Douluo Dalu: 1st Cycle: Dancing Panda

The train ride would last about 30 minutes. From Green Tiger Town to Star Luo City. The trains were like those of Earth, maybe slightly faster than the modern ones. When they entered, the teacher scanned a code that would read their tickets.

As the two sat down, Yi Lan had a realisation. "You're not from here. Do you even have a Soul Communicator?"

Karni shook his head. "I don't know where I'd buy it. Though money would be an issue before that. I heard they are expensive." The Soul Communicator was really just a phone of this world, though it was more at the "one-per-household" level of development due to its cost.

"Indeed. They are expensive. Most people from small places don't have a communicator. Before we go to the academy, we should go to the city centre and get you some necessities." Karni didn't have anything on him. He needed clothes, some food, and most importantly he needed to get familiar with the environment. This world was going to be his home for the foreseeable future.

Karni wasn't aware of just how expensive Soul Communicators could be; nor was he aware that he was getting preferential treatment. On Earth, phones were available to almost every single person, the only exception being some truly underdeveloped countries. Even there, they at the very least had flip phones most of the time. Nothing like that existed here.

They didn't travel long before a city could be seen in the distance. It was massive. It was modern. It looked like the big cities from his former world; the sheer size of it looked much bigger than those. No end in sight. It was likely comparable to the biggest cities in the world.

This used to be a capital of one of the three big empires—the Star Luo Empire. The empire now existed on another continent, and its capital was also called Star Luo City. 

The Star Luo Empire had to run away a few thousand years ago due to the ever increasing development of the Sun Moon Federation. They only left behind their legacy. A very similar thing happened to the Duo Ling Empire.

The city names on Douluo Continent stayed the same, due to their history. This was also why Karni was wondering about which continent he was on. He was in the Sun-Moon Federation, but it was the former capital of the Star Luo Empire, hence, it was still the Star Luo City. Even the Academy had "City" in its name, since the one in the Star Luo Empire, Star Luo Continent, was called the Star Luo Imperial Academy. A name which this academy used to have.

The city oozed the vitality of a twenty thousand year old history. The closer they got, the more skyscrapers could be seen in the background. Karni was filled with a sense of wonder. He used to enjoy travelling and discovering new places.

Coming to this world wasn't as wondrous. All he could feel at the start was sadness. Since he was already in this world for some time,he should at least enjoy the time here. He embraced this new feeling of wanderlust. This strange planet of Douluo had so much to offer. 

They stepped off at the central train station. As Karni stepped out of the train station, a single thought was in his mind: 'It's bright!' Lights were everywhere and everything was shining. It gave him a bit of nostalgia of when he visited New York City back in his old world. The central station was stationed well to attract the tourists.

They navigated towards the academy. On the way, Yi Lan started introducing the buildings and their purpose. Some were general stores for clothing, food, entertainment and basic technology. Others were meant for medicine, blacksmithing. There were quite a few for mecha professions as well. Buildings like the main headquarters of Mecha Craftsmen, as well as the subsidiaries of Mecha Design, Mecha Manufacturing and Mecha Mechanics.

They stopped in some general stores to buy Karni a few sets of clothes. The necessities were bought with Karni's Soul Master stipend, so he could get familiar with the process. They took some fast food with them and continued towards the Star Luo City Academy. It didn't take long for the academy to come into view.

It stood out among the other buildings due to how decorative it was. While most had a modern design, the academy had a classic one. The whole academy was split into three parts with a big courtyard in the middle. Students were coming and going, all ranging from 6 to 30 year olds. Of course the sections they came out of were different.

Yi Lan introduced the academy. "The junior school is in the rightmost section of the academy and it is also the biggest one. Most of the people who study here are either nobles or talented Soul Scholars with potential like yourself. Seeing as you are already an 11th ranked soul master, you already have the qualifications for passing to the intermediate part of the academy, but you do need to study the basic knowledge first, before we can let you there. Work hard so that you can have high soul power by the time you get to the intermediate academy. Alright, let's show you to the dorms."

Yi Lan took Karni to the buildings beside the junior academy. "These are the dorms. Before you can settle in, we still have to get you registered, but this is where you'll be staying. I have already sent word about you, so we shouldn't wait long. Most of the students come from the city, so there aren't many residents in the dorms. They are quite luxurious because of that, spacious if you will. You will have a private bathroom with a bath and a shower. The canteen is on the first floor and it is shared. You will only be allowed there during certain times. I'll get you the schedule later on."

After the rules were explained, a student informed them that they could visit the headmaster. The two headed into the academy. "You will have to prove your Soul Power and show your Martial Souls. It's a way to confirm that you are fit to join. Since most students come from influential families, the rest are all talented students instead. Most other children, however, go to other academies in the city. The Intermediate Academy is the only part that is available for students from other academies to apply."

Karni memorised everything. He had to if he wanted to get acclimated to the world as fast as possible. And he definitely didn't want to stand out. A difficult task, considering the potential he had.

Coming to a stop, they were already at the dean's office. Yi Lan knocked and there was a: "Come in!" heard from the other side. Karni was met with a kind older gentleman. This had to be the dean of the Junior Academy.

"Ah, Yi Lan. I'm guessing this is the child you were talking about? Come on in, make yourself comfortable." Two sets of chairs were already in the office.

"Now Karni, don't be nervous. This old man just wants you to demonstrate your abilities and write down your general information. Nothing too scary." The old man was honest but direct. His aura was surprisingly warm and relaxing.

Karni showed both of his Martial Souls. The dean couldn't hide his surprise. Even if he had already heard the news of Twin Martial Souls appearing, seeing it in person was a different experience. With the bright Yellow Soul Ring around the Bo Staff, there was no need for additional evaluation of Soul Power. The dean only passed some papers to Karni.

Karni read the papers and got a bit worried. He had to put down place of birth and current residence. Other information wasn't a problem. He was already told that things in regards to his ID were taken care of when he got identified as a Soul Master.

Karni's look reminded the dean. "Ah right, teacher Yi Lan did tell me you suddenly appeared out of a forest. Just leave the questions you cannot answer empty and fill out the rest."

Karni did as he was told. Height, gender, weight. He was already examined for those by Yi Lan beforehand. He calculated which year he would have to be born to be 6 years old, and put down the date and name as Karni Val.

He returned the paper and the dean smiled. "What a peculiar name. From a completely different culture. It must be quite far." All Karni could do was nod in embarrassment to the inquiry.

"Hahaha, no need to be embarrassed. Yi Lan, please show this young man to the students dorm. Your dorm number is 03. Quite a lucky number." The dean was thankfully easygoing, but then again, he was a dean of the junior academy. He had to be easy going. It is necessary to have a big heart when it comes to small children.

Yi Lan escorted Karni out. "Since you have already fulfilled the requirement of Soul Power, you can choose to take some classes from the Intermediate Academy once you reach second year. Specifically those related to the Martial Soul."

Karni was a bit surprised.

"Most of the curriculum is made for Soul Scholars—those who hadn't yet gained 10th rank of Soul Power. Since you have awakened with Full Innate Soul Power, you get to study the curriculum for Soul Masters."

It wasn't too hard to understand, but Yi Lan had more to say. "For anyone who reaches Soul Master rank, they can study some of the contents of the Intermediate Academy. This is made because most of the children here have either background or talent. Hence, their cultivation is usually faster than the general populace. And besides, you won't be alone in attending the Intermediate Classes early."

Karni was more surprised now than before. Was there another child who had Full Innate Soul Power here?

"Once you reach the age to go to the Intermediate Academy, you will have to move to the dorms anyway. You won't have much luxury, no matter the talent. The only way to get more luxury is to work hard. This also counts for all of the other children, no matter the background."

Yi Lan brought Karni to the dorms and left him to his own devices. The first thing Karni did was fall asleep, without even unpacking his bags. He was going to spend the next 9 years in this academy. And he'll have to be here alone, the very thought of it tired him out. He slept soundly that night.

… … …

Karni woke up full of energy. The first thing to do was cultivate the technique Yi lan taught him. It felt magical when he cultivated, but he was also aware that this technique wasn't difficult or profound. He knew of a better technique that existed in this world after all. Mysterious Heaven Technique. A technique belonging to the Tang Sect, which was established by Tang San, the first protagonist of Soul Land. Tang San was similar to Karni, who, like him, also came from a different world. Those techniques were originally from Tang San's world.

Mysterious Heaven Technique was a top tier cultivation technique that also affected the physique of the Soul Master. His priority in the next nine years was: first, raise his soul power to at least high 20s; second, use his talents to get into Shrek Academy when he graduates from Intermediate Academy; and third, become a member of the Tang Sect. The Tang Sect had many techniques that were wondrous. A great foot technique called the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track; a technique to nurture the eyes, the Purple Demon Eyes; and there were also techniques for tougher hands and manipulation of weight, the latter of which was a grappling technique. He had to use everything at his disposal.

Meanwhile, Shrek Academy will be the best place to both learn and become stronger. If he had any hope at going home, it was through Shrek Academy.

He continued to cultivate. His mind wandered. In his past life, he found the act of meditating to be fake, only serving to maybe calm oneself down. Here, he genuinely manipulated energy to course through his body, and there were even small specks of gold woven in a tiny string that were somehow helping him. It was all very real. Time passed quickly while cultivating, and with the passage of time, came hunger.

He went to the canteen, which to his surprise, was completely empty. He realised that he woke up pretty late for a student. Luckily for him, the classes haven't started yet. He was secretly hoping to meet this other Soul Master who had Full Innate Soul power like him. Perhaps he could make a friend? Or maybe that person was the wealthy young master trope character, who was annoyingly arrogant. Six year olds can have many tendencies. He might have to wait until he grows older before making a true friend. His mental age was higher in the end.

After filling his stomach, he decided to go outside of the academy for a bit, though he stayed close to it. He was but a 6 year old child when it came to the body. While going down one of the streets, a certain building caught his eye. Above the entrance were big letters: Tang Sect Museum.

Now this intrigued him. With Tang Sect being a very ancient organisation—it was 20.000 years old—and knowing it wasn't usually shown in public throughout the federation, he immediately went in. His goal was to someday join Tang Sect, this could serve him well.

The building exuded the elegance of all museums. The walls were clean and white. They were decorated with pictures and texts of the ancient sect's history.

He read five of these texts. They explained how the sect got established, its temporary downfall and later rise ten thousand years ago, and a lot of other less known facts. When he reached the end, there was one last line. "The sect today doesn't have a presence in the Sun Moon Empire, however if one went to the Star Luo Continent one could see their branches in the cities of the Empire."

Karni wandered out loud, lost in his own thoughts. "Wait a minute. Doesn't the sect operate in secrecy here?"

A soft feminine voice answered from behind him. "The museum is a simple representation of the past. Just like how the museums about the continent exist, this museum simply presents the facts of the history. There is no doubt that throughout history, the Tang Sect played major roles."

The woman in her 20s gave Karni an inquisitive look. "Child, why do you think they would still have a presence in our Sun Moon Federation?"

Karni was taken aback. "I'm sorry. I just kind of assumed that since they started in Douluo Continent they would still exist here in some way or another." He was sweating bullets. This probably wasn't a general knowledge sort of thing. He could only act like a kid right now.

The staff worker laughed. "Kid, you're surprisingly smart for your age. You're half right, they do still have influence here, however it is indirect from the Star Luo Continent, otherwise with such well known legends it would be hard to keep them underground, don't you think so?"

That wasn't true, Karni knew that much. In fact he was also aware that the headquarters of the Sect, were in fact, in the Sun Moon Empire. However this was meta knowledge. The woman was already examining him, and he really didn't want to dig himself into a hole.

"That's a shame, I was hoping I could one day join the sect." Karni said with the most 'Child full of wonder voice'. He kept on repeating the same words in his mind. 'Please don't look at me suspiciously. Please don't look at me suspiciously.' 

The worker chuckled. "The owner of our museum is a big fan of the Tang Sect too. He visited the Star Luo Continent once and became infatuated by it. Since then, he regularly visits it and updates anything new he finds there."

This got Karni genuinely curious. "So then is the owner also a part of the Tang Sect? Since they operate in the Star Luo Continent?"

Another voice came from Karni's side. "No, I am not." The person sounded a tad sad.

Karni and the female staff worker looked towards the direction of the voice at the same time. "Sir!" The worker also bowed a little.

"To become a member of the Tang Sect is much too difficult." The man sighed. "First of all I'm not even a Soul Master, but only a rich guy with a hobby. And secondly, the only way you can become a member is if a member recommends you. Before all of that, we are on a different continent all together."

"Oh…" Is the only thing Karni could mutter. He remembered something like that being mentioned in the novels.

"Kid, are you a Soul Master?" The owner asked, to which Karni nodded.

"And you want to become part of the Tang Sect? You have to be both someone with potential and someone virtuous." Karni didn't know what exactly to say to that. That he is virtuous? Wouldn't that sound like something a virtuous person wouldn't say?

"Well, good luck." The owner said and turned around. Karni simply stared, confused. What was with the weird old man?

Another chuckle escaped the female staff worker. "That's our boss, and he is also a bit eccentric. Don't worry, he only meant well." 

The two discussed the history of Tang Sect. The worker became curious about him. She asked Karni where he came from, it was rare to see such a passionate fan of the sect. Eventually though, he left, feeling quite energetic. This was a fun experience.

The owner returned after Karni left. "What's the little guy's name?"

"Oh sir? You're curious about the young boy?"

"When he said out loud that our organisation acts in secrecy, don't you think he said it like he knew it?"

She dismissed it. "His name was Karni, personally I think it was just childlike imagination."

"Hmm. Keep an eye on him anyway. Find out where he's from." The owner turned serious, then left.

The woman was a bit surprised. She bowed. "Yes, sir."

… … …

Karni was unaware that he had just been put on a watch list. He continued to tour the city.

He stumbled upon a music shop. He used to play a few instruments, though he hadn't done so in a while. Since University. Perhaps it was a hobby he should bring back.

He entered the shop. The instruments were the same as that of Earth. But then again, most tools were. He looked through the pianos. He was most familiar with them. He stopped soon though, realising that he had no way to get one to the academy at the moment.

Continuing his search, he then stopped and stared at a small, brown ukulele.