Douluo: The Blind Ascendant

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After a long night of struggle, they finally had a brief moment to rest. As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the tension of the past battle still lingered in the air.

"Your Highness, the mission was a success. We eliminated two Soul Emperor-level dark soul masters and captured one Soul Sage," reported Steward Koruze to Bibi Dong.

"However, we lost four of our own in the process." His tone was solemn as he glanced at the lined-up corpses of the fallen Soul Emperors.

"Understood. I will report the mission's results to His Holiness as they are. Rewards will be distributed accordingly," Bibi Dong responded, her voice carrying a trace of complexity as she took in the sight of the deceased members.

"Your Highness, according to our intel, there were only three enemy dark soul masters. How did they manage to trap us in an illusion?" Lin Yongming asked curiously.

After all, the Soul Hall had sent a formidable team: two Soul Douluos, one Soul Sage, and nine Soul Emperors. The enemy, by contrast, only had three members, the strongest of whom was a mere level 78 Soul Sage. Such an overwhelming difference in strength should not have resulted in four casualties.

"I was too naive and hesitant in my decision-making," Bibi Dong admitted, clenching her fists. "I wanted to capture them alive to extract information about hidden dark soul masters across the continent. But I underestimated their ruthlessness. The Soul Sage in the dark red robe didn't hesitate to sacrifice two of his comrades to amplify his power and cast an illusion over us."

"This mission made me realize that I am still lacking in strength and foresight. I was not thorough enough in my planning." Her gaze once again fell upon the fallen warriors, guilt and determination flickering in her eyes.

"Your Highness, don't be too hard on yourself. Given your age, you've already done remarkably well. Besides, both Heil Li and I also made mistakes by underestimating the enemy," Koruze comforted her, stepping forward.

"He's right, Your Highness. We still managed to capture one of them. If we can extract valuable intelligence from him, it will be a great victory," Heil Li added.

"Enough. Mistakes were made, and dwelling on them won't change anything."

Bibi Dong then turned to Lin Yongming. "Blind One, you have earned great merit this time. Not only did you locate the dark soul masters' hideout, but you also broke the illusion and saved us. I will report your contributions to His Holiness accordingly."

"Your Highness, please report only the truth. Everyone played a role in this mission, and I only did what I could," Lin Yongming replied humbly.

Bibi Dong nodded. "Are you sure you don't want to return to Soul Hall with us?"

"I appreciate the offer, Your Highness, but I am still young and prefer to remain in my village for now. I've grown used to the peace there, and besides, I told my parents I'd only be gone for two or three days."

"Very well. Everyone has their own path. Once His Holiness grants your reward, I will ensure it reaches you. I hope we can have a proper match when we meet again."

With that, Bibi Dong gave the order. "We set out immediately!"

"Goodbye, Your Highness!" Lin Yongming waved farewell as Bibi Dong and her group departed.

Once they were out of sight, he turned and began his journey back toward Lei Yu Village.

After walking for over an hour, the morning sun shone brightly. Taking a break by the side of a small path, Lin Yongming reached into his pocket and pulled out a peculiar stone.

It was an octahedral prism, pitch black in color, and small enough to fit in one hand. Despite its ordinary appearance, it had an inexplicable attraction.

"No reaction… but why do I feel drawn to it? Does it require soul power to activate?"

With this thought in mind, Lin Yongming channeled his soul power into the stone.

For a moment, nothing happened—then, suddenly, a dazzling blue light burst forth. Arcs of lightning crackled around it, illuminating the surroundings. The phenomenon lasted for about a minute before fading away.

"This stone contains an immense amount of lightning-attributed soul power…"

"Could the dark soul master have been absorbing its energy while maintaining the illusion?" He pondered over the mystery, unable to find an immediate answer.

However, the once pitch-black stone had now transformed into a deep blue gem, shimmering like a sapphire.

"I'll keep it for now. Maybe my soul power isn't strong enough to unlock its full potential yet." Stowing the stone back in his pocket, Lin Yongming resumed his journey.

Meanwhile, in an unknown palace, an elder who had been in deep slumber for years suddenly opened his eyes. His surroundings crackled with lightning as a storm of energy erupted around him.

"The Thunder Core… It has finally shown a reaction. Such pure lightning energy…" the elder murmured, his gaze burning with intrigue.

By the afternoon, Lin Yongming arrived back at Lei Yu Village. His father, Lin Chong, was ecstatic to hear that his son had been recognized by the Soul Hall.

For someone who rarely indulged in alcohol, Lin Chong downed an entire bowl in celebration, his face beaming with pride as he eventually drifted off to sleep.

At the Pope's Palace, Bibi Dong stood in the grand hall alongside two purple-robed stewards.

"Disciple, you performed well on this mission. Your methods were a bit inexperienced, but this was an invaluable opportunity for growth."

"As for Lin Yongming, the Soul Hall rewards both merit and punishment fairly. Given his contributions, he shall receive a reward of 10,000 gold soul coins."

"Disciple, what else do you think he should receive?" the Pope inquired.

"Master, Lin Yongming is a soul master without even a storage soul tool. Traveling without one is inconvenient. I suggest we grant him a storage soul tool as well," Bibi Dong proposed.

"Then it is decided. For his talent and achievements, Lin Yongming will receive 10,000 gold soul coins, a storage soul tool, and a Yellow Record Medal," the Pope declared, standing up.

"Your Holiness is wise!" Bibi Dong and the two stewards immediately voiced their agreement.

"You may leave."

"Yes!" The two stewards exited the grand hall.

Once they were gone, the Pope turned back to Bibi Dong. "Disciple, why did Lin Yongming not return with you to Soul Hall?"

Bibi Dong took a moment before explaining everything she had observed about Lin Yongming, including her speculations about his abilities.

"A natural resonance… He has great ambition and an independent mind. As expected, those born with innate full soul power are never ordinary," the Pope mused.

"You requested the storage soul tool to help him feel more connected to our cause, didn't you?"

"Yes, Master. He may be blind, but his understanding of resonance compensates for it. In many ways, he sees more than those with eyes. It was thanks to his insight that we discovered the dark soul masters' hideout."

"He is someone worth recruiting," Bibi Dong affirmed.

"Are you sure he is just a boy from an ordinary village?" the Pope questioned once more.

"Yes, Master. Chief Bishop Xia confirmed it—his family has lived in Lei Yu Village for generations. His father's martial soul is nothing more than an ordinary firewood knife. There is no evidence of any hidden background."

"Could it be a rare and exceptional martial soul mutation?"

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 90 on my patreon go take a look and remember if you reach 280 stones of power I will publish the next chapter.