Heatwaves rolled across the valley, and the scorching lava surged like a raging river.
The surrounding rocks had been baked crimson by the intense heat. Amid this harsh environment, a small town built against the mountains actually stood nestled within the valley.
Dugu Yan's eyes widened in astonishment. "I didn't expect your family to have developed Flame Valley so well, Lin Feng!"
"Don't worry—even if we lose, I'll definitely ask my grandfather to help protect this place!"
Ye Lingling also nodded eagerly. "Right, Lin Feng. I'll ask my grandfather for help too!"
"Your grandfather?" Yu Kuang, who had remained silent the entire journey, suddenly asked with curiosity, "Ye Lingling, I heard that only two Nine-Hearted Begonias can exist at a time. Is that true?"
Lin Feng listened quietly without interrupting.
He understood all too well—depending on others was never a long-term solution.
Besides, if they truly lost, calling for help wouldn't matter.
He silently made up his mind: he must defend Flame Valley with his own strength.
"My father didn't inherit the Nine-Hearted Begonia, so I had the chance to inherit it instead," Ye Lingling explained with a soft smile. "Moreover, after my martial soul evolved thanks to the immortal herb Lin Feng gave me, that limitation no longer applies."
Hearing this, Lin Feng suddenly had an amusing thought, the corners of his lips lifting slightly.
What if a bunch of Nine-Hearted Begonia users all activated their soul skills at the same time?
They'd be practically immortal.
It'd be harder to die than to live.
His heart surged with excitement—he couldn't help but fantasize about having dozens of kids with Ye Lingling.
At that moment, Liu Erlong was observing the valley with curiosity. How could such a miraculous place still be hidden on this continent?
So this was the Lin family's secret?
Was Lin Feng bringing her here to imprison her?
She had already taken the poison that controlled her life. Surely Lin Feng wouldn't go that far...
That thought brought a flash of unease to her eyes—but she quickly composed herself again.
Just then, several people ahead of them noticed Lin Feng's arrival and respectfully greeted him in unison: "Greetings, Young Master!"
Their voices were synchronized, but worry still lingered in their expressions.
"Mm," Lin Feng nodded with a smile.
After exchanging greetings, Lin Feng and the others followed his second uncle deeper into the valley to meet Lin Ye.
"Father," Lin Feng greeted respectfully.
"Feng'er, Yan'er, Lingling—you're back," Lin Ye said warmly. "Oh? You even brought some new friends."
Seeing the group, his face lit up with joy and kindness.
"Hello, Uncle," Liu Erlong and Yu Kuang both greeted politely.
Lin Ye was in his early fifties, so it wasn't inappropriate for Liu Erlong to call him "uncle." Still, Lin Feng shot her a subtle side glance.
She was technically Yu Tianheng's grandaunt. Now that they shared the same generation as him, what was Yu Tianheng supposed to call him?
Lin Ye quickly summoned servants to receive the guests.
Inside a separate chamber, Lin Feng and Lin Ye sat down.
"Father, I heard what happened. Who are you planning to send into the competition?" Lin Feng asked calmly as he took his seat.
"Here—take a look." Lin Ye handed over a list with a heavy sigh. "Honestly, I don't feel very confident. Only Lin Jian might stand a chance."
Lin Feng accepted the list and examined it closely.
The Soul Sage—his uncle who had just competed—was only Rank 75, while their opponent had already reached Rank 80.
And that was only possible because of the immortal herb they'd recently sent.
Losing that match had been expected.
Their selected Soul Emperor, Lin Han, was merely Rank 67.
Though Lin Feng had previously refreshed him with a purple-tier trait and innate Rank 9 soul power, it didn't directly boost his combat strength. He was likely to lose too.
That meant their only hope lay in the matches for Soul King, Soul Ancestor, and Soul Elder.
Soul King Lin Hai was only Rank 58.
Not viable. The contestants on this list weren't strong enough.
Lin Feng frowned inwardly.
"Father, I'll compete in the Soul King match," he said firmly. "It'll be more reliable that way."
He shook his head at the Soul King listed, then demonstrated his disguise technique once more in front of Lin Ye.
With a flash of light, Lin Feng's appearance changed instantly.
"Perfect," Lin Ye nodded with approval. "This way, your identity remains hidden, and we're guaranteed to win at least one match."
Lin Feng continued scanning the list. The remaining two were Lin Long (Soul Ancestor) and Lin Jian (Soul Elder).
Coincidentally, both had yet to update their purple-tier traits.
Perfect timing. Once their traits were refreshed and they received immortal herbs, they'd be significantly stronger.
Lin Feng felt more at ease.
"Father, call Lin Long, Lin Jian, Lin Shui, and Lin Xue here," Lin Feng instructed.
The last two were also viable candidates for purple-tier trait upgrades.
These newly identified four didn't have high soul power yet.
After all, stronger individuals like Soul Emperor Lin Han had long been under the family's watch. Lin Feng had already upgraded those with potential.
But these four had excellent traits—worthy of investment through immortal herbs.
Four people entered the chamber—two men and two women. They stood in a line before Lin Feng, each observing their young master with mixed expressions.
Lin Feng met their gaze with confidence.
First up was Lin Long, the Soul Ancestor candidate.
[Soul Power: Rank 50]
[Innate Soul Power: Rank 4]
[Martial Soul: Flaming Sun Three-Headed Serpent (High-Grade)]
[Diligence Makes Up for Clumsiness (Green)]
[Master of the Titled (Green)]
[Diligence Makes Up for Clumsiness (Green)]: Every bit of your effort yields results.
[Master of the Titled (Green)]: You protected the last young master of the Lin family and nurtured him into a Titled Douluo.
In his original fate, Lin Long had served as Lin Feng's mentor.
This alone proved the man's loyalty.
His steadfast personality often overshadowed his loyalty, but it was there nonetheless.
Many in the Lin family had gray or even black-tier traits. Lin Long's "Serious" was a black-tier upgrade.
After refreshing, he had gained the "Master of the Titled" trait—implying full loyalty—and was granted innate Rank 10 soul power-level talent.
His potential had skyrocketed.
With [Diligence Makes Up for Clumsiness] plus max innate talent, his future would be remarkable.
Lin Feng admired him greatly and had prepared an immortal herb accordingly.
"Lin Long, this is the Flame Yang Flower," Lin Feng said steadily. "It's meant to enhance your physical constitution and grant you the Flame Yang Physique—comparable to innate full soul power."
"Take it and cultivate."
"Yes, thank you, Young Master!" Lin Long bowed gratefully.
He had always known he wasn't considered a genius—just a peripheral member of the family.
He'd only qualified for the match because he happened to be Rank 50.
He never expected to receive such a precious opportunity.
To change his very talent—his lifelong dream—was about to come true.
Lin Long was moved to tears.
As he departed, Lin Feng silently estimated.
Once his trait was updated…
He'd gain an extra five levels of innate power—probably raising his soul power by one or two ranks.
Add four or five more levels from the Flame Yang Flower…
Once he broke through to Soul King, he might reach Rank 57 or 58.
Just 32 more levels to Titled Douluo.
With Lin Long's new potential, advancing two ranks per year, reaching the titled in fifteen years wouldn't be out of reach.
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