'Where am I? I'm dead?.....How did I die? I don't remember….'

'Is this what happens after death?'

I was floating in the tranquil dark void. I couldn't move, hear or see anything at all. It's as if I was left afloat in space, but there are no stars to light it up. I didn't even know for how long I had stayed in that state. Despite the eerie darkness and the abnormal silence, I actually felt at peace. Nothing to disturb me. Nothing to annoy me. Nothing to attack me.

"Sorry for the delay. I was held up by a bunch of aggressive souls that refused to receive punishment."

'Who is that…?'

"Oh, let me introduce myself. I'm the guide that will be in charge of your Spirit and judgement."

'You can read my thoughts?'

"Yes, yes I can. Anyway, let me inform you of your past life. You were an assassin employed by a special organization to investigate and get rid of corrupted individuals. You died while on a suicide mission. To be more specific, you died in an explosion. You had worked for a total of 50 year up until your inevitable death at age 60."

'Oh…..I don't exactly remember.'

"Of course you don't. You did receive a heavy blow to the brain during the explosion when a rock came flying at you. The souls that come will be in the condition they were in before death."

'So...what's going to happen to me now?'

"Well, since you did the required amount of good deeds serving your country well. You are gifted with the opportunity to reincarnate into any world you desire."

'But I don't know any world.'

"That's ok. I made a lottery wheel with selections based on your memory while you were still alive. You did read a ton of books in your life. All you have to do now is spin the wheel."

I did as she asked and spun the oddly large wheel and watched it spin round and round until it started to slow down. Once it stopped, it landed on the word, 'Douluo Dalu 2'.

"Ah, classic. A Chinese cultivation world with slightly advanced civilization.It's a world where people cultivate in order to become stronger..."

The person started a long explanation on how the world works and all the possible danger that lurks there.

"Moving on, now that you've selected your world and the explanation done. You may make three wishes."

'Will I receive information and knowledge of that world?'

"Yes, your memories should be returned upon entry to that world."

'Why can't I have them now?'

"The reincarnation department is still working on it and you won't be able to receive your memories here in this space due to circumstances. It's like not being able to poop in an office."

'I see. Will I start over as a baby?'

"You may choose to modify your body and transfer directly into the world."

'Then, I'll go with that. What about money?'

"We will also have that covered if you choose to go through with the direct transfer to the world."

'I understand, then...for my first wish, I want a higher learning and comprehension ability.'

"That can be arranged."

'Then, I want a high talent and growth for cultivation.'

"That can also be done, but it is still important for you to put in effort or else the wish will be wasted."

'Ok, I'll be careful. One more question, will I be able to select my Martial Soul later on?'

"Yes, that will be included with your body modification."

'Then for my last wish, I wish to retain my original physical abilities and techniques from my old world. Since I was an assassin that worked for 50 years, surely I possessed high speed, strength and agility as required for the job.'

"Understood. Your wish can be granted. Now, I will leave you to modify your own body."

Just then, a screen appeared in front of me showing me a body and some selections including hair color, style, eye color, skin tone...etc

I started designing my future appearance.

As I began customizing my looks, at some point my fingers started moving on its own.

I arranged myself to have black hair with lighter tips and blue eyes. I wanted to start as a six year old boy, which was the age of my spirit awakening. Out of curiosity, I made myself a half human and half spirit beast. As for my Martial Soul, there were a lot of options but I shortened it down to a selective few.

Divine Eyes

Celestial Angel

Lightning Dragon Emperor

Mystic Illusionary Fox

Yin Yang Twin Daggers

Ice Serpent Spear

There was the option to select two Martial Souls so I decided to select two Spirits that could be implemented into the assassin techniques I had in my previous life. Typically, assassins tend to prioritize speed, agility and concealment. Ice serpent spear and Celestial Angel probably won't work for me. Mystic Illusionary Fox doesn't feel like it would be compatible with me. Divine eyes that could help me appraise people and objects as well as improve vision seems incredibly helpful.

Lightning Dragon Emperor provides me with power and speed, while Yin Yang Twin Daggers are not only unbreakable but also perfect weapons for assassins. Somehow, this weapon feels the closest to me. Hypothetically speaking, Yang means light and Abyss is a variant of darkness or shadow. Therefore, it's possible for me to be both fast and hidden.

'Mysterious being! Can you hear me?'

"Yes, yes. What is it?"

'Is Yang an element of light?'

"Quite the opposite actually. Yang represents light. It is capable of both attacks and healing. But keep in mind that each element is their own individual. Yang can be perceived differently from Light. Yin ,on the other hand, may represent shadow but due to the opposition towards light, the creators used a different element, Abyss. Darkness is usually associated with Death spirits but Abyss is closer to a mutation between space and void."

'Is that why they don't overtake each other in these daggers?'

"That is correct. This pair of daggers are actually made to represent the two sides of yin and yang."

'Is it possible for me to increase my speed with the Yang element?"

"That solely depends on what type of spirit beast you choose for your spirit ring."

'I made my mind. I will select Divine eyes and Yin Yang Twin Daggers for my Martial Soul.'

"Now that you're all set. Let me give you a bonus for getting the design of the daggers right. Once you enter the world, I have prepared a spirit to protect, guide and aid you in your journey. It will not lie or betray you in any manner. May you be on your way for your new life awaits."

A portal suddenly appeared under me and I fell into it.