Many women who become "high-maintenance" or "demanding" are often indulged into such behavior by their admirers.
To these admirers, when their goddess acts up, they might even think: "Wow, she's so adorable."
The logic might be baffling, but it's effective.
While Long Xiaoyao and the others weren't exactly like the internet's stereotypical "simps," their behavior wasn't far off.
Qian Ran, however, wasn't about to indulge Ye Xishui. Her tendency to act out was precisely why he was cautious around her. Until he had a chance to "adjust" her personality, Qian Ran had no intention of provoking this volatile woman.
Yes, Ye Xishui was incredibly powerful—currently the top-ranked soul master on the continent. That title alone made her a tempting challenge for someone like Qian Ran, who enjoyed pushing boundaries.
But a woman like Ye Xishui was impossible to shake off once you got involved with her.
What if her jealousy caused her to target the women around him?
Just imagining the potential chaos sent a chill down Qian Ran's spine.
While Ye Xishui was indeed alluring, she was also a challenge. Qian Ran was determined to overcome his weakness for women like her while reaping potential benefits from her abilities.
Ye Xishui was likely to advance to the Demigod level in the future, and she could help him stabilize the undead semi-plane. The resentful spirits and dark energy the Holy Spirit Cult collected would thrive there.
If Ye Xishui brought a batch of those spirits into his semi-plane, it would be a massive boon for him.
When Qian Ran emerged from the undead semi-plane unharmed, Juzi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Having served under Xu Tianran for years, she was well-acquainted with the Holy Spirit Cult. She also knew who its strongest figures were. Ye Xishui, the Cult's supreme leader, was someone Xu Tianran feared deeply.
When had Qian Ran gotten involved with someone like that?
Ye Xishui's character was far from amicable. Being tied to the Holy Spirit Cult meant courting danger.
"Where's Ye Xishui? Has she left?" Juzi asked while anxiously inspecting Qian Ran to ensure he was unscathed.
"She's still inside, with Nana," Qian Ran replied casually.
"When did you meet Ye Xishui? What does she want from you?" Juzi asked, her curiosity piqued. Ye Xishui was notoriously aloof. Even when collaborating with Xu Tianran, she sent subordinates like Zhongli Wu to handle matters.
"It's nothing serious. Don't worry. Ye Xishui and I are on good terms for now," Qian Ran reassured her.
"Oh, and she's taken Nana as her disciple."
Juzi's eyes widened in shock.
Nana?
While Nana was talented, Juzi doubted her abilities met Ye Xishui's high standards. The only plausible explanation was that Ye Xishui had accepted Nana because of Qian Ran.
This man... was becoming more impressive by the day.
If Qian Ran managed to establish a good relationship with Ye Xishui, he'd essentially gain an alliance with the Holy Spirit Cult—a feat Xu Tianran could only dream of.
Juzi knew well that Xu Tianran had tried hard to win Ye Xishui's favor, but she had never given him a chance.
Ye Xishui was the undisputed core of the Holy Spirit Cult. If Qian Ran secured her goodwill, his safety within the Sun Moon Empire would be guaranteed.
"You can relax now. There's no one in this world who can threaten your man," Qian Ran said with a hint of smugness. "If I wanted, I could make the Holy Spirit Cult abandon Xu Tianran and pledge allegiance to me instead."
Juzi chuckled softly. "Alright, alright. I get it." Knowing Ye Xishui wasn't here to cause trouble, Juzi's worries eased. Whatever transpired between Qian Ran and Ye Xishui, she wasn't about to pry.
With Qian Ran by her side, she didn't need to concern herself with such things.
One thing was clear to her now: even on the Sun Moon Empire's turf, Xu Tianran would find it hard to pose a threat to Qian Ran. In fact, it seemed more likely that Qian Ran might threaten Xu Tianran's position.
Xu Tianran had only secured his place as crown prince thanks to the Holy Spirit Cult's support.
If the Holy Spirit Cult withdrew its backing, the other royal factions would crush him.
Until Xu Tianran fully ascended as emperor, his alliance with the Cult was crucial. This was why he worked so hard to curry favor with them.
Right now, Xu Tianran wouldn't dare entertain any thoughts of betraying the Cult.
After reassuring Juzi, Qian Ran took her into the Xumi Ring once more.
When it came to valuable resources, Snow Empress was always his priority.
Snow Empress was so obedient that Qian Ran couldn't help but spoil her.
"Qian Ran, you've been visiting quite often lately," Ice Empress remarked, emerging from the Icefire Yin Yang Well.
"I've brought something good for you guys. Well, mostly for Snow Empress—it's only useful to Ultimate Douluo," Qian Ran said with a grin.
"Ultimate Douluo only?" Ice Empress raised a curious eyebrow.
"What is it?" Snow Empress stepped out of the icy spring, her enchanting gaze fixed on Qian Ran.
"It's something that can help you ascend to the Demigod level. Interested?"
"Demigod?" Snow Empress and Ice Empress were both taken aback.
The Demigod level—that was the realm of Di Tian.
Di Tian, a figure of immense renown, had once been a Dragon God's personal guard and one of the nine Dragon Kings. Once a god-level entity, he had fallen to the Douluo Continent and spent his life striving to reclaim his divine status, only to be perpetually suppressed by the world's natural laws.
Although Di Tian had accumulated enough power to ascend to godhood ten times over, he remained a Demigod.
Snow Empress, ranked third among the Ten Great Beasts, understood the vast gap between herself and Di Tian. Yet here Qian Ran was, claiming he could help her reach that level.
"You'll see soon enough," Qian Ran said, carefully brewing a cup of Enlightenment Tea and handing it to Snow Empress.
Snow Empress observed his meticulous preparation, her curiosity mounting. Although she occasionally drank tea in the human world, she knew better than to treat anything Qian Ran did as ordinary.
Snow Empress gathered her energy, ensuring she was in peak condition before sipping the tea.
As the tea entered her mouth, her expression mirrored that of Ye Xishui earlier.
It was as if she had glimpsed the source code of the universe. Snow Empress saw the world operating according to profound, intricate laws.
Moreover, lingering doubts that had plagued her for years were suddenly resolved.
Watching Snow Empress' reaction, Ice Empress knew she had reaped immense benefits. Her mischievous eyes turned to Qian Ran. While she had yet to reach the level of dispassion, Ice Empress had been diligently cultivating even here in the Icefire Well.
"Does it really only work for Ultimate Douluo?" Ice Empress asked, crossing her arms and pouting slightly.
"Why don't we share a cup and find out?" Qian Ran, curious himself, decided to indulge. There were plenty of tea leaves, after all.
"Alright."
Unfortunately, the Enlightenment Tea proved utterly ordinary to both Qian Ran and Ice Empress.
"What a waste," Ice Empress grumbled, regretful. She had only reached the equivalent of a Rank 98 Super Douluo—still a step away from Ultimate Douluo. All she could do was watch Snow Empress surge ahead.
The gap between Ultimate Douluo and Demigod wasn't a matter of soul power but of finding a clear path forward. With her exceptional aptitude, Snow Empress could ascend smoothly once the path was laid out.
Of course, the leap from Demigod to true godhood would be far more challenging.
(End of Chapter)
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X