Ch. 1The Martial Soul Is Currency War
Chapter Summary: The Martial Soul Is Currency War
Key Plot Points and Events
- Xu Feng, a fourteen-year-old time traveler, reflects on his bizarre reincarnation. In his former life, he was playing Currency War at home when he was inexplicably struck by a truck that somehow reached his thirteenth-floor apartment.
- He was reborn as the Second Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, but his Martial Soul is not one of the royal family’s prestigious abilities. Instead, it is Currency War, allowing him to summon five randomly selected characters from a card pool.
- The summoned characters can form bonds that grant extra effects, but they refresh randomly at the start of every battle. Xu Feng can only directly control his own body after obtaining a Three-Star character.
- To improve his Martial Soul, Xu Feng joined the army at age eight and spent six years fighting wars. He is now a Five-Ring Soul King and has obtained only two Three-Star characters: March 7th and General Yaoguang.
- Xu Feng’s military achievements include leading the Mysterious Armored Army against the Dou Ling Empire and forcing it into retreat. However, the Sun Moon Emperor accepted a peace agreement before Xu Feng could destroy the enemy completely. Dou Ling ceded a large territory as part of the treaty.
- Xu Feng later rescued Jiang Nannan’s seriously ill mother after finding Jiang begging for medical assistance. Unable to repay him otherwise, Jiang became a maid at his estate. She is technically his servant but is treated as someone under his personal protection.
- In the present, Jiang informs Xu Feng that the Emperor has ordered him to join the Royal Soul Guidance Academy and win the upcoming Soul Master Tournament.
- Although he finds the tournament unreasonable given the tense political situation, Xu Feng accepts the order and sends Jiang to inform the Emperor rather than going to the palace himself.
Character Developments
- Xu Feng is portrayed as powerful, pragmatic, and somewhat cynical. Despite being a prince, he is neglected by the imperial family because his Martial Soul lacks prestige. His military career has made him accomplished, but his poor luck with character summons remains a source of frustration.
- He also shows independence and emotional restraint. Although attracted to Jiang Nannan, his modern-world upbringing prevents him from exploiting her situation or making inappropriate advances.
- Jiang Nannan has become loyal and devoted to Xu Feng after he saved her mother. She remains shy around him and appears to harbor romantic feelings, misinterpreting his attention as possible interest.
- The Sun Moon Emperor and imperial family view Xu Feng primarily as a useful military and political asset. The Emperor’s summons suggests he wants Xu Feng’s abilities to benefit the royal academy, despite previously disregarding him.
Significant Themes
- Fate and absurdity: Xu Feng’s accidental transportation into another world establishes the story’s humorous, unpredictable tone.
- Power versus recognition: Xu Feng possesses great military ability but receives little familial respect because his Martial Soul does not fit royal expectations.
- Luck and randomness: His Currency War Martial Soul provides enormous potential but depends on unpredictable character rolls, making progress difficult.
- Loyalty and gratitude: Jiang Nannan’s position in Xu Feng’s household comes from his kindness toward her and her mother, creating a bond based on repayment and personal devotion.
- Political tension versus spectacle: The existence of a Soul Master Tournament during escalating conflict between empires highlights the contrast between public entertainment, royal politics, and genuine warfare.
- Restraint and morality: Xu Feng’s attraction to Jiang conflicts with his decision not to take advantage of her dependence, emphasizing his modern values.
Character Interactions
- Xu Feng and Jiang Nannan share a familiar, trusting relationship. She gently reprimands him for climbing trees, while he relies on her to handle palace-related matters.
- Xu Feng’s gaze makes Jiang Nannan blush and sparks her romantic fantasies, though he remains outwardly composed and does not act on his attraction.
- Jiang serves as Xu Feng’s intermediary with the Emperor, reflecting both her loyalty and her important place within the Prince of Qin’s household.
- Xu Feng’s relationship with the imperial family is distant and resentful. He avoids the palace because of their neglect, his father’s disapproval, and the pressure surrounding the disabled Crown Prince and the royal succession.