Douluo Dalu: The Path of Abyss

Shenghun Village was a tranquil and picturesque place, surrounded by verdant mountains and clear rivers. Birds chirped among the fragrant flowers, creating a serene atmosphere.

Behind Shenghun Village lay the burial grounds, where generations of ancestors rested. According to tradition, tombstones were inscribed with the deceased's birth and death dates, along with information about their lineage. However, amidst these graves stood two peculiar tombstones with only four simple characters: Ye Family's Tomb.

In front of these graves stood an elderly man who appeared to be in his sixties.

He was tall and lean, with a commanding presence despite his age. His attire was clean and neatly arranged, and his silver hair was meticulously combed.

The old man gazed at the tombstones with a mix of nostalgia and helplessness. With a deep sigh, he muttered, "You two... I really have no way to stop him. I've tried scolding him, pleading with him, even beating him. Yet, he still insists on becoming a Soul Master. Today, he even managed to find a master and showed up with a black card, saying he's going to study at Notting City's Junior Soul Master Academy!"

His tone grew emotional as he continued, "I promised you both that I wouldn't let him take this path. But who could've expected this? His talent is too exceptional—innate soul power of level 20. Perhaps, just perhaps, our Shenghun Village might produce a second Soul Saint. I made this decision myself, so if you must blame someone, blame me."

The old man, known in the village as Old Jack, raised two trembling fingers toward the tombstone as if seeking approval.

"You finally agreed!"

The sudden voice startled Old Jack.

Looking around in alarm, he spotted a boy perched on a large tree seven meters away.

"Ye Feng! Get down here right now!" Old Jack shouted, his voice a mix of anger and exasperation.

"I should've been allowed to study long ago," Ye Feng retorted, nimbly climbing down from the tree. He landed lightly beside Old Jack and asked with a sharp gaze, "Grandpa Jack, why won't you tell me the truth about how my parents died?"

"They... died of illness," Old Jack replied, avoiding Ye Feng's gaze. His voice wavered, betraying the fact that he was hiding something. Changing the subject, he said quickly, "Ye Feng, prepare lunch for yourself. I'm heading to Notting City to finalize your registration."

"Why are you going personally, Grandpa Jack?" Ye Feng asked.

"I need to request an additional spot for work-study students. Shenghun Village is, after all, the birthplace of a Soul Saint. That should count for something," Old Jack replied with a determined tone.

"Grandpa Jack, I already have the money for registration!" Ye Feng said, pulling out the black card Ning Fengzhi had given him.

The black card gleamed in the sunlight—a symbol of immense wealth, issued only to those whose assets had reached extraordinary levels.

"I know you're wealthy now," Old Jack said with a warm smile, patting Ye Feng's head. "But life is long, child, and you'll have many expenses ahead. If you can save five gold soul coins per semester by being a work-study student, why not take that opportunity?"

Three Months Later

After much persuasion, Tang San finally gained Tang Hao's approval to study at Notting Academy. Old Jack had successfully secured two spots for work-study students, and with both boys in tow, he arrived in Notting City.

Though Ye Feng initially refused to join as a work-study student, Old Jack's insistence on thrift left him with no choice but to agree.

"Xiao San, Ye Feng," Old Jack said as they approached the academy gates, "once you're in the academy, do not leave without permission. I'll come to fetch you at the end of the semester."

"Grandpa Jack, do you have to leave so soon?"

"A hotel is far too expensive for people like us. Do your best in the academy, and the next time I see you both, I hope you'll have become real Soul Masters," Old Jack replied, ruffling their hair affectionately.

Just then, Ye Feng noticed a fine-looking hotel nearby.

"Wait here for me," he said, darting into the building. Moments later, he returned with a small card in hand.

"Ye Feng, what did you do in there?" Old Jack asked curiously.

"I booked you a room," Ye Feng replied nonchalantly, handing Old Jack the key card.

"What? A hotel room? Do you know how expensive that is?" Old Jack exclaimed, his voice rising in shock.

"Not one room—two rooms," Ye Feng corrected with a smirk.

"Two rooms?!" Old Jack looked at the card in his hand, bewildered and distressed. "That's... that's two gold soul coins for a single night! Do you know how much food that could buy?!"

"It's already paid for, Grandpa Jack. It's going to rain, and you'll catch a cold if you try to travel back tonight. Just stay here for the night, and leave in the morning," Ye Feng said firmly.

For a moment, Old Jack stared at the boy in front of him, seeing not a six-year-old child, but someone much more mature and capable.

Arriving at Notting Academy

The trio made their way to the academy gates. A towering archway marked the entrance, twenty meters wide and ten meters tall, built from sturdy stone. Under the archway stood two heavy black iron gates, guarding the path beyond. On the archway were four bold characters: Notting Academy.

As they approached, a young gatekeeper stepped forward to block their way.

"What do you want? This isn't a place for country bumpkins," the gatekeeper sneered, eyeing their modest clothing with disdain.

"Young man," Old Jack said with a polite smile, "we're from Shenghun Village. These two children are work-study students selected by our village this year. Are there any formalities we need to complete?"

The gatekeeper chuckled mockingly. "A village like Shenghun producing soul masters? That's the funniest thing I've heard all day. I've worked here for years, and I've never seen a work-study student. You're not fakes, are you?"

Old Jack's expression stiffened. Calmly, he handed over the certificates issued by the Spirit Hall.

The gatekeeper took them, glanced over, and burst into laughter. "Innate full soul power? And this one's level 20? Are you kidding me? Why not just forge a certificate saying you're a Titled Douluo while you're at it?"

He tossed the certificates to the ground, his scornful laughter ringing in their ears.