This person is someone William Carter knows; he is the village chief of Holy Soul Village, Old Jack.

　　"Xiao San, come here, let Grandpa take a look at you." Old Jack waved at William Carter.

　　This village chief is a kind old man, respected by everyone in the village. A few years ago, when William Carter's family was going through the hardest times, he often brought them food.

　　"Grandpa Jack, hello." William Carter walked up to Old Jack and respectfully saluted him. William Carter always remembers those who are kind to him.

　　Henry Carter said coldly, "What is it, village chief?" Old Jack was actually less than ten years older than him, but insisted on being a generation above, which always made Henry Carter a bit annoyed.

　　Old Jack seemed already used to Henry Carter's attitude. "Henry Carter, Xiao San is almost six years old now, right? He should participate in this year's awakening ceremony."

　　Henry Carter glanced at William Carter and said indifferently, "Then let him participate. What day is it?"

　　Old Jack said, "It's in three days. I'll come pick him up then." Judging by the look he gave Henry Carter, it was obvious he meant that if he relied on Henry Carter to bring him, it might get delayed.

　　Henry Carter nodded and paid no more attention to the village chief.

　　William Carter, however, asked curiously, "Grandpa Jack, what is the awakening ceremony?"

　　Old Jack replied seriously, "Each of us has our own martial soul. When we reach about six years old, we have to go through the awakening ceremony. With a martial soul, some of our abilities will be enhanced. Even the most ordinary martial soul is helpful. If you happen to have an outstanding martial soul and can cultivate it, then you might even become a soul master. The awakening ceremony only happens once a year, so I can't let you miss it. The deacon from the Martial Soul Sub-Hall in Nuoding City will personally come to help the children in our village awaken. That deacon is a soul master of the Grand Soul Master level."

　　When he mentioned the words "Grand Soul Master," Jack's eyes clearly showed envy.

　　William Carter had only vaguely heard about the concept of soul masters, so he seized the opportunity and asked, "What does Grand Soul Master mean?"

　　Chapter 2: Useless Martial Soul and Innate Full Soul Power (Part 1)

　　Old Jack was obviously very patient with William Carter. In his heart, the most sensible child in the village was none other than William Carter. It was hard to imagine how such a well-behaved son could have such a father.

　　"Grand Soul Master is a title for a level of soul master. Soul masters are the most noble profession on the entire Douluo Continent. They can be powerful warriors or possess outstanding support abilities. But regardless of the type, soul masters are ranked by the same set of titles."

　　"Every soul master has their own soul power. Based on the strength of their soul power, there are ten major titles, and each title is divided into ten levels. When you first start out, you are called a Soul Scholar. As long as your martial soul is awakened, everyone is a Soul Scholar. If your martial soul can be cultivated, when your soul power reaches level eleven, you enter the next title, which is Soul Master. Grand Soul Master is the third in the title sequence. Reaching the level of Grand Soul Master means you are already a rather powerful soul master. The ten titles in total are as follows."

　　"Soul Scholar, Soul Master, Grand Soul Master, Soul Elder, Soul Ancestor, Soul King, Soul Emperor, Soul Sage, Soul Douluo, and Titled Douluo. The name of our Douluo Continent comes from this. Legend has it that Titled Douluo above level ninety can give themselves a title—they are practically invincible!"

　　His eyes shone with pride. "A hundred years ago, our Holy Soul Village produced a Soul Sage of the eighth title. In all of Nuoding City, and even the entire Fasno Province, that's extremely rare."

　　Off to the side, Henry Carter curled his lip. "Old Jack, that was just a legend."

　　As if his reverse scale had been touched, Old Jack became furious. "What do you mean, just a legend? Legends are based on facts. Henry Carter, you've been in the village for six years now; you should understand the status that Soul Sage holds in our hearts. If I hear you insult the Soul Sage again, I'll drive you out of the village. If it weren't for Xiao San, do you think I'd want to come to this dump of yours?"

　　Henry Carter didn't get angry, continuing to hammer away at his farm tools as if he hadn't heard Jack's words.

　　Jack glared at him fiercely, then turned to William Carter and said, "You must never become as dispirited as your father. Alright, I'm leaving now. I'll come pick you up in three days."

　　With that, Old Jack stormed out of the blacksmith shop in a huff.

　　"Father," William Carter called out.

　　"Hmm?" Henry Carter glanced at him coldly. Seeing the chill in his father's eyes, William Carter had to swallow the words he wanted to say, lower his head, and return to his room to continue working on his ten thousand strikes.

　　Night fell. After dinner, Henry Carter wiped his mouth and, out of habit, headed outside. For him, this was routine—going out to drink. He drank the cheapest barley ale.

　　"Father, wait a moment." William Carter didn't have time to clear the dishes and called out to Henry Carter first.