"Amethyst Bear?" Li Ming muttered to himself, frowning. "I've never heard of such a martial soul. What kind of innate soul power could this child possibly have?"
Li Ming had seen countless mutated martial souls over the years. Nine out of ten ended up weaker than normal, turning out to be useless shells rather than powerful spirits. The true measure of a martial soul's quality, he knew, was the level of innate soul power. High innate soul power meant a promising mutation; low meant disaster.
If this child had just awakened a hollow shell, Li Ming would regret congratulating the parents too early. He needed to see the test results before making any judgments.
"Young Master Du," Li Ming said, taking out a soul power crystal ball and holding it before Du Feng. "The next step is to test your innate soul power. Please place your hand on the crystal ball."
Du Feng obediently lifted his tiny hand.
The instant his palm touched the smooth surface, the crystal ball lit up with a dazzling blue glow. The light spread rapidly, as though the ball itself were trying to contain the immense energy flowing into it.
Even a faint reaction in the crystal ball signified soul power, but this—this was extraordinary. Based on his decades of experience, Li Ming immediately knew: this six-year-old already possessed level nine innate soul power—second only to the legendary maximum.
Li Ming's eyes widened. A bear-type martial soul and level nine innate power? Barring any unforeseen accidents, this boy was destined to become a Soul Douluo. With proper guidance and diligent cultivation, the title of Legendary Douluo was well within reach.
A figure destined to stand at the pinnacle of the continent… had just appeared before him.
If I recruit him into the Spirit Hall, Li Ming thought eagerly, my own rank will rise several levels. This child is an asset beyond imagination.
He turned to Du Feng and said with a gleam in his eyes, "Child, would you like to join my Spirit Hall? I promise entry into the innermost circle. With your talent, you could even become a disciple of a Title Douluo. The Spirit Hall will provide everything you need to grow stronger, faster than anyone else."
Before Du Feng could respond, a sharp cough interrupted the moment.
Du Tu, standing silently nearby, fixed Li Ming with a stern gaze.
Li Ming's heart skipped a beat. He had completely forgotten who this child's father was: a Soul Emperor. And his mother, a Soul King. Offending them even unintentionally could cost him more than he could handle.
"I… I was presumptuous," Li Ming stammered quickly. "Of course, the choice is yours. I shall not interfere." Bowing deeply, he hurriedly left the City Lord's mansion, his pride bruised but his ambition undiminished.
Du Tu's curt, "Take care," echoed after him, and Li Ming knew he had overstepped.
As soon as Li Ming was gone, both Du Tu and Jiang Mu's expressions hardened.
The Spirit Hall would have offered Du Feng excellent instruction and abundant resources—but at the cost of freedom. Its halls were filled with powerful figures. Even a Soul Emperor or Soul King carried little influence there.
Jiang Mu shook her head slightly, thinking of the risks. She could not bear to let her young son face such a world alone. Du Tu, reading her thoughts, smiled faintly, understanding her worries perfectly.
"Feng'er," he said, crouching to meet his son's gaze, "you have awakened a mutated martial spirit, the Purple Crystal Violent Bear, with level nine innate soul power. No wonder you are Du Tu's son—a true genius."
Du Feng looked up earnestly. "Father, even with talent and a strong martial spirit, I won't become arrogant. I will cultivate hard, because only strength ensures survival on this continent."
Du Tu nodded, pride and caution mixing in his gaze. "Exactly. Talent is nothing without effort. I just hope you remember that."
Jiang Mu smiled softly. "Our little Feng'er hasn't caused trouble since he was a baby. He's like a little adult, except for his love of sleeping in."
Du Tu chuckled lightly. "I just want to make sure he doesn't get complacent too early."
Together, father, mother, and son—each with their own understanding of the world—prepared for the journey that lay ahead, knowing that the boy before them might one day shake the very foundations of Douluo Continent.