From the very next morning after Kai and Tang Wulin were selected as Meng Tian's disciples, Kai felt a renewed sense of purpose, not only for himself but for all the kids at the orphanage. He saw this training as a path not just to physical and mental strength but to a better future, something he wanted to share with everyone he cared about. Driven by this sense of camaraderie, he gathered the other children from the orphanage and proposed that they all join him in cultivating and strengthening themselves together. Tang Wulin, ever enthusiastic and devoted to training, agreed wholeheartedly to help Kai in leading the group.
The group began gathering at the public training grounds each day. The early morning sun would cast its golden rays over the training grounds, giving the place a calm and inspiring atmosphere, perfect for their daily drills. Since the area was usually empty during the day, it was ideal for the group's activities, allowing the children to train without distractions or interruptions. Kai set up a strict yet progressive exercise regimen that started with basic movements and gradually increased in intensity.
They started with simple exercises, understanding that consistency was key. For instance, each child, no matter their age or physical ability, began with ten push-ups, ten sit-ups, and three pull-ups. It didn't seem like much at first, but the simplicity of the routine allowed everyone to follow along. As the days went by, they slowly added more repetitions to these core exercises and introduced new movements to challenge themselves further. They incorporated three additional exercises that emphasized different muscle groups, making sure that every part of the body got the attention it needed. Kai also introduced yoga and flexibility training, teaching them stretches that would help improve their range of motion and prevent injuries. This was especially helpful for the younger children, who needed to build a solid foundation before pushing their bodies too far.
After the morning session, Kai and Tang Wulin would head to Meng Tian's blacksmith workshop for their daily training as apprentices. Unlike the initial test of sheer strength and stamina, blacksmith training demanded an intense level of focus and rhythm. Each hammer strike had to be precise, with the strength evenly distributed to avoid bending the metal in unwanted ways. Meng Tian taught them that blacksmithing wasn't just about hitting metal—it was about patience, control, and respecting the process. Kai and Tang Wulin quickly realized that even the slightest deviation in rhythm could affect the quality of the end product, so they worked diligently to master the craft.
Their time at the blacksmith shop was tiring, but each session added another layer of discipline to their lives. Kai and Tang Wulin would leave the workshop each afternoon feeling worn out yet motivated, as they sensed they were improving with each passing day. Meng Tian, although reserved, was clearly pleased with their progress and often offered them small tips on technique and posture, which helped them understand the finer points of blacksmithing. The experience was both physically and mentally challenging, but Kai was determined to become more than just a fighter—he wanted to master every skill he could, knowing that each lesson could contribute to his growth.
Once the day's blacksmith training was over, Kai and Tang Wulin returned to the orphanage. However, their daily routine wasn't over just yet. As the evening descended, they gathered all the kids once more for an evening workout session. This time, they focused on endurance and pacing rather than pushing themselves to the limit. They began with light running, allowing everyone to move at their own comfortable speed, yet encouraging each other to keep going until they were genuinely tired. Rather than driving themselves to exhaustion, the goal was to build steady stamina, teaching their bodies to recover and ready themselves for the next day's tasks. Kai emphasized that training was a long journey, and there was no need to rush; the key was consistency and gradual improvement.
Their evening routine of light exercises allowed the children to release any pent-up energy from the day, helping them sleep soundly each night. Kai noticed how this two-a-day exercise structure was slowly changing them. Even the youngest kids were starting to develop a sense of discipline and perseverance. The older ones, especially Mira, Nina, Zero, and Taurs, were making rapid progress, partly thanks to their first soul rings. Each of them had obtained a 100-year-old soul ring, which added an extra dimension to their strength and abilities. This advantage, however, didn't discourage the others; instead, it motivated them to push harder so they could one day obtain a soul ring as well.
There was a rule that allowed orphans to freely receive a soul ring up until they reached the third soul level. Since they were eligible for soul rings up to this level without cost, Mira, Nina, Taro had been able to acquire their first rings, albeit randomly assigned rather than chosen. This ensured that all children had a chance to grow their power without needing to worry about expenses or selective advantages. Knowing this, the other kids were inspired to work even harder, hoping that one day they, too, would gain a soul ring that could further enhance their abilities. However, they were now heading for their destination at the East Sea City to study in one of the Intermediate Soul Master Academy as recommended by the Red Mountain Junior Soul Master Academy for their further studies and growth path. After a memorable party and few days to share more time with eachother, Nina, Mira and Taro headed for the Intermediate 'East Sea Soul Master Academy'.
For three consecutive weeks, this routine became their life. Each day, they met the challenges head-on, their physical strength and stamina growing visibly with each passing session. Every push-up, every hammer strike, and every run brought them closer to their goals. They saw firsthand the results of their dedication, as they were able to increase their exercise counts and endure longer training periods without feeling as drained. Their resilience and commitment were clear in their steady progress. By the end of three weeks, Kai and Tang Wulin felt stronger than ever.
Meanwhile, Kai himself had been experiencing a breakthrough in his soul power level. When he had started this regimen, his soul power was at Level 2. But as he continued to cultivate in both way, physically and mentally, he felt his soul power grow. By the end of the third week, he had advanced to the peak of Soul Power Level 4, nearly on the verge of Level 5. The sensation of his increasing strength brought a newfound confidence, as he could sense that he was getting closer to his goals with each passing day.
Tang Wulin had similarly made significant progress, having reached Soul Power Level 4. Though he hadn't progressed as fast as Kai, he was determined to keep pushing forward, knowing that true strength came from consistent effort. For him, every day's training was a step closer to becoming the warrior he aspired to be. Together, they had created a momentum that carried everyone around them forward, forming a close-knit team of friends who supported each other's ambitions.
Lei La and Aran, on the other hand, were a step ahead in terms of soul power. Lei La had reached Soul Power Level 8, while Aran had achieved Level 7. Their start at Level 7 and Level 6 respectively gave them bonus advantage for more and early growth. They, too, followed the daily exercise and blacksmith routines with Kai and Tang Wulin, setting an example for the other children by showing that improvement was achievable for anyone willing to put in the work. Despite their higher soul levels, Lei La and Aran never flaunted their strength; instead, they used it to guide and motivate their friends, knowing that leadership wasn't about power alone, but about lifting others up as well.
As the weeks had gone by, the daily training now had became a part of everyone's life—a routine they embraced to make themselves understand that their commitment to self-improvement was the key to future success, and that every bit of effort they invested today would pay off down the road.
Also after three weeks, the day finally arrived for Kai, Tang Wulin, Lei La, and Aran to enroll at the Red Mountain Junior Soul Master Academy. It was an opportunity they had been eagerly waiting for, a chance to further hone their skills and receive formal training as Soul Masters. Their progress over the past few weeks had prepared them well, and they were eager to see how they would fare in an environment filled with other aspiring soul warriors.
Standing at the threshold of the academy, Kai couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as now he will actually be able to learn of the true changes and actuality of the entire Douluo World while also he will now have stepped truly in world as a Spirit/Soul Master though he knew a lot by himself.
According to Sun Moon Federation regulations, elementary and intermediate academies had free tuition and were compulsory. Elementary academies lasted three years, while intermediate ones spanned six. To enter advanced academies, students needed exceptional achievements, to pay high tuition, or specialize in a field of study.
Tang Ziran dropped off Kai, Tang Wulin, Lei La and Aran at the academy gates, reminding them to return home after school. The Soul Master class received special treatment, with a teacher greeting new students. While ordinary students focused on cultural education, the Soul Master class learned to harness their innate soul power and prepare for intermediate academy.
This year, only 18 students qualified for the Soul Master class, reflecting the low number of awakened souls in Glorybound City.
Their teacher, Lin Ximeng, introduced himself and asked the students to share their names and martial souls. When it was Tang Wulin's turn, the class erupted in laughter at his martial soul. Proudly, Tang Wulin revealed, "It's Blue Silver Grass," showcasing a strand that had a faint golden hue at the roots. A chubby boy scoffed, calling it a trash martial soul and bragged about his own—a knife with rank 5 soul power. Stung by the comparison, Tang Wulin remembered his father's words about the difficulties of cultivating Blue Silver Grass.
Just then Kai banged hardly on his desk as he yelled, "How dare you all mock someone like this? Don't forget all these developments in this era was mostly due to two major people; Lord Tang San from 20,000 years ago and Lord Huo Yuhao 10,000 years ago. And mind to remind me, if both their first Martial Soul were not considered as Trash Martial Soul... And note that Wulin's Blue Silver Grass is a mutated one. Now why don't you laugh at him as well as the the great Ancestors? And remember what they had said, A Martial Soul with Soul Power is not useless but Soul Master indeed is if he/she cannot wield it or use it properly."
Embarrassed, both teachers and other students didn't say anything but continued with their introductions. Kai introduced himself, "I am Kai. My Martial Soul is Black Dragon Hammer. Soul Power Level 4." And afterwards at last it was Lei La and Aran who introduced their Martial Souls but determined, he listened as Lin Ximeng explained martial soul classifications and the path to becoming a Soul Master. Tang Wulin's curiosity began to overcome his disappointment, opening the door to a new world of possibilities.
Tang Wulin walked out of Red Mountain Academy feeling unhappy after a long day filled with challenges. Growing up in a harmonious household, he was unprepared for the rejection he faced due to his martial soul, Blue Silver Grass. His teacher had also given him minimal attention during lessons.
"Is my martial soul really that bad?" he pondered but then Kai said, "Did you forget what I had yelled at the class; Martial Soul with Soul Power is not useless but Soul Master indeed is if he/she cannot wield it or use it properly." Following which Aran said, "Remember Uncle Tang Ziran's, your father's, words?"
Remembering his father's words Wulin joyfully said, with a smile, "Dad told us before, success is 99% effort and 1% talent. Since my martial soul isn't any good, then I'll just have to put in even more effort!"
As he nodded, a sound came Kai's and Wulin's stomach causing them to rub their bellies, puzzled by their intense hunger. Both of them remembered how he had earned the nickname of "Twin Rice Buckets" for their enormous appetite. Despite having eaten a lot at lunch, they were already hungry again.
On their way home, as they chatted, Lei La noticed a little girl with short silver hair and age seemingly a bit younger than them squatting by the roadside. She looked like a beggar but had striking amethyst eyes that caught their attention and especially when Tang Wulin looked at her, he felt an inexplicable connection towards her.
Suddenly, a group of delinquents approached her, eyeing her silver hair with greed. One of them tried to lift her, but she resisted, causing her to cry out in fear.
"What are you doing?" Tang Wulin shouted, surprising the bullies. When one of them kicked him aside, he tumbled into the dirt but quickly got up, declaring, "You guys are villains!"
The bully holding the girl brandished a dagger and threatened him. Undeterred, Tang Wulin lifted his hand, revealing his Blue-Silver Grass, its strong energy shimmering in the air. Despite his low rank, he stood firm, insisting they let her go but instead of retreating, one of the bully was about to attack Tang Wulin.
'BAM'
Just as the bully was going to attack, Kai's hammer struck hardly on it's head and the bully rolled away a few meters as blood kept pouring out of this head. Looking at the scene other bullies were afraid till Kai yelled, "Bastard, if I see you guys around here one more time, I am gonna kill beat you to death." as his eyes raged with blood and emotions stirred within him, an emotions of hatred and disgust towards the bully and his gang.
And so Wulin used his fists to knock the other person as Lei La and Aran caught the little girl saving her from falling. Tang Wulin rushed to the little girl with others. Crouching beside her Tang Wulin said, "Don't be scared. I'll protect you!" as words to assure her.
She looked up, her large purple eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "My name is Na'er," she finally said, her voice soft and timid.
"Na'er? That's a lovely name, and your voice is so pleasant!" Lei La saud with look of adore as Tang Wulin helped her up, but Na'er looked down, saying nothing.
"Where are your parents? Where's your home?" Tang Wulin asked, but she just shook her head.
Suddenly, a peculiar sound interrupted them. Tang Wulin glanced down, realizing it was Na'er's stomach rumbling, and noticed a blush on her dusty face.
"Are you hungry? If you can't find your family, I can take you to my house. My mom's cooking is delicious!" He took her hand and started walking home.
Na'er looked up at him, her large eyes wide as she noticed his rosy cheeks from the earlier fight. She couldn't help but stare. Just as Lei La was about to say something Kai butted in saying, "Hmm... that would be great. Now let all of us head to Wulin's home as we drop these two home."
"Mom, I'm home!" Tang Wulin shouted as he entered.
"Lower your voice! Don't disturb the neighbors," Lang Yue scolded, opening the door. Then she noticed her son was covered in dirt and saw Na'er's hand in his.
"Mom, I ran into some villains!" Tang Wulin explained excitedly.
Lang Yue's expression changed, and she pulled them inside. "Child, don't you know how dangerous that is?"
"But Dad said boys need to be brave and fight against villains!" Tang Wulin replied stubbornly.
Lang Yue paused, seeing his determination. While she understood his heart, her motherly instincts worried for his safety.
Tang Wulin hugged her leg. "Mom, don't be angry! Na'er and I are hungry. Can you make us something delicious?"
Lang Yue couldn't stay mad at her adorable son. She turned to Na'er, who remained silent. "Little friend, are you Na'er? Where are your parents?"
Na'er shook her head again.
"Alright, look at you two! You need to wash up first before changing clothes." Lang Yue led the two dirt-covered kids to the bathroom and then looking at Kai, Lei La and Aran, she asked, "Should I help you guys as well?" with a teasing and adoring look at the three little kids: (>_<)
A bit hesitant then rushing to orphanage after biding good time to auntie Yue, the kids headed back to home. Afterwards same s usual routine others meditated after the lunch while Kai with Tang Wulin headed to their Master's, Mang Tian's, Blacksmith Workshop continuing their daily session.
To Be Continued...