She will hunt the Brain Devouring Orangutan for the second soul ring one way or other.
Her decision already set.
'Auxiliary-type soul skills may seem weak at first, but they're the perfect match for a late-game path like mine. I don't need flashy attacks that become obsolete later. I need tools ones that scale with the rules, not brute force.'
Qian Renxue's eyes gleamed like ice in sunlight.
'Afterall I'm not building strength for today. I'm preparing to challenge gods.'
....
Spirit City – A Few Days Later
The Great Spirit Arena of Spirit City was alive no, it was roaring with noise.
The entire structure was a towering monument of stone, steel, and spirit-conducting crystal, with stands that could seat thousands in concentric circles around a vast central arena. Cries of excitement, groans of loss, the frenzied chants of gamblers, and the jeers of spectators all blended into a chaotic symphony of bloodlust and commerce.
Trumpets blared occasionally from higher decks, announcing special matches or strong soul masters appearances. Vendors weaved between rows hawking hot meat skewers, roasted corn, or sugar-crusted lotus seed pastries. Betting stalls clanged with coins as odds were shouted and spirit coins exchanged hands faster than most could follow. The very air was thick with spirit power fluctuations and the electric scent of adrenaline.
And amid all this noise, a carriage pulled up silently.
Its exterior was plain low-profile, lacquered in a muted obsidian hue. But the symbol it bore shattered any illusion of simplicity.
A golden six-pointed star, with a central flame burning in intricate relief, gleamed on the side panel.
The guards at the outer gate , had their postures stiffened like rods after they saw the carriage. It was the crest of Spirit Hall.
The true rulers of Spirit City. The silent overlords of the entire continent.
The coachman, seated upright and still, emanated power. His cultivation was unmistakably Soul King level. Just his presence made the already respectful guards straighten further.
The door opened with a soft click, and a mature young woman in Spirit Hall robes stepped down. She too had the aura of a Soul King, but she did not act superior.
She turned toward the carriage door and respectfully said, "Miss, we've arrived."
From within stepped a young girl, no more than six, yet already unnaturally beautiful.
Golden-blonde hair cascaded like silk down her back, and her violet eyes strange and entrancing surveyed the arena gates with calm, practiced ease.
This was Qian Renxue.
The guards did not blink. They had seen her here before.
Despite her age, the "young miss" of Spirit Hall had visited the Great Spirit Arena multiple times. And every time, she had shown a particular interest not in the fights themselves, but in the spirit beasts.
Yes, while the main events were ranked battles between soul masters, the Spirit Arena also hosted exhibitions: battles between captured soul beasts, or contests between soul masters and beasts. Brutal, yes. Bloody, absolutely. But the commoners loved it. And for Spirit Arena, it was lucrative.
One of the guards, his forehead still beaded with sweat from the earlier tension, offered a crisp salute. "Miss, you've graced us again. Here to see the new exotic spirit beasts?"
Qian Renxue nodded slightly. "Yes."
Her tone was soft, but carried a cool authority. She didn't need to speak loudly to be heard.
The guard had just lowered his salute when a hearty, booming laugh echoed from deeper inside.
"Hahaha! Little Renxue is back at the arena again!"
From behind the inner gate emerged a middle-aged man with thick sideburns of grey, dressed not extravagantly but in robes made of fine material—modest yet undoubtedly expensive. His eyes twinkled with warmth, and he carried himself with the air of someone used to dealing with power.
Manager Wang.
A long-standing steward of the Spirit Arena, who manage the arena's operations in Spirit City.
Qian Renxue offered a curt, graceful curtsy, gently lifting the hem of her pale gold skirt with dainty hands.
"I should be thanking you for your continued hospitality, Manager Wang."
Her voice was light, her words clear and refined practiced. In recent weeks, she'd been subjected to lessons on etiquette, music, chivalry, and poetry. Qian Daoliu claimed these were necessary to help her "cultivate discipline and serenity of mind."
To Qian Renxue, it was a charade. A farce to mask the storm beneath the surface.
But she played the part, like a good grand daughter who obeyed her Grandfather.
Manager Wang laughed and bowed slightly in return. "How could we not be honored by your presence? Please, allow me to escort you to the inner viewing hall. We've recently captured several rare spirit beasts from the Star Dou forest. One of them is quite… unique, just like the one you had mentioned"
She gave a faint nod, and followed Manager Wang deeper into the heart of the arena, her golden hair gleaming under the colored crystal lights, her violet eyes steady and unblinking.
"I came here because I received information that you've captured a rare beast."
Qian Renxue's voice was calm, measured. But her words carried the weight of command, an authority too refined for her age.
Manager Wang, unfazed on the surface, let out another boisterous laugh. "Hahaha! Little Friend is still all business, I see. So eager for exotic beasts that she won't even spare this old man a few words of conversation?"
Renxue gave him a glance from the corner of her violet eyes, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at her lips. "I think you'll be more interested in the gold coins I give you after satisfying my curiosity."
Manager Wang's laugh faltered just slightly. He coughed twice, chuckled again awkwardly, and waved his hand. "Yes, yes, of course. Straight to business, then! This way."
He led her down a narrower corridor away from the noise of the main arena, deeper into the restricted holdings, where rare spirit beasts were caged and held in reinforced enclosures. The passage was lit with faint soul lamps embedded in the wall, casting long shadows as the two walked in silence, flanked by two quiet guards.
Finally, they reached a large reinforced room sealed with thick crystal-steel bars . Inside, the creature sat quietly, unmoving, like a statue.
A low hum of tension filled the air.
Qian Renxue's gaze sharpened the moment she laid eyes on it.
The beast was and muscular, with thick black fur covering most of its body, giving it a shadowy, unkempt appearance. Its limbs were long and powerful, especially the forearms—built for ripping, grabbing, or climbing. But the most striking feature was not its build.
It was the golden third eye glistening like a gemstone in the center of its forehead.