Douluo: The Celestial Book

All rights reserved to the respective authors.

"Dialogue": Represented in double quotes for conversations between characters.

'Thoughts': Represented in single quotation marks, indicating the characters' internal reflections.

[Diary]: Represented in square brackets, used for messages intended for the heroines or entries written by Tenshin.

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On the other side, the heroines who owned the diary were eagerly anticipating the next entry. They stayed awake past midnight, staring at the diary, hoping Tenshin would update it.

At this time, the diary opened, but it wasn't an update. Instead, a set of rules appeared.

[Rule 1: Newcomers receive a random increase of 1% to 10% in their spiritual power. Daily diary reading grants a similar boost annually.]

[Rule 2: Female characters with diaries gain a random increase of 0.01% to 1% in their spiritual power every fourteen days, provided they read their diaries daily.]

[Rule 3: The female character who is most frequently mentioned in the diary on a given day will receive a random reward]

[Rule 4: Warning! The existence of the diary's copies must remain a secret, even from Satoru Tenshin. Violators will be eliminated!]

[Rule 5: Female characters must maintain harmonious relationships. Any attempt to exploit the rewards or harm the diary's bearer will result in immediate elimination.]

[Rule 6: Warning! Female characters must not actively seek out the diary's bearer before the designated "canonical" timeline—unless they encounter him naturally, share the same location, or participate in the same event. The Diary will notify them when and where a safe interaction is possible.]

The heroines' eyes widened with astonishment as the rules unfolded before them. They hadn't expected to receive rewards merely for reading the diary. The promise of spiritual power boosts was tempting, but skepticism immediately surfaced—could such an incredible phenomenon truly be real?

Before doubt could take root, a wave of warmth surged through their bodies, a subtle yet unmistakable surge of energy. Their eyes widened further as they felt their soul power increase, even if only slightly. It was undeniable; the diary's promises were real.

Disbelief mixed with exhilaration as they processed the experience. The diary's power was genuine—its potential more extraordinary than they had dared to imagine.

Yet, beneath the excitement, caution lingered. Such power surely came with a price. The warnings were not to be taken lightly, especially the demand for secrecy and the ominous consequences for betrayal or misuse. They knew they were being drawn deeper into a web of intrigue, and the stakes were rising.

But the allure of growth, of power beyond their current limitations, was too tempting to ignore. Resolving to tread carefully, they continued to read, curiosity and ambition burning within them.

[Today, there will be no reward under Rule 3. Instead, I will explain the types of rewards that may be obtained. They are as follows:]

[Fragment of Contextualized Understanding: Grants new insights or abilities tailored to the heroine's current level. This can range from basic concepts to advanced techniques, fostering gradual evolution.]

[Fragment of Creation and Innovation: For those who display creativity, these fragments offer initial ideas for developing new techniques or strategies, which can be refined over time.]

[Fragment of Useful Tools or Methods: Provides guides to tools or methods that enhance practices or inspire novel strategies within this realm.]

[Fragment of Historical or Cultural Knowledge: Offers access to ancient secrets and lost lore, encouraging the exploration of forgotten relics and ruins.]

[A warning accompanies these rewards: Even if the same type is received repeatedly, the knowledge or ability granted may vary. Any reward from another world will be subject to adaptation—its usefulness determined by the recipient's ability to harness it.]

A surge of anticipation, tinged with caution, rippled through the heroines as they absorbed the descriptions of potential rewards. Fragments of knowledge, techniques, tools, and even ancient lore—the possibilities were endless.

Their hearts raced with excitement, imaginations running wild with visions of power and growth. Yet, an undercurrent of wariness remained. This was no simple opportunity; it was a double-edged sword. Any reward gained would depend on their ability to understand and wield it, and failure could lead to dire consequences.

The diary was more than just a source of information; it was a catalyst for evolution—a force that could reshape their destinies. But only if they navigated its challenges with wisdom and caution.

Determined to seize this chance, they steeled themselves for the journey ahead, knowing that every choice from now on would carry unprecedented weight.

In the Zhu Family of the Star Luo Empire, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened as she stared at the diary, her heart pounding. Despite not yet awakening her martial soul, she could feel the faint echo of power hinted at by the diary's rules. A spark of hope flickered within her, mingling with cautious curiosity.

'If this power is real… could it increase my innate soul power?' The possibility was both thrilling and daunting. She hadn't yet entered the competition for the throne, but she knew that moment was inevitable. If she could grow stronger now—even a little—it might give her the edge she would one day need.

But suspicion tempered her excitement. This seemed too convenient, too good to be true. Could she really trust this strange diary? It had already proven itself once, but she knew better than to be naïve. 'I'll use this power… but I won't become dependent on it', she resolved, her gaze hardening with determination. She would seize this opportunity, but on her own terms.

In the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Rongrong clutched her diary tightly, her mind racing. Like Zhu Zhuqing, she had yet to awaken her martial soul, but the diary's promise of power called to her. The possibility of enhancing her soul power before her martial soul even awakened was a temptation she couldn't ignore.

'Could this help me surpass everyone's expectations?' she wondered, ambition igniting within her. 'If I grow stronger now… no one will ever look down on me.'

Yet, beneath her excitement, caution stirred. The diary's conditions were strict, its rules unforgiving. One misstep could lead to disaster. 'I have to be careful, she reminded herself, her grip tightening on the diary. I can't let my desire for power blind me.'

Her resolve hardened. She would use this opportunity to its fullest—but she would do so with caution, ensuring that no one, not even the diary, could manipulate her ambitions.

The heroines stood on the precipice of change, their hearts pounding with anticipation and wariness. The diary was a gateway to power and knowledge, but it was also a labyrinth of secrets and risks.

They were bound together by the rules, yet isolated by the demand for secrecy. As they turned the pages, they understood one thing clearly—nothing would ever be the same again.

The Next Day

Early in the morning, Old Jack called for Tenshin. Shortly after, Tang San appeared—an unexpected sight. Jack's summons for both of them stirred curiosity.

With a smile, Old Jack explained, "Originally, there was only one quota for work-study students in the village, but both of you have awakened martial souls with soul power, and your talents are exceptional. I couldn't let that go to waste. So, I went to Wuhun Hall and asked the Soul Master for a certificate." He handed the certificate to Tang San and added, "With this certificate, I think Nuoding City will show some courtesy to the Spirit Hall and grant a work-study spot. So, with this proof, getting a spot shouldn't be difficult."

Tang San's reply was soft and measured. "Thank you…"

Tenshin's keen mind pieced together the situation almost immediately. The certificate had probably been arranged by Su Yuntao for Old Jack, meaning that as long as Nuoding Academy granted him this favor, he could become a work-study student. However, there was still a small risk. The prospect, while promising, wasn't without its uncertainties.

A subtle, bittersweet smile played on Tenshin's lips as he observed Tang San. If Tenshin could figure this out, it was impossible for Tang San—who had a thirty-year-old soul in his body—not to have thought of it himself.

Tenshin silently sighed. 'Tang San won't be grateful. He's probably wondering why the work-study spot wasn't given to him, even though his innate soul power is higher than mine!'

At that very moment—just as Tenshin had predicted—Tang San did think of it. Although he thanked Old Jack on the surface, a feeling of discomfort lingered in his heart. His innate soul power was obviously higher than Tenshin's, so why hadn't he been given the work-study spot? Was it simply because they were closer to Old Jack?

But Tang San couldn't say anything. After all, Old Jack had asked the Soul Master of Spirit Hall for a certificate; without it, Tang San wouldn't have had the opportunity to study and learn more about spirit masters.

In fact, even if Tang San hadn't secured the work-study position, Tang Hao wouldn't have allowed his son's talent to go to waste.

It was almost ridiculous to think about how Tang Hao's attitude had changed so drastically! After Tang San revealed to him that he also possessed the Haotian Hammer martial soul—on top of the Blue Silver Grass.

In this afternoon, Tenshin strolled through the village's quiet streets. The two months before his departure to Nuoding Academy presented a rare opportunity—a period where he could improve himself and begin his cultivation journey. The advanced functions of the Celestial Library fascinated him, yet he knew they would be mostly useless without an understanding of this continent.

With only the basic cultivation technique given by Su Yuntao, Tenshin found solace and inspiration in the knowledge he carried from a past life filled with books, science, and fiction. Although he lacked the innate understanding of the Douluo world—after all, the work didn't delve deeply into it, only showing what mattered to the protagonist and his group, often skipping essential details and presenting merely a "micro-verse" of the continent—Tenshin's perspective offered a different viewpoint. Things that might be overlooked or dismissed by the natives could reveal something bigger or entirely new to him.

Walking through the familiar courtyard of his home, Tenshin's thoughts echoed a simple truth: 'I must make the most of these two months.' Sitting on his bed, he entered the library. The comforting silence of that place was, to him, the perfect space to concentrate and plan how to maximize the next two months.

On a small table, he summoned the Diary and opened it. He paused, his fingertips brushing the embossed cover, and then remembered something.

Tenshin took out the generic meditation guide and placed it next to the Diary. Because of all that had happened the previous day, he had forgotten to read it. "The Spirit Hall treats civilians well," he reflected, acknowledging that even these basic methods were important for civilian cultivators—those who didn't have the support of any great power, like Sects or Clans.

Then he began reading the generic guide. He finished it in just an hour, thanks to his immense mental energy and the help of the library, which connected the information from the guide with his knowledge of the canon. Although brief, the guide provided all the general information a soul master needed at the start of their journey—covering topics such as soul beasts, soul rings, the continent's power hierarchy, and, last but not least, the basic method of meditation.

With measured curiosity, he closed his eyes and began his meditation practice: regulating his breath, releasing his martial soul, clearing his mind, and drawing in the surrounding energy through his martial soul. His erudite mind, honed by years of tireless study, found the simplicity almost maddening.

After several hours, he felt a limit had been reached. Despite his continued efforts, there was no further increase in his soul power. Reluctantly, he stopped.

'So this is the limit mentioned in the guide,' Tenshin recalled. The guide had stated that soul masters have a daily limit on the amount of energy they can absorb, which varies depending on their innate soul power. The higher the innate soul power, the greater the limit and effectiveness of cultivation—explaining why the natives placed such importance on it.

'With my innate soul power at level 7, I can cultivate for several hours, but even at this rate, it would take about one to one and a half months,' he calculated.

Rising, Tenshin wandered to a secluded corner of the library, where volumes on theories and techniques from both fictional and modern worlds awaited. His past life's expertise would prove invaluable now. His discipline and innovative mindset would allow him to devise a training regimen uniquely suited to his situation.

'First,' he thought, 'I need to establish a physical training routine.' He wrote this down on a piece of paper. 'Second, I need to experiment with soul power, learn to control it better, and find a way to condense or compress it. From what I remember, the canon never mentioned a method for improving control, but in Douluo Dalu 2 and beyond, they introduced the Soul Core. However, the Soul Core is quite restrictive and complex. Maybe I can develop my own type of core—perhaps inspired by the Dou-Qi cyclone from Battle Through the Heavens...'

Tenshin paused in his reflection, then shook his head. 'I'll leave that for later. For now...'

"I also need to sharpen my sensitivity to the surrounding energy—I must develop a sensory-type skill. Such a skill will be an indispensable advantage," Tenshin mused, the gears of his mind turning. "From what I remember, high-level soul masters often rely on an innate sensitivity derived from their elevated rank or exceptional mental strength."

A faint smile curled on his lips. "If I can master that, I might even learn how to conceal or suppress my presence entirely. And with that ability..." His thoughts flickered mischievously. "I could stea—no, I will—learn Tang San's techniques. From the Tang Sect skills of his past life to the Disorder Destroying Wind Hammer from the Clear Sky Clan."

His eyes gleamed with quiet determination as he continued planning. "Lastly, as a long-term objective, I will develop an advanced meditation technique. I will expand upon these simple methods, but first, I need more information. Only after reading what I can in the Academy's library and completing my previous objectives will I pursue this."

Hours melted away in the quiet of the library as Tenshin immersed himself in planning. Though he lacked the immediate power of a well-awakened martial soul, his steady cultivation and relentless pursuit of knowledge promised that one day, his true potential would be revealed.

Yet amid these plans, another worry lingered: the heavy consumption of his mental energy. 'How can I replenish my mental energy?' he pondered. 'In the novel, the only ways to restore mental energy were through the passage of time, experience, Immortal Herbs, and the Purple Demon Eye technique from the Tang Sect,' he recalled from the story.

As the night deepened, Tenshin continued to pore over his notes and theories. Unbeknownst to him, the Celestial Book—his martial soul—occasionally flickered, its cover shimmering faintly as if aware of his inner thoughts. It remained a silent, enigmatic witness to the unfolding destinies of both him and the heroines scattered across Douluo.