The Path That Must Be Fought For Is the True Path

"The Star Luo Empire, the Dust Family. They only cared about results. They judged me as useless and kicked me aside. But I know my own body, my own Martial Soul! It's definitely not trash!

Since they've given up on me and believe I can't find my way... then I'll find it myself! I'll search the ends of the earth, pore over ancient texts and secret arts, and find a way to make my Martial Soul accept it, to absorb Soul Rings and continue getting stronger!"

Chen Li's eyes became exceptionally bright, a flame mixed with unwillingness, stubbornness, and a craving for power.

"I want to become strong, so strong that they all see clearly what future they missed out on today! So strong that... my destiny is decided by me!"

These words were half genuine resentment and ambition, half carefully crafted.

Chen Li knew the ways of the Martial Soul Hall. He knew they were eager to recruit geniuses dissatisfied with the existing order of the two great empires, especially those from the opposing side.

A young man harboring resentment towards the Star Luo Empire, possessing a peculiar talent and a resilient will, was undoubtedly a valuable asset worth investing in and recruiting.

He needed to demonstrate his worth, and he also needed a powerful new backer and a platform of resources. The Martial Soul Hall was undoubtedly the most ideal choice currently, if they were truly interested in him.

As expected, Yue Guan's eyes, those alluring peach blossom eyes, lit up with brilliance upon hearing this. The corners of his mouth curved into a satisfied and meaningful smile.

"Ambitious! And interesting!" Yue Guan's voice carried a captivating allure. "Since the Star Luo Empire and your family have blind eyes and cannot recognize true gold, then... why not consider joining our Martial Soul Hall?"

He leaned forward slightly, the gems on his red robe refracting light. "Our Martial Soul Hall governs the Soul Master world. We have profound foundations, a sea of books, countless extraordinary individuals, and the wise leadership of Your Majesty the Pope. We cherish talent the most, especially... special geniuses like you.

The Soul Ring problem that troubles you might be a dead end elsewhere, but in the Martial Soul Hall, with the collective wisdom of many and by consulting ancient texts, it might not be impossible to find a solution."

Yue Guan's gaze swept over Chen Li as his mind raced.

An abandoned son from a prominent Star Luo Empire clan, possessing a top-tier mutated Martial Soul with an extreme lightning attribute, a precocious and resilient disposition, and harboring alienation or even resentment towards his original faction...

This was practically the ideal template for the Martial Soul Hall to recruit talent! If they could cultivate him, not only would they gain a future powerhouse with boundless potential, but his background could also serve as a card to play against the Star Luo Empire in certain situations.

What's more, such a peculiar Martial Soul, if its mysteries could be thoroughly researched, and even if its bloodline could be... continued, it would be of extraordinary significance to the Martial Soul Hall.

He looked at Chen Li, awaiting his reply, as if he already saw a unique seedling about to be transplanted into the most fertile soil of the Martial Soul Hall.

The forest was silent, with only the soft rustling of wind through the treetops. Chen Li met Yue Guan's gaze, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Finally, he spoke slowly, his voice clear and firm:

"Can the Martial Soul Hall... truly help me find a way to continue progressing?"

The meaningful smile on Yue Guan's face did not diminish with Chen Li's hesitant question; instead, it deepened, as if he had already anticipated this query.

He didn't directly answer yes or no. Instead, he lightly brushed away non-existent dust from his luxurious red robe, his posture elegant and composed.

"The path is never paved and delivered to your feet, little one. To obtain better opportunities, you must fight for them yourself." Yue Guan's voice carried a detached air of worldly wisdom, yet it was underpinned by an irrefutable confidence.

"What the Martial Soul Hall can give you is a broader platform than the Dust Family of the Star Luo Empire, or even most places in the Heaven Dou Empire. It offers richer resources, and... more possibilities to unravel the mysteries surrounding you. This is beyond doubt."

He paused, his alluring peach blossom eyes fixed on Chen Li. His words were concise but carried immense weight. "What the Star Luo Empire can give you, the Martial Soul Hall can give you better. What the Star Luo Empire cannot give you, the Martial Soul Hall... might be able to offer you a brand new path."

This was not empty flattery, but a calm confidence rooted in absolute strength and foundation.

Just like his presence there, without deliberately releasing his aura, the weight of a Titled Douluo naturally manifested. He believed in the power of the Martial Soul Hall, just as he believed his own Martial Soul, the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, could stand above all others.

Chen Li met Yue Guan's gaze, his internal scales already tipping.

Nuoding City and Yu Xiaogang might offer theoretical clues, but the Martial Soul Hall offered tangible resources, protection, and a powerful backing to solve problems.

More importantly, his dormant [Strongest Sign-in System] was likely to be triggered next in the Martial Soul Hall, the place symbolizing the pinnacle of power and mystery in the Douluo Continent's Soul Master world. If even that place couldn't trigger a sign-in, then there would probably be very few places left in this world where he could.

"I believe you," Chen Li took a deep breath, the hesitation in his eyes completely vanishing, replaced by a clarity and firmness unbefitting his age. "Therefore, I wish to join the Martial Soul Hall. I want to become strong, to control my own destiny, rather than live as a defined, abandoned waste."

"Very good." The smile on Yue Guan's lips became a bit more genuine, but then it was tinged with the scrutiny of a superior. "Kid, remember, joining the Martial Soul Hall means prioritizing the will and interests of the Martial Soul Hall from now on. Your past identity, grievances, all must come second. Do you... understand?"

His tone was not harsh, but it carried an invisible constraint. This was setting clear boundaries before acceptance, especially for a child like Chen Li, with a complex background and precocious mind.

"I understand," Chen Li replied without the slightest hesitation, his voice clear.

For him, the identity of a Dust Family heir had long been a shackle and a disgrace. The prerequisite for living for himself was a powerful new starting point and belonging. The Martial Soul Hall was currently the choice that best met his needs.

"Hehehe... It's good that you understand. In that case, this old man will give you a ride, lest you end up feeding the Soul Beasts in these mountains." Yue Guan let out a unique chuckle, seemingly quite pleased with Chen Li's understanding. He said no more, casually waving his right sleeve.

A gentle yet irresistible surge of Soul Power instantly enveloped Chen Li, lifting him lightly off the ground. The next second, Yue Guan's figure flickered, transforming into a blurred red streak of light. He shot into the sky with Chen Li, quickly disappearing above the vast sea of trees in the Horag Mountain Range.

The roar of the wind rushed past his ears, and the mountains and rivers rapidly receded beneath him.