Time flew by, and the tiny infant in the Li residence of Tiandou City had grown into a jade-like, snow-pretty four-year-old child.
Marco (now called Little Marco or Marco by everyone) had perfectly integrated into this family. Li Zhaoyan and Ye Wantang treated him as their own, the affection born from their mountain forest encounter and pregnancy decision deepening with each passing day. And Ye Lingling, the sister merely two months younger than him, became his first and most important bond in this life.
Perhaps due to the nature of the Nine Heart Begonia Spirit, or perhaps because of the warmth of the family atmosphere, Ye Lingling was not as aloof as in the original storyline. In the presence of her doting parents and her exceptionally mature, protective older brother, she displayed more of a little girl's charming naivety and dependence. With such a small age gap, the two had almost learned to babble and toddle together, more like twin siblings.
"Brother—" A soft, sticky voice drew out the last syllable as Ye Lingling, dressed in a pink ruqun, fluttered over like a little butterfly, holding up a slightly misshapen osmanthus cake in her hand. "Eat! Sweet!"
Marco, who had been doing stretches in the courtyard with practiced form, immediately stopped his movements. He crouched down, opened his mouth to accept his sister's "feeding," then smiled and used a clean finger to wipe the crumbs from the corner of her mouth. "Thank you, Lingling. It's very sweet."
Ye Lingling immediately broke into a satisfied grin, her large eyes curving into crescent moons as she hugged his arm and nestled close to him.
Such scenes were commonplace in the Li residence. Ye Lingling was practically Marco's little shadow—whether he was mimicking basic stances by the training ground with Li Zhaoyan or flipping through illustrated herb guides in Ye Wantang's study, the little girl always liked to stick close by. Marco was extremely patient, explaining in simple terms what he was doing, occasionally even holding her so her small hands could touch the scaled-down, soft training equipment.
Li Zhaoyan and Ye Wantang were immensely comforted seeing the siblings so close, practically inseparable. They felt increasingly convinced that their initial decision had been right. While they were surprised by Marco's intelligence and self-discipline far beyond his years, they took more pride in it. Li Zhaoyan attributed it to "a mighty father not having a feeble son" (though not biological, he already considered Marco his own), believing the child was naturally gifted for cultivation, inheriting the resilient will of his Hundred Wood Divine Spear. Ye Wantang thought the child might have matured early due to his early experiences, combined with exceptional talent, making him all the more endearing.
Starting at age four, under Li Zhaoyan's guidance, Marco began systematic yet gentle foundation-building training. Li Zhaoyan, deeply aware of the importance of a solid foundation, designed a scientific and conservative plan for him: mainly stretching to soften tendons and bones, basic physical games to enhance qi and blood (like chasing and dodging small balls), and most importantly—meditation to sense the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy and his own Soul Power Source.
"Marco, feel the power within your body, like a small stream, and try to guide it," Li Zhaoyan patiently instructed. Marco sat cross-legged on the cushion, eyes closed and mind focused. He performed the exercise with utmost seriousness. For him, this was not merely about sensing Soul Power; it was also an opportunity to quietly circulate the basic naval training methods from his past life memories and his own meditation techniques, to communicate with and nurture the three dormant Haki Seeds deep within his soul. The perception of Observation Haki, the resilience of Armament Haki, and the majesty of Conqueror's Haki—though faint as fireflies—he could feel that with daily persistence, they were slowly integrating with this body, creating a wondrous resonance with his gradually increasing, meager Soul Power.
Beyond physical training and Soul Power sensing, Marco displayed an immense thirst for knowledge. Ye Wantang's study became one of his favorite places.
"Mother, why does this Soul Beast in the book have horns like these?"
"Mother, why does mixing this herb with that one produce a healing effect?"
He often carried an illustrated guide or book larger than his face, asking pointed questions in his childish voice. Ye Wantang was delighted by his curiosity and comprehension, always patiently answering and even beginning to systematically teach him to identify herbs, understand Human Body Meridians, and learn basic pharmacological knowledge—the foundational theories behind her Nine Heart Begonia Spirit's healing abilities. Marco absorbed it all voraciously; his powerful soul strength and understanding from two lifetimes allowed him to learn at a pace far beyond Ye Wantang's expectations.
He would even go to Li Zhaoyan's study to browse through records on Spirit Theory, Soul Master Development History, and the Characteristics of Spirits of Major Sects and Families. He wasn't merely browsing for amusement but attempting to understand the nature of Martial Souls, the function of Spirit Rings, and the differences and connections between various Spirits from logical and energetic perspectives. This research spirit that transcended his age often surprised Li Zhaoyan, who jokingly called him the "little scholar" of the family.
"Father, is one's Martial Soul predestined from birth, with no way to change it later?" Marco asked one day, looking up.
Li Zhaoyan pondered for a moment before replying, "For the vast majority, that is the case. But the continent is vast, full of wonders. Legends speak of Immortal Herbs capable of Marrow Cleansing, which might slightly influence one's Martial Soul? However, such opportunities are rare and not to be sought after. What matters more is the Soul Master's own cultivation and depth of understanding of their Martial Soul." He patted Marco's head. "Are you worried about your own Martial Soul, Marco? Don't worry, no matter what Spirit you awaken, you'll always be our good son."
Marco nodded, but his mind was racing. He was pondering whether the phoenix mark and Haki powers deep within his soul would affect the Martial Soul he was about to awaken.
Days passed swiftly in such a fulfilling and warm atmosphere. Marco's body grew sturdier and more well-proportioned, his eyes bright and sharp, faintly revealing a steadiness beyond his years. His theoretical knowledge, particularly in herbs and Spirit Theory, had likely surpassed that of many teenagers.
Meanwhile, Ye Lingling, showered with the affection of her entire family and accompanied by her brother, grew into a delicate and adorable child with a lively personality and a hint of endearing willfulness. Being almost the same age, she unabashedly clung to her brother—handing him water and wiping his sweat during his training breaks (though often causing more trouble than help) or snuggling beside him while he read, playing with her cloth doll and occasionally asking in a soft voice, "Brother, are you done reading? Play with Lingling."
Marco would always set aside his book or pause his cultivation to patiently spend time with her. Watching his sister's carefree smiling face, his resolve to protect her grew even stronger.
In the blink of an eye, the fateful day of the Martial Soul awakening at age six drew nearer. The mansion had quietly begun preparations for the event. Marco could sense that, beyond their anticipation, his parents' gazes held a barely perceptible trace of tension.
He himself, however, remained exceptionally calm. Years of groundwork, latent power, and accumulated knowledge gave him the confidence to face any possible outcome. He had a faint premonition that the Martial Soul he would awaken would be anything but ordinary.
The legend of the Azure Flame Phoenix might truly be about to turn its first page in this world. And his sister—born just two months after him, now tugging at the corner of his clothes—would undoubtedly become one of the most pivotal figures in his story.