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**"What kind of defense novel is this? There are two male protagonists, and they both get abandoned. The main character, Xiaoyao, is written like a side character, and the characterization is really mediocre. Honestly, I think Bai Ye is better—at least his character isn't contradictory. But still, it feels like a defense."
Jun Yi was lying on his bed in the university dormitory, reading a novel titled "Douluo: My Soul Skill is Nine Secrets," and he couldn't help but rant about it.**
"This male protagonist comes across as too calculating, and he seems to lack any real motivation. The beginning is especially bad—how could a child get expelled from the Haotian Sect? The logic makes no sense. Really disappointing."
**"And then the author just abandons it? What a joke! Seriously, what a waste of time!" Jun Yi angrily tossed his phone aside and stared up at the dorm ceiling, hands behind his head, lost in thought.**
"If I ever got transported to Douluo Continent, what kind of martial spirit would I awaken? Should I join Spirit Hall or follow Tang San? No, forget it—I'm not a big fan of Tang San. I'd rather go solo."
"Maybe I'd get a system, too. That would be awesome—doing tasks to become a god without taking any of those annoying god exams. I hate exams."
**It was already late, and the night had long since fallen. Jun Yi drifted off to sleep while fantasizing about this. Outside his window, a meteor streaked across the dark sky...**
**In Douluo Continent, Tiandou City was lively, bustling with people. The city radiated prosperity.**
In a hidden corner of the city, a group of people had gathered. They sat on the ground, shouting prices, but strangely, there was nothing visible for sale in front of them. They were accompanied by children—both boys and girls—who sat beside them, confused and anxious.
**At that moment, a handsome young man, dressed in luxurious clothing that marked him as a noble, walked into the corner and began surveying the scene.**
"Sir, you look unfamiliar. Is this your first time here?" A shrewd-looking man approached the nobleman.
"Yes, it is," replied the nobleman.
"Need a guide? It's just one gold soul coin." The shrewd man rubbed his hands, eyeing the nobleman's reaction.
The nobleman casually tossed him a gold soul coin, signaling him to lead the way.
"Thank you, sir. This way, please." The guide bowed in thanks and pointed ahead.
**"What are you looking for today, sir? We've got a new batch of 'tender lotus roots,' very fresh and juicy. Would you like to take a look?"**
"Tender lotus roots?" The nobleman looked puzzled.
The guide smacked his forehead. "Ah, sorry, I forgot this is your first time. We use code here. 'Tender lotus roots' means beautiful children."
**"I see," the nobleman nodded and followed the guide to a small stall. There, a burly man sat on the ground, two children—a boy and a girl—beside him, looking terrified, with tears streaking their faces.**
**"You've got good taste, young master. Do you want a 'flower' or a 'stick of incense'? I've got both," the burly man said with a flattering smile as he saw the nobleman approach.**
The guide leaned in to explain, "He's asking if you want a boy or a girl. Both children are in good health."
**The nobleman glanced at the scared children, sighed, and then turned away, walking deeper into the street.**
"Sir, wait for me!" The guide hurried after him.
**The nobleman continued walking until he reached the end of the street. Then, he turned to the guide and asked, "Are there any other places in Tiandou City where children are sold?"**
"No, my lord. Tiandou City is the imperial capital. The only reason this place exists is because someone powerful is protecting it—rumor has it they're connected to the royal family. You won't find another place like this in the whole city," the guide explained.
"I see. In that case, I'm relieved." The nobleman snapped his fingers, and suddenly, a group of armored guards appeared at his side.
"Your Highness, should we act now?" The leader of the guards knelt before the nobleman.
"Yes," the nobleman said calmly, waving his hand.
**In an instant, the guards sprang into action. They captured the guide, dragging him back to the nobleman—who was now revealed to be Xue Qinghe, the First Prince of Tiandou Empire.**
"Please, Your Highness, I'm innocent! I'm just a guide, not one of the traffickers!" the guide pleaded desperately.
"Are you willing to redeem yourself by helping us catch the others?" Xue Qinghe asked coldly.
"Yes, yes!" the guide eagerly agreed.
"Then lead the way."
**The guide quickly led the guards back into the street, helping them arrest everyone involved. Some tried to escape but were shot dead on the spot.**
**Later, as Xue Qinghe and his guards marched the captured traffickers through Tiandou City, crowds gathered to watch. Xue Qinghe stopped before the onlookers, bowed deeply, and spoke:**
"People of Tiandou, I am Xue Qinghe. Recently, there have been rumors of missing children in our city, and I dismissed them at first. I never imagined that such evil could exist within our imperial city, the most heavily guarded place in the Tiandou Empire."
**"But today, seeing these innocent children being trafficked with my own eyes, I am more shocked than ever. I apologize to all of you for allowing such wickedness to fester in our city."**
**Xue Qinghe's sincere apology stunned the crowd. It was unheard of for a prince to bow to commoners, and the people were deeply moved.**
**"These human traffickers have now been caught, and from this day forward, there will be no more child trafficking in Tiandou City," Xue Qinghe declared.**
The crowd erupted in applause, praising the prince for his sense of duty and compassion.
**As the cheers died down, a guard approached Xue Qinghe, holding a small child. "Your Highness, this child was taken by the traffickers. We cannot find his parents."**
Xue Qinghe gently took the child in his arms, the boy's wide eyes staring up at him.
"We'll search for his parents," Xue Qinghe said softly. "If we can't find them, I'll adopt him myself. After all, he's here because of me."
"Prince Qinghe is truly kind-hearted," someone in the crowd remarked.
"Yes, if he becomes emperor, he'll surely be a wise and benevolent ruler," another agreed.
**Xue Qinghe paid no mind to the praise. He bowed once more to the crowd, then left, carrying the child in his arms.**
**The boy looked around in disbelief. "I've turned into a child? Where am I? This can't be real... Mom, where are you? I'm scared!"**
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