douluo dalu: Dark Phoenix

The air in the village felt heavier after Ayanokoji's spirit awakening.

He could feel the weight of their stares, the hushed whispers behind closed doors. Fear was universal, he thought. Whether in a Japanese high school or a remote village in this new world, people always feared what they did not understand.

Yet, even at six years old, Ayanokoji understood the value of restraint. He wouldn't let their unease affect him — not now, not ever.

The woman who had called him "Xiao Tian" earlier, now his apparent caretaker, seemed more cautious around him after the ceremony. The warmth in her eyes hadn't disappeared completely, but there was a flicker of hesitation, as though she now questioned what kind of child she had brought into her home.

The journey back from the village square was silent. Only the rustling of the trees and the occasional chirping of birds filled the void. Ayanokoji took the opportunity to reflect, his sharp mind working methodically.

Twin spirits… Innate full soul power…

Even without fully understanding this world's mechanics, he recognized that such a combination was rare — and dangerous.

---

Back at the small, rustic house, his caretaker set a bowl of vegetable porridge on the table, avoiding eye contact.

"Eat. You must be tired after… that."

Ayanokoji nodded silently and ate, more out of necessity than hunger. His mind was elsewhere, dissecting every moment of the awakening ceremony.

The Dark Phoenix — a spirit of destruction and rebirth. The black flames had felt natural, as though they were an extension of himself. He could still feel a faint warmth lingering in his veins, a power both ominous and comforting.

Then there was the Spirit Eyes — a gift he had not expected. When the golden patterns had spiraled through the air, Ayanokoji had felt… clarity. As though time had slowed, and every soul power fluctuation, every heartbeat around him, was laid bare.

It was insight, weaponized.

A fitting power for someone who had spent his life observing and calculating.

---

After finishing his meal, Ayanokoji stepped outside, the setting sun casting long shadows over the village. Children played in the distance, their laughter ringing out like an alien sound. He watched them for a while, quietly, unnoticed.

What does it mean to be a soul master?

He needed information. Understanding. If this world's power structure was based on spirit cultivation, then mastering it would be the logical first step.

That evening, as the house grew dark and the woman retreated to her room, Ayanokoji made his decision.

---

The next morning, he woke before dawn, dressed in simple linen clothes, and left the house silently.

The village was still asleep, but Ayanokoji's destination was clear — the elder's home.

He had observed the elder during the ceremony. The man was experienced, wary, and respected. If there was anyone who could give him the information he needed, it was him.

He knocked lightly on the wooden door, and after a few moments, the elder answered, surprised to see him.

"Xiao Tian…" The old man's eyes held curiosity — and concern. "What brings you here so early?"

"I want to understand," Ayanokoji said, his golden eyes steady. "About soul masters. About spirits."

The elder hesitated, as though debating whether to indulge the child's curiosity. But something in Ayanokoji's gaze made him relent.

"Come in."

---

The elder's home was simple but filled with books and scrolls — a rare sight in this humble village.

Ayanokoji sat quietly, watching as the elder poured them both cups of herbal tea.

"You are… unusual," the elder began, his voice low. "Even without your spirits, I can sense that you are not like the other children."

Ayanokoji said nothing.

The elder continued. "Since you wish to understand, I will explain. The path of the soul master is one of strength, cultivation, and balance. Each person is born with a martial spirit — some are weak, others strong. Most awaken only one spirit, and very few are born with innate full soul power as you were. That alone makes you extraordinary."

"And twin spirits?" Ayanokoji asked, sipping his tea.

The elder's eyes darkened slightly. "Twin spirits are… exceedingly rare. Such people often face great danger — not only from others but from themselves. Cultivating two spirits is a double-edged sword. The power is immense, but the strain on the body and soul can be lethal."

Ayanokoji considered this. "How do I cultivate?"

The elder chuckled softly, though there was little humor in it. "Eager, aren't you? A soul master's journey begins with absorbing soul rings from spirit beasts. Each ring grants new abilities and strengthens your martial spirit. But… you must be careful. The first ring is crucial. Too powerful a beast, and your body could break under the strain."

The logical risk was clear. Ayanokoji, however, did not fear it. He thrived on understanding the limits — and then surpassing them.

---

Over the next few weeks, Ayanokoji fell into a routine.

Mornings were spent helping around the house — simple chores that earned him a small semblance of normalcy. Afternoons, he visited the elder, learning about soul beasts, cultivation techniques, and the history of soul masters.

He listened intently, memorizing every word, every nuance. The information was vital. Knowledge, as always, was power.

But at night, when the village slept, Ayanokoji practiced.

He meditated, drawing on the faint embers of the Dark Phoenix within him. The black flames responded eagerly, swirling around his hands, casting eerie shadows against the walls of his small room.

The Spirit Eyes, however, were different. When he activated them, the world shifted — lines of energy, faint glows of life force, and patterns of movement became visible. It was more than sight; it was perception heightened to an unnatural degree.

In those moments, he felt invincible.

---

One night, as he sat in silent meditation, he pushed further, deeper into the Dark Phoenix's energy. The flames burned hotter, wilder.

Sweat beaded on his forehead, his breathing quickened. The fire demanded control, and for a moment, he felt it slipping beyond his grasp.

But Ayanokoji was no stranger to control. He embraced the heat, the danger, forcing the fire to bend to his will.

When he opened his eyes, the flames were gone, replaced by a profound stillness. His soul power had grown stronger.

And he knew, without question, that this was only the beginning.

---

The path of a soul master is one of strength, cultivation, and balance.

The elder's words echoed in his mind.

Ayanokoji understood the importance of balance — not just in cultivation, but in life. He would master both spirits. He would understand this world's rules — and then, when the time came, he would decide whether to follow them… or break them.

For now, though, he was content to watch, to learn, and to grow stronger in silence.

Because if there was one thing Kiyotaka Ayanokoji knew better than anyone, it was that patience was the ultimate weapon.

And when the time came, this world would learn what it truly meant to fear a Dark Phoenix.

---

End of Chapter 2