Douluo:Heaven’s Rejected Monarch

The morning light streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Fang Yuan sat on the bed, rolling his shoulders, feeling the subtle power flowing through his veins. Ever since his Martial Soul Awakening, everything about him had changed. His thoughts felt sharper, his senses more refined, but most importantly, there was a weight in his soul that hadn't been there before. He was different now, and he knew it.

Na'er stirred beside him, her silver hair messy as she peeked at him with drowsy eyes. She rubbed them sleepily, then pouted. "You're leaving."

Fang Yuan smirked. "I didn't say anything yet."

She sat up, hugging her knees. "You never wake up this early unless you have to go somewhere."

He ran a hand through his dark hair, stretching slightly. "Spirit Pagoda. I'm getting my first Spirit Soul today."

Her violet eyes widened, and she immediately scooted closer. "Can I come?"

Before Fang Yuan could answer, a knock came from the door, followed by a familiar voice. "No."

Na'er groaned as Fang Jinhai stepped inside, his usual composed expression unchanging. He eyed Fang Yuan before shifting his gaze to Na'er. "This is an important step for him. If something goes wrong, we need to control the situation."

Na'er looked at Fang Yuan, her lips pressing together. "But—"

"It's fine." Fang Yuan reached out, ruffling her hair gently. "I'll tell you everything when I get back."

She huffed but leaned into his hand slightly before flopping back onto the bed. "You better not leave out anything cool."

Fang Yuan chuckled as he stood, following his grandfather out of the room.

The Spirit Pagoda stood tall in the heart of the city, its white stone walls gleaming under the sun. The moment they entered, the shift in atmosphere was palpable. The halls were alive with Soul Masters moving about, some preparing for their Spirit Soul fusions, others engaged in deep discussions over research. The air itself felt heavy with energy, an unseen pressure lingering in the presence of so many Spirit Souls waiting to be bonded.

Jinhai led him to a private chamber where various Spirit Souls floated within energy barriers. Each one pulsed with power, shifting between their spectral and physical forms. Fang Yuan walked through the chamber, examining them carefully, but his expression remained unreadable.

Jinhai watched him for a moment before speaking. "None of them feel right to you, do they?"

Fang Yuan let out a slow breath. "No. The blade refuses them."

Jinhai sighed, pulling a talisman from his robe. "Then we will do this another way."

A soft hum filled the air as he activated it. Moments later, a smooth voice responded. "You never call unless you need something."

Fang Yuan raised an eyebrow at the tone.

Jinhai chuckled. "I need a favor, Yaozhu. My grandson is looking for a Spirit Soul, but nothing here is suitable."

A brief silence followed before she sighed. "And you assume I have something better?"

"You have kept that vicious Spirit Soul locked away for years. I think it is time someone tested their luck with it."

There was another pause. Then a sigh. "...Come to my private chamber."

Jinhai smirked, turning to Fang Yuan. "Try not to embarrass yourself."

Fang Yuan simply shrugged.

Leng Yaozhu's private chamber was nothing like the rest of the Spirit Pagoda. It was refined, elegant, with shelves lined with rare artifacts and ancient scrolls. The moment they entered, she stood near the window, her long black hair cascading down her back. Her fitted crimson robe emphasized her graceful yet commanding presence.

She turned, and the moment her amber eyes landed on Fang Yuan, she took a moment to observe him. Her gaze flickered over his black hair, then rested on his eyes—one blood-red, the other gold. A small, amused smile crossed her lips.

"Well," she mused, "I can see why you're so confident."

Fang Yuan tilted his head. "Oh?"

She crossed her arms, her gaze lingering on his face. "Golden and red eyes… a rare combination. It suits you. You don't look like a boy from this world."

Fang Yuan smirked. "Is that a compliment?"

She chuckled. "Take it however you like."

Jinhai cleared his throat. "Enough of that. We're here for the Spirit Soul."

She nodded, walking towards a sealed chamber at the back of the room. Her movements were precise, effortless, each step exuding confidence. "Inside is an eight-hundred-year-old Hell Devouring Phantom Wolf. It is violent, unstable, and has rejected every Soul Master who tried to bond with it. Many suffered mental backlash attempting to tame it."

She glanced at Fang Yuan. "Are you sure you want to try?"

Fang Yuan stepped forward, his expression calm. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."

She raised an eyebrow. "Confident, aren't you?"

Fang Yuan smirked. "Should I be afraid?"

Her lips curved slightly. "I'll admit, I like your attitude."

She motioned toward the chamber. "Let's see if your talent matches it."

Inside, the Hell Devouring Phantom Wolf prowled within its containment field, its body flickering between solid and shadow. Its red eyes locked onto Fang Yuan the moment the barrier was lifted.

The growl that escaped its throat was low, menacing. Then, in a blur of black, it lunged.

Fang Yuan didn't move.

The moment his golden eye met the wolf's gaze, everything changed.

The beast's charge stopped mid-motion. It let out a confused whimper, its body trembling. The snarl that had been so full of aggression vanished. It lowered its head, ears flattening as if unsure of what was happening.

Fang Yuan took a step forward. The wolf took a step back.

Another step. The wolf lowered itself completely, its once-feral eyes filled with submission.

Jinhai let out a low chuckle from outside the chamber. "Well, that's new."

Leng Yaozhu's eyes narrowed slightly. "That… shouldn't have been possible."

Fang Yuan reached out, resting a hand on the wolf's head. The moment he did, a strange energy rippled through him. His vision blurred, and for a brief moment, it felt as if his consciousness had been pulled elsewhere.

Something deep within him stirred. A flood of knowledge, a realization of possibility beyond the waking world. The dream-like state lasted only a second, but when he snapped back to reality, something inside him had changed.

The wolf's form flickered one last time before it was fully absorbed into his soul.After absorbing the Hell Devouring Phantom Wolf, Fang Yuan stood in the training hall, his new soul ring glowing beneath him. The dark yellow color pulsed with energy, feeling different from what he had expected.

Leng Yaozhu watched him closely, her amber eyes full of curiosity. She crossed her arms. "Now that you've bonded with your Spirit Soul, let's see what kind of ability it has given you."

Fang Yuan gripped his Heavenly Demonic Blade tighter. It felt strange, almost like something inside it was awake. A faint hum ran through the blade, just enough for him to notice. His soul ring flashed, sending a small wave of power through his body.

Jinhai pointed toward the training area. "Hit the target."

A Spirit Pagoda combat puppet appeared before him, its body covered in soul power shields. It was made to withstand attacks from newly awakened Soul Masters.

Fang Yuan exhaled and stepped forward. The air around his blade grew heavy, like something invisible was pressing down.

He swung.

A crimson glow wrapped around the sword as it cut through the air. A thin arc of energy followed the strike, slashing the puppet. No loud explosion, no flying debris. But something strange happened.

The puppet shook. Its body stiffened, its movements slowed down. Then, tiny cracks spread from the point of impact. But it wasn't from the force of the slash. It was something deeper.

The puppet's soul power flickered, like its energy had been disturbed.

Leng Yaozhu narrowed her eyes. "That attack... it's not normal."

Jinhai chuckled. "No, it isn't."

Fang Yuan could feel it. The puppet's power was fading, as if something had been taken from it. At the same time, his own body felt lighter, his mind sharper. The sword in his hand felt eager, like it wanted more.

The puppet tried to move, but its reactions were sluggish. Its arms jerked slightly, unable to function properly.

It wasn't just a strike. It was a curse that stayed.

Leng Yaozhu stepped closer, watching carefully. "Your blade doesn't just cut. It weakens. Every strike steals something from your opponent… while making you stronger."

She tilted her head, a small smile forming. "Your eyes were already dangerous enough. Now your sword wants to be just as terrifying?"

Fang Yuan smirked. "Sounds like you're impressed."

She studied him for a moment before smiling. "Maybe I am."

Jinhai nodded in approval. "A perfect ability for the Heavenly Demonic Blade. A weapon meant for execution."

Leng Yaozhu crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. Then, a slow smile spread across her lips. "Interesting. Very interesting."

She took a step toward Fang Yuan, her amber eyes gleaming. "Jinhai, I think you just brought me a rather fascinating disciple."

Jinhai smirked. "So you'll take him?"

She let out a soft hum before reaching out, tilting Fang Yuan's face slightly. Her gaze flickered over his features, amusement dancing in them. "I think I'd rather see what else those eyes of his can do."

Fang Yuan met her stare, smirking. "You might end up wanting to see more than just my eyes."

She chuckled. "Oh? You think you can charm your teacher already?"

Fang Yuan shrugged. "You're the one calling me fascinating."

Her laughter was light, but full of interest.

Jinhai sighed, rubbing his temples. "I swear, this boy..."

Leng Yaozhu smiled. "Come tomorrow. Your training begins then."

Fang Yuan smirked. "Looking forward to it."

This was going to be fun.