Soul Land—Chapter 20: Tired Qian Renxue
Qian Renxue slightly opened the curtains on both sides of the carriage, her gaze sweeping across the people lining the street. After taking in a general impression, she lowered the curtains.
"Go back to the mansion," she commanded.
The convoy gradually moved farther along the street. Ling Qianyao frowned slightly but then relaxed his mind and departed the area with Zhu Zhuqing.
The fluctuations from the Star-Breaking Sword earlier had truly surprised him.
He had obtained a millennium-old purple second soul ring, and the star caves representing the four images and twenty-eight constellations in his body had been lit up. The stars of the three celestial bodies had officially entered the ranks of visualization.
Currently, the acupuncture points on his head, which represented the 120 stars of the Ziwei Palace, were being reshaped.
The Ziwei Palace represented the center of the Celestial Emperor Star, which was related to spirit and control.
Among them, the core star First of Celestial Generals (the Spirit Hall acupoint) that had just been lit up facilitated the rapid growth of Ling Qianyao's spiritual power.
The Celestial Emperor Star (the Hall of Seal Acupoint) had even enhanced the strength of the "astrology" skill of the Star-Breaking Sword, elevating Ling Qianyao's ability to predict crises.
The martial soul resonance fluctuations from Qian Renxue felt like the most intense light emanating from the stars within the Ziwei Palace.
Especially the two-star acupoints of the Spirit Hall Acupoint and the Hall of Seal Acupoint, which seemed to resonate perfectly with the attributes of the situation. The feeling was akin to a gentle drizzle nourishing parched earth, granting Ling Qianyao an indescribable comfort deep within his heart.
The aura exuding from Qian Renxue appeared to establish a natural connection with his Ziwei Palace Star. This connection transcended the typical resonance associated with ordinary martial souls; it was more like a resonance of the laws of heaven and earth.
"An angel who controls the powers of holiness and judgment, and the Ziwei Star that governs the cosmos," Ling Qianyao mused inwardly.
He glanced in the direction from which Qian Renxue had departed. "Martial soul fusion skills? I'm looking forward to it, but it's not the right time yet."
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Heaven Dou Prince's Mansion, Qian Renxue's Study
Having just returned to the Prince's Mansion, Qian Renxue ignored everything else and made a beeline for the bookshelf in the corner.
After pressing a mechanism, the bookshelf slid aside with a soft "click," revealing a secret passage.
As she walked into the passage, the lights flickered on, and the mechanism behind her closed.
Xue Qinghe's appearance transformed with a burst of fluorescent light, revealing a graceful and sacred figure—this was Qian Renxue's true form.
Her exquisite, three-dimensional facial features showcased plump, rosy lips and skin whiter than snow.
The golden palace jumpsuit she wore could not conceal her slender and proud figure.
Her long golden hair flowed casually down her back, and her slow gait exuded a sense of nobility and elegance.
Describing Qian Renxue as "beautiful" seemed almost inadequate.
At the end of the passage lay a secret room with a relatively simple layout. Several luminous soul guidance devices, shaped like night pearls, were inlaid on the wall, illuminating the entire room with a soft, bright light akin to daylight.
In the center stood a simple sandalwood table, upon which lay documents comparable to those on desks outside.
She sat down and tapped the sandalwood table a few times. Soon, a deep and rich voice resonated through the secret room.
"Young Master." A sturdy man wearing barbed golden armor, resembling a Porcupinefish, stepped out from the shadows. It was the Porcupinefish Douluo.
The Porcupinefish Douluo bowed slightly, his demeanor respectful.
Qian Renxue looked up at him, cold light flashing in her eyes before it transformed into peace. "When we entered the city just now, did you notice anything unusual? Especially regarding the induction of powerful martial souls?"
Hearing this, the Porcupinefish Douluo paused, contemplating for a moment before shaking his head. "Young Master, I didn't detect any abnormal fluctuations."
"But I sensed the induction of martial soul resonance."
"Martial soul resonance? How is this possible?!" The Porcupinefish Douluo was momentarily speechless, his face reflecting surprise.
"Young Master, martial soul resonance usually occurs between soul masters with compatible martial souls or deep connections. It often manifests during battles or training. In this bustling city, where people come and go and their martial souls are varied, how could there be a sudden resonance now?" the Porcupinefish Douluo queried in confusion.
Qian Renxue shook her head gently. "I am certain that the feeling was strong and real as if something was calling me. When I tried to delve deeper into it, the other party actively severed the resonance. This proves his existence and indicates that he wishes to remain hidden."
"Heh." Qian Renxue chuckled softly. "Not wanting to be exposed to the imperial family suggests that he is still inexperienced and lacks a rich background. However, it also indicates that he may not want to associate with the imperial family of Heaven Dou nobles.
This is a genius who has been wandering outside. He is destined to join my Spirit Hall; he should be brought into my sect."
Her jade finger tapped lightly on the table, and her gaze sharpened. "Porcupinefish Douluo, you must immediately arrange for people to search secretly for this mysterious soul master who can resonate with my martial soul.
Compile a list of everyone present on that street today, whether they are soul masters or civilians. Note their names and actions, marking any suspicious individuals, to be presented to me."
"Remember, exercise caution in your actions and do not alert the enemy. Since he could actively cut off the resonance, he demonstrated significant strength and vigilance. We at the Spirit Hall have always acted overtly, but for such gifted individuals, we must also employ extraordinary means," Qian Renxue's voice conveyed her authority.
"Our Spirit Hall has risen from humble beginnings. Commoners can produce noble offspring. Geniuses do not concern themselves with their origins. This person can resonate with me; perhaps he is destined for greatness. He could help our Spirit Hall reach a higher level in the future."
"Yes, Young Master."
The Porcupinefish Douluo acquiesced but could not help expressing concern inwardly. The Young Master's desire to recruit geniuses was misguided. When she saw talent, her intention to recruit it was uncontainable.
He remembered how Qian Renxue had pursued a minor family several times before reaching an agreement.
With a flash, the Porcupinefish Douluo departed.
Qian Renxue remained at the sandalwood table, staring vacantly at the documents before her. After a while, she picked up one of the papers and began to read it.
She furrowed her brow as she set the document down, sighing deeply. "This kind of life… I'm becoming a bit tired of it."
Gently rubbing her temples, the day she left the Spirit Hall resurfaced in her mind.
She had taken the initiative to accept the mission of undercover work in the Heaven Dou Empire while Bibi Dong sat high upon the Pope's throne, holding the Pope's scepter. In her gaze, there was not a glimmer of emotion.
No encouragement, no concern—only an abyssal calm.
"Bang——"
Qian Renxue opened her eyes and struck the sandalwood table with a dull thud.
Her silver teeth clenched. "Sister? Humph, what a good sister. I will see this through to the end. What kind of absurd notion of the Pope's position is worth your attention?"
"Hu——"
She took a deep breath and returned her focus to the documents on the table. "Just wait, my dear sister."
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(End of this chapter)