Soul land: Primordial Sun

The morning sun cast its golden rays across Dolphin Wave Town, illuminating the bustling streets. Shen sat cross-legged in his modest room, his golden eyes glimmering with curiosity and anticipation.

[Host, you have not signed in yet from Dolphin wave town. Would you like to Sign-In?]

"Sign-In," Shen said calmly, focusing on the screen before him.

[Congratulations, Host! Today's Sign-In Rewards:

• 1000-Year-Old Whale Glue

• 1000 Gold Coins

• Storage Essence Tool (50 Cubic Meters)]

A small, silver bracelet materialized in his hand, faintly glowing with runes. Shen slipped it on, testing its functionality. With a thought, he stored the golden pouch of coins and a few random items into the spatial tool. "Convenient," he muttered with a satisfied smirk.

The 1000-Year-Old Whale Glue, known for its ability to strengthen and temper both physical and spiritual aspects, was a rare treasure in this world. He set it aside for later use, knowing it would come in handy during his cultivation.

After completing his morning routine, Shen gathered Ren Tai and Yin Bufeng. "Uncle Yin, have you discovered anything about the current era? The identity of the Pope, perhaps?"

Yin Bufeng nodded. "The Spirit Hall Pope is indeed male. Based on my findings, it is likely either Qian Xunji or his predecessor, the Limit Douluo, Qian Daoliu."

Shen's gaze sharpened. Qian Xunji… a cruel and ambitious figure, but still beneath his father, Qian Daoliu. If this timeline fell under their reign, he would need to tread carefully. "Good. At least now we know where we stand."

He turned toward the door, his voice steady. "Uncle Yin, Uncle Tai, accompany me to the Spirit Hall branch today. However, I'll handle matters inside myself."

"As you wish, Young Master," Ren Tai replied, his deep voice full of respect.

The trio made their way through Dolphin Wave Town, the cobblestone streets alive with chatter and movement. The Spirit Hall branch was a modest building with golden accents, symbolizing its affiliation with the grand institution.

As they approached, a commotion caught Shen's attention. Near a food stall, a small figure lay crumpled on the ground, surrounded by sneering townsfolk.

A girl no older than him, thin and ragged, clutched a stale loaf of bread. Bruises marred her dirty skin, and her wide, frightened eyes darted between the advancing crowd.

"Thief!" one man shouted. "Stealing from honest folk!"

The girl trembled, trying to shield herself as a burly man raised his hand. Before the blow could land, Ren Tai stepped forward, his towering presence stopping the crowd in their tracks.

"Enough," Ren Tai growled, his voice like thunder. The man's hand froze mid-air, and the others quickly backed away, their anger dissolving into fear.

Shen approached the girl, his golden eyes cold but steady. She flinched as he crouched before her, offering her a warm bun from a nearby stall. "Eat," he said simply.

The girl hesitated, her small hands shaking as she accepted the food. She devoured it in seconds, her wary gaze never leaving him.

Shen spoke again, his tone quiet yet firm. "The world is unfair. No one will hand you kindness freely. You must fight for your survival and your beliefs." The words, though harsh, were meant as guidance—a principle he had lived by in both his lives.

The girl stammered a soft, "T-thank you," her voice barely audible.

Shen rose, brushing off his robes. "Let's go," he said to his guards. The crowd dispersed as quickly as it had gathered, casting uneasy glances at the intimidating trio.

As they walked toward the Spirit Hall branch, Shen's sharp instincts noticed a shadow trailing them. He glanced over his shoulder, spotting the same girl from before, keeping a cautious distance.

He stopped abruptly, turning to face her. The girl froze, wide-eyed, clutching the remains of her bread. "Why are you following us?" Shen asked, his tone neutral but curious.

Her lips quivered as she replied, "I… I want to repay your kindness. No one's ever helped me before." Her voice was soft, yet her resolve was clear.

Shen studied her, her appearance was murky filled with mud and bruises her Brown hair unkept, his golden eyes thoughtful. He wasn't a kind person—he knew that. Yet, something about her reminded him of himself, lost and desperate in his previous life. A pang of pity stirred in his chest.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Fu Lian," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"You want to repay me?" he said. "Then follow me, but know this—I won't coddle you. If you wish to stay, you must be ready to fight for your survival. Do you understand?"

The girl nodded fervently, her eyes shining with gratitude.

Shen sighed inwardly. "Uncle Tai, prepare some food and clothing for her. She'll be traveling with us for now."

"Understood, Young Master," Ren Tai replied, though his tone carried a hint of surprise.

By the time they reached the Spirit Hall branch, the day was already waning. The modest building loomed before them, its golden insignia gleaming in the fading light.

"Stay here," Shen instructed his guards and the girl. He stepped inside alone, his small frame exuding confidence beyond his years.

The receptionist, a middle-aged Spirit Master, looked up in surprise. "Young Master, how can I assist you?"

Shen smiled faintly, his mind already calculating. "I'm here to learn about the branch's services and operations. Also, I'd like to register my household and its Spirit Master under the Hall's jurisdiction."

"Of course," the receptionist replied, bowing. As Shen followed him further inside, his sharp eyes scanned every detail, mentally mapping the layout and assessing the power dynamics of this small branch.

This world is a chessboard, and I am not just a pawn, Shen thought. It's time to lay the groundwork for my rise.

Outside, Fu Lian sat beside Yin Bufeng, nibbling on a fresh bun. She glanced toward the Spirit Hall's doors, where her new benefactor had disappeared. For the first time in her short, harsh life, she felt something she hadn't known before—hope.

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Hey guys author here

second chapter has arrived, I'm here to remind you all that the first 10 chapters will be shorter compared to rest of the story

The mc is quite calculating as his previous life wasn't so pleasant so bear with his personality for me

Support by spamming those PS