pleasent suprise

For the past three years, pestering Tang San had become Tang Yin's favorite daily routine. Like clockwork, he never missed a day.

In the hills near Holy Spirit Village, the peaceful morning air was often pierced by Tang Yin's dramatic voice echoing across the quiet landscape.

"Tang San, why are you just sitting on the ground all day? Are you pretending not to hear me? Are you ignoring me? Wuwu... You don't play with me anymore... wuwu..." Tang Yin cried dramatically, fake tears in full performance mode as he kicked off his daily mischief.

As usual, Tang San—who had long grown numb to his theatrical brother's antics—paid him no mind. He sat calmly, focusing all his attention on cultivating the Mysterious Heaven Technique to gather Qi, completely unfazed by Tang Yin's drama.

Watching Tang San remain as stoic as ever, Tang Yin paused and muttered to himself, "Hmph, this guy's immune to my tricks now... I can still disrupt his Purple Demon Eye practice, but just wasting time doing nothing? That's not going to work."

Determined, Tang Yin had a sudden burst of inspiration. "I should start training too! At least then I can fight someone my own level and keep in shape," he thought.

And so, in the following days, Tang Yin took matters into his own hands. He began doing basic cardio and physical exercises he remembered from elementary school PE classes. He also practiced horse stance for as long as he could endure, determined to improve his balance and strength.

To his surprise, during these sessions, Tang Yin noticed something that instantly lifted his previously gloomy mood.

The next morning, after pushing himself hard the day before, Tang Yin woke up expecting soreness and fatigue. Instead, he felt completely refreshed. The muscle aches were gone, his blisters had healed, and he felt mentally sharp.

"Wait a second… is this my golden finger?!" he exclaimed. "It's kind of weak, but hey, better than nothing! My fatigue's gone, I feel refreshed, and... stronger?"

Turns out, Tang Yin had an extraordinary healing ability. Minor injuries vanished in a matter of hours, and his mental stamina was off the charts. Overtraining didn't seem to faze him one bit.

And as every cultivator knows, in the world of martial arts—and especially in Douluo Dalu—the body is the foundation of all power. From that day on, Tang Yin began diligently training his body with every exercise he could think of.

Of course, old habits die hard.

Every morning, without fail, Tang Yin still bullied Tang San until breakfast… before throwing himself into an afternoon of intense training.

Time flows like a waterfall,

"Huff… it's finally time to awaken my Martial Soul!" exclaimed Tang Yin, collapsing into the cool waters of the lake near the village, a grin tugging at his lips.

Both Tang Yin and his brother Tang San were six years old, and today was no ordinary day. The Nuoding branch of the Wuhun Hall was finally sending a Soul Master to awaken the Martial Souls of the children in Holy Spirit Village.

Tang Yin changed into his cleanest set of clothes — a simple but crisp garment that complemented his shimmering blue-silver hair. His sparkling blue eyes reflected the sunlight, and his petite face was still just a touch taller than Tang San's.

"It's time to take a nap," thought Tang Yin as he flopped onto his bed, the mattress creaking softly beneath him.

Bang! Bang!

Tang Yin stretched lazily, eyes narrowing at the noise. From the kitchen, Tang San flinched at the sound, clearly startled by the familiar knocking — or rather, Old Jack's cane smacking the wooden door like a battle drum, no doubt while cursing their father Tang Hao for being an "irresponsible layabout."

Tang San darted forward, practically sprinting to the door, excitement buzzing in his every movement.

Tang Yin watched him with a sigh.

He still hasn't resumed his Mysterious Heaven Technique training… it's been two weeks now. All my efforts might have been in vain.

He folded his arms, thoughtful.

Tang San's probably hit the limit of Qi absorption already. He might awaken twin Martial Souls…

Tang Yin's thoughts drifted darker.

It would be great to surpass Tang San, Grandmaster, even Dai Mubai and his little gang. But whatever. Right now, I don't have the strength. Sure, I've been bullying Tang San since we were kids… but he won't take revenge. We're blood, after all. One step at a time. First—I need power. Power to fulfill my desires.

Shaking off the thoughts, he looked up just as Old Jack stepped into view.

"Good morning, Grandpa!" Tang Yin greeted cheerfully, putting on his brightest smile as he pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind.