Du Busi! (Please Vote)

Deep within the dense forest.

Clear stream water gradually flowed along the riverbed into the distance.

On the water's surface, a child no more than five or six years old stood as still as a stone. In his hand, he held a sharp weapon fashioned from a sharpened tree branch.

Small fish drifted gently through the stream. Beneath the sunlight, the rippling surface shimmered with a certain beauty.

Whoosh!

A playful little fish swam near the boy's feet. The boy's pupils contracted as his arm tensed and thrust forward. The branch in his hand shot out like an arrow released from a bow, killing intent appearing instantly. It broke through the water's surface, its sharp tip piercing straight through the fish's body as blood immediately spread into the water.

"Two fish should be enough." The boy stepped forward, grabbed the branch, and pulled it from the water. The fish skewered upon it was still flapping, but it was futile. Its scales gleamed with light, an unexpectedly beautiful shade of green.

Splash!

After reaching the shore, the boy directly gutted and cleaned the fish. He did not use any complicated techniques, merely rubbing some salt over it before placing the Green Scale Fish on a rack above the fire. Another fish was already roasting on the rack.

Beneath the rack, flames rose as the firewood burned. The blazing heat continuously roasted the Green Scale Fish, and before long, a faint fragrance drifted away on the breeze.

Qin Ze leaned against a rock, his hands tucked behind his head as his ocean-blue eyes watched the stream.

"Time really flew. Another month has passed," the boy murmured softly.

He was naturally Qin Ze. A full month had passed since his grandmother's death.

Although Village Chief Ke Lan and the others had helped him during this time, Qin Ze did not want to rely on them too much. Every morning at seven, he left the village alone and headed into the forest. Sometimes, he searched for medicinal herbs based on what he had learned from books. Other times, he hunted prey using the hunting skills Uncle Zheng Long had taught him.

This Green Scale Fish was something Qin Ze had caught using the knowledge he had learned.

The wonders of Douluo Continent had surpassed all his expectations. A five-year-old child possessed stamina no weaker than an adult's. Even regarding strength, Qin Ze had a strange feeling that his own strength might not be inferior to Uncle Zheng Long's. Of course, that was only a feeling. If they truly fought, one punch from the other man would put him down for good.

"There's less than a year left before I awaken my Martial Soul. I wonder what mine will be." Qin Ze turned over the roasting fish, countless thoughts running through his mind.

What was most important on Douluo Continent? Naturally, Martial Souls.

Why could powerful sects and clans continue existing generation after generation? Was it not because they inherited their Martial Souls? For example, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Clear Sky Sect.

Qin Ze did not know who his biological parents were in this life. He even suspected that he might not have biological parents at all, so there was no way for him to guess what his Martial Soul would be.

"Damn it, I thought I had a system before. I even kept chanting in my head like an idiot." At that thought, Qin Ze's face darkened. He had assumed that a system was standard equipment after transmigrating, yet he had gotten absolutely nothing.

The fragrance grew increasingly rich. Qin Ze instinctively looked toward the grill. The fish that had been put on first was nearly done, so he hurriedly wrapped his hand in a tissue and picked up the metal skewer.

"Smells amazing!" Qin Ze took a fierce bite of the Green Scale Fish, and his mouth instantly filled with fragrance.

The finest ingredients often required only the simplest cooking methods.

The Green Scale Fish's flesh carried a faint sweetness and had a smooth texture. Once swallowed, a trace of fresh fragrance burst forth from his throat.

The rich oils filled his mouth, bringing him immense satisfaction.

"Well, that smells pretty good."

Just as Qin Ze was enjoying the grilled fish, a voice suddenly sounded.

Hearing it, Qin Ze frowned and immediately became alert, constantly scanning his surroundings.

Rustle!

Before long, a green-haired Elder emerged from the forest to his left.

Even after seeing that it was an old man, Qin Ze did not lower his guard. His right hand silently gripped a metal skewer.

He had never seen this old man before, and no villages within twenty kilometers had anyone with green hair. That meant this person was not from anywhere near Maple Leaf Village.

The green-haired Elder sniffed, clearly catching the scent of the grilled fish.

He walked up to Qin Ze and lowered his head to look at the grill.

Only then did Qin Ze realize that the Elder was definitely over six feet three inches tall, perhaps even close to six feet seven.

"Don't be nervous. If I really wanted to make a move against you, what the hell could that little skewer do?" The green-haired Elder shifted his gaze and glanced at Qin Ze.

Qin Ze's expression tightened. He had concealed the skewer well, yet this man had still sensed it.

Still, a wise man knew when to yield. Qin Ze immediately put down the skewer.

The other man had casually noticed his movements, so he was clearly formidable. Qin Ze did not dare act rashly.

Seeing this, the Elder nodded in satisfaction. "My name is Du Busi. Your fish smells well grilled. How about selling it to me?"

As he spoke, the Elder named Du Busi casually took out a small pouch. With the motion of his arm came the crisp clinking of metal inside. Judging by the sound, there was likely quite a bit in it.

Du Busi!

Qin Ze's expression did not change, but a tidal wave surged through his heart. If his memories were correct, wasn't Du Busi the Sect Master of the Body Sect?

A Super Douluo with a Soul Power Level as high as Level 98.

Qin Ze calmed himself and smiled. "If you're hungry, sir, then just eat it. There are plenty of fish in the stream anyway. I can catch a few more."

"Eating for free isn't this old man's habit. Take it!" Du Busi smiled faintly and casually tossed the money pouch beside Qin Ze's hand.

Qin Ze glanced at the pouch and, without putting on airs, accepted it.

Seeing Qin Ze put away the money pouch, Du Busi nodded. He did not like pretentious people.

He casually picked up the metal skewer from the grill. The skewer had been scorched by the flames and was extremely hot, but Du Busi did not care in the slightest. To him, rubbing his palms together would generate more heat than this.

"This grilled fish is pretty good. You only used salt, right? Not bad, not bad!" After taking his first bite, Du Busi was slightly amazed. Although the seasoning was simple, the taste was exceptional. He even felt that adding too much seasoning would ruin the fish's sweet fragrance.

Qin Ze smiled. "Perhaps you haven't eaten this kind of fish before, sir. It's called Green Scale Fish, a local specialty around here. You can't find it elsewhere. The flesh is naturally sweet and fragrant, and it doesn't have many small bones, so it's easy to grill."

Du Busi raised an eyebrow. "I've eaten too much fine meat and fish. I've had less of these simple ingredients instead. Not bad!"

Though he spoke, Du Busi was actually examining Qin Ze. What kind of delicacies had he not eaten on Douluo Continent? Naturally, he would not be surprised by a single fish. He was merely using the grilled fish as an excuse to chat with Qin Ze.

Buzz!

An invisible ripple spread through the air.

As Du Busi ate the grilled fish, a viciousness as deep as an abyss suddenly flashed through his eyes. A terrifying invisible aura spread outward, but it existed for less than a second before disappearing.

Qin Ze, who had been eating grilled fish, instantly felt a chill run down his spine. A tremor rising from the depths of his soul startled him. He turned to look around, but his gaze ultimately stopped on Du Busi.

He saw the coldness in Du Busi's eyes. His throat bobbed as he could not help swallowing. Damn it, it's just grilled fish. You're not going to kill me over it, are you?

"Little friend, your grilled fish is good. I have something to take care of, so I'll be leaving first." Du Busi stood up, left behind those words, and departed immediately.

Qin Ze blankly watched the direction Du Busi had left in. Several seconds later, he came to his senses and jolted in alarm. "Wait, that direction is... Maple Leaf Village!"