Jun Yi, nestled in Xue Qinghe's arms, struggled to accept what he was seeing. He wanted to bite his tongue to verify if this was all a dream, but then realized with frustration that he only had two tiny front teeth. *I can't even bite my tongue...*
"Ding--"
A mechanical voice suddenly echoed in his ears.
"System loaded. Does the host wish to accept the system's help and explore the Douluo Continent?"
Jun Yi's mind spun. "What? I've traveled through time?" He could hardly believe it. Just a moment ago, he was napping in his dorm room. How had he ended up here?
"The host is asked to choose whether to accept."
The system's prompt sounded again. Still bewildered by his new reality, Jun Yi made the decision to accept.
His baby-like expression of confusion caught Xue Qinghe's attention. Holding the small child, Xue Qinghe smiled curiously. "Why are you smiling, little one? Are you hungry? Do you want my brother to buy you some cakes?"
Jun Yi, meanwhile, was fully absorbed in his spiritual world, where his status bar hovered before him.
**Name:** Jun Yi
**Age:** 10 months
**Soul power level:** 10 (not awakened)
**Wuhun:** To be selected
*As expected of the system! I'm innately full of soul power,* Jun Yi thought excitedly. But then, his eyes narrowed. "System, what does it mean by 'Wuhun: To be selected'?"
"This system has prepared three martial spirits from different worlds for the host to choose from."
Jun Yi was taken aback. "Three martial spirits from different worlds? What are they?"
Three options appeared on his interface:
- **Wuhun: Zanpakutō** - A weapon from the world of *Bleach*. The sword of a Shinigami, modeled after their own soul. A Shinigami gains power by learning the name of their Zanpakutō and communicating with it spiritually.
- **Wuhun: Ninjutsu** - From the world of *Naruto*, this ability encompasses various techniques, including elemental manipulation and the transformation of yin and yang.
- **Wuhun: Devil Fruit** - From *One Piece*, this fruit grants superhuman abilities based on its type—Natural, Superhuman, or Animal. However, the user becomes vulnerable to sea water containing the Sea Stone factor.
Jun Yi stared at the options, frowning. "Why are they all from popular shonen manga? Can't I get a domestic martial spirit?"
"The system designs itself based on the host's knowledge, not their preferences. Please make your selection."
"Fine, then what exactly do these martial spirits do?"
"The system cannot provide further details. The host must explore them independently. After awakening your martial spirit, you may consult the system if you have any questions."
Jun Yi pondered for a moment. "Are Devil Fruits still afraid of the sea in Douluo Continent?"
"The sea in Douluo Continent lacks the Sea Stone factor, so there's no need to fear it," the system explained.
"Perfect! I choose the Devil Fruit!"
With a thought, Jun Yi confirmed his choice. Out of the three iconic worlds, *One Piece* had always been his favorite. Plus, without the usual weakness of the Devil Fruit, it seemed like the safest bet.
"System loading..."
"Loading complete. The host's Devil Fruit will be accessible when the martial spirit awakens at age six."
The system's voice faded, and Jun Yi returned to reality. Xue Qinghe, still carrying him, entered the grand palace, stopping just outside the main hall.
Gently, Xue Qinghe spoke to the guard at the door. "Please inform His Majesty that Qinghe wishes to speak with him."
The guard bowed respectfully. "Your Highness Qinghe, His Majesty has instructed that you may enter without notification. You may proceed."
"Thank you."
Inside the palace, Xue Qinghe kneeled before the man seated on the throne, still holding Jun Yi. The man was Emperor Xue Ye—an elderly figure with a long white beard, dressed in a golden robe that radiated authority. Despite his age, he still exuded an imposing presence.
*So this is Xue Ye... He's more imposing than I expected. But isn't Xue Qinghe actually Qian Renxue?* Jun Yi wondered, observing the scene from within Xue Qinghe's arms.
"Father," Xue Qinghe began, "the largest human trafficking ring in Tiandou City has been eradicated by the Royal Guards. All involved will face severe punishment."
Emperor Xue Ye laughed heartily, clearly pleased. "Qinghe, your recent performance has exceeded my expectations. How could I have overlooked such talent before?"
"My son is humbled by your praise, Father. Your wisdom is unparalleled. I can only strive to learn from you."
Emperor Xue Ye's gaze shifted to Jun Yi. "And who is this child?"
"This child is the youngest among the trafficked children, likely around one year old. The traffickers claimed he was an abandoned baby they found in the wild, so I brought him to the palace."
Xue Qinghe continued softly, "I wish to adopt him, Father, as a reminder of my duty. Please grant your approval."
"Hmm? Is there something special about this child?"
"No, but had I acted sooner, this child would have been spared such suffering. I wish to adopt him to atone for my delay."
Xue Qinghe added with a smile, "Besides, he is quite adorable. I ask for your blessing, Father."
Emperor Xue Ye chuckled, impressed by his son's compassion. "Very well, Qinghe. You have performed admirably. If you wish to adopt the child, then so be it."
"Thank you, Father."
After expressing his gratitude, Xue Qinghe took his leave and returned to his own palace, where he placed Jun Yi gently on the bed. He dismissed the guards and servants, allowing two black-robed figures to appear behind him.
"Miss," one of the robed figures addressed Xue Qinghe with a bow.
"You may rise, uncles," Xue Qinghe replied, his tone colder now, no longer the gentle voice he had used with Jun Yi. "Thanks to your information, the human traffickers have been eliminated. This achievement will bolster my standing with Xue Ye."
"But Miss, do you truly wish to adopt this child? He's just an abandoned baby. There's no need to waste your energy," one of the men questioned.
"I've established a persona of caring for the people, and I must maintain it. Besides, the adoption is in name only. Whatever path he chooses in the future is up to him," Xue Qinghe responded calmly, gazing at Jun Yi.
"But if the child discovers your true identity..." the second man inquired cautiously.
"Then... he'll meet with an unfortunate accident," Xue Qinghe concluded, her voice cold and decisive.
...