After thinking for a moment, Lin En decided to tell Lin Rongfu part of the truth. After all, Lin Rongfu was the person he trusted most—his closest companion and lifelong guardian. As long as he didn't reveal the existence of the system, the rest could be shared selectively. Explaining it now would prevent future suspicion or confusion that might cause Lin Rongfu unnecessary worry.
After organizing his thoughts, Lin En said,"Grandpa Fu, the changes in me aren't limited to just my increased appetite. I believe you've noticed some... other differences as well."
As he spoke, a bluish-green flame ignited in his palm. It flickered lightly, quickly spreading to cover his entire body. Lin En stood enveloped in the strange fire, completely unharmed.
Lin Rongfu's heart tensed when he saw the flames engulf Lin En, but when he realized the boy was calm and unaffected, he relaxed. His curiosity piqued as he observed the mystical green fire. It didn't feel like a fire-type mage's spell—there was no magical energy fluctuation. Yet, somehow, the fire didn't burn flesh.
Lin Rongfu had raised Lin En from infancy. In some ways, he understood the boy even better than Lin En himself. Once a cultivation cripple with zero talent despite his efforts, Lin En had suddenly changed after surviving a life-threatening injury. His speed technique during the rabbit hunt, his fire manipulation—all of it had happened after that injury miraculously healed.
What on earth happened to the young master? Lin Rongfu's eyes filled with anticipation and curiosity.
Lin En continued,"After I passed out from my injuries yesterday, it felt like I entered some strange space. I can't explain exactly what it was. There was a figure there, glowing with divine radiance. I couldn't even see their face. They gave me a strange fruit and said it would heal my wounds. Thinking I was dreaming, I ate it. When I woke up, not only were my injuries mostly healed, but I also gained control over this flame... I call it the Flame of Life."
(He casually gave the phoenix fruit ability a grand-sounding name to mask its true origin.)
"Flame of Life? Young master, do you mean... this very fire around you?" Lin Rongfu asked in astonishment.
"Yes," Lin En nodded. "It greatly accelerates my healing and allows me to recover quickly. That's how I was able to survive my injuries yesterday."
"Incredible... Could it be that you encountered a god in your dream?" Lin Rongfu exclaimed. Other than a divine being, who could perform such a miracle?
Though gods hadn't descended upon the Divine Grace Continent for a thousand years, their legends remained. Some even claimed mortals had ascended to godhood in ancient times. With such impossible power manifesting in Lin En, Lin Rongfu naturally jumped to the idea of divine intervention.
Gods, huh? Lin En thought, pleased. If Lin Rongfu could come to that conclusion on his own, all the better. What better cover than divine blessing?
"I'm not sure if it was a god," Lin En said, playing along. "They didn't speak much beyond giving me the fruit. But they also taught me a few strange techniques. I may not have talent for magic or battle aura, but I can still practice these skills."
Standing up, Lin En performed a flash movement technique—the "Soru" from the Navy Six Styles.
"Soru!"
With a blur, he appeared nearly ten meters away in an instant, before returning to his original spot just as fast.
"Grandpa Fu, this is a high-speed movement technique called 'Soru'. There are others, but this is the only one I've mastered so far. I'll learn more in time."
Lin En made sure to plant the idea early, just in case he gained more skills later. Better to establish expectations now.
"Amazing! Just amazing!" Lin Rongfu exclaimed, eyes wide. Even with his experience as a former Great Warrior Master, he couldn't clearly see Lin En's movement technique. Tears welled in his eyes. The young master can finally cultivate...! A lifelong regret had just been lifted from his heart.
"This must be divine blessing! Young miss, if you're watching from the heavens, I'm sure you're proud..."
Overcome with emotion, Lin Rongfu began coughing violently, even spitting out blood.
"Grandpa Fu, don't get too worked up! You're still recovering!" Lin En rushed to his side, patting his back gently.
"I'm fine... I'm fine... I'm just too happy!" Rongfu laughed heartily, ignoring his worsening condition.
"Let me treat you. The Flame of Life should work on others, too," Lin En said, recalling that the Phoenix fruit could heal others, not just himself.
"Very well. I'd like to experience this divine gift firsthand." Lin Rongfu nodded with interest.
Bluish-green fire danced again in Lin En's palm. He pressed it gently to Lin Rongfu's chest, allowing the flames to flow over and surround him. In just moments, the old man was engulfed, yet completely unburned. Lin En carefully controlled the fire, allowing its energy to mend Rongfu's injuries.
"I can feel it working!"
The fire's rich vitality began to mend not only Rongfu's visible wounds but also a long-dormant internal injury—damage to his core essence that had demoted him from a Great Warrior Master to an ordinary Warrior decades ago.
Not even advanced magic potions could heal that.
Now, under the Flame of Life's influence, that damage was finally starting to repair—just a little, but enough to spark hope.
Lin En continued healing for over ten minutes before exhaustion overwhelmed him.
"Young master, stop! Are you hurting yourself?" Lin Rongfu cried in concern when he saw Lin En's pale face.
"I'm okay. Just drained... I'll be fine after some rest." Lin En gave a tired smile. "Your injuries are too severe to heal in one go. We'll need to do this in stages."
"No problem. Take all the time you need. As long as you're okay," Rongfu said, finally reassured.
"I'm so tired... I'm gonna nap for a bit," Lin En mumbled, then lay down and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
Rongfu watched over him with a warm, emotional gaze.
The young master has truly grown up... Young miss, if you're watching from the afterlife, you can finally rest in peace.
—
Lin En slept soundly, and by the time he awoke, the sky was already turning orange. The rich scent of roasted meat wafted into his nostrils, and his stomach growled.
"Young master, you woke up just in time. The roast is ready!" Rongfu called.
Sitting up, Lin En saw him roasting meat over a fire."Grandpa Fu, you should've woken me! You're still injured—you shouldn't be hunting!"
"It's just a rank-1 Flame Rabbit. No trouble at all," Rongfu chuckled, handing over a piece. "Besides, your Flame of Life already helped a lot. Moving around a little is actually good for me."
Lin En chomped into the meat, savoring every bite."Grandpa Fu, you've always looked after me. You're the most important person in my life right now. Now that I've had this lucky encounter and can cultivate, I swear I'll become famous across the entire continent. When that day comes, I want you by my side—watching me succeed, marry, and start a family."
Rongfu was deeply moved, tears forming again in his old eyes. Though officially a servant, he had long viewed Lin En as his own grandson.
—
After their hearty meal, Lin En resolved to grow stronger. He needed power, and he needed it fast.
While Rongfu rested, Lin En took out the longsword and began practicing the Basic Sword Technique from the system's starter pack. The movements were simple: slash, thrust, sweep, parry, etc. With the system's guidance, he picked it up quickly. Though rough at first, he was soon performing the techniques with growing precision—and the skill's proficiency bar was slowly rising on the system panel.
Watching from the side, Rongfu began to feel puzzled. Only basic swordsmanship? Could the divine figure have taught just this? But then he realized—it must be intentional. Lin En had no foundation, so naturally, the "gods" would have him build one step by step.
After reasoning it through, Rongfu began giving pointers, correcting Lin En's form. Though his injuries had weakened his strength, his experience as a former Great Warrior Master remained—and even a few offhand tips from him were priceless.