General POV
Qian Renxue stood at the edge of the Elder's Hall balcony, her figure still stealthy, if one did not concentrate they will ignore her figure. However, her violet eyes dim with contemplation. A dull ache throbbed behind her temples as she was using the Telepathist ability for a long time. She pressed her fingers to her forehead .
'Did he really have to monologue that much in his head?' she thought bitterly, as the echoes of Lin Yuan's surface thoughts finally settled.
Moments ago, she'd delved into his emotions using Emotion Sensor, then followed up with the Telepathist's mental read and what she uncovered was... absurd.
A reincarnated Earthling and that also with a System.
Who wanted to contract "goddess-level beauties" and had her, Qian Renxue, as his top target.
'Trash novel nonsense turned real. Just great.'
She sighed deeply, the weight of knowledge causing a heavy shadow to cross her youthful face.
'Still… it's good I caught this early.'
She began pacing slowly inside her room, the heels of her shoes clicking against the polished marble floor.
'A "Goddess Contract System"… how ridiculousas well as … dangerous. That kind of power, even if comedic in design, might have real-world effects. Especially if it can tamper with fate and destiny.'
Her expression turned cold.
'And I don't even know if that system has detected me reading his thoughts… If it did, it might already be preparing a countermeasure. System types almost always have failsafes.'
She stopped walking.
'Killing him now is not an option. Not until I know more about the system's capabilities…'
Her brows furrowed, and she inhaled deeply, reining in her spiritual fluctuations.
'No rash moves. Not now.'
She turned toward the bell-rope beside her door and rang it lightly. Within seconds, her maid, Wu Meng, appeared, quiet and dutiful as always.
"Young Master?" the maid asked, lowering her head.
Qian Renxue spoke without hesitation. "Call Uncle Ci Xue and She Long. Tell them it's urgent."
Wu Meng bowed immediately. "Yes, Young Master."
She disappeared quickly through the corridor.
As the door closed behind her, Qian Renxue leaned against her desk and whispered under her breath:
"…A reincarnator with a system...."
Qian Renxue bit her nails, an uncharacteristically anxious gesture, as her mind spun through possibilities. The tension had rooted deep within her since reading Lin Yuan's surface thoughts.
'System users are unpredictable and dumb… but this one's has a little brain. That makes him more dangerous He was smart enough to make an excuse by relying on the familiar Martial Spirit, that he is Bibi Dong's relative.'
Just as she was preparing her mental script for the next step, a steady pair of footsteps echoed from outside the corridor. She looked up as the door opened.
Two men entered with disciplined strides.
Ci Xue stepped in first. His long, flaxen blonde hair was tied behind his back, giving him an air of faded nobility. His Martial soul was a Procupine-fish.He wore overly large robes, not because they were unfitting. His eyes were half-lidded and relaxed , but that only made his strikes look more terrifying when the time came.
Beside him was She Long. Nearly two meters tall, his presence was like a poised spear, just like his martial soul Snake Lance which was clean, powerful, and unyielding. His white, spiked hair gave him a wild, storm-washed appearance, and the sharpness in his gaze mirrored the aura of someone who had lived a hundred battles. Where Ci Xue was hidden danger, She Long was open, overwhelming threat.
Both men had broken through to Titled Douluo, currently stabilized around Rank 92. Their breakthroughs were partially thanks to the high-grade herbs Qian Renxue had granted them from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Ever since then, they had pledged their loyalty, and wanted to protect her and be her shadow guards. Even her grandfather approved of this.
Qian Renxue rose from her seat and met their gazes with a quiet nod. "Uncle Ci Xue, Uncle She Long… I have something I want you to do for me."
Ci Xue smiled gently. "Of course, Young Master."
She Long gave a short nod. "As Young Master commands."
Without waiting, Qian Renxue turned and exited the room. Her golden hair shimmered like a waterfall in the hallway's light.
Ci Xue and She Long followed silently, flanking her with the ease of practiced shadows.
As they walked, she spoke without turning her head.
"There's a person I want you to keep at least ten meters away from me at all times."
The two Douluos exchanged glances briefly. They didn't question her decision.
Ci Xue's tone remained light. "Does this person pose a threat?"
Qian Renxue replied coldly, "Potentially. But don't engage… unless he crosses that line. Just restrict him."
She Long's gaze sharpened. "Understood."
Moments later they heard a noise of commotion, as they descended.
Ci Xue with a small frown creasing his usually languid features said "It's coming from the main entrance. One of the guards caught a boy trying to sneak in …."
Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes.
'Lin Yuan.'
Her footsteps quickened as they approached the source of the noise.
Down the corridor and past a row of stone pillars, they reached the arched hallway that overlooked the great staircase leading to the main doors. Several guards had formed a circle. At the center was a disheveled boy, dirt-stained, barefoot, and trembling with a mixture of indignation and panic.