Yu Luomian stood on the steps, watching their backs vanish into the distance. His eyes were narrowed to slits, a cold gleam within them.
'It seems… I will have to speak with Elder Brother directly. If an organization bold enough to kill in our presence has begun moving, the Three Great Clans must set aside their differences. Whatever this Hidden Organisation truly is… it is not an enemy we can afford to face divided.'
Turning on his heel, he stepped back inside, mind already cycling through strategies and possible alliances. He barely spared a glance for the guard standing at the branch gate.
That guard, a tall, wiry man with a strangely serene smile, was leaning casually against the post, humming to himself. The tune was low, almost soothing, yet carried a strange hum that made the words cling to the ear:
She walks the void none else dare face,
Through dreaming tides her thoughts do roam,
Where lost hopes sleep, she makes her home.
She weaves the past with future seams,
A queen of memories and dreams.
The melody floated after Yu Luomian like mist, he didn't recognize the song. In his deep thoughts he ignored it and went back inside.
---
A month later.
Inside a lavish lounge of Heaven Dou City's Spirit Arena, chandeliers of polished crystal hung high above, casting a warm glow that reflected off the polished marble floors. Velvet curtains embroidered with golden threads framed tall glass windows, through which any wealthy patron can recline on carved wooden chairs upholstered in fine silk while sipping wine. However, at this moment, the entire lobby was currently occupied by two people.
Qian Renxue, sat by the window with an expression of calm indifference. Yet her eyes, cold and sharp, were focused on the match taking place in the pit beneath.
Without turning, she asked lightly, "Has Lu Ping awakened his martial soul?"
Ghost Douluo, standing with his hands behind his back like a silent shadow, inclined his head. His voice was low but respectful, tinged with the faintest trace of satisfaction.
"Yes, Young Master. Bishop Salas personally presided over his awakening today."
Her golden brows lifted slightly, a flicker of curiosity passing over her usually serene features.
Ghost Douluo continued, as if pleased by the development. "His martial soul mutated. His father's was but a simple hound. Yet he awakened a Fire Hound, blazing with scarlet flames, and… he possesses innate soul power of Level 8."
For a moment there was silence, as Qian Renxue said nothing. Her gaze remained fixed on the arena below, where two figures clashed in front of a roaring crowd.
But inwardly, she was recalling the day she brought an almost dying person from that burned house . Survival under such conditions—the boy had clung to life for two days with a raging fever before a healer arrived, refusing to let death claim him.
'When one possesses such a will to live… even Death itself must step aside.'
Her lips curved faintly, almost imperceptibly.
Below, the clash of spirit power shook the stage. A weapon soul master wielding a long spear moved with sharp precision, his martial soul giving him reach and speed. His opponent, a beast soul master with the thick frame of a bear, growled as his muscles bulged with spirit power. Sparks of light burst every time spear tip and claw collided.
The bear soul master suddenly shifted, using his bulk to absorb a thrust before darting in close. With brutal swiftness, his claw slammed against the spear wielder's chest, sending him sprawling.
"Boom!"
The arena floor cracked under the impact, dust rising. The spear master lay defeated, groaning in pain.
The bear soul master roared in triumph, throwing his arms into the air. The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices a tide of sound that echoed against the stone walls..
Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed. While others saw a victory, she was dissecting every move, replaying the battle in her mind. Her mind was constantly calculating, evaluating every potential opponent, every strength and weakness, as though she were already arranging pieces on a chessboard only she could see.
Amidst the thunderous cheers of the audience, Ghost Douluo's solemn words finally faded into silence. Qian Renxue's lips curved slightly into a smile.
The old Douluo, whose senses were as sharp as his ghostly arts, could not help but pause. That smile, was it the joy of knowing about Lu Ping's extraordinary talent? Or was it satisfaction born from the ferocity of the battle she had just witnessed? He could not tell.
A flicker of confusion crossed his eyes.
'Young Master… it is becoming harder and harder to read your heart.'
Just as Ghost Douluo's thoughts lingered, Qian Renxue moved gracefully, her every action deliberate and refined. From her space soul guide, she drew out a small jade box. The surface of the box shone faintly with an emerald luster, carrying with it a faint medicinal fragrance that made one's mind feel refreshed.
She turned her gaze to Ghost Douluo, her voice calm yet commanding.
"This box contains a high-grade ginseng. Though it cannot be called an immortal herb, it is still an extremely rare treasure. Moreover, it was nurtured near the fiery half of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, allowing it to accumulate pure fire energy within. Take this to Bishop Salas and have him pass it to Lu Ping."
Ghost Douluo received the jade box with both hands, suppressing the ripple of astonishment in his heart. The weight of the box was nothing compared to the significance it carried.
----
(Author notes: This is the manipulation level of our Angel at Level 6 Beyonder. There will be a small arc in the future chapters explaining her manipulation when she was at Level 7 Beyonder, due to which Qian Daoliu had left in the middle of the journey nearing the end of Arc 2)