The morning light filtered through the window lattice, spilling into Marco's room in the Li residence. The cyan curtains swayed gently with the breeze, casting a soft glow throughout the chamber. Marco sat quietly on the edge of his bed, his gaze fixed on the faint outline of the imperial city walls visible in the distance outside the window, lost in thought.
He had barely slept the entire night.
His father Li Zhaoyan's words had echoed in his mind like morning bells and evening drums. "Lacking systematic foundation, flashy but without substance," "arrogant heart," "haughtiness"... these phrases were like mirrors reflecting the blind spots deep within his soul. He recalled his wild joy upon obtaining the ten-thousand year fourth soul ring, his pride when acquiring the Double Pupil Eye, his overflowing confidence after mastering the Six Styles and Haki, and his utterly defeated state when facing his father.
"I really... have gotten somewhat carried away," Marco murmured to himself, his fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the eyepatch covering his Double Pupil Eye.
The door opened softly as Ye Lingling entered carrying a cup of hot tea. She wore a light blue dress, her long hair flowing like a waterfall, with unconcealed worry between her brows.
"Brother, have you been awake all night?" Ye Lingling placed the teacup on the small table by the bed and asked softly.
Marco turned his head, looking at his sister's concerned eyes, forcing a faint smile: "Yes, there are some things I've been thinking about a lot."
Ye Lingling sat down beside him, hesitating for a moment before saying: "Brother, Father... although he speaks directly, he means well. We can all see how rapidly you've progressed recently, but perhaps... you've become too immersed in this progress yourself."
Marco accepted the teacup, the warmth seeping through the porcelain into his palm. He nodded gently: "Lingling, you're right. I thought about many things last night. Although Father's words were hard to accept at first, upon careful consideration, every word was truly valuable advice."
"It's just..." Marco looked out the window, his voice low, "I never expected that the strength I took such pride in would prove so utterly useless before Father. Those moves I thought were original, those fused techniques - in his eyes, they were merely flashy tricks."
Ye Lingling gently held her brother's hand: "Brother, how old are you? To have mastered so many abilities at level forty-four is already truly remarkable. Father's standards are just too high - he's an eighty-five level Soul Douluo after all!"
Marco shook his head: "No, Lingling, this isn't about high or low standards. Father is right - my problem is that I rely too much on these external powers and fortunate encounters while neglecting the fundamentals and essence. I learned the Six Styles and Haki, obtained the Double Pupils and ten-thousand year soul ring, but I never truly integrated them into a complete system. I've been too impatient, too proud."
He took a deep breath, his eyes gradually becoming resolute: "I need to change this state."
Just as Marco was about to get out of bed, the door opened again, this time with Li Zhaoyan and Dugu Bo entering together.
"Father, Grandfather Dugu," Marco quickly stood up and bowed in greeting.
Li Zhaoyan nodded slightly, his gaze sharp as he looked at Marco: "Have you figured things out, Marco?"
Without hesitation, Marco shook his head: "Not completely yet, but I've started forming some ideas about certain matters."
Li Zhaoyan walked to the window, his back turned to Marco, his voice low and firm: "Marco, my words yesterday may have been harsh, but I have been observing you for a long time. You possess extraordinary talent—gaining a ten-thousand-year Spirit Ring in such a short time and mastering multiple powerful abilities. This is both your opportunity and your blessing."
"But," Li Zhaoyan turned around, his gaze fixed directly on Marco, "opportunities and blessings are often double-edged swords. They can make you grow rapidly, yet they can also easily lead you astray. I worry that you have become intoxicated by these swiftly acquired powers, forgetting the most fundamental essence of being a Soul Master."
Dugu Bo chimed in from the side: "Young friend, I also believe Brother Li speaks wisely. You have indeed become somewhat arrogant, but it's normal for the young to have a bit of pride. However, this trip to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well has truly served as a wake-up call for you."
Marco lowered his head, listening attentively.
Li Zhaoyan continued: "Marco, I do not intend to crush your confidence. On the contrary, I see immense potential in you. Your Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit, your Double Pupil Eye, your Six Styles and Haki—all are exceptionally rare talents. But what you need now is to consolidate, to reflect, and to learn how to integrate these talents into a path that is uniquely your own."
"I thought long and hard yesterday," Li Zhaoyan's tone suddenly softened, carrying a warmth Marco hadn't heard in a long time, "You are now at level 45. Though there is still a long way to go before becoming a Titled Douluo, with your talent and experiences, traveling and gaining real-world experience might not be a bad idea."
"Travel?" Marco abruptly raised his head, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
This thought had never crossed his mind. Since childhood, he had always cultivated under the protection of the royal family and his clan. Even when he ventured out, it was only for competitions or training missions—he had never considered truly leaving home for an extended period to explore the continent.
Li Zhaoyan nodded: "Yes, travel. You have achieved a modest level of strength now and possess some ability to protect yourself. Go see the outside world, experience different people and events—it may help you find the path you truly desire."
Dugu Bo also laughed: "Young friend, don't be so surprised. I traveled to many places in my youth—it was one of life's greatest joys! With your unique Martial Soul, venturing out might even earn you some renown."
Marco's heart was in turmoil. Travel... This meant leaving his familiar family, leaving the safety of the imperial city, and facing the storms of the continent alone. It filled him with fear and unease, yet also stirred a
Li Zhaoyan looked at his wife and daughter, his tone resolute: "I understand your concerns, but precisely because Marco is young, he has more time and opportunities to explore. At home, he will always have our protection, but only outside can he truly grow."
"Moreover," Li Zhaoyan turned to Marco, "Marco, your father isn't asking you to leave immediately. If you feel unprepared, you may stay a few more days. I'm merely making this suggestion—the final decision rests with you."
Marco took a deep breath, glancing at his parents and then at his father-in-law Dugu Bo. He understood in his heart that this might be an important test and opportunity given by his father.
"Father," Marco pondered for a moment before finally raising his head, his eyes shining with determination, "I want to give it a try."
This decision wasn't made impulsively. After a night of deep contemplation, he realized he truly needed to step out of his comfort zone, face the broader world, resolve his inner confusion, and find his own path.
"Good! That's the spirit!" Dugu Bo laughed heartily, clapping Marco firmly on the shoulder. "Kid, now that's more like it! When I first traveled far from home, I was two years younger than you!"
Though Ye Qingwan and Ye Lingling still held some worries, seeing the firmness in Marco's eyes, they knew his decision was final.
Ye Qingwan sighed and said, "Since you've decided, you must prepare thoroughly. At least... wait three days, so we can help you gather necessary supplies and medicinal pills."
Ye Lingling quickly nodded in agreement: "Yes! Brother, I'll help you pack. You must tell me where you're going!"
Marco looked at his family's concerned faces, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew that no matter where he went, he would always have his family's steadfast support.
"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Lingling." Marco said sincerely, "I promise you, I will be careful and send letters regularly."
Li Zhaoyan nodded with satisfaction: "Good, use these three days to prepare well. As for your direction of travel, I won't impose anything, but remember—no matter what you encounter, maintain your original intentions and never forget your roots."
Marco nodded solemnly. He knew this wasn't just a simple journey, but a spiritual trial and growth experience. He needed time to digest his father's words, contemplate how to integrate what he had learned, and find his own "path."
Three days—neither long nor short. Marco decided to use this time to reflect deeply, organize his knowledge, and fully prepare for the upcoming journey. This might be his first step toward becoming a true powerhouse, and a crucial period for his mental transformation.
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