Just as Yu Kuang was about to speak up when someone blocked the carriage, Lin Feng already knew who it was.
"Yu Kuang, stop the carriage," Lin Feng instructed calmly through the curtain.
"Let's go, time to uncover the truth."
He glanced at everyone inside the carriage and added with a knowing smile.
When the carriage came to a halt, the group curiously followed Lin Feng outside—only to see Xiao Wu standing by the roadside.
"You guys knew she'd show up, didn't you?" Ye Lingling widened her eyes in surprise. She eyed Lin Feng and Dugu Yan with suspicion.
Dugu Yan was equally astonished, quietly wondering to herself—
Could Lin Feng's probing ability really detect someone from that far away?
"Could you give me a ride?" Xiao Wu asked the group cheerfully, as if they were already longtime friends.
Looking at her lively demeanor, Lin Feng sighed inwardly.
Back at the Lake of Life, she had wept so bitterly.
And now, in such a short time, she was back to her energetic self.
That's Xiao Wu for you—always saying she wants to avenge her mother, but really, she's just focused on romance.
"Of course. Hop on," Lin Feng replied casually.
Xiao Wu climbed onto the carriage happily and quickly blended in with the group.
"I'm Xiao Wu. Thank you all for giving me a lift—I really don't know how to repay you," she said with heartfelt gratitude.
"Xiao Wu, what are you doing out here all alone?" Dugu Yan asked curiously.
"I was on my way into the city to visit some relatives," Xiao Wu answered, blinking innocently.
As she spoke, she naturally took the teacup from Liu Erlong's hand, sipped it, and her eyes lit up.
"Sis, this tea is amazing!"
Her praise was utterly genuine.
"You're too kind. I'm glad you like it," Liu Erlong replied with a smile.
At that moment, Xiao Wu met Liu Erlong's gaze and felt a familiar warmth from her—like that of a mother.
"…Mom…"
Thinking of her mother, Xiao Wu's mood began to sink again.
But a few lighthearted exchanges with Dugu Yan and the others soon brought her spirits back up.
Before long, the carriage rolled into a bustling city.
Crowds filled the streets, and the noise of hawkers and lively chatter filled the air.
"Xiao Wu, where in the city are you headed?" Dugu Yan asked.
Xiao Wu paused, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. After a moment, she replied softly, "Can I… stay with you guys instead?"
"Didn't you say you were here to visit relatives?" Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow.
"…Actually, I ran away from them," Xiao Wu lowered her head, voice tinged with sorrow.
"What about your parents?" Liu Erlong asked with concern.
"They… they're both gone," Xiao Wu whispered, eyes welling up with tears.
Everyone felt a wave of sympathy.
Orphaned young and forced to live with indifferent relatives? This girl has truly suffered…
But Lin Feng only thought to himself,
This girl can really act, huh…
Then Dugu Yan turned to Lin Feng expectantly.
"Lin Feng, can we let Xiao Wu stay with us?"
Hearing that, Xiao Wu also looked up, her big, tear-brimmed eyes filled with hope.
"…Sure," Lin Feng nodded.
"Yay!" Xiao Wu beamed, throwing her hands into the air with a bright, joyful smile.
—
That night, Lin Feng sat alone in his room, reflecting on Xiao Wu's status panel from earlier.
He stared at the golden-tier trait he had copied from her, lost in thought.
It's true that gold-tier traits are extremely valuable… but the purple-tier ones I already have each serve a purpose. Which one should I replace?
"Forget it. I'll save the replacement for when I level up. Once I visit Flender, I'll head straight home and focus on advancing to Soul Emperor."
After much deliberation, Lin Feng made up his mind.
---
Elsewhere, Xiao Wu was curled up tightly against Liu Erlong, sleeping soundly.
Her lips curled into a faint smile, and she occasionally murmured in her sleep:
"Mom…"
She looked as if she were reunited with her mother in a dream.
---
The next morning, the group resumed their journey early.
As they traveled, they soon approached Suotuo City.
By evening, they arrived at a small village.
A sign hanging by the entrance read "Green Grass Inn." Apparently, this village had a place to stay.
"We'll rest here for the night and continue tomorrow," Lin Feng suggested after glancing at the sky.
"Sounds good," everyone nodded in agreement.
Outside the inn, several other carriages were parked—likely travelers who also couldn't make it to Suotuo City before nightfall.
Nearby, a dozen idle villagers loitered about, passing time by watching the comings and goings.
A few children played, running in circles around a large rock.
Just as Lin Feng and the others were about to enter the inn, a panicked shout came from behind them.
"Something's wrong! Xiao Hong is having another episode!"
Villagers turned their heads toward the voice, only to see a small boy collapsing to the ground. His body burned with an intense fever, as if consumed by flames.
Panic broke out. Everyone rushed toward him, shouting his name in alarm.
Even guests from inside the inn were drawn to the commotion. Lin Feng, too, halted and turned.
"Xiao Hong! Xiao Hong, are you alright?!"
"Quick, get water! Splash him awake!"
Lin Feng curiously scanned the unconscious child.
[Name: Ma Hongjun]
[Gender: Male]
[Age: 5]
[Innate Soul Power: Rank 8]
[Martial Soul: Evil Fire Phoenix (Top Tier)]
[Soul Power: 8]
[Traits: Joker (White), Unyielding Spear (Green), Exceptional Talent (Purple), Lustful Evil Fire (Purple), Child of Destiny (Gold)]
Seeing this, Lin Feng's heart skipped a beat.
Ma Hongjun?
And that Evil Fire trait—he hadn't expected it to be purple-tier instead of just gray!
[Lustful Evil Fire (Purple): Your body harbors an Evil Flame. There is a chance it will draw the attention of an Evil God, potentially earning you a Divine Seat.]
So that's the truth.
The evil fire within his Evil Fire Phoenix is actually tied to an Evil God?
That means Ma Hongjun was originally a chosen one of the Evil God.
Had he stayed on his original path, he likely would have received the Evil God's divine inheritance.
But later, Tang San helped him purge that evil fire—causing him to lose that opportunity.
Was that a blessing or a loss? Hard to say.
Lin Feng glanced at the Unyielding Spear trait.
Not jealous. Not even a little. With my physique, I could easily match that one.
At that moment, the villagers arrived with water and splashed it onto Ma Hongjun.
But the water had no effect.
"This child's symptoms appear to stem from his martial soul," Liu Erlong said after examining him closely.
"Please, sirs and madams—help us save this child!"
"We've all watched him grow up. We can't let him die so young!" the village chief cried, rushing up to Lin Feng with a desperate plea.
Lin Feng didn't hesitate. He turned to Ye Lingling and said,
"Lingling, please treat him."
Ye Lingling nodded and stepped forward.
"Nine-Heart Begonia."
A gentle light enveloped Ma Hongjun's body.
Moments later, he slowly opened his eyes.
The village chief rushed over and helped him sit up.
"Xiao Hong, quick—thank your benefactors!"
---
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