An Eighty-Eighth-Level Backer

"By the way, Book Elder, now that I've chosen to join the Fire Clan, what responsibilities will I have? Are there any rules I absolutely have to follow?"

Lin Huo suddenly asked this question, and Book Elder, who had been relaxed just moments ago, turned serious.

"Responsibilities? With your current cultivation, you aren't capable of shouldering any major responsibilities yet. If anything happens, us old fellows will naturally step forward to handle it.

"But if you achieve great things in your cultivation in the future, you must not stand by when the Fire Clan is in trouble."

Lin Huo did not joke around this time. With a solemn expression, he nodded. "To enjoy one's lord's salary is to serve one's lord faithfully. That has been the principle since ancient times. Please rest assured, Book Elder."

Sensing Lin Huo's resolve, Book Elder nodded in satisfaction and continued.

"For now, matters concerning the clan's responsibilities have little to do with you. As for the rules..."

Book Elder seemed to recall something else, and a trace of nostalgia appeared in his eyes. After a brief pause, he continued.

"The Fire Clan does not have many rules. Clan members must only abide by three commandments: do not commit crimes or wicked deeds, do not betray the clan, and do not harm your own kin. Other than that, there are no particularly harsh rules."

Lin Huo breathed a sigh of relief. What he feared most was that an old-established clan like the Fire Clan would have too many restrictive rules, making it difficult for him to act freely.

Now that he had heard there were only three rules, his previous worries vanished without a trace.

"I didn't expect the clan rules to be so relaxed. That'll make it easier for me to spread my wings." Pretending to be energetic, Lin Huo threw a few punches into the air.

Book Elder merely shook his head with an amused smile. As for Lin Huo's talk of spreading his wings, he did not take it seriously.

Lin Huo was only a six-year-old child. No matter how exceptionally intelligent he was, enough to leave Book Elder astonished in theoretical studies—

When it came to strength, Lin Huo still needed to spend plenty of time laying a solid foundation and cultivating his Soul Power.

Seeing Lin Huo acting overly lively, Book Elder gave him an additional warning to prevent any problems.

"By the way, do not mention your Twin Martial Souls to anyone other than me.

"The world is dangerous. If word of your Twin Martial Souls leaks out, someone may very well try to kill you.

"I am not joking with you. You must treat this with the utmost caution."

Feeling Book Elder's concern, warmth welled up in Lin Huo's heart. He nodded obediently. "I understand the principle of not flaunting one's wealth. Thank you for your concern, Book Elder."

Book Elder had wanted to say something, but after the words reached his lips, he reconsidered and chose not to.

On the surface, little Huo looked obedient and adorable, but he was actually shrewd as a fox.

Book Elder had merely seen through the matter of his rapid Soul Power growth and intended to pry out a few secrets.

Yet this exceptionally clever boy immediately threw out a whole pile of prepared explanations, each one perfectly reasonable, leaving him utterly speechless.

Judging by the way he handled it, there was no need to think twice—he had clearly prepared for this beforehand.

Book Elder had originally come to dig out his secrets, but after going in circles, all he had left was the thought of recruiting him into the clan and nurturing him.

Since little Huo possessed such scheming, there was clearly no need for further reminders.

Having already recruited him, Book Elder still had preparations to make back at home, so he planned to leave.

Waving at Lin Huo, Book Elder spoke his farewell.

"Alright, let's leave it at that for now. Little Huo, go take care of your own matters first. After some time, I'll bring you back to the clan so everyone can get acquainted, and we can register you properly."

"Wait, Book Elder."

"What is it, little Huo? Do you have another question?" Book Elder stopped.

Lin Huo said helplessly, "Why are you in such a hurry to leave, Book Elder? Come to think of it, I still don't know who you are."

Realizing his oversight, Book Elder slapped his forehead and sighed. "Ah! Look at me. I'm getting old, and my memory is failing. My apologies, my apologies."

After chuckling to hide his embarrassment, Book Elder adopted a serious expression.

"Ahem. I am actually the former head of the Fire Clan. Huo Lin, the current head of the Fire Clan and the dean of Blazing Fire Academy, is my eldest son. Huo Tian, who brought you into the academy to study, is my younger son.

"As for Huo Wushuang, whom you gave a beating, and Huo Wu, who lives under the same roof as you and whom you recognize as your big sister, they are my grandson and granddaughter.

"Now do you understand why I was so anxious when I suspected you were a Fallen Soul Master?"

"That certainly explains it." Lin Huo suddenly understood.

Two heirs of the clan had both been approached by an unknown person suspected of being a Fallen Soul Master. Anyone would have been anxious in that situation.

After explaining that, Book Elder turned to leave again, only for Lin Huo to call out and stop him once more. "Wait, Book Elder."

"What now?"

Lin Huo grinned. "This junior wants to ask about your cultivation, Book Elder. If I get into trouble in the future, I'll know beforehand whether you can handle it."

The moment Book Elder heard that, he blew his beard and glared. "Tch! Listen to yourself. If I can handle it, does that mean you'll go looking for trouble?"

Lin Huo scratched the back of his head, his gaze wandering. "Not exactly. This junior just wanted to learn more about your glorious deeds."

Too lazy to believe the nonsense spilling from Lin Huo's mouth, and knowing that this would be discovered sooner or later anyway, Book Elder decided to tell him.

A hint of pride appeared on his face as Book Elder straightened his back. "Listen carefully, boy. I am an eighty-eighth-level assault-type Soul Douluo, and my Martial Soul is the Earthfire Demon Dragon.

"Other than a few select factions that I cannot protect you from, if anyone else tries to bully you, do not be afraid. Just hit back!"

"Eighty-eighth level... This backer doesn't seem hard enough. I need to think of a way to make Book Elder work a little harder."

Lin Huo pinched his chin in thought, quickly drawing Book Elder's attention.

"What scheme are you plotting now, boy? Don't tell me you think this eighty-eighth-level Soul Douluo isn't strong enough to protect you?"

Seeing the old man looking as though he was about to get angry, Lin Huo hurriedly explained.

"Not at all, not at all. How could this junior possibly look down on you, old sir? I was only thinking that since you already possess eighty-eighth-level Soul Power, if you absorbed this brand-new Forty-Thousand-Year Soul Bone that matches your attributes, wouldn't you have a chance of breaking through to the realm of Titled Douluo?"

Book Elder's expression softened. He felt gratified for a moment, then several mischievous thoughts surfaced as he prepared to tease Lin Huo.

"Absorbing a Forty-Thousand-Year Soul Bone could indeed allow me to break through to the realm of Titled Douluo. But are you really willing to return the soul bone to me?"

"Of course." Without another word, Lin Huo handed over the soul bone. "Compared to a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone, this junior would rather have an old man at the Titled Douluo level protecting me."

Book Elder silently stared at the Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone held out before him. He did not know how much of Lin Huo's actions came from genuine sincerity, but that decisive attitude truly moved him.