Tian Dou

With a year of experience I have gained a lot. Specifical speaking battle sense, quick strategies, reading opponents and even battle reflex. I first started to fight 20-25 two ringed soul master than I went on defeating three ringed soul master. With all this my overall rank is Gold rank badge. And I even lost many matches, because I was matched to 4 ringed soul master but even if I could defeat them, I didn't do that. I don't want any unwanted attention.

Like recently a guy with shrewd look, which is none other than Flander was always stopping me and boasting about Shrek academy. Even If I repeatedly disagreed, he kept bugging me again and again. Thank to Spirit Hall where I went to complain about it, he stopped bugging me.

The morning mist had barely lifted when Flander cornered me once again. His persistent attempts to recruit me for Shrek Academy were becoming increasingly irritating.

"You have potential beyond your current understanding," he said, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of calculation and genuine interest.

I met his gaze coldly. "I'm quite aware of my potential, and it doesn't require Shrek Academy's validation."

Flander's smile never wavered, but I could sense the frustration beneath his carefully constructed facade. "Every great soul master needs proper guidance. And you know the person who created 10 greatest martial soul theory"

"Wow, he might be a Titled Douluo right." I retorted, while trying to hide my laughter.

"Even, if he is not Titled Douluo his talent is on field of Martial Theory. And in whole continent everyone is matchless to him in term of knowledge. It just his martial spirit are unfair, which hold him back."

"I heard he wrote that "There's no trash martial soul, but trash soul master." so you are saying he spent his whole life proving he is trash."

"It's just a line to give any commoner confidence to develop."

"Then why is it called Theory?? Are you fooling them or the whole world. I am sorry, if a person is not clear about what he has written, how can I believe that he might guide in correct way?"

Good thing is that with my soul bone I can even change my Aura completely due to which Flander don't know my true identity yet. 

After preparing my whole goods I left on journey toward Heaven Dou City. Getting all my goods I searched for wagon going for Heaven Dou city, and paid them money for the trip.

"Haha, it's rare to see such brave young lady to travel alone, you can call me Uncle Dan."

"Thank you, I will be relying on you for journey."

"Don't worry with me here you are safer than any place ever."

After some quick conversation, I went to one of the carriage and had a good rest with blanket all over me.

2-3 days went by like this, I even sometime run behind carriage for keeping up may body health.

And on one afternoon, when I was having rest, my sense picked up commotion nearby. Ahh that same routine. there's a guy in our group who was that bandit's person. And by luring they have captured us.

"Boss, it's big catch. They are moving many valuable goods with them. Not only they have food, they also have many precious thing like jewellery and luxurious clothes."

"And boss not only that there is a beautiful kid here which can be sold for high price."

"Hey, you can take anything away but please don't touch that kid otherwise."

"Hahahahahaha, otherwise what?? At most you can only see sight of us all ruining that kid and selling her to slave auction."

"Hahahahhahaha"

"Aaaarrrrrrgggghhhhhh, I will kill you." Uncle Dan jumped over to bite the leader but he was kicked by many of his minions.

I can't stand it anymore, so I climbed out of the carriage. With just single jump, I reached near to my nearest bandit pulling out my sword Shimotsuki, and I beheaded him, and sent his head rolling toward the leader. Silence soon spread like terror.

"Hey little girl runaway, it's not safe here."

"Catch that rascal brat." The leader shouted.

But I instead closed the distance and attacked the minions one by one beheading them. Soon I sensed many people using their martial soul, 8 2-ring, 3 3-ring and one 5-ring soul master. And of course the leader is 5-ring soul master. With this many I was not worried, even if they all surrounded me, there moment was completely in mind.

I first avoided first attack and redirected his attack to those two attacking behind me, with friendly fire three were taken down. The nest second, I tripped the next one appearing beside me and pull out my katana on the way he was falling and with clean cut he was beheaded. With my cruel action they could see my eye was completely emotionless like I am killing some bugs in my free time. It's not that I am psychopath but it has became a habit to face such scum person.

Even if I leave that person, hoping he could change but reality is often cruel, it's not a secular world, so no one have that much weight of their guilt here. If I leave a scum here, the next day that same scum would harm more innocent people. Without any hesitation, I went to cut down each of their head one by one, even if someone would mostly overwhelm me, I would use my soul skill, like Freeze to slow them down or spiritual attack to hinder them.

Finally only one person left, and it was non other than the leader.

"Why you brat killed all my man?? Don't think killing all those weakling you can defeat me. Just you wait, after I catch you I will humiliate you enough that you would want to die but can't die being my toy."

Huh another delusional guy. I took a normal stance which looked full of opening, which I left deliberately to make him move according to what I want him to move.

His martial soul was a lizard or more like crocodile, with 5 soul ring, white, yellow, yellow, yellow and purple respectively. He than came charging toward me, with rage. I deliberately put a distance and cleanly cut out his arm.

"Aaaaaaarrrrrrggggggghhhhhh, My hand! How dare you?? You slut, you bitch."

He became more berserk, and even went to bite me with his mouth, realising that his martial spirit effects more to his irrationality, I know he is easier to deal with. I keep dodging and dodging him, and put many scar across his body to let him feel pain. I even also cut apart his 5th limb apart.

Finally when he calmed down, with swift movement I chopped his head from his body. 

[Bronze rank achievement: 100 soul-Master Kills|| Claim: Killing Intent sense(low)]

[Silver rank achievement: Defeat 3 ring higher soul master|| Claim: +2000 soul ring limit]

"I think we are safe now let's go now." The whole merchant group froze with my cruelty and all were holding their most important part.

"Don't worry, I only act like this against scums."

"Haha, as expected of little princess, that's why she dares to travel alone. I thank you on behalf of everyone due to saving all of us and also help us keeping our good. Here's 100 gold reward, if you don't keep it, we will feel indebted to you."

Well, that's unexpected from Uncle Dan, but as expected he is a good guy but I can still see him scared behind his normal expression.

After this all merchant group collect the body and buried all of them in a big pit dug by a mole martial souls. And some of our people were only injured a bit, there were also mercenary group who were able to take action but weren't able to because their leader being caught as hostage first.

They all assumed that I might be from big family due to my talent and I might have an expert behind me protecting 24 hours a day. And somehow they became more polite, obedient and also considerable for my comfort and wellbeing.

Five days of constant travel, moving through varying landscapes that blended mountain passes, dense forests, and rolling countryside. Each mile brought us closer to Heaven Dou City, a destination that promised new opportunities and challenges. I had studied the world's geography extensively, but experiencing it firsthand was entirely different.

Our final approach revealed the city's magnificent walls—massive stone structures that spoke of both defensive capability and architectural grandeur. Heaven Dou City was more than just a location; it was a nexus of power, culture, and potential. Imperial banners fluttered from watchtowers, their vibrant colors catching the morning sunlight. Soul masters from various backgrounds moved through the city gates, creating a tapestry of potential and ambition.

"Haah, good morning Qingxue. Did you finally reach Heaven Dou City?" Xiao Wu materialized beside me, her appearance a mixture of sleepiness and adorable dishevelment. Her rabbit ears were slightly askew, due to her recent slumber.

I couldn't help but smirk at her dramatic entrance. "I noticed that even you went sleeping time to time."

She stretched dramatically, her ears twitching with irritation. "You wouldn't understand the beauty of sleep, and you are even f*cking crazy with replacing sleep with meditation. Thanks to senior, I developed a technique to circulate Nine Convince Qi cycle while taking a nap. Otherwise, I would have to listen to your nagging daily."

"It's good you fulfill your bare minimum," I retorted, my tone a mixture of fondness and mild derision.

Xiao Wu's ears perked up, suddenly practical. "You should fill your stomach first."

She wasn't wrong. The journey had been taxing, and my energy reserves needed replenishment. The bustling marketplace offered numerous culinary options, each stall and restaurant emanating tantalizing aromas that spoke of local cuisines and culinary traditions.

I selected a popular restaurant, its exterior modest but interior bustling with activity. The wooden tables were worn but clean, and the ambient chatter suggested it was a local favorite. A server approached, and I ordered rabbit meat and dumplings—a choice that made Xiao Wu snort but she didn't interfere.

As I ate, my enhanced perception caught the subtle interactions around me. Two girls, approximately 13-14 years old, caught my attention. One possessed striking green eyes and purple hair, while the other had blue hair matching her blue eyes. Their conversation was animated, filled with the casual intimacy of close friends or classmates.

"Hello, little sister. Can we join your table?" the purple-haired girl asked, her approach deliberate and confident.

"Yes, suit yourself," I responded neutrally, making space for them.

"Thank you. I am Dugu Yan," the purple-haired girl introduced herself with a genuine expression. She gestured to her companion. "And she is Ye Lingling."

I crafted my response carefully, maintaining the persona of an ordinary commoner. "I am Xiao Qingxue, just an ordinary commoner."

Dugu Yan's curiosity was immediate. "I haven't seen you here anywhere in this city."

"I just came here from my village for admitting in a proper academy," I explained, my backstory meticulously prepared to avoid suspicion.

Her eyes lit up with an opportunity for connection. "Oh, it's perfect. We both are from Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Why don't you join with us?"

I had anticipated this moment. My response needed to be calculated—firm but not dismissive. "I am sorry, but I already have an academy in my mind."

"Which academy?" Dugu Yan challenged. "It can't be better than Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

"TianShui Academy," I stated confidently. "I have an ice martial spirit, so I plan to admit to the famous academy for female martial souls."

A flicker of understanding crossed Dugu Yan's face. "Then, it might be the correct choice. With your status, you might get caught in some issues in the Royal Academy."

The comment was loaded with various meaning. Status, in this world, could mean many things—social standing, potential political connections. Her warning suggested the Royal Academy had its own complex social dynamics. There's two way to get status in soul land, one is strength and other is backing of any forces.

"Well, it was nice to meet you," I said, preparing to leave. "I have completed my meal. Can I leave?"

Dugu Yan's response carried a hint of condescension. "That's so polite for being a commoner. Anyway, remember us. We might meet again."