Fasno Province.
Nuoding City.
In a small village outside the city.
A thin mist rose, as if a pair of skillful hands were weaving brocade, blending vibrant colors into a dreamlike tapestry.
Panyan Village, nestled at the foot of Thousand Rock Mountain, had relied on farming for generations.
It was early morning, and smoke from cooking fires rose from every household, blending harmoniously with the staggered rooftops, creating a picturesque scene.
"The floating clouds do not share the mountain's height; the mountain mist thickens, making the view even more obscure."
Standing atop the mountain, Wu Tong couldn't help but sigh at the breathtaking view.
Thinking back on how he had come to this world, Wu Tong still felt like it was all a dream.
Wu Tong, once a homebody from Yanhuang Country on Earth, had been struck by a sudden truck while out shopping for daily necessities.
Then he had arrived in this world he had long heard of in his previous life—Douluo Continent.
However... Truck Emperor, did you forget something? Like, maybe, a transmigrator's essential cheat?
Wu Tong was filled with resentment. Other transmigrators, after getting hit by trucks, would usually be granted various cheats upon reaching the new world.
Things like systems, special abilities, unique talents, cultivation techniques... All of these cheats would help them reach the peak of their new worlds.
But Wu Tong? It was as if he had been forgotten.
After arriving in Douluo Continent, aside from having a reasonably healthy body, he had no other special advantages.
"Sigh, a man must rely on himself. I believe that even with a useless martial soul, my creative thinking as a transmigrator will help me reach the top of Douluo!"
Wu Tong complained as usual, but quickly comforted himself.
"Brother Tong, what are you still doing here? Hurry up! The Martial Soul Awakening is about to start. Grandpa Carl told me to come fetch you!"
While Wu Tong was busy consoling himself, a chubby little boy ran up the mountain, calling out to him.
"Alright, I'm coming," Wu Tong replied.
Since arriving here, Wu Tong had quickly blended in with the village kids, relying on the stories from his past life to become the leader of the children in Panyan Village, commanding a large group of little followers.
Wu Tong stood up, patted the dust off his pants, and walked toward the boy.
The two of them descended the mountain together.
"Brother Tong, later can you continue telling the story of Lin Daiyu punching Zhenguanxi, and Tang Monk capturing Sun Wukong seven times?"
The chubby boy walked alongside Wu Tong, pleading earnestly.
"Xiao Pang, let's talk about those stories after the Martial Soul Awakening. Everyone might not be in the best mood today," Wu Tong said.
As someone who had read the original Douluo story, he understood the unique nature of the Douluo system well.
The cultivation system in Douluo Continent had taken discrimination to its peak.
Bloodlines, clans, and class divisions meant that even after countless years, this continent still operated under a feudal hierarchy.
Strength provided the strongest backing for the nobility's rule.
And this was a common trait across almost every fantasy world.
Survival of the fittest, law of the jungle, respect for strength.
The Martial Soul Awakening was one of the rare opportunities to break through social classes.
However, the probability of achieving it was one in millions.
Wu Tong deeply understood how slim the chances were for a commoner to awaken a good martial soul with innate soul power.
It was no easier than a salted fish turning over.
Xiao Pang also agreed with Wu Tong's view.
As a native of Douluo Continent, he understood the importance of Martial Soul Awakening even better.
He also knew how devastated children could feel when they failed to awaken soul power.
However...
"Brother Tong, my name is Da Zhuang, not Xiao Pang," the chubby boy corrected him again, visibly frustrated.
But there was nothing he could do. Every time Wu Tong would apologize enthusiastically—and then never change.
"Alright, Xiao Pang, I got it. Next time, I'll remember, Xiao Pang."
Still stubborn, Wu Tong replied.
Hearing this, Da Zhuang sighed helplessly but didn't argue further.
The two of them continued walking toward the village together.
(End of Chapter)