She quickly composed herself, but inwardly, she was impressed.
'A soul core… in this era?'
That required not just strength, but an extraordinary level of insight, patience, and risk tolerance.
Dugu Bo continued, a rare gleam of pride in his eyes. "The moment the soul core took shape, my soul power surged. I'm at Level 94 now."
Qian Renxue nodded silently, mentally noting the advancement.
'A soul core works like an additional engine, she thought. It continuously absorbs soul power from the surrounding world, keeping the cultivator in a constant state of low-level absorption. It's like meditating 24 hours a day, without rest. And for someone like Dugu Bo, who already had immense power and foundation... this truly elevated him.'
At that moment, Wu Meng returned, leading a small group of maids who set down trays of steaming tea and delicate snacks. The fragrant aroma of roasted oolong filled the room.
They left the room after distributing the snacks.
Qian Renxue raised the teacup to her lips, taking a slow sip before setting it down gently.
"It's a very good news," she said with a smile. "But tell me, why did you come in person?"
Dugu Bo's smile faded. His expression turned serious as he reached into his space soul guide and retrieved a thin booklet wrapped in protective silk. He set it down before her with great care.
"All of my insights and experiences during the soul core formation process are recorded in this book," he said solemnly. "I wanted to offer this to you."
Qian Renxue looked at the worn booklet. Her gaze lingered for a moment, then she gently pushed it back.
"This is useless to me," she said calmly. "Give it to the Elders.."
But Dugu Bo didn't budge. "Young Master," he said, his voice firm, "if not for your guidance, your insights, and your suggestions regarding soul core theory, I would never have reached this stage. No matter how little you think of it, I owe you everything."
Qian Renxue chuckled softly and shook her head. "I'll pass on the book, but you can repay me in another way."
Dugu Bo leaned forward, attentive.
"I need you to do something for me," Qian Renxue said.
He nodded. "Anything."
"Do you have a soul guide capable of housing living beings?"
"Yes," Dugu Bo answered immediately. "I have named it Ruyi Treasure bag."
"Good." Qian Renxue rose from her seat and walked toward a tall wooden cabinet tucked neatly into the corner of the room. She opened it, scanning through the meticulously arranged books before selecting two thin volumes.
Returning to Dugu Bo, she flipped one open, an illustrated encyclopedia of soul beast habitats.
She turned a few pages until her slender finger tapped a specific image.
Qian Renxue's gaze was calm but firm. "I want you to capture one of these for me, alive. Can you do it?"
Dugu Bo stared at the creature's depiction. A faint gleam passed through his eye, and a twisted smile curled his lips.
"Capture, not kill?" he asked.
"Exactly."
Dugu Bo nodded, but asked with a hint of concern in his voice, "What age should the Soul Beast be?"
Qian Renxue glanced at the image again before replying with measured calm, "Try to keep it below 5,000 years."
Just as Dugu Bo was about to turn, she opened another book and pointed to a specific item, drawn on it.
She said simply, "And also bring this to me. The higher the age, the better."
Dugu Bo's expression turned stiff. He stared at the page, and for a moment, his usual arrogance faded.
"Young Master… this thing… it's not suitable for you."
There was caution in his voice, even a hint of alarm.
But Qian Renxue's golden eyes met his firmly. "Dugu Bo, I'm not asking for your judgment. I'm asking for your cooperation. These two things, and only these, I ask in return for not taking the cultivation booklet."
She paused, her voice steady and low. "And… Grandfather or any other Elder should not know anything about this."
The room grew silent.
The Poison Douluo's expression twisted in discomfort. His loyalty to her warred with his instinct for caution. But in the end, he ground his teeth, pulled the booklet from her table, and pushed it back toward her.
"Then take this too," he muttered. "I'll bring everything you need."
Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow, amused by the reluctant generosity. Still, she accepted the book with a faint smile. "I'll be waiting."
Dugu Bo bowed and turned, walking out of the room with heavy, resolute steps.
...
In the Spirit Sea
Tianmeng, who had been eavesdropping lazily from the side, now floated closer with narrowed eyes.
"Hey," the lazy worm asked suspiciously, "Why did you ask for those things? And what if he goes and report to your grandfather?"
Qian Renxue waved her hand as if brushing away dust. "I'm testing his loyalty."
Electrolux opened his eyes in the background, the calm waves of the mental sea rippling slightly. He and Tianmeng exchanged a glance, both visibly puzzled.
She smiled knowingly.
"Even if he does tell Grandfather," she said, "there's no real loss. I've already decided that the fourth soul ring will follow the Soul Beast , that is truly considered ideal by the Qian family.'
' If Grand father knows then, I will have that as my third soul ring. It's just that if I cannot get the soul ring from that specific soul beast,as my third soul ring, I will have to make a plan about taking it as my fourth ring. It's just some of my plans might get delayed."
Tianmeng frowned. "Then why for that soul beast, it is very common?"
Qian Renxue's eyes gleamed like gold under sunlight. "Because the soul skills it might grant might become very useful"
She turned her gaze , but in her mind her thoughts were
'…my Telepathist powers are nearly digested. I can feel the clarity.'