"If only I could have an heir with the Six-Winged Angel martial soul," Xu Tianran mused silently.
If Juzi and Qian Ran had a child, there was a significant chance that child would inherit the Six-Winged Angel martial soul.
An heir like that would enable him to dominate the Holy Spirit Cult effortlessly. He wouldn't have to plan how to eliminate them anymore.
Yes, while the Cult was currently his ally, Xu Tianran's ultimate goal was to exhaust their resources during future wars and eventually eradicate this looming threat.
In the original story, Xu Tianran had orchestrated the downfall of the two Limit Douluos, Ye Xishui and Long Xiaoyao, leading to the collapse of the Holy Spirit Cult.
Because the Cult was something he could never truly control, he had chosen to destroy them. But if he could dominate the Cult instead, why bother with such schemes? Gaining control over such a massive force would elevate his power to unprecedented heights.
Unfortunately, such a notion was nothing but wishful thinking.
"What a dense aura of an evil soul master."
Qian Ran suddenly stopped, holding Juzi's hand.
The aura he sensed this time was even more overwhelming than Ye Xishui's. However, this didn't mean the soul master was stronger than her.
Ye Xishui was incredibly powerful but concealed her presence well. If not for Qian Ran's natural sensitivity to such energies, he wouldn't have detected her aura.
But the aura he felt now was spilling out uncontrollably.
At such an intense level, it had to belong to at least a Super Douluo.
"It's probably someone from the Holy Spirit Cult. They've always been closely connected to Xu Tianran. That's one reason he's secured his position as Crown Prince," Juzi said, alarmed by Qian Ran's mention of an evil soul master nearby.
"You've nearly leaked all of Xu Tianran's secrets. If he finds out his most trusted confidante has turned into a blabbermouth, he'll probably die of anger," Qian Ran teased, flicking her forehead lightly.
"What, should I still keep his secrets for him? No way!" Juzi said, clutching Qian Ran's arm tightly. She had decided to sever ties with Xu Tianran entirely. She wouldn't carry out any more of his orders. As for having children with Qian Ran, she was determined to pursue that goal—but any child they had would be hers and Qian Ran's alone, not Xu Tianran's.
Hmph. She imagined their child would be exceptionally powerful. What right did Xu Tianran have to claim such a child? She'd never contribute to his delusional plans of "improving the royal bloodline."
With Qian Ran's protection, she had no fear of Xu Tianran retaliating.
"Haha, fair enough. You're mine now," Qian Ran chuckled warmly.
"It's a pity, though. Xu Tianran didn't share much with me, and most of what I know comes from observations I made while staying by his side. Although he saw me as a confidante, he always kept his guard up," Juzi lamented. She wished she had gathered more useful intelligence to aid Qian Ran.
"It's not a pity at all. Now that you're with me, you won't need to bother with such schemes anymore. The rules of the game are different when you're by my side," Qian Ran said, ruffling Juzi's dyed red hair affectionately.
Xu Tianran was the type who would never trust anyone fully. Even his trust in Juzi had always been conditional.
Qian Ran could tell Juzi was still somewhat caught up in the strategies and intrigues she had learned from Xu Tianran. While she had been with him, collecting information and devising plots was her survival strategy.
But all that was unnecessary for Qian Ran. His strength allowed him to shatter any conspiracies head-on.
This was the fundamental difference between Qian Ran and Xu Tianran.
Now that Juzi was with him, even if there was a fight, it would be a walk in the park. Why overwork herself for that?
"Oh." Juzi realized the truth in his words. The man beside her was immensely powerful, surrounded by Limit Douluos who were utterly loyal to him. Considering their bond with Qian Ran, betrayal was out of the question.
This was a realm Xu Tianran could never reach.
"Qian Ran, do you think the evil soul master is here for you?"
"Most likely. But they can't harm me. You know, I can always run if things go south," Qian Ran said with a grin, showing off his exquisite Xumi Ring. Seeing the intricately designed ring, Juzi finally relaxed. No matter what dangers lay ahead, Qian Ran's treasure ensured he could escape instantly.
Of course, there was something Qian Ran hadn't told her.
After obtaining the Enlightenment Tea, Qian Ran had already informed Ye Xishui of his suspicions.
He had a strong hunch about who was visiting Xu Tianran's estate. If someone of this caliber was being received personally, it had to be Zhongli Wu.
Ye Xishui might be the Queen of Evil Soul Masters, but she wasn't the Holy Spirit Cult's leader—that title belonged to Zhongli Wu, its current sect master.
Zhongli Wu was a Level 98 Super Douluo, far weaker than Ye Xishui. That was precisely why Qian Ran could detect his aura so easily.
Zhongli Wu was the son of Ye Xishui and her predecessor, Zhongli Laogui.
As for Yan Shaozhe, the original story revealed he was a descendant of Ye Xishui and Long Xiaoyao, though whether he was their son or grandson was unclear. Judging by Ye Xishui's power, he was likely her son.
If Zhongli Wu dared to act against him, even Ye Xishui wouldn't stand for it.
Faced with his own mother, Zhongli Wu could only swallow his anger.
The Holy Spirit Cult was undeniably strong, but dealing with Ye Xishui alone was essentially dealing with the entire Cult. Long Xiaoyao had remained with the Cult for most of his life purely out of devotion to her. Zhongli Wu was likely no different—a mother's boy through and through.
Heh heh heh.
With the Enlightenment Tea to sway Ye Xishui, Qian Ran no longer felt the need to hide his arrogance.
Why shouldn't he be cocky?
The thought of Zhongli Wu, reduced to a hapless subordinate in his presence, was thrilling.
It wasn't all bad for Zhongli Wu. Out of respect for Ye Xishui, Qian Ran wouldn't make a move against him. In the original story, Zhongli Wu had been killed in the Evil Forest by Huo Yuhao and Tang Wutong.
Now, however, Qian Ran doubted he'd have the chance to kill him. After all, he still had a lingering desire to win over Ye Xishui. Killing Zhongli Wu would shatter any hope of achieving that.
(End of Chapter)