Near a tranquil lake, a small child, around five years old, sat quietly holding a fishing rod. His white hair shimmered under the sunlight, and his pale face, paired with gray pupils, gave him a serene yet striking appearance. Despite his young age, he exuded a serious and focused aura, his full attention on the lake as he fished.
Beside him, an elderly woman sat in a comfortable chair, also holding a fishing rod. Her gentle demeanor contrasted with the child's intensity. Glancing at her grandson, she smiled mischievously before subtly channeling a trace of soul power into her fishing rod. Moments later, a large fish took the bait, thrashing as it was reeled in.
"Grandmother! That's cheating!" The boy, Ning Xue, exclaimed, puffing his cheeks in mock indignation. "I told you to compete fairly!"
Luan Feng chuckled, the corners of her eyes crinkling with affection. "Xue, even if I didn't use soul power, I'd still win. I'm just saving time. Besides, didn't I tell you that we're leaving for the Imperial Capital this afternoon? I'm helping you accept the inevitable—you'll have to work hard for many years before you can beat me," she teased. "But don't worry, maybe in twenty or thirty years, you'll manage."
"Just you wait!" Ning Xue declared, his small fists clenched with determination. "When I awaken my Martial Spirit, no—when I become a Titled Douluo—I'll show you! Then we'll compete fairly, and I'll win for sure!"
His words, though resolute, were met with another smile from Luan Feng. She enjoyed teasing him, especially because he looked so adorable when he got flustered.
Suddenly, a tug on Ning Xue's fishing rod drew his attention. With a sharp pull, he reeled in a small golden fish.
"See! I told you, Grandma! If you don't cheat, I'd win!" Ning Xue said triumphantly, his grin wide as he held up his catch.
Luan Feng's eyes twinkled with amusement as she pointed toward the lake. Three more fish swam toward her line, and with a flick of her wrist, she reeled them in effortlessly.
"Alright, alright," she said with a light laugh. "You win. I won't tell anyone that I caught four fish while you only got one. I'll let you keep your victory today."
"Grandma, you're impossible!" Ning Xue huffed, though there was no real anger in his voice.
"Okay, okay, I was just teasing you," Luan Feng said, patting his shoulder. "Let's head back. I'll cook some of these fish for lunch, and I'll make you a special dish with soul beast meat. After that, we need to get ready to leave."
With the basket of fish in hand, she led Ning Xue back to the grand mansion near their border camp.
"Grandma," Ning Xue said as they walked, his tone softer now, "why do I have to go to the Imperial Capital? It's just a celebration for the princess's Martial Spirit Awakening. I like it here. I don't need to attend a party."
Luan Feng sighed but smiled down at him. "I know, Xue. I'd prefer to stay here too, but sometimes we have to think about the future. Connections can open many doors. Besides, this trip is a good opportunity for you. I'll also take you on a tour of Mingdu City—it's the most advanced city on the Douluo Continent. You'll enjoy it."
Though he wasn't entirely convinced, Ning Xue nodded, trusting his grandmother. For now, he resolved to enjoy their time together.
...
After returning to his room, Ning Xue stood in front of the mirror, studying his reflection. His gray eyes narrowed slightly as he tilted his head.
"Maybe I'll grow more handsome than in my last life," he muttered, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
This was Ning Xue's second life, a chance granted to him after an encounter with an ethereal soul. He didn't know who or what that soul was, but he was grateful for the chance to live again.
Though he missed his parents dearly, this new fantasy world gave him hope. "If this is a world of miracles," he thought, "then perhaps there's a way to see them again." That dream became his ultimate goal.
He also has something like ring in mind he could see that if he concentre properly, but despite all his attempts, he hadn't seen any sign of it activating. With a shrug, he decided to put it aside for now. "Maybe when I awaken my Martial Spirit, it'll show itself," That's what he thought.
Satisfied with his appearance, Ning Xue finished getting ready. They planned to travel to the Imperial Capital by carriage, which suited him perfectly—according to his grandmother he needs to see sceneries of various towns and villages in the way. With twenty days until the banquet, he was little bit looking forward to the journey, he doesn't have much hope.
When he stepped outside and came to carriage that was ready for their departure, he noticed his grandmother, Luan Feng, speaking with Aunt Shu Qiu. Though he didn't mean to eavesdrop, their conversation caught his attention.
"Commander," Shu Qiu reported swiftly, "we found a girl injured in Red Mountain Town during the recent attack by Duke White Tiger. By the time we arrived to assist, most of the town had already been destroyed, and many were killed. The attack was so sudden that we had no time to react. However, the Imperial Dragon Soul Engineer Legion, led by Commander Xu Tianyun, quickly launched a counterattack."
Shu Qiu paused briefly before continuing, "The girl has an Auxiliary Martial Spirit, Orange. Initially, they planned to send her back to the palace, but I thought I'd consult you first. If you don't want the responsibility, I'll inform them."
Luan Feng sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "That damned Dai Hao just wants to show off. He wouldn't last a second against a Level 9 cannon shell."
Her tone grew more serious as she added, "Now, with most commanders and high-level officials in the capital, this is the perfect time for him to cause trouble. And with me leaving my post for a month, it's giving me a headache."
She glanced at Ning Xue, then back at Shu Qiu. "Fire some Level 7 missiles to assist Xu Tianyun. Not that he needs the help, but it'll scare Dai Hao into retreating." She paused and looked at Ningxue for a moment and said, "Le me meet that girl—I'll decide what to do with her after I've met her."
Luan Feng sighed again, her weariness evident. "This old age brings endless problems."
Turning toward Ning Xue, she softened her tone. "Xue, how about we postpone our departure to tomorrow? There are too many issues today."
Ning Xue, who had been standing near the carriage, smiled and nodded. "That's fine, Grandma. I don't mind waiting, and it's okay if we don't go at all."
He was curious about the injured girl but didn't want to interfere with his grandmother's responsibilities.
Luan Feng smiled warmly. "Alright. Go and rest for now. If the girl is suitable, I might bring you a sister."
She walked off with Shu Qiu toward the camp where the injured were being treated, leaving Ning Xue standing by the carriage, surprised by her words.
"A sister? I don't need a sister," he murmured to himself, shaking his head. He had been an only child in his previous life, and the idea of having a sibling was unfamiliar. Still, he couldn't help but wonder, How would it feel to have a sister? Would it be good or bad?
Pushing the thought aside, he returned to the commander's mansion.