Xiao Dong

After leaving the inner courtyard, Tian Chen immediately returned to the dormitory. He pushed the door open and found that Wang Dong had not come back.

Tian Chen gently closed the door behind him and stepped inside. The room was exceptionally quiet.

"System, open my personal stats panel."

[Host]: Tian Chen

[Level]: 50

[Martial Souls]: Emperor-Slaying Ghost Blood Blade, Blood Emperor Body

[Soul Rings]: Black, black, black, red

[Cultivation Arts]: Taiyi Soul Art, Spirit Abyss True Art

[Goddesses Checked In]: Snow Empress (SSR), Ice Empress (SSR), Jiang Nannan (SR), Xiao Xiao (SR), Wang Dong'er (SSR), Tang Ya (SR), Ma Xiaotao (SSR), Wu Feng (SR), Ning Tian (SR), Nanmen Yun'er (SR), Mu Jin (A), Zhou Yi (A)

Harem: Tang Ya (SR)

[Soul Bone]: Million-Year Heavenly Phoenix Wing External Spirit Bone

[Items Owned]: Three Thousand Thunder Movement, a bed-sized piece of gold of life, Ice Blade Mantis external soul bone, divine-level soul tool talent, Eastern Emperor Bell (weakened version), Blood Demon Saber Technique, Soul-Nourishing Dew ×10, Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid ×10, Transformation Pill ×10

Looking at the stats panel, he slowly opened his palm.

A tiny bell appeared in his hand.

The bell's handle was formed from two coiling chaos divine dragons, their jaws spread wide as though roaring. Its body was round and heavy, engraved with the living creatures of heaven and earth, the stars, and the seas.

"So this is the Eastern Emperor Bell, foremost among the Ten Great Ancient Artifacts? Even weakened after coming to the Douluo Plane, it still radiates an unparalleled air of dominance." Tian Chen gently stroked the faintly glowing Eastern Emperor Bell in his hand, a trace of excitement showing in his eyes.

Just as Tian Chen was lost in wonder at the Eastern Emperor Bell, it suddenly began trembling slightly in his hand, as though awakened by some power.

Then a voice emerged from within the bell, carrying a hint of majesty and the weight of ages. "Master, you have finally awakened me."

The sudden voice startled Tian Chen, and the Eastern Emperor Bell nearly slipped from his hand. He quickly steadied himself, surprise and wariness flashing through his eyes before he regained his composure.

He looked at the Eastern Emperor Bell in his hand and asked tentatively, "You... you're the Eastern Emperor Bell? You can talk?"

"Yes, Master." The Eastern Emperor Bell's voice rang out again, clearer this time.

"I am the Eastern Emperor Bell, foremost among the Ten Great Ancient Artifacts. Although my power has been weakened in this world, my sentience remains."

Tian Chen frowned slightly. He had not expected the Eastern Emperor Bell to take the initiative to speak to him.

He gently stroked its surface, sensing its faint yet unwavering glow, and asked, "Why do you call me Master?"

A touch of warmth entered the Eastern Emperor Bell's voice. "Divine artifacts choose their masters according to the laws of the Heavenly Dao. Your ability to awaken me shows that we are bound by fate. From this moment onward, you are my master, and I shall serve you."

Something stirred in Tian Chen's heart. He smiled faintly and spoke with a hint of earnestness. "Eastern Emperor Bell, my name is Tian Chen. I come from another world, and you are one of my most important companions in this one. I hope we can help each other and grow together."

The Eastern Emperor Bell trembled slightly, as though responding to his words. "Master, I will do everything I can to help you. Although my power is suppressed in this world, I can still offer you some guidance and assistance."

Tian Chen nodded. Gently cradling the Eastern Emperor Bell in his palm, he asked, "Eastern Emperor Bell, can you tell me what you can still do in this world?"

The Eastern Emperor Bell's voice took on a thoughtful note. "In this world, my power has been greatly diminished, but I can still provide some protection and support. For instance, I can condense a trace of divine power for you to increase the rate at which your soul power recovers. Or, at a critical moment, I can shield you from certain fatal attacks and help you fight powerful enemies."

Joy rose in Tian Chen's heart at its words. "That's already enough! Eastern Emperor Bell, I believe that, given time, we'll find a way to restore all your power."

A trace of helplessness entered the Eastern Emperor Bell's voice. "Master, my power is suppressed, and I can no longer perceive this realm in its entirety. But I can begin with the path of soul masters. Their power in this realm may be connected to my recovery."

"In this Douluo Plane, the power of soul masters is central, and my recovery may be connected to their cultivation system."

"Master, although my power is suppressed, I can still glimpse a little of this world's laws. I can sense that this plane's fate seems to be held firmly in someone's grasp. Everyone's destiny is pulled along by him, unable to break free." The Eastern Emperor Bell's voice carried a hint of gravity.

"I know. The one controlling fate is a god of this world. He toys with people's hearts in the palm of his hand, and my goal is to stop him," Tian Chen said solemnly.

The Eastern Emperor Bell spoke slowly, its voice low. "Yes, Master. Furthermore, in this Douluo Plane, soul masters derive their power from soul beasts, while soul beasts derive theirs from the laws of nature. By absorbing the power of soul beasts, soul masters obtain soul rings and soul skills, thereby increasing their strength. However, this process is not entirely natural. It is constrained by certain rules. The power of the gods may be hidden within those rules."

Tian Chen nodded. Gently cradling the Eastern Emperor Bell in his palm, he asked, "Eastern Emperor Bell, in that case, how much of your power remains after coming to this world?"

"I'm afraid not even a hundred-millionth remains!" A trace of helplessness colored the Eastern Emperor Bell's voice, though its tone remained calm.

"In this plane, my power is severely suppressed, and I cannot wield it as freely as I could in my original world. That I have retained my sentience at all is thanks to you awakening me, Master!"

"That's still enough. Oh, right, since I'm your master, would it be all right if I gave you a name?"

Tian Chen smiled faintly, a touch of warmth in his eyes.

The Eastern Emperor Bell sounded slightly surprised, but soon regained its composure. "Master, a name is merely a form of address. It holds little significance for me. However, if you feel it would put you more at ease, I have no objection."

"Then I'll call you Xiao Dong."

Tian Chen smiled faintly, a teasing glint in his eyes.

The Eastern Emperor Bell's voice sounded as though it, too, was struggling not to laugh. "Master, that name... seems a little too casually chosen."

Tian Chen laughed heartily, gently cradling the Eastern Emperor Bell in his palm. "Xiao Dong is friendly and easy to say. From now on, that's your name."

"Very well, Master. Since you like it, I shall be called Xiao Dong." The Eastern Emperor Bell trembled slightly, as though resigned to accepting the name.

Just then, the dormitory door was suddenly pushed open, and Wang Dong appeared in the doorway.

Seeing Tian Chen seated at the desk, she paused briefly before saying with a smile, "Hey, Tian Chen, I'm back!"

At the sight of her, Tian Chen hurriedly put the Eastern Emperor Bell back into the system space.