Lin Feng stood silently beside his father, Lin Ye, his eyes calm and focused. He didn't immediately respond.
Instead, he summoned the system and brought up Lin Ye's personal trait panel.
[Innate Soul Power: Rank 7]
[Martial Soul: Flaming Sun Three-Headed Serpent (High-tier)]
[Soul Power: Rank 73]
[Modest Talent (Green)]
[Military Strategist (Green)]
[Early Death (Black)]
When Lin Feng saw the trait [Early Death], a chill ran down his spine.
He turned his gaze toward his mother and the other elders nearby.
As expected, they too bore traits indicating future calamities, though none as specific as his father's.
But Lin Ye's trait was shockingly clear:
[Early Death (Black)]: You will die in an unexpected incident at the age of fifty.
His father was 46 now.
That meant only four years left.
Which also means… the fall of the Lin Clan might not be far off either.
Lin Feng's gaze lingered on the panel, his expression growing heavier.
But no—ever since he awakened the system, he had already begun changing fate.
Perhaps this trait simply foretold that the Wang Clan would make a move within the next few years.
Either way, time was running short.
Still, for now, obtaining his first soul ring had to come first.
Determination burned in his eyes as he nodded firmly.
"What's gotten into you, spacing out like that?" Lin Ye asked, puzzled.
"Oh, sorry!" Lin Feng snapped out of it. "Father, I'll go prepare right away."
Outside Heaven Dou City
Lin Ye personally accompanied Lin Feng toward one of the empire's Soul Beast Hunting Forests.
Contrary to common belief, not every Soul Master had to venture into the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt spirit beasts. The Heaven Dou Empire had established multiple controlled Soul Beast Hunting Zones, enclosing soul beasts for more accessible soul ring acquisition near cities.
Heaven Dou City's forest was among the largest—and naturally, among the most expensive to enter. It even housed a few ten-thousand-year-old beasts.
"Father," Lin Feng asked suddenly as they walked, "is there some history between our Lin Clan and the Wang Clan?"
Lin Ye paused, visibly caught off guard. Then his expression steadied.
"Why are you asking about the Wang Clan all of a sudden?"
"In school," Lin Feng replied, feigning guilt, "I got into a fight with the Marquis' son, Wang Lei. I was afraid it might bring trouble to the family."
"You fought?" Lin Ye's face turned serious. "Were you hurt?"
"No, no! I actually bloodied his nose."
Lin Ye exhaled, then chuckled.
"That's more like it."
"The Wang Clan…" Lin Ye's voice dropped an octave. "If we're talking about them, then I suppose I have to bring up the war ten years ago between us and the Star Luo Empire."
The moment he mentioned it, a cold edge entered his tone.
"That was before you were born. Back then, our Lin Clan and the Wang Clan were aligned with different factions within the royal court. Political strife was rampant, far worse than today."
"I led a portion of our army into a border skirmish with Star Luo. Midway, we were cut off and trapped. The messengers I sent out said reinforcements would arrive within half a day."
"But I later learned that the Wang Clan had intervened within the military council… The reinforcements were delayed by two full days."
"In the end, I led 300 light cavalry in a breakout charge. When we finally escaped, only six of us remained."
Lin Ye's voice trembled slightly. "Thousands of loyal men were lost in that ambush… and I had no proof."
His eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Lin Feng clenched his fists, his heart simmering with rage.
"I've never been able to bring those men justice," Lin Ye continued. "But if I ever find evidence, I'll present it to the Emperor himself—and have the Wang Clan wiped out to the last man."
He wiped his eyes and turned to Lin Feng, his voice hardening again.
"So you fought with their brat?"
"Forget breaking his nose—if you'd crippled him, I'd still back you to the end."
"They like scheming from behind the lines, but they can't make real waves."
"Remember this, Feng'er, when you go out into the world, don't be afraid to carry our Lin Clan's pride. The entire clan stands behind you."
"…Understood, Father. I won't forget."
Lin Feng nodded solemnly.
So there's bad blood going back over a decade…
Could it be that the future downfall of the Lin Clan was triggered by his father finally uncovering the truth?
Perhaps the Wang Clan struck out of desperation?
So many possibilities…
Lin Feng's mind raced.
Shortly after, they arrived at the forest entrance.
A man with a stranger's face approached them.
The man bowed respectfully.
"Oh, it's you, Ge Long!"
Lin Ye smiled and helped the man up.
Lin Feng's eyes flashed with surprise.
Wasn't Ge Long the future Grand Marshal of the Heaven Dou Empire?
System—Trait Insight.
[Innate Soul Power: Rank 8]
[Martial Soul: Ya Zi (Top-tier)]
[Soul Power: Rank 56]
[General of Heaven Dou (Green)]
[Exceptional Talent (Purple)]
Lin Feng's heart filled with excitement.
He hadn't expected to run into someone of such potential here.
Ge Long had greater talent than even Flender or Liu Erlong—and reached Rank 86 Soul Douluo before turning fifty. He even had a real shot at becoming a Titled Douluo.
And judging by how he interacts with my father… they must be on excellent terms.
That's worth remembering for later.
"Ah, General Lin," Ge Long said, gesturing behind him, "I've brought my son here to obtain his first soul ring."
He nudged a timid boy forward.
"This is Ge Hu. Go ahead and greet Uncle Lin."
"Hello, Uncle Lin!" the boy said, bowing nervously.
"Hahaha! What a fine lad."
"What a coincidence—we're here for the same reason. I've brought my son Lin Feng to hunt his first soul beast as well."
Lin Ye beamed proudly as he turned to Lin Feng.
"Hello, Uncle Ge. Hello, Brother Ge," Lin Feng said, waving his little hand and offering a wide, innocent smile.