Chapter 2: Learning and Observation

Chapter 2: Learning and Observation

The steady scratch of brush against parchment echoed through the small cottage. Lin Tian's tiny fingers deftly traced the intricate strokes of the characters. The written language of Soul Land, remarkably similar to the Chinese he remembered from his previous life, was a challenge he eagerly accepted. It felt as though destiny had gifted him a head start. 'Logographic structure... simple enough. It's like riding a bike,' he mused. For someone with his memories and spiritual strength, memorizing countless symbols was almost trivial.

In fact, Lin Tian's spiritual power—enhanced by the fusion of his former life's consciousness—allowed him to process information far beyond a typical child's capacity. He was only three, yet his mind operated on an entirely different plane. His spiritual strength, akin to someone hovering around the 40th rank, was far more than just raw power. It heightened his focus, sharpened his perceptions, and allowed him to comprehend the world with an eerie clarity.

'Spiritual power isn't just for soul skills,' he reflected, his hand hovering over the parchment. 'It controls emotions, enhances cognition, and improves memory. It's essentially brain optimization.' The idea of a Titled Douluo forgetting something mundane, like a miscalculated grocery list, briefly amused him. He quickly sobered up, in a martial world disgracing someone may lead to them declaring a life-and-death duel with you. 'Prestige means everything here. Losing face could cost lives—literally. Better to over-prepare than risk an embarrassment that could get you killed.'

His brush stilled, and Lin Tian glanced out the window. A soft light filtered in, casting long shadows across the floor. It had been over a year since he began observing the world around him, slowly piecing together his place within it. With each passing day, he confirmed his suspicions.

'I'm at a significant advantage. My previous education puts me years ahead of my peers.' He chuckled inwardly. In his past life, he had been a humble laborer—sorting packages, delivering goods, waiting tables. His upbringing hadn't been glamorous, but his meticulous nature had always been his saving grace. 'Details matter. Every little edge I can grasp might mean survival in this world.'

Sitting at the low wooden table, he absentmindedly chewed on the end of his brush, thinking back to Yu Xiaogang's teachings: "There is no perfect warrior, only a perfect team." Even Yu Xiaogang's rigid ideals had their merits. 'But I'll need more than just a team. If I can't hold my own, no team will save me.'

A warm voice interrupted his thoughts. "Is it too difficult, Xiao Tian?" His father's voice, always filled with care, broke through his reverie.

Lin Tian smiled innocently, slipping back into his role as a curious toddler. "No, Daddy. I'm just thinking… how do I use this word?" He pointed to the character he had just written.

His father leaned over, eyes gleaming with pride. "Ah, that's 'search,' as in 'to look for something.' You could say, 'I'm searching for a ball.'"

Lin Tian's brow furrowed in mock confusion. "But why not just say 'looking for'? Isn't it easier?"

His father chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Haha, yes, you could say that. But grown-ups like to say 'search' when we're being serious."

Lin Tian grinned mischievously. "Okay, Daddy. Should I go 'searching' for food now?"

His father burst into laughter, lifting him onto his shoulders effortlessly. "Hahaha! Yes, xiao Tian, let's go 'searching' for food!"

Lin Tian savored these moments of warmth and connection, relishing the love and care his new family gave him. In his previous life, affection had been a rarity, and the memory of the cold, distant existence he'd led still haunted him. 'A life of routine, always moving, always working... but never truly living,' he reflected. Here, in Soul Land, things were different. He wasn't just surviving—he had the chance to thrive. 'And I won't waste it. I'll protect this life, no matter the cost.'

"Hungry, hungry! Are we having meat?"

His father smiled proudly. "Yes, soul beast meat from yesterday's hunt."

"Wow! Yummy!" Lin Tian exclaimed, eyes sparkling with feigned excitement.

"Oh?" his mother's voice rang out teasingly. "Are you saying my food isn't yummy every other day?"

Lin Tian puffed his cheeks, flashing her a wide smile. "No, Mommy! It's always yummy! But today, it's extra yummy!"

She sighed dramatically in relief, patting his cheeks. "Alright, little one. You're off the hook this time. Let's eat!"

As the family sat down to their meal, Lin Tian's mind drifted back to his growth strategy. His father had mentioned hunting soft-boned rabbits—Xiao Wu's race. 'If they're like the rabbits I know, they'll reproduce rapidly, but their combat ability is limited at lower stages. Still, fresh meat means more energy, and soul beast meat is even better.'

He could feel the slow buildup of power from the soul beast meat coursing through his body, but the process was gradual—too gradual. He ate slowly, savoring the meal while simultaneously tracking the soul power coursing through his body. The sensation was fascinating. He could feel the energy being absorbed into specific points, though some of it dissipated before reaching its destination.

'Meridians… that's what these must be. Tang San talked about the eight extraordinary meridians in his cultivation. If I could unlock them, I'd be miles ahead.' Lin Tian tapped his chin thoughtfully as he finished the last bite of his meal. 'I can't rely solely on food. I need more information, techniques that go beyond what children my age typically learn.' He was already gathering hints from observing his father's techniques and studying the nuances of daily life in Lanshan City. 'But there's more out there. Rare texts, cultivation techniques… mentors, even. I need to accelerate my pace.'

His eyes flicked to his parents, who were still chatting softly. 'I can't depend on them to hunt dangerous soul beasts regularly just for me. I need a plan—one that accelerates my growth without putting anyone at risk.'

As the evening passed, determination solidified in Lin Tian's heart. 'Knowledge is power. The more I learn, the faster I improve. I won't waste a single opportunity.' He had three more years before his martial soul awakening. Three more years to build the foundation for his future strength.

And Lin Tian had no intention of letting those years slip by.

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