip!
He charged in with grappling techniques.
Suifeng didn't hesitate—he turned and ran.
Bear's strength, eagle's eyes, leopard's speed… and I've got wind and footwork only. No thanks!
Retreat! Strategic retreat!
One chased, the other fled—two streaks darted across the sunset horizon.
This is youth.
As he sprinted at full speed, Suifeng had two surprising thoughts:
Wow… I'm fast.
2.
Damn… and I still run out of stamina this quick?!
Glancing back at the rapidly approaching Tang San, Suifeng shouted:
"Why are you chasing me so hard?! It's not like I stole your cough syrup!"
Tang San didn't know what cough syrup was, but he got the point.
"You told me to come at you!"
"I said bring your mom, not yourself!!"
But Tang San was already close.
He used his grip technique again, and a suction force pulled toward Suifeng.
But then—whoosh—a gust of wind slowed it down.
Wind Affinity activated!
Tang San's attack was missed. Still, he pressed forward, trying to pin Suifeng down with pure technique.
Suifeng's footwork danced just out of reach—every step dodging at the perfect moment.
Eventually, both boys collapsed onto the grass, completely exhausted.
Even Tang San hadn't trained long enough to keep going after his earlier energy misfire.
The two young figures lay on the field, staring at the twilight sky.
At this moment, the wheels of fate began to turn...