Chapter 691: The Return and Regret
Ye Wen had no time for sentimental exchanges with the leader of the Wind Baboons. Without hesitation, he kicked the creature's lifeless body aside. The difference between a soul beast that's tasted blood and one that hasn't is night and day. Even though the Wind Baboon leader was dead, the sight of blood had driven the rest of the troop into a frenzy. Known for their fierce nature, the Wind Baboons were now fully bloodthirsty, fighting with reckless abandon.
Huo Yu'er's combat prowess was impressive, but her first two soul skills didn't bolster her defenses, and she wasn't wearing any protective armor. This made Ye Wen highly alert; he fought at the frontline to keep all focus on himself and protect Huo Yu'er from harm.
At times, Huo Yu'er used her first soul skill to confuse the Wind Baboons and even lured some into attacking each other. But with over thirty beasts attacking, her skill alone wasn't enough to fully protect them. Still, Ye Wen held the line, determined to keep Huo Yu'er safe and unharmed, placing himself at the front to absorb the brunt of the attacks.
Gradually, his dual blades began to break, and his armor from his Armament skill was torn in multiple places. Despite the mounting injuries, Ye Wen never wavered in his resolve to protect Huo Yu'er. On this journey across the Douluo Continent, he had gained the family he had longed for, but his desire for more grew. Now, he longed for love and companionship, and he cherished Huo Yu'er's pure love deeply. There was no way he'd let anyone harm the person who meant so much to him.
With his weapons gone, Ye Wen adapted, commanding Na Na to change forms and weaponizing himself further. Though gravely injured, he transformed into a relentless killing machine. Eventually, with their numbers dwindling, the Wind Baboons' bloodlust turned to fear, and they began to scatter and flee.
Consumed by the rush of battle, Ye Wen's survival instincts were in control. When he finally stopped, he found himself surrounded by the bodies of Wind Baboons, their bodies lying in pools of blood and their life essence coalescing into spirit rings. Realizing the threat had passed, Ye Wen finally let out a breath of relief before his knees buckled and he collapsed backward.
Though a Great Soul Master with exceptional willpower, Ye Wen was still just a ten year old boy with only one soul ring. This battle had pushed him to his limits, draining him of every ounce of energy.
Yet, as he fell, his final thought was, "Thank goodness... Huo Yu'er is safe."
As that thought faded, Ye Wen's vision went black, and he lost consciousness. Just before the darkness took him fully, he felt a faint warmth, as if he were falling into a fragrant, comforting embrace a feeling that brought a strange sense of peace.
Huo Yu'er silently cradled Ye Wen in her arms, her gaze filled with complex emotions. She knew all too well that she was, in a sense, an "emotional thief." She had entered Ye Wen's life when he was vulnerable and without memory of his past, a fact that weighed heavily on her. Despite her own sense of guilt, Ye Wen had protected her selflessly and cared for her deeply. This warmth was intoxicating but served as a constant reminder of her inner conflict.
"Selfishness? So be it. I want to be loved like this, too," Huo Yu'er thought to herself. She recalled a book she'd once read about love, which claimed that true love was inherently selfish. At the time, she had brushed it off, but now the words struck her like fate, speaking directly to her heart.
With a gentle touch, she smoothed Ye Wen's messy hair before pulling out medicine to treat his injuries. The Wind Baboon's attacks had been vicious, but his armor from his soul skill had saved him from anything too serious. Relieved, Huo Yu'er began tending to his wounds with care.
It was then that she sensed an enormous soul power approaching from the distance, a very familiar presence. A smile lit up her face, for despite her true age and maturity, Huo Yu'er had developed a deep respect for Huo Rui, one that seemed to fill a gap she'd long felt within herself.
From afar, Huo Rui saw the aftermath of the battle and her face darkened. But as soon as she confirmed that Huo Yu'er was unharmed, her heart eased, and she glanced at Ye Wen's collapsed form.
With her keen eye, Huo Rui quickly noted that the majority of the Wind Baboons had been slain by Ye Wen himself, and that he had protected her granddaughter the entire time. Witnessing his strength and dedication, Huo Rui felt any doubts melt away. She now wholeheartedly accepted Ye Wen as her grandson in law.
"I'm sorry, Yu'er. I didn't expect things to turn out like this," Huo Rui said, apologetically.
Despite her strong feelings for Ye Wen, Huo Yu'er wasn't someone who held grudges easily. This area of the Star Dou Forest was usually considered safe, so it was a rare event that such a large pack of soul beasts would launch an attack. As a Soul Douluo, Huo Rui may have let her guard down, but no one could have anticipated such a freak occurrence.
Huo Yu'er's understanding only deepened Huo Rui's guilt. The thought of her young granddaughter experiencing such hardship hurt her, but she also saw a maturity in Huo Yu'er that was wise beyond her years. Her gentle, understanding nature made Huo Rui feel a pang of sympathy for both children.
After some time, Ye Wen regained consciousness, his mind still reeling from exhaustion. Hearing Huo Rui's apology, he immediately assured her that he didn't blame her at all. After all, no one could guarantee they'd never make mistakes. Surviving was what mattered most.
Upon seeing the Four Winged Sky Dragon, Ye Wen's eyes sparkled, and despite his weakened state, he rushed over to examine the beast. With any luck, its soul ring would be between 600 and 700 years, as he hoped.
The Four Winged Sky Dragon was considered an ordinary sub dragon until it reached the hundred year stage, at which point it would develop its first scale. After that, it would gain an additional scale every century. Upon reaching ninety nine scales, they would fuse into one new scale, marking its breakthrough into a ten thousand year soul beast.
After inspecting the scales, Ye Wen grinned in delight.
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Chapter 692: The Dominance of Huo Rui
This Four Winged Sky Dragon bore a complete set of seven reverse scales, while the eighth scale hadn't yet formed. An incomplete eighth scale would have shown noticeable irregularities, so this dragon had only just reached the 700 year threshold. In theory, Ye Wen should be able to absorb its spirit ring.
However, Yu Xiaogang's reputation was partly tarnished by his theory on spirit ring absorption age limits a theory based on the maximum limit reached by the most talented individuals risking their lives. Otherwise, these "perfect" limits wouldn't have such exact numbers, as though straight out of a Guinness record book. In the past, when some ordinary spirit masters attempted it and too many died, Yu Xiaogang became widely disdained, even by spirit soldiers like Wang Sheng who hadn't become spirit masters.
Huo Rui had investigated Ye Wen's background before. When she learned his innate spirit power was only half a level, she initially dismissed him. But upon realizing that Ye Wen's talents were not as they seemed, she eventually accepted his relationship with Huo Yu'er. As a Soul Douluo, Huo Rui was proud, and even if Ye Wen tried to absorb a high risk spirit ring based on Yu Xiaogang's theories, she wasn't too concerned. Her mental power would allow her to forcibly halt the absorption process at the first sign of trouble. The only cost would be some minor injuries for Ye Wen.
However, in his current condition, absorbing the spirit ring was out of the question. When Ye Wen informed her of the Four Winged Sky Dragon's exact age, Huo Rui looked at his wounded state, realizing he needed time to heal before trying to absorb the ring.
Unfazed, Huo Rui simply hefted the Four Winged Sky Dragon onto her shoulder and led Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er to the nearest hunter's village. The moment they arrived, Ye Wen noticed some unsavory gazes directed their way. Although Four Winged Sky Dragons were rare mutated soul beasts, it didn't take much for knowledgeable spirit masters to recognize it as a powerful beast with draconic lineage and it was still alive.
In nearly every realm, anything associated with dragons was considered a treasure. It wasn't long before a few reckless souls decided to approach.
"Miss, that's quite the beast you have there. We, the Ghost Hand Soul Hunting "
Before the man could finish his words, he felt an overwhelming force of spirit power pressing down on him. In the next instant, he was left speechless, staring wide eyed at the fearsome sight of Huo Rui's eight terrifyingly powerful spirit rings.
Huo Rui's mood was already foul, as her young charges had just barely escaped a life or death situation. She restrained herself from killing the man outright and instead coldly ordered, "Get lost! One more word, and you die!"
"Ah!!" The would be assailant immediately wet himself, a look of pure terror on his face as he hastily ran off, his head held low in shame. News of a Soul Douluo visiting the hunter's village quickly spread, and the town previously a little chaotic was suddenly a picture of order. In this supernatural world, strength is law. For someone at the Soul Douluo level, as long as they didn't oppose the imperial family, they were practically untouchable.
Well, those who took full advantage of such power usually ended up in the killing fields of the Slaughter City, thanks to Spirit Hall, which enforced the continent's uneasy peace.
Huo Rui swiftly found a local spirit master with a healing skill and had Ye Wen treated. Within moments, the battered Ye Wen looked rejuvenated, save for some lingering cuts and bruises. With his blood depleted, he'd still need some nourishment.
This, too, was a minor matter. The medical field in Douluo Continent might be lacking, but when it came to tonics for replenishing a spirit master's blood or stamina, Douluo had some impressive advancements. Soon enough, Ye Wen and his companions were feasting at a top tier restaurant in the village.
As for the Four Winged Sky Dragon in captivity…
Yu Xiaogang had once claimed that soul beasts were fiercely proud, that they would never allow themselves to be captured or tamed by humans, and would even kill themselves if restrained. Yet the later introduction of soul beasts that drew imperial carriages, along with the Four Winged Sky Dragon in Huo Rui's grasp, showed otherwise. With absolute force, even death could be denied.
When the dragon first awoke, it had barely opened its eyes before Huo Rui knocked it out cold again. No hundred year old beast, even a rare sub dragon, could resist the power of a Soul Douluo. With the slightest application of energy, she could easily detect and counteract any attempt at self destruction. Self destruction? A mere fantasy in the face of her strength.
The next day, Ye Wen was fully recovered. After a quick warm up, he began the process of absorbing his second spirit ring, with Huo Rui and Huo Yu'er looking on. This time, Ye Wen didn't separate Na Na from himself for the spirit ring absorption. Instead, he first activated his Armament skill, wrapping Na Na's armor around his body, and then began drawing the spirit ring onto himself.
His Armament skill not only served as Ye Wen's armor but also acted as a parasitic skill, allowing him to channel energy within himself to boost speed and strength. As the ring settled onto him, Ye Wen felt the foreign energy seep through his spirit into his meridians, circulating within his body.
At that moment, he felt the constraints of his world's rules loosen, and the bottleneck at level 20 began to shift.
Level 21… level 22…
It was only a hundred year ring, so the increase was modest. The boundary of level 23 still seemed out of reach. Still, Ye Wen was pleased with the advancement. No wonder Tang San constantly sought out the strongest spirit rings possible. To leap a few levels with each ring and reach the next major rank faster was a powerful draw for any spirit master.
But the abilities of each spirit master varied, and not everyone could safely absorb high level rings. Only someone like Tang San, with the profound Xuantian skill as a foundation, could take on such a high risk challenge without exploding.
The thought made Ye Wen chuckle to himself.
If Tang San had met a tragic end early on, the entire Douluo story might have abruptly ended. Tang Hao, his last hope shattered, would have pummeled Yu Xiaogang in fury, before likely heading to Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan for revenge. Now that would have been a plot twist.
Seeing Ye Wen chuckling to himself, Huo Rui and Huo Yu'er were curious but assumed he was just pleased with his new spirit skill.
Intrigued by Ye Wen's rare outburst of happiness, Huo Rui asked with a smile, "What skill did you get, Xiao Wen, that has you so amused?"
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Chapter 693: Mastery of the Wind Element
Spirit abilities are indeed important, but Ye Wen saw no need to keep secrets from those closest to him. He answered directly, "It's a wind element skill called Wind Element Mastery, Grandma Huo. Once I activate it, I can freely manipulate wind elements. However, since I only just obtained this skill, I'll need some time to adapt before I can wield it effectively."
Huo Rui nodded approvingly. Unlike most spirit masters, none of her own spirit abilities were directly offensive; rather, they primarily involved strengthening and enhancing her already considerable powers, as her spirit was her heart itself. Ye Wen's second spirit ability might lack immediate combat power, but to a reinforcement type spirit master like Huo Rui, it held immense potential.
In fact, when she first heard the skill's effect, Huo Rui almost wanted to reassure Ye Wen. After all, she'd encountered many young spirit masters who were disappointed by what they saw as "weak" non attack spirit skills. But now she knew better anyone her granddaughter held in high regard was no ordinary talent. Still, as his elder, she decided to offer some encouragement.
"It's a good skill," she said, her tone soft yet proud. "With your intelligence, even a hundred year old skill, once developed, will make you as strong as any opponent."
Ye Wen smiled in gratitude. After gathering their things, they set off to return to Notting City, where Ye Wen's fourth year at Notting Academy would soon begin.
Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er, though strong enough to graduate and even move to an intermediate academy, had no plans to do so. Ye Wen needed time to build his budding career, and Huo Yu'er simply wanted to stay by his side. So they continued their lives at Notting Academy, where, aside from a few interruptions, their days were peaceful and full.
However, there was a persistent third wheel who kept disrupting the couple's quiet moments together.
"Xiao Wu," Ye Wen said, setting down his book on medicinal herbs with a sigh, "Huo Yu'er isn't in the dorm right now, so could you stop staring at me?"
Ye Wen hadn't expected to acquire a book on Douluo Continent's medicinal plants, but the nearby city nobles had surprised him. Rather than causing trouble at the academy, as he had anticipated, they'd investigated and discovered his hidden talents. While it was common for nobles on Douluo to oppress ordinary folk and even to belittle commoner spirit masters they did not look down on spirit masters with potential. A talent like Ye Wen was seen as a valuable investment, even one capable of revitalizing a fading noble family.
Unfortunately for these nobles, Ye Wen was already "claimed," so they opted for a more indirect approach, offering him things of interest to try and curry favor. The book on medicinal herbs was among these gifts.
Though the text was more focused on plant properties than medical treatment, it cataloged many native plants, giving Ye Wen a chance to develop medicinal baths that could enhance his physical strength. He accepted it without hesitation; after all, socializing was also an essential skill in the upper circles of spirit masters. Ye Wen couldn't just reject these gestures outright, nor did he want to turn friendly relations into enmity.
But what puzzled him was Xiao Wu. Normally, she clung to Huo Yu'er, but recently, she'd been following him more closely. Ye Wen's guard was up; if something was out of place, it was usually for a reason, and this strange behavior raised his suspicions.
Xiao Wu simply grinned and darted off without a word, leaving Ye Wen puzzled. He scratched his head, thinking, "What's with her? I was about to ask what she was up to, but she ran off like that… odd."
"Forget it. In a couple of years, we'll be going our separate ways." Ye Wen muttered to himself, shrugging as he returned to his book. But as he bent his head to read, his gaze flicked over to Tang San, who was practicing at a distance.
While Notting Academy didn't go into detail on Tang San's time there, Ye Wen knew from Xiao Wu's comments that he trained rigorously. This year, however, Tang San was training even harder, his demeanor sharper and more closed off, even ignoring Xiao Wu. Ye Wen couldn't help but find it odd.
Two members of the main cast acting this strangely it was hard for Ye Wen not to feel something was amiss. It might be best to keep a little more distance from those two, he thought.
Unbeknownst to Ye Wen, Tang San's behavior stemmed from an earlier defeat at the hands of Huo Yu'er, which had crushed his self esteem in front of Xiao Wu. When Tang San confided in Yu Xiaogang, his mentor gave him a new plan to win back Xiao Wu's favor.
When Yu Xiaogang was younger, he had won over Bibi Dong and Liu Erlong by carefully crafting a persona of dignity and composure. To them, he was always collected and poised, never revealing any weaknesses. While his eventual retreats were awkward, Bibi Dong and Liu Erlong both understood, given his power at the time, and still held onto their feelings.
Yu Xiaogang's philosophy was simple: as long as he hid his true flaws and shortcomings, he would forever remain "Master" in his girlfriend's eyes, respected and adored.
Tang San, still young, lacked Yu Xiaogang's experience. And after a time, they realized that Xiao Wu didn't seem to care much for that kind of persona, so Yu Xiaogang decided on a different approach, urging Tang San to focus on strengthening himself. Yu Xiaogang reasoned that power could attract Xiao Wu's admiration, and hunting spirit beasts was a part of that plan.
The tactic had initially worked; Tang San's strength did impress Xiao Wu. But then he made the mistake of challenging Huo Yu'er a person Xiao Wu already admired and suffered a humiliating defeat. If not for that, Tang San's carefully crafted image might have continued to build.
With Tang San's image shattered, Xiao Wu's admiration shifted fully back to Huo Yu'er. But giving up so easily wasn't an option for Tang San. For the first time in two lifetimes, he had found someone he truly liked. Someone as determined as Tang San, who would carve his own flesh for his beliefs, would not give up without a fight.
Thus, he embarked on a third plan to win Xiao Wu's heart. Though it might sound clichéd, Tang San thought it effective: he planned to become her "hero." With his current abilities, he was about equal to, if not slightly weaker than, Xiao Wu, so it was only through further training that he could pull off such a plan.
(Chapter end)
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Chapter 694: Troubling Doubts
Meanwhile, Xiao Wu was wandering aimlessly, not seeking out her big sister Huo Yu'er.
Unlike in the original story, without her sworn sibling bond with Tang San, Xiao Wu had not fully given in to a carefree and reckless nature. Instead, staying close to Huo Yu'er and Ye Wen had taught her to think things through. She'd also learned about the dangers of human society through books.
Sigh, she thought, shoulders drooping. I wonder which academy Sister Yu'er and Ye Wen plan to apply to in the future. I can't bear to be separated from them.
Under normal circumstances, a hundred thousand year old soul beast like Xiao Wu, who had transformed into human form, would face two main challenges:
The first was that she could be hunted or offer herself as a spirit ring and even produce a spirit bone until she reached rank 70. The second, which Xiao Wu currently faced, was that a soul beast in human form had to stay close to strong humans to make progress.
It wasn't enough for the person she was near to simply have a high spirit power; ideally, their rank would be greater than or equal to her own. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to absorb enough of their human essence to gradually rid herself of the residual marks of a soul beast. This slow transformation process would last until she reached Soul Sage rank.
At times, Xiao Wu couldn't help but marvel at her good luck. Despite coming to such a remote place, she shared a dormitory with three exceptionally talented humans whose presence she could use to mask her spirit beast aura.
But as time went on, she grew uneasy. Her relationships with all three of these people were close, but she found it hard to imagine being able to stay near any of them for long without attracting suspicion.
Hmph, she thought, suddenly amused by her own situation. She realized that if she wanted to get closer to Tang San, he'd probably be delighted to let her.
But
"Even if Tang San is innately full of spirit power, his cultivation speed is only about the same as Sister Yu'er's. Now he's barely even with Ye Wen. Something doesn't feel right," Xiao Wu thought.
Still, Tang San seemed like the most accessible of her human contacts.
Would I really have to pick him? She considered it a moment, but immediately shook her head.
"No way! That guy… He's so dull, barely talks, and seems arrogant toward others," she muttered. "He's probably just like those other human boys, only interested in my looks. I definitely don't want a human like that anywhere near me."
Tang San's behavior towards others was noticeably colder compared to the way he acted around her, making his feelings clear even to someone as unworldly as Xiao Wu.
And without a budding romantic attachment to cloud her judgment, Xiao Wu was able to stay focused on her original purpose for transforming into human form: avenging her mother.
The reason she enjoyed spending time with Huo Yu'er was that she was female, strong, and amiable. Xiao Wu was naturally drawn to strength, and being around Huo Yu'er felt easy. But to stay close to someone like Tang San, who had his own motives, was entirely different. She didn't like being near humans too much especially ones who seemed to look at her in that way.
Moreover, Tang San's cultivation speed wasn't even keeping up with her own. How could I rely on his aura to train faster? That would only slow down my journey to avenge Mother!
As Xiao Wu strolled along, thinking of ways to get closer to Huo Yu'er and Ye Wen and perhaps attend the same academy as them, she realized she had wandered outside the academy grounds. Just then, a voice called out from a nearby alley.
"Well, well, such a cute little girl. How'd you like to come with Uncle to see some goldfish?"
Xiao Wu froze at the words, her once somber face shifting instantly to a playful and innocent expression, like that of a regular ten year old girl. She turned around and looked up at the leering middle aged man behind her with wide, innocent eyes.
"You want to take me to see goldfish? You're so kind, Uncle!" she chirped, sounding genuinely delighted. "But my mom says I shouldn't take favors for free. Here, let me give you a candy."
Xiao Wu casually pulled out a lollipop and held it out to the lecherous man, whose name was Bu Le.
Bu Le, taken aback at first, eventually relaxed, noting the purity in Xiao Wu's wide eyed gaze. Lowering his guard, he took the candy and immediately popped it into his mouth.
"Ah, this candy's "
Before he could finish his sentence, Bu Le's eyes widened in horror. He recognized the faint taste of a drug mixed into the candy, and soon his entire body went limp as the strength drained from him.
Xiao Wu's face shifted instantly, a chilling smile replacing her innocent expression. Recently, there'd been rumors of a predator in the area who targeted young girls and committed disturbing acts. Reports to the local authorities had gone ignored, and the case had taken on the status of an urban legend. Families no longer let their daughters out alone, day or night.
Though she had no interest in fighting for justice, Xiao Wu certainly wouldn't let herself become a victim, either. So she'd taken to carrying a candy laced with a mild sedative for just such an encounter. The simple disguise worked perfectly against someone with such twisted tastes.
Her face darkened as she prepared to teach Bu Le a lesson. Swinging her scorpion braid like a whip, she planned to execute a move she'd dubbed the "Eight Stage Burst Slam" on him.
But before she could strike, a whistle of arrows split the air, forcing her to leap back instinctively.
"Aahhhh!" Bu Le shrieked in agony.
Xiao Wu looked over to see the limp Bu Le pinned to the ground by four arrows embedded in his limbs, bleeding out onto the cobblestone.
Such precise archery made Xiao Wu's brow furrow in surprise, but a familiar voice rang out from nearby.
"Xiao Wu, are you alright?" Huo Yu'er asked, her tone cool and reassuring.
Xiao Wu's eyes lit up with relief, and, assuming a frail expression, she quickly ran over and clung to Huo Yu'er's arm, snuggling up to her.
"Thank you, Sister Yu'er! You came just in time, or else I would've been in real danger!" she said, feigning a sweet, innocent demeanor.
Because of her angle, Huo Yu'er hadn't seen Xiao Wu slip Bu Le the drugged candy.
But Huo Yu'er was there specifically because she'd heard of the pervert's repeated assaults on young girls, attacks that even the city officials dared not touch. If this predator had targeted Xiao Wu, she really would have been in danger.
After all, Huo Yu'er had already claimed her as her "little sister."
"You're safe now," Huo Yu'er said, gently patting Xiao Wu's head. "I'll handle the rest."
(Chapter end)
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Chapter 695: Huo Yu'er's Persuasion
Bu Le, spirit known as the Twin Heaven Shields, currently a Spirit Elder.
While his rank didn't make him an elite, he still held a respectable level among spirit masters. For the local nobility, like the city lord of Nuoding City, taking a stand against a spirit master of his rank just to defend a few "worthless commoners" wasn't worth it. Thus, the city lord turned a blind eye to the despicable acts of this depraved predator, hoping he'd eventually grow bored and leave.
But no matter how dark the world may become, sparks of goodness and justice exist in humanity to illuminate that darkness. And Huo Yu'er had always despised this sort of scum especially someone like Bu Le, who preyed upon young girls. To her, such a person had only one fate: death.
As Huo Yu'er walked toward Bu Le, Xiao Wu, observing the scene, couldn't help but ask curiously, "Sister Yu'er, what do you plan to do with this pervert?"
With a cold gleam in her eye, Huo Yu'er pulled an arrow from her quiver and nocked it onto her bowstring, aiming directly at Bu Le's head.
"What do you think I'm going to do?" Huo Yu'er replied icily. "This scum stains the world simply by existing. Naturally, I'll deliver justice right here and now."
Seeing Huo Yu'er's unwavering intent to kill, Bu Le's eyes widened in panic. Though weakened, he desperately struggled to squeeze out the last bit of his strength. At the last second, just as Huo Yu'er released the arrow, Bu Le managed to summon his spirit and spirit rings.
Thud.
A trace of surprise flickered in Huo Yu'er's eyes. Despite his severe injuries, this man still had the strength to resist. But after catching sight of his unimpressive spirit ring combination of one white and two yellow rings, Huo Yu'er's lips curled into a contemptuous smile. She pulled another arrow from her quiver.
"Wouldn't it have been easier to die quickly?" she said, her tone dripping with disdain. "But now you've forced me to use my full strength. You're only making it harder on yourself."
Summoning her two spirit rings, Huo Yu'er refrained from using any skills; instead, she channeled her spirit energy, focusing it entirely onto the arrow.
Xiao Wu watched, wide eyed. She'd always been impressed by this human girl's power, but seeing Huo Yu'er's exceptional spiritual control firsthand, she was truly astonished. In that moment, Xiao Wu's respect for Huo Yu'er reached new heights.
This level of spiritual power convinced Xiao Wu that Huo Yu'er would undoubtedly become one of humanity's strongest in the future.
If I can stay close to Sister Yu'er, perhaps even persuade her to help me with my revenge… I might just have a real shot, Xiao Wu thought, her gaze sharpening. And given what my teachers have said, the Empire has a strong rivalry with the Spirit Hall. My chances are high... if only I could fully earn Yu'er's trust.
Unaware of Xiao Wu's internal shift, Huo Yu'er focused solely on delivering judgment to the wretch before her.
Activating a spirit ring skill was instantaneous for a spirit master. Seeing Huo Yu'er preparing another attack, Bu Le urgently activated his own spirit shield.
"Third Spirit Skill: Twin Heaven Shield!"
As he spoke, Bu Le's spirit materialized, forming a defensive barrier above his head. Compared to his earlier attempt, this defensive shield was significantly stronger. But against an attack fueled by Huo Yu'er's concentrated spirit energy, the shield didn't stand a chance.
Despite the impressive name, Bu Le's spirit, Twin Heaven Shield, was essentially just an accessory type spirit with minimal combat value. The only thing that had allowed him to reach rank 37 was his decent natural talent.
Huo Yu'er's soul powered arrow shattered Bu Le's shield instantly, piercing straight through him. But this time, she aimed to injure, not kill.
"Aaaahhh! Aaaahhh!" Bu Le's screams echoed through the alley, his voice carrying into the streets.
But in a small city like Nuoding, most people lacked the courage to intervene. For the ordinary people just scraping by, staying out of trouble was a matter of survival.
Bu Le's screams died quickly. Soon, he couldn't feel anything in his limbs, his expression turning to one of pure terror.
"W what did you do to me?!" he croaked.
Realizing he had no leverage, Bu Le's arrogance disappeared as he fell to groveling. "Miss… Please… I know I was wrong… I'll never do anything like this again, I swear. Please, have mercy on me. If it's not enough, I'll even become your servant… As a Spirit Elder, I could be an asset to your family!"
Huo Yu'er's response was silent and unrelenting as she readied yet another arrow.
When Bu Le managed to block her first arrow, Huo Yu'er had come to a realization she didn't want this man's death to come easily. Instead, she planned to make him suffer.
One arrow after another, Huo Yu'er pierced Bu Le's limbs, then his torso, until he was immobilized, paralyzed with nothing but his head left conscious. Only when she was satisfied did she nock the final arrow to end his life.
But just before releasing it, she hesitated and turned to look at Xiao Wu, her expression unreadable.
"What's wrong, Sister Yu'er?" Xiao Wu asked, caught off guard by Huo Yu'er's sudden pause.
Huo Yu'er gave her a gentle, almost comforting smile, lowering her bow as she walked over to Xiao Wu.
"Oh, I'm just realizing how careless I was. I let you see a side of me that wasn't very pleasant. I suppose that means I'll have to keep you close from now on. After all, if you go spreading rumors about me, I'll be ruined."
Xiao Wu's cheeks flushed at the faint scent of Huo Yu'er's perfume, which grew stronger as Huo Yu'er came closer. Stammering slightly, Xiao Wu replied, "D don't worry, Sister Yu'er. You did the right thing. I admire you more than anything. Why would I ever speak poorly of you?"
Huo Yu'er smiled, unconvinced. She handed her bow to Xiao Wu, who took it instinctively, bewildered.
"What… what's this for, Sister Yu'er?"
Positioning herself behind Xiao Wu, Huo Yu'er guided Xiao Wu's hands, placing an arrow in her grasp as she whispered in her ear, her breath warm against Xiao Wu's skin.
"Well, since you've seen this side of me, you'll need to become like me too so that I can trust you, Xiao Wu. So…" Huo Yu'er slowly guided Xiao Wu's hands to pull the bowstring taut.
Thus, Bu Le's vile life came to an end. And from that day forward, Xiao Wu was fully initiated into Huo Yu'er's world.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 696: Xue Qinghe and Qian Renxue
In the Heavenly Dou Empire's capital, within the Crown Prince's residence
Currently, Emperor Xue Ye had only two remaining heirs. Due to the deaths of his previously favored and capable sons, the youngest, Fourth Prince Xue Beng, had taken on the guise of a wastrel. This ruse caused both Emperor Xue Ye and the citizens of Heavenly Dou City to harbor deep disappointment and distaste for him, seeing him as a waste who had completely lost the people's trust.
Under these circumstances, Emperor Xue Ye had been forced to declare Xue Qinghe as Crown Prince, stabilizing the empire's morale, although few knew the truth that Xue Qinghe was, in fact, an imposter.
After the deaths of the previous princes, even Xue Beng was spared from any harm; to maintain appearances, Xue Qinghe, or rather, the Spirit Hall's undercover agent Qian Renxue, had abandoned any plan to eliminate him, as the Crown Prince would be the immediate suspect.
Today, in the Crown Prince's residence, Qian Renxue had again spent another grueling day handling countless imperial matters and meeting with nobles and officials, maintaining the illusion of a wise and capable heir to the throne. She executed each task with flawless elegance, an air of authority seemingly ingrained in her every move.
Finally alone, Qian Renxue collapsed onto a sofa, her gaze empty with exhaustion. "Ugh… how much longer will I have to go through this charade?" she muttered wearily.
Ten years ago, Qian Renxue had accepted this undercover mission from Bibi Dong, driven by the desire to prove her strength. She had perfectly mimicked every aspect of Xue Qinghe's persona, diving into the role with fervor and zeal. But after over a decade, the passion had long faded, replaced by a deep sense of regret for a life spent on pursuits she never enjoyed. Yet, having invested so many years into the mission, she was reluctant to abandon it halfway, leaving her feeling mentally and emotionally drained.
Hidden beneath the dignified facade of the wise Crown Prince lay the soul of a young woman, utterly exhausted and burdened by regret. Despite this, Qian RenSnow Empressd not entirely neglect her cultivation; she continued her training daily, at least to the minimum requirement she set for herself.
Just as she was about to head to her private chamber to resume her spiritual training, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Qian Renxue said indifferently.
The man who entered was not a confidant from Spirit Hall. Knowing the risks, Qian Renxue had refrained from surrounding herself with too many personal aides from the Hall to avoid any suspicion regarding her true identity. Instead, she had cultivated a new circle of loyal followers in her role as the Crown Prince.
"What is it?" she asked in a courteous yet indifferent tone.
Although Qian Renxue's tone was calm, the attendant immediately dropped to one knee as he approached, bowing respectfully while presenting a letter.
"Your Highness, a letter has arrived from a special contact, Countess Tianxin. I urge you to read it at once."
Qian Renxue's interest was piqued. While Spirit Hall did not lack Spirit Douluo level experts, Countess Huo Rui, a rare Spirit Douluo with a body based spirit, was an exception. In her investigation, Qian Renxue had found that Huo Rui was known for her chivalry, generosity, and a strong sense of justice. This made Qian Renxue naturally inclined to feel respect for Huo Rui and hope to draw her into her future circle of allies.
However, knowing Huo Rui's neutral stance, Qian Renxue had refrained from being too obvious in her intentions. She had merely marked Huo Rui as a figure of interest. But this unexpected letter from Huo Rui sparked her curiosity why would a woman who usually kept to herself suddenly contact the Crown Prince?
Qian Renxue deftly opened the letter and dismissed her attendant. After scanning its contents, her expression darkened.
"These Heavenly Dou nobles truly are unchecked in their corruption. To think that they would go so far as to snatch innocent girls from the streets and after being defeated, they even collude to suppress their victims."
She took a steadying breath. After all these years as the Crown Prince, Qian Renxue knew better than anyone just how rotten the Heavenly Dou Empire was from within. If Bibi Dong had not been so slow and hesitant, she would have gladly dismantled this empire herself and established a new regime.
Once her initial anger subsided, Qian Renxue began to consider the implications.
"So why would Countess Tianxin send this letter? Judging by the tone, she expects me to deliver justice?"
A chuckle escaped her. "I suppose it makes sense. The records describe Huo Rui as a fiercely principled woman, but she must also know how limited her power is. No wonder she confines herself to Tianxin City."
She tapped her fingers against the table, her lips curving in an amused smile.
"Well, if justice is what she's after, perhaps it's time for the Crown Prince to fulfill that role. And besides… it's a good excuse to get out of the palace for a while."
Grumbling, she muttered, "Damn Emperor Xue Ye! I swear he must've realized something's off about me. Why else would he keep dumping his duties onto me? Truly an insufferable man!"
Though her tone was annoyed, Qian Renxue knew that Emperor Xue Ye couldn't possibly see through her disguise. Between her flawless acting and the Angel God's inheritance skill, the Angelic Bone Mask, even a Titled Douluo couldn't penetrate her facade, let alone the elderly Emperor.
But Qian Renxue was truly weary of being confined to the palace day after day. This letter was a perfect excuse to venture out and see the empire firsthand.
And perhaps… to clean up some trash along the way.
The prospect excited her; her palms itched with anticipation.
In truth, the nature of a spirit can often subtly shape its master's character. Though it doesn't dictate them entirely, certain traits are common among spirit users. Those with frog spirits often crave insects; those with snail spirits exhibit slowness. Qian Renxue, possessing the Seraphim spirit, naturally harbored a strong sense of justice.
Of course, this wasn't an absolute rule. For some, a profound misalignment with their spirit's nature could prevent them from ever reaching Super Douluo, as the path required one to deeply resonate with their spirit's essence.
But for Qian Renxue, that harmony ran deep. She saw an opportunity in this letter.
"Perhaps this is the perfect chance to recruit the Tianxin Countess. A person so driven by justice belongs in Spirit Hall, fighting for the good of the world, not wasting her time alongside decadent nobles."
Soon, word of the Crown Prince's preparations for an unexpected journey spread throughout the imperial city, causing quite a stir.
Far away in Tianxin City, Huo Rui was unaware of the stir she had inadvertently created. Her intent had been a simple one: seeing Snowy River's potential to be a fair ruler, she had merely sent him an earnest suggestion.
But in the near future, Huo Rui would unexpectedly find herself drawn into direct opposition with the ruling aristocracy.
In time, however, she would have no regrets. Huo Rui's strength did not depend on her noble title but on her unparalleled Spirit Douluo abilities. In an era where Titled Douluo were rare, Huo Rui didn't rely on noble status to thrive.
And besides, the Heavenly Dou Empire's power structure was deeply divided; the imperial family itself barely held any allegiance from the aristocrats.
Though she would stand with the imperial family for now, Huo Rui ultimately maintained a position of cautious neutrality. She was willing to fight for righteousness, but she would never risk her life for politics alone.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 697: Ye Wen's 'Business Trip' Escape
Ye Wen wasn't in Nuoding Academy at the moment; instead, he was traveling outside the province of Fanos. With the smooth promotion of cold medicine and other medicinal products, he had expanded his business to other cities. Backed by the reputation of the Huo family, no local power dared cause trouble for him.
After half a semester's training, Ye Wen had fully developed his second soul skill. Now, in addition to possessing formidable offensive capabilities, he also had the confidence to stand his ground against Soul Elder level experts from smaller towns like Nuoding. That said, he still traveled with bodyguards, even if just for peace of mind.
Yet something felt strange his loyal shadow, Huo Yu´er, who had clung to him for nearly four years, hadn't insisted on coming along. She had instead started spending more time with Xiao Wu, growing closer as friends. The change left Ye Wen feeling rather odd.
"Ah, well, why overthink it? We're just a couple, not conjoined twins. Besides, Xiao Wu's a girl, not a guy. What's there to worry about?" he chuckled, shrugging off his thoughts.
Arriving in a new city, Ye Wen greeted a few acquaintances, then set out to explore on his own. Though he was used to Huo Yu´er's company, Ye Wen's inner nature, honed through years of orphanhood, was still most comfortable when he had time to himself. It wasn't that he disliked Huo Yu´er; as a man, he simply enjoyed having his own space.
Back in Nuoding, they could easily have rented housing off campus, given their means, but every time Ye Wen brought it up, Huo Yu´er would strangely refuse, insisting it was good to socialize more with classmates.
For her part, Huo Yu´er thought, If we move off campus, how can I conveniently snuggle up and 'share' a bed? And what if some fox outside catches his eye? That would be a huge loss!
In truth, Ye Wen's "business trip" was partly an excuse a rare chance to truly let himself go.
"Hm, I've never seen this before… Local specialty, maybe? I have to try it!" The inviting aroma floating in the air led Ye Wen to a food stall. Though modest in size, the stall was surrounded by tables packed with patrons, a sign of its popularity.
"Boss, I'll take one of your specialties, please."
"Coming right up! Please have a seat; I'll bring it over soon. Any ingredient preferences?" the vendor asked.
Ye Wen scanned the ingredients, and his face twisted as he noticed a root like plant that looked like bamboo. "Everything's fine, just please no fish mint!"
Just to be safe, Ye Wen repeated the request. He couldn't understand why, in a land as bountiful as Douluo, anyone would like fish mint. The last time he'd tried it out of curiosity, it had been like drinking liquid soap! Discovering that this world had the same ingredient was a double blow he didn't want to experience again.
A few minutes later, his food arrived a crisp, pan fried tofu sheet snack. The ingredients were simple, but with the local spices added, the flavor was unique and pleasantly surprising.
"Mmm." After just one bite, Ye Wen's face lit up. The outer layer was perfectly crispy, while the inside was soft and fragrant with the essence of pure soybeans. With the slightly spicy seasoning and local herbs, the taste was delightful.
"Ah, there's nothing like enjoying good food," he thought, savoring the moment.
But as he enjoyed the treat, a nearby conversation caught his attention.
"Hey, have you heard? There are two perverts terrorizing the town recently, harassing women every night. It's disgusting!" one person said.
"Tell me about it! I heard from a friend that they're soul masters. That's why the city lord's office hasn't done anything about it," replied another.
Ye Wen's mood soured, his appetite vanishing. After finishing the last bite with a faint frown, he paid and went about his business.
Over the past months, Ye Wen had successfully set up a chain of affordable pharmacies around the outskirts of Nuoding City under the brand "Ye Family Medicine." The shops, specializing in remedies for colds and common ailments, quickly gained popularity for their low prices, becoming a household name among local civilians. Ye Wen's current mission was to expand further into the neighboring province and secure new distribution channels.
After all, small profits add up, and with enough reach, even low cost medicines could yield incredible returns. In Fanos, with Huo Rui backing him, Ye Wen had no worries about competition and was free to dominate the market. But here, in the broader world, there were plenty of other Soul Douluo level clans.
Ye Wen understood he couldn't afford to be overly greedy. Expansion required sharing profits and forming alliances. Creating connections with powerful local families would allow his business to thrive long term.
Although Huo Rui's protection had kept him safe thus far, Ye Wen was a pragmatist. No matter how much support he had, it was always better to cultivate relationships with local powers when stepping into new territory.
As such, he had parted ways with his group to visit the region's prominent aristocrats a necessary step to gain their support. But entering the estates of such powerful families required a drawn out process of formal introductions and pleasantries. Tedious as it was, Ye Wen had left this task to his assistant, seizing the chance to enjoy a rare day of freedom.
Meanwhile, back at Nuoding Academy…
With Ye Wen away, Huo Yu´er's attention had turned entirely toward Xiao Wu.
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Chapter 698: Execution of Justice
Just as Ye Wen expected, arranging a meeting with the top family of the local province was no simple matter. After a debrief from his assistant, he learned the earliest they could secure an appointment was three days later.
"Tch, so this is the pace of an old, established aristocracy," Ye Wen muttered. "They must have so much to deal with; I'd be half dead with boredom if I were the head of this family."
However, he wasn't in any rush. His trip was just as much about taking a break from constant training as it was for business. With three free days, Ye Wen took the opportunity to explore the city at his leisure.
Meanwhile, at the heart of the province's top ranked Soul Douluo family, the atmosphere was as tense as it was oppressive. Although "Xue Qinghe" (actually Qian Renxue in disguise) was technically the guest, she sat in the main seat, scrutinizing the members of the family gathered before her.
"Pietro," Qian Renxue began icily. "I must say I am gravely disappointed in you. And I assure you, my father will feel the same way when he sees the evidence of your conduct over these past years."
Pietro, the family head a powerful, 86th level defense type Soul Douluo with the Elephant Armor martial spirit stood frozen with fear. His round frame seemed even more awkward as beads of cold sweat streamed down his face. Though highly respected as a local powerhouse, here he was, reduced to a trembling mess before the wrathful gaze of the "crown prince."
"This incident is entirely my fault, Your Highness," Pietro stammered. "I had no idea my men would dare act with such impunity. Rest assured, I will conduct a strict purge of my subordinates to prevent any future harm to the Empire's citizens."
Qian Renxue fixed him with a stony silence for a full minute before standing up and heading toward the exit. As she reached the door, she paused, delivering a final warning.
"You'd best keep your word, Marquis Pietro. I cannot guarantee my father won't send the Imperial Purge Squad if you don't."
"Yes, yes, of course, Your Highness. I swear on my honor, I will enforce the harshest of standards," Pietro promised repeatedly, not daring to breathe until she was gone.
Once Qian Renxue left, Pietro's terrified expression vanished, replaced by a smug sneer. His gaze hardened, and he muttered under his breath, "Busybody prince. For generations, things have always been this way. Who does he think he is, ordering me to change it now?"
He scoffed, resuming his natural arrogance. "And that weakling Xue Ye after losing two sons, he's left with one prince who meddles in everything and another who's nothing but a disgrace. Heaven knows how long this Empire will hold up."
Though Pietro agreed to Qian Renxue's demands, he had no intention of following through. Rectify the system? Ha! As if! The only priority here is making enough profit before the next war or conscription call. We'll just lay low for now and resume our plans when things cool down.
Qian Renxue, despite her position and the two Titled Douluos she had as protectors, could see through Pietro's act. She knew that real change would require more than idle threats. Generations of corruption were not going to disappear overnight. Yet even she was taken aback at just how rampant the greed was.
The more she delved into the truth, the more she realized the entrenched rot of the aristocracy. Ten random nobles dragged to the chopping block half would be guilty beyond redemption, she thought with disgust.
The sheer weight of it all forced her hand. "I can't wait any longer," Qian Renxue decided. "It's time to accelerate my plan. That useless Xue Ye is better off dead; I'll poison him myself if I have to."
Grumble a low growl from her stomach broke her fierce resolve, bringing a slight blush to her cheeks. Though destined for godhood, even Qian Renxue had her mortal weaknesses.
Just as she started wondering where to find some food, she felt two ominous soul power signatures nearby. They were faint, but distinct enough for her to immediately recognize them as malicious.
Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed. "Though the corruption is faint, you've still dared to appear under my nose."
Silently stalking toward the source of the energy, she found herself watching two lecherous men closing in on a defenseless young woman. Disgusted by their intentions, her killing intent flared.
"Scum!" She drew her sword, ready to strike.
But before she could make her move, a voice rang out nearby. "Vacuum!"
The technique wasn't powerful, but it sent a chill down Qian Renxue's spine, prompting her to take a step back. In that instant, the two predators collapsed, their upper bodies cleaved cleanly from their lower halves.
Despite her curiosity, Qian Renxue couldn't immediately tell who had struck them down. But she felt an instinctive camaraderie toward whoever it was a kindred spirit with a sense of justice, someone willing to rid the world of filth.
Not far away, Ye Wen stepped into view, visibly surprised to see Qian Renxue standing there. Rubbing his head in mild frustration, he muttered, "Just my luck. Witnesses."
Then, in a fluid motion, he summoned his two soul rings and vanished from sight. In an instant, he was behind Qian Renxue, his sword fingers pressed to her back, ready to strike.
"Listen," he said, keeping his tone calm. "I'd rather not harm you. All I ask is that you swear, with your martial spirit, that you'll keep this to yourself."
Hidden nearby, the two Titled Douluos watching over Qian Renxue the Dolphin Douluo and Serpent Spear Douluo instantly tensed up, ready to intervene. But Serpent Spear quickly placed a hand on Dolphin's shoulder, stopping him.
"Relax. Can't you see he's just a Grandmaster?" Serpent Spear whispered. "Do you honestly think our young master would lose to someone that weak?"
"Oh…right. My bad." Dolphin chuckled sheepishly, settling back into position with Serpent Spear to watch the encounter play out.
Both were curious to see how their charge would handle the bold young man now holding her at swordpoint.
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Chapter 699: An Unexpected Encounter
Qian Renxue was momentarily taken aback by Ye Wen's calm, then chuckled, amused. Although she'd been a bit lax in her training lately, she was still a Soul King, and her pride as an angel didn't allow her to be easily threatened. Just as she considered apprehending Ye Wen, he preemptively released a blade of compressed wind close enough to make her break out in a cold sweat.
"I can see you're well bred and likely quite skilled, perhaps even a Soul Elder or above," Ye Wen said, his tone calm. "But I guarantee you, the second you try to channel your soul power, this wind blade will hit you directly. I've already killed two scumbags tonight. Killing you might be a mistake, but for my own safety, I'll have no choice. So, please, make a smart decision.
"Besides, I'm only asking you to swear an oath nothing life threatening. Unless, of course, you're no better than the trash on the ground. In that case, I'll feel even less guilt about killing you," he added, his voice light but firm.
As Ye Wen had speculated, his soul skill bore a certain resemblance to Gu Yue Na's Silver Dragon powers, primarily in his control over elemental forces. The power of his skills wasn't determined by the age of his soul rings but by his mental focus and how he developed his abilities.
Thanks to his imaginative thinking, he had already invented four unique skills using his mastery over wind. One was a rudimentary "Wind Shield" to absorb basic attacks. Another, "Flash Step," allowed him to compress and release wind at his feet for sudden bursts of speed. His offensive techniques included the mighty "Compressed Wind Blade" which he called "Vacuum" and the faster "Wind Slash," which he'd just demonstrated.
Although "Wind Slash" was less powerful, it was deadly enough to instantly kill anyone caught off guard without their martial spirit or soul power to protect them. By using hand signs to release the techniques faster a trick borrowed from an old comic he'd read Ye Wen's "Vacuum" and "Slash" skills had become formidable tools.
The two Titled Douluos observing from the shadows, Dolphin Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo, felt a shiver of unease. Realizing that Ye Wen's abilities were far from ordinary, Dolphin Douluo began to question their passive stance.
"Old She, I'm not sure about this kid. Are we really okay just watching him?" he whispered, nervous.
Snake Lance Douluo looked conflicted. Although they held the rank of Titled Douluo, they were among the lower echelons. Even if they could subdue Ye Wen using their aura, they worried he might react unpredictably, harming Qian Renxue. At that point, not even killing him would spare them from punishment.
Just as Snake Lance Douluo was about to intervene, Qian Renxue surprised them both by calmly discarding her sword and smiling slightly.
"I understand," she said, her tone gentle. "I, Xue Qinghe, swear on my swan martial spirit that I will never reveal what happened here tonight. If I break this oath, may my spirit shatter, my abilities vanish, and my cultivation be forever forfeit."
Although Ye Wen wasn't entirely convinced by her oath, her willingness to disarm and make such a bold declaration left him no room to refuse. He reluctantly retracted his soul power and stepped back, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Wait, did he just say his name was... Xue Qinghe? Damn!
Realization hit him like a brick. Ye Wen knew exactly who he was dealing with Qian Renxue in disguise as the empire's crown prince, Xue Qinghe. Cursing inwardly, he kept his composure, knowing the secret nature of her identity and hoping not to reveal his own knowledge.
To keep up appearances, he nonchalantly approached the bodies of the two men he'd killed, pretending to loot them for any valuables.
Unbeknownst to Ye Wen, these were no ordinary criminals. These were Goose Kao and Tianya, partners of the notorious Douluo Three Blades Gang alongside the deceased Bu Le. Goose Kao's spirit was a butcher's knife, while Tianya's was a swan. Despite their humble backgrounds, they'd mysteriously trained up to the rank of Soul Elders, on par with elite academy graduates, despite having little apparent support or resources.
Finding only meager items and no soul storage devices, Ye Wen clicked his tongue in disappointment. Just as he was about to walk away, he noticed a hidden pocket in one of the men's jackets and pulled out a small booklet.
"What's this?" he murmured, baffled by the crude illustrations it contained. Although the drawings were explicit, they paled in comparison to those of his previous world.
Curious, Qian Renxue approached, but upon glimpsing the booklet, her face flushed. Before Ye Wen could react, she snatched it from him and burned it with a brief flash of golden flames.
Ye Wen caught a faint but intense glow of fire and light energy, marveling at the purity of the elemental forces. However, keeping in line with his persona, he put on a disgruntled expression and demanded, "Hey, what are you doing? That was my loot! Why'd you burn it?"
Now that the offensive material was destroyed, Qian Renxue resumed her serene composure. With a soft smile, she explained, "Young man, that was a manual of forbidden soul techniques specifically, those of fallen soul masters. Possessing it anywhere on the continent could only bring you trouble. Destroying it was for your own protection."
With a growing sense of realization, Qian Renxue finally understood why the men's auras had struck her as both sinister and faint. They had been cultivating the despicable technique of "Yin harvesting" stealing life essence from victims. Though incomplete, their training had tainted their energy, leaving it unnaturally murky.
Upon hearing her explanation, Ye Wen forced himself to appear pensive. After a moment's hesitation, he relented with a slight nod.
"I see. In that case, thank you."
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 700: A Quick Escape
After ensuring that the unconscious woman was safely positioned to the side, Ye Wen quickly hid in the shadows, as if the recent violent encounter had never even taken place.
Qian Renxue, finding Ye Wen's behavior intriguing, joined him in hiding, whispering, "Why hide after saving her? Don't you want to hear her gratitude when she wakes up?"
Ye Wen cast a dry look at "him" rather, her feeling irritated. He'd solved the problem, so why was she still tagging along? He had no interest in getting involved with someone carrying such massive consequences. However, he couldn't risk raising her suspicions by acting oddly and prompting her to investigate him. Resigned, he forced a neutral expression and replied calmly, "She's just an ordinary person. Involving her in a Soul Master's affairs would do her no good. Better she thinks it was all just a nightmare."
Qian Renxue nodded in understanding but soon furrowed her brow, puzzled. "Then why are you still standing guard?"
Ye Wen shot her an exasperated glance. After all the palace intrigue he'd studied, why did she seem so naive?
"I may have killed those two scumbags, but if another ill intentioned man passes by, what happens if this lady, who's already unconscious, becomes someone else's victim?" he retorted.
Though the term "victim" was new to her, Qian Renxue quickly grasped his meaning. Smiling knowingly, she thought to herself, Despite his ruthless decisiveness, this kid actually has a soft heart beneath it all.
And there was something else that piqued her interest just moments ago, Ye Wen had unleashed a wind blade so swift that even she, a Soul King, hadn't reacted in time. Judging by his age, he likely had extremely high innate soul power. Maybe he would make a good ally in the future.
Testing the waters, she asked, "Kid, how old are you? Where are you from?"
For ordinary people, answering simple questions was no big deal. But Ye Wen, wary of Qian Renxue from the start, responded sharply, "Sorry, but I don't disclose my personal details to strangers."
"Oh, come on," she teased, amused by his mature demeanor. "After everything we just went through, aren't we at least somewhat acquainted? I introduced myself, didn't I? It feels unfair for you to leave me with nothing."
Ye Wen rolled his eyes.
Introduced yourself? You mean you gave me a fake name! If you're so honest, why not reveal your real identity?
But then he rethought it he didn't want her true identity revealed. That would only mean trouble for him, possibly even imprisonment. Not worth it at all.
After this brief exchange, he grudgingly acknowledged that Qian Renxue was, indeed, courteous and principled, fitting the role of a future Angel God. As long as he didn't provoke her, he figured she'd leave him alone.
The more indifferent Ye Wen acted, the more curious Qian Renxue became. She pressed on, smiling, "Does my name really not sound familiar to you? Here's a hint: my last name is Xue."
Ye Wen sighed, then suddenly clasped his hands together, unleashing his "Flash Step" soul skill to its fullest.
"Goodbye, Your Highness," he muttered before vanishing, just as the woman he'd saved began to stir.
Qian Renxue blinked in surprise before chuckling softly. In almost twenty years, she'd never encountered someone who treated her with such nonchalance or who would rather avoid her altogether.
"Well, what an interesting young man," she murmured. "Now I'm even more curious about who he really is."
Still, Qian Renxue wasn't one to impose herself where she wasn't wanted. Since Ye Wen clearly understood her identity and had no intention of furthering their acquaintance, she respected his choice. Unless he became a threat, she wouldn't go out of her way to trouble someone who had such a strong sense of justice.
At that moment, her two Titled Douluo guards, Snake Lance Douluo and Dolphin Douluo, emerged from the shadows, bowing slightly and apologizing for their lapse in vigilance.
"It's alright, uncles. I'm unharmed, aren't I?" she replied with a lighthearted smile.
But Snake Lance Douluo, frowning, suggested, "Still, my lady, that boy was quite rude. A proper lesson could help maintain your dignity."
Qian Renxue waved him off. "Let it be, Uncle She. He didn't mean any real harm, and he only knows me as Xue Qinghe. His slight against 'Xue Qinghe' has nothing to do with me, Qian Renxue," she laughed, her voice soft but mirthful.
Exchanging a glance, the two guards understood her intent. Since she wasn't taking offense, as loyal servants, they had no reason to pursue the matter. They withdrew, fading back into the shadows to resume their silent watch.
Meanwhile, Ye Wen, having successfully eluded any pursuit, let out a sigh of relief. It seemed his judgment had been spot on; Qian Renxue wasn't petty.
She's a good person, he reflected. Unfortunately, being near the protagonist still means she'll suffer a tragic fate. But if I ever become strong enough, I'll make sure she lives her days in peace.
In the original story, only Bibi Dong's demise was fully detailed. The fates of Qian Renxue and Hu Liena were left ambiguous. Ye Wen couldn't help but worry about what might have awaited them, knowing the darkness of human nature all too well.
Though he now had both a system and a strong ally in Huo Rui, enough to hold his own against Tang San in the early stages, he was still cautious. Tang San had Tang Hao and the Shura God aiding him. Without his own powerful backers, Ye Wen knew he couldn't afford to take risks or get cocky.
One life is all he had; after working himself to death in his past life, Ye Wen wasn't about to gamble it away now. No matter how attractive the beauties of Douluo were, his life would always take priority.
Curious, though, he let his mind wander briefly, wondering what lay beneath Xue Qinghe's sharp, handsome features the true, graceful beauty of Qian Renxue, rumored to be one of Douluo's greatest beauties.
Still, he quickly banished the thought. Dreaming about beauties who weren't his would do him no good, and besides, he already had a wonderful fiancée. No need to be fickle.
(End of Chapter)
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