Tianyu walked quickly toward his room, his mind still filled with Xu Jiujiu's sudden proposal. Once he arrived, he immediately called out to Qian Renxue through their spiritual connection, seeking his teacher's advice.
"Sister Xue, what do you think... should I accept her offer?" Tianyu looked at the spirit image of Qian Renxue, his eyes full of doubt.
Qian Renxue smiled gently. "That depends on you, Tianyu. Over the past four months, although I can't guarantee it with absolute certainty, I've seen that Xu Jiujiu is genuinely kind. She might have some hidden intentions, but again, the final decision is yours. If you're uncomfortable with the engagement, you can make a different agreement to save Huo Yunxi and her mother."
Tianyu let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Sister Xue. After talking to you, I finally know the answer I need to give Sister Jiujiu tomorrow."
"It's a teacher's duty to guide their student," Qian Renxue said warmly. "By the way, don't slack off on your training."
"I'm not slacking off, but since my soul power has reached the bottleneck of level 20, my meditation feels useless. Sister Xue, why don't we let the Eclipsed Seraph Martial Soul absorb a soul ring instead? Wouldn't that be faster than waiting for me to condense a ring for the Golden Dragon King Martial Soul?"
Qian Renxue shook her head. "There's a specific reason, Tianyu. Since the Golden Dragon King Martial Soul's soul rings grow according to your physical fitness, I don't want your Eclipsed Seraph to waste its potential by absorbing soul rings too early. Wait until you can withstand a soul ring that's hundreds of thousands of years old—then we'll match one to your Eclipsed Seraph."
"Besides, your meditation isn't wasted. When facing a bottleneck, the heavenly and earthly energy you absorb still accumulates as soul power. Even if it's not visible now, once you break through the bottleneck, that accumulation will push your level even higher. So keep training."
Tianyu nodded, his resolve growing firmer. "I understand. I won't give up."
The next day, Tianyu met Xu Jiujiu with a clear answer.
"I agree to the terms," he said firmly. "This engagement is temporary—only to protect Huo Yunxi. And once I'm strong enough, we'll revisit this bond."
Xu Jiujiu smiled, her eyes sparkling. "That's not a bad deal. I agree." She was confident she could make Tianyu fall in love with her once he became her fiancé.
Tianyu let out a breath of relief before asking, "So, are we really going to hunt soul beasts today?"
"Of course," Xu Jiujiu replied, pointing outside. "I've already prepared a special carriage. Don't worry about the academy—I've taken care of our permissions."
"All right, but let me get ready first." Tianyu immediately headed to the kitchen. Carefully, he ordered various long-lasting dishes that could be taken on a long journey. "Please make as much food as possible. I don't want to starve in the forest."
The chefs worked hard to fulfill his unusual request. Although it seemed excessive, Tianyu had a strong reason. The experience of condensing his first soul ring had nearly caused him to faint from extreme hunger. This time, I must be fully prepared, he resolved.
Skillfully, he stored all the food in a special storage space within his spatial ring. Once he was confident that everything was ready, he returned to Xu Jiujiu.
"I'm ready," Tianyu said, his face full of determination. "We can leave now."
Xu Jiujiu nodded in satisfaction and led the way to the luxurious carriage that was already waiting. Her status as an imperial princess was evident in the extravagant carriage pulled by four rare silver-maned horses, with the imperial family's crest proudly displayed on its doors.
Beside the carriage stood a middle-aged man with a stern expression. Tianyu immediately sensed strong soul power fluctuations from him—at least a level-80 Spirit Douluo. Soul Masters of such level were typically important guards in the empire, yet here he was, assigned just to escort Xu Jiujiu for a soul beast hunt.
The Emperor really dotes on Xu Jiujiu, Tianyu thought. Or maybe… there's another reason?
"Tianyu, let me introduce you to Master Li, one of the palace guards," Xu Jiujiu said politely.
Master Li gave Tianyu a brief nod, his eyes scanning the young boy with suspicion. "Princess, is this the child we're assisting in obtaining a soul ring?"
"Yes, Master Li. Tianyu is… my fiancé," Xu Jiujiu replied with a sweet smile, stunning Master Li.
Tianyu nearly choked on air upon hearing the announcement but managed to keep his reaction in check. He simply nodded respectfully at Master Li.
The three of them then boarded the luxurious carriage, which was even more spacious inside than it appeared from the outside. It was furnished with silk cushions and a small table laden with snacks. The carriage began moving away from the academy, heading toward the royal hunting forest. This hunting ground was specifically designed for the imperial family and only contained soul beasts suitable for producing soul rings compatible with their Martial Soul, the Star Crown.
The Star Crown was a tool-type Martial Soul with incredibly powerful support attack capabilities. Its power far exceeded that of ordinary Martial Souls—so much so that even some Martial Souls of the same rank couldn't compare. However, to unlock its full potential, its wielder had to train extremely hard.
During the journey, Xu Jiujiu explained their plan. "We're heading to the eastern part of the hunting forest. According to the reports, there's a soul beast around 1,900 years old that's suitable to become the third soul ring for my Martial Soul."
Tianyu nodded as he listened, but soon Xu Jiujiu's attention shifted to the old sword hanging at his waist. She looked at it with curiosity.
"Why are you carrying that old sword?" she asked. "Are you short on money to get a new one? If you want, I can order you a far better one."
Tianyu gave a faint smile and shook his head. "It's not about money. This sword is a family heirloom. My mother gave it to me before we parted ways."
Of course, Tianyu couldn't reveal that the sword was actually the divine sword of the angel god Qian Renxue. Whether Xu Jiujiu would believe him or not, it was a secret not yet ready to be exposed.
Xu Jiujiu didn't press the matter further. She just stared at the old sword for a moment before turning her gaze to the window.