Soul Emperor Awakening

After hearing Elder Feng’s explanation, it all clicked into place for him. He finally understood what was really going on. The old man wasn’t actually trying to sell the item, but rather attract more buyers and, in the process, see if anyone with the Lin Family bloodline would appear.

One might ask why he didn’t just search for members of the Lin Family directly. He had tried that, too. In fact, he had tried nearly every method imaginable in his search for someone possessing the purest Lin Family bloodline.

To be precise, all members of the Lin Family shared the same blood. However, those from the main family line had undergone a slight mutation due to their frenzied Cultivation, and only they could pass down this specific genetic trait.

Ultimately, it wasn’t about finding someone with the surname Lin, but about finding the bloodline capable of activating the ability! Some of them didn’t even have the Lin surname; if they had married into the Lin Clan and happened to have the ability awakened within them, then the Cloud Return Technique would fall into their hands all the same.

If the buyer wasn’t from the Lin Family and couldn’t utilize the Cloud Return Technique, not only would it be taken back, but refusing to return it could even get them killed. The method was truly extreme. Whoever bought it was guaranteed to lose out!

"I see. No wonder Elder Feng appeared at the auction house. There are more capable people at an auction, which is much more convenient than searching for someone randomly outside." Lin Xuan nodded. ’In truth, any method would be like finding a needle in a haystack, but Elder Feng did it anyway, without any regrets.’

"You could say that. I’ve traveled to many places over the years but never found anyone compatible with the Cloud Return Technique. Who would have thought I’d end up finding the true heir of the Lin Family? I never would have imagined it!" Elder Feng sighed with emotion. Who could have possibly expected this?

"Elder Feng, for my father to entrust this matter to you, he must have trusted you deeply. Why did you choose to help him? Judging by your current condition, you should be in secluded Cultivation." Lin Xuan could sense that Elder Feng was not in a good state. He ought to be in seclusion, not running all over the place.

"Your father and I were not only old friends, but he also saved my life! Besides, my time is almost up. No amount of secluded Cultivation would help me now, so I might as well complete the task your father entrusted to me. He even specifically instructed me that if I couldn’t find anyone, I was to destroy it." Elder Feng was filled with emotion. "However, your father only entrusted the Cloud Return Technique to me. This Chi Dragon Heavens Rod... I found it in a corner. From the signs of battle, it seems an earth-shattering war truly took place!"

Elder Feng seemed to want to say more, but he stopped and shook his head. "It’s better for you not to know about this matter for now. Or rather, you will find out in the future. Knowing now won’t do you any good. It is far beyond the reach of your current abilities. When you reach a certain level and travel to that continent, everything will become clear. You won’t need any explanation from me."

His words were the same as what Lin Hua had told him before: once his strength was sufficient, he would naturally find out. The Lin Family’s affair was so significant that news of it must have spread long ago. It was only because this place was so remote that the details weren’t well-known.

Lin Xuan didn’t press the issue. Since Elder Feng had said as much, he wouldn’t force it. Besides, he already knew. In fact, he knew very clearly.

"My mission is now complete. Perhaps this is fate. The Cloud Return Technique has returned to the true heir of the Lin Family. It’s time for me to go. I can’t help you with anything else; this was all I could do." Elder Feng sighed, then broke into a fit of violent coughing, seeming to age several years in an instant. "As you can see, my condition has almost reached its limit. It’s time I found a place to rest in peace. It’s a shame I never got to see your father one last time."

"Elder Feng, how did you end up like this?" Lin Xuan asked.

"Nothing much. I clashed a few times with your Lin Family’s enemies and ended up like this. I barely managed to escape in the end," Elder Feng said with a serene expression, as if speaking of a trivial matter. The fact that he had sustained these injuries while fighting the Lin Family’s foes sent a jolt through Lin Xuan’s heart, and he couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of respect.

But what shocked him even more was that someone with Elder Feng’s level of Cultivation had not only been injured but had been forced to flee. It was a testament to just how terrifying their enemies were.

"Elder Feng, on behalf of my father, I thank you!" Lin Xuan was at a loss for words; all he could offer was a simple thank you.

Elder Feng waved his hand and sighed. "It was what I had to do. I was just in secluded Cultivation at the time, otherwise I could have helped the Lin Family... But my strength alone would have been insignificant. I know you’re worried about the Lin Family’s situation, but you need to be strong enough for the knowledge to be of any use... I won’t say any more. It’s time for me to leave."

The Cloud Return Technique had been handed over to Lin Xuan, completing his mission. Given his current physical condition, he had been forcing himself to hold on throughout the previous battles.

"Here are some treasures I’ve collected. Take them all. I hope they can be of some help to you." Elder Feng handed his Storage Ring to Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan took it. He wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come. If he refused, Elder Feng was already at death’s door, and he couldn’t take these things with him. But if he didn’t refuse, he felt it was improper.

Elder Feng seemed to see through his thoughts and smiled. "There’s no need to overthink it. Everyone has their own path. I hope you can forge a path that is uniquely yours... Alright, I must be going. I hope I can live to see your growth next time we meet!"

He gave a slight smile, put his black robe back on, and his Elemental Power Wings materialized. Just as he was about to fly away, Lin Xuan paused and said, "I will avenge the Lin Family, and I will find my parents!"

That was the only thing he could say. Anything else would have been empty words.

"I believe you can do it. I saw it during that competition before. All these years, you haven’t lost a single thing—especially not the soul of the Lin Family!" After throwing out these last words, Elder Feng soared into the air and departed, not lingering a moment longer.

He had reached his limit. Perhaps he could only return to his original home to sleep for eternity. He wanted to help Lin Xuan, but he lacked the strength. Everything now depended on Lin Xuan himself.

Lin Xuan briefly inspected the Storage Ring that Elder Feng had left behind. Inside was a large quantity of Primordial Stones, a good number of Elixir Pills, and even more Spiritual Artifacts. It was an absolute fortune. A rough estimate put its worth at fifty to sixty million, at the very least.

’This is a huge fortune for me,’ he thought. ’But there’s nothing I need to buy right now. Besides, I can’t go back to Gathering Spirit Island, nor do I dare to.’

If he went back this time, there would be no one to save him.

"Huh? This is Five-Colored Spirit Wood!" Rummaging through the Storage Ring, Lin Xuan found something he desperately wanted. He never expected Elder Feng’s Storage Ring to contain such a rare item.

This way, he could carve another statue. Having more powerful helpers by his side was definitely better than having none at all.