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Inside a secret chamber of the Eastern Palace, within the Heaven Dou Imperial City.
Qian Renxue recalled the moment she adjusted Ye Lan's collar, and her snow-white skin instantly flushed, growing scorching hot.
Little Xue, how could you be so audacious!
In the eyes of others, would it seem strange for 'Xue Qinghe' to be tidying Ye Lan's collar?
I was so rough with my hands today; will Ye Lan think I'm clumsy?
Thinking of the many girls surrounding Ye Lan, Qian Renxue grabbed a tattered rag doll and began kneading it relentlessly, muttering incessantly under her breath:
"You wretched Ye Lan!"
"You philandering Ye Lan!"
"What's so great about Ye Lan anyway?"
"Why do all of you have to cling to Ye Lan's side!"
"Even Rongrong has fallen for him!"
"Is the reason Rongrong is so well-behaved now because of Ye Lan's influence?"
The faces of Dugu Yan, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing flashed through her mind. Qian Renxue flipped herself over on the soft bed, then quickly scrambled towards her dressing table.
Before she had even settled properly into her seat, Qian Renxue hastily began examining her reflection in the mirror.
The mirror shimmered brightly, reflecting her smooth, silky, light-golden hair that resembled fine gauze.
Qian Renxue repeatedly used her hands to style her golden bangs.
For the first time, she felt such immense satisfaction with her own hair, all because Ye Lan's hair was also golden.
After arranging her bangs, Qian Renxue started to turn left and right, continuously scrutinizing her own facial features.
Delicate eyebrows, a fine nose, cherry-like lips, and skin whiter than snow.
Would Ye Lan find this version of Qian Renxue attractive?
After a long while, for the very first time, Qian Renxue felt a lack of confidence in her own appearance.
She was somewhat afraid that she wasn't the type of person Ye Lan would like.
After all, her chest wasn't as large as Dugu Yan's.
After all, she wasn't as obedient and gentle as Zhu Zhuqing.
After all, she wasn't as adorable as Rongrong.
Qian Renxue sat primly before the gilded dressing table and finally began to apply her makeup with meticulous care.
Qian Renxue had decided to meet a certain person in her most perfect state. She wanted to show that woman that Qian Renxue could live perfectly well without her.
A long time passed.
After expending a tremendous amount of effort, Qian Renxue finally completed her own unique and exquisite makeup.
In the mirrored world, her flawless face gained a sharper edge, making Qian Renxue look like a living 'Seraphim God.'
"Uncle Yu, is everything prepared?"
The Snake Lance Douluo emerged from the shadows and spoke, "Young Master, everything is ready!"
"For the sake of Ye Lan, is it truly worth letting so many years of painstaking effort go down the drain, Young Master?"
"Uncle Yu, it is not solely for Ye Lan."
"It is, even more so, for myself. The 'Heaven Stealing Plan' has consumed far too much of my time."
"After all these years, I have almost forgotten that I am Qian Renxue."
"From Ye Lan, I have come to understand many principles!"
"To become a king, relying solely on conspiracies and schemes is useless!"
"A king has always acted with integrity and honor."
"Although I still don't fully understand what everyone is hoping for."
"But regardless of what the people's expectations are, to realize them, my strength must be sufficient to clear away any and all obstacles!"
"If my power were on par with our ancestor, the first Seraphim God, what need would there be for any 'Heaven Stealing Plan'!"
"The Young Master is wise!"
The Snake Lance Douluo was greatly relieved to see that Qian Renxue had rediscovered her true self.
Qian Renxue added, "Besides, Xiao Qin has been with me for so long. Letting her take my place to execute the 'Heaven Stealing Plan' will not result in any mishaps. Even if the plan ultimately fails, Spirit Hall will suffer no significant losses."
"The Young Master's words are correct. The 'Heaven Stealing Plan' is, after all, only a secondary matter."
"The true core of Spirit Hall has always been the Young Master alone."
"Abandoning all other plans in exchange for the Young Master's future is a worthy trade!" said the Snake Lance Douluo.
Qian Renxue declared, "If everything is prepared, then let us depart! We will return to the Spirit Holy Temple! To see Grandfather and also the Supreme Pontiff, Bibi Dong!"
Hearing that Qian Renxue intended to see Bibi Dong, the Snake Lance Douluo sighed inwardly.
He did not understand why Her Majesty the Supreme Pontiff treated the Young Master with such indifference, causing the Young Master to take many wrong turns.
If the Young Master had grown up normally, she would probably be a Spirit Sage by now, wouldn't she?
Douluo Palace!!
Before the statue of the Seraphim, a man who appeared to be in his thirties or forties sat in quiet meditation.
The man's build was not particularly robust. He was dressed in a simple, plain black robe, his black hair neatly combed and cascading over his shoulders.
The man was exceptionally handsome, with a faint, gentle smile on his face. His calm and serene demeanor put others at ease.
This man before the Seraphim statue was the true master of Spirit Hall, the level ninety-nine Limit Douluo, Qian Daoliu!
Click!
Click!
Click!
The sound of high heels striking the ground echoed continuously throughout the hall.
Qian Daoliu roused himself from his devout meditation, turned his head, and looked back.
"Little Xue?!" Qian Daoliu exclaimed, his face filled with pleasant surprise.
"Grandfather, it's me! I've returned!" Qian Renxue threw herself into Qian Daoliu's arms.
She truly hadn't seen her grandfather in a very long time!
Qian Daoliu stroked Qian Renxue's head and asked, "How did Little Xue find the time to come visit Grandfather? What is the situation over in Heaven Dou?"
Although Qian Renxue had already resolved to abandon the 'Heaven Stealing Plan.'
The thought of so many years of effort being utterly wasted still caused her a measure of pain.
Presumably, when that woman finds out I've given up the plan I've been executing for so many years, she will surely laugh at me, won't she?
"Grandfather, I have fully entrusted the 'Heaven Stealing Plan' to my personal handmaiden, 'Xiao Qin.' As for the disguise spirit bone, I have asked Uncle Ci to prepare it for 'Xiao Qin'," Qian Renxue said, a hint of dejection in her voice.
When Qian Daoliu heard that Qian Renxue planned to abandon the 'Heaven Stealing Plan,' he was not angry but instead delighted.
The "Heaven Stealing Plan" not only made it so he couldn't see his Little Xue for years at a time, but it also severely hampered her cultivation talent.
Through their recent contact, Qian Daoliu had already learned that Qian Renxue was currently only a level 62 Spirit Emperor.
Although she had long since broken the so-called record for the youngest Spirit Emperor on the continent, for Little Xue, with her innate twenty levels of spirit power, reaching the rank of Spirit Emperor at twenty-one years old was still not impressive enough.
Qian Daoliu did not mention the matter of Qian Renxue's lagging cultivation progress, but instead offered comfort:
"This is for the best. Xiao Qin is extremely intelligent; I feel at ease entrusting the 'Heaven Stealing Plan' to her."
"Little Xue, you can finally be yourself again! It must have been exhausting being 'Xue Qinghe' all these years, hasn't it?"
Qian Renxue felt a pang of sadness, but still she said, "Grandfather, Little Xue is not tired."
"In a few days, just explain to your mother, Bibi Dong, that you've given up the 'Heaven Stealing Plan.'"
"I will dispatch another Elder to protect 'Xiao Qin' and to ensure the plan proceeds smoothly."
"That woman is not my mother!" Qian Renxue said anxiously.
"Alas, Bibi Dong has her own difficulties." Qian Daoliu thought of his son, Qian Renxue's father, and the despicable thing he had done.
He found it somewhat difficult to tell Qian Renxue plainly why Bibi Dong was so indifferent towards her.
Qian Renxue's mind filled with memories of every time she had sought out Bibi Dong with anticipation, only to be met with cold indifference.
Tears streamed down Qian Renxue's face as she said, "No matter what her difficulties are, they are not an excuse for her neglect! Bibi Dong is not worthy of being my mother!"
Qian Daoliu looked at Qian Renxue with a pained heart and changed the subject, "Little Xue, why the sudden decision to abandon the 'Heaven Stealing Plan'?"
Qian Renxue wiped her reddened eyes and was just about to state her reason.
But then, the thought of having to mention Ye Lan to her grandfather made Qian Renxue's cheeks turn crimson.
Seeing the tips of Qian Renxue's ears turn red, Qian Daoliu laughed heartily, "Hahahaha, Little Xue has truly grown up!"
"Is Little Xue too embarrassed to say it? It's because of Ye Lan, isn't it?"
Qian Renxue was astonished, "Grandfather, how did you know..."
Qian Daoliu said, "Although I have never left Douluo Palace, I still pay close attention to news about you."
"Snake Lance and Porpoise have recently reported to me about Ye Lan and your interactions."
"It has been a long time since I've encountered a Spirit Master as interesting as Ye Lan."
"He once discussed with you what it means to be a king. I very much agree with his understanding!"
"Our ancestor, the first Seraphim God, saved countless people who were displaced by darkness. At that time, he was the true 'King' of the Douluo Continent."
"Back then, it only took our ancestor a mere one hundred years to ascend to godhood."
"You must know that the Sea God, who is also a primary god, took thousands of years."
"If you wish to find the path of a modern-day 'King,' then Little Xue, you should boldly pursue it!"
"Grandfather will always support you!"
"Mm!" Qian Renxue nodded.
"Grandfather, what are your thoughts on Ye Lan?" Qian Renxue asked curiously.
"As long as you like him, I will support you. Even if Ye Lan cannot awaken his innate spirit power, I will still support you."
"We in Spirit Hall do not lack geniuses. Any talent pales in comparison to the innate twenty levels of the 'Seraphim.'"
Qian Daoliu thought of the tragedy that had occurred decades ago; he did not want Qian Renxue to repeat the same mistakes.
"Thank you, Grandfather. Actually, Ye Lan isn't as bad as you think," Qian Renxue defended Ye Lan.
Qian Daoliu assumed this was a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder and smiled, "Grandfather readily acknowledges young Ye Lan's combat prowess. His fighting ability is no worse than mine was back in the day."
Qian Renxue nodded furiously, extremely happy that her grandfather was praising Ye Lan.
And her grandfather wasn't giving empty praise; she had already heard from the three elders of the academy's disciplinary committee about Ye Lan defeating the Spirit Ancestor-level Dugu Bo.
Qian Renxue continued, "Grandfather, do you know why Ye Lan's combat strength is so formidable?"
"Oh? Does Little Xue have some information that I am not aware of?" Qian Daoliu asked with curiosity.
His knowledge of Ye Lan was mostly derived from the reports of Snake Lance and Porpoise, as well as Spirit Hall's official Spirit Master file on him.
"It is because the quality of Ye Lan's spirit is the same as my 'Seraphim'!"
"What? Little Xue, do you know what you are saying? You must understand, your innate twenty-level Seraphim spirit is a talent on the same level as our ancestor, the first Seraphim God! Isn't Ye Lan a Blue Silver Grass with an innate spirit power of level three?"
"Yes, I am very certain. Because when I first came into contact with Ye Lan, my 'Seraphim' spirit produced a strong resonance with his spirit, a powerful desire to fuse."
Qian Daoliu muttered to himself, "Blue Silver Grass and Seraphim can undergo a spirit fusion? Has that young man Ye Lan received some kind of god's trial? Could it be that his Blue Silver Grass is a God-Bestowed Spirit?"
"Grandfather, what is a god's trial? What is a God-Bestowed Spirit?" Qian Renxue asked curiously.
"A god's trial is a series of tests bestowed by a deity based on the candidate's qualifications. As long as one completes the contents of the trial, they can receive rewards granted by the deity!"
"And a God-Bestowed Spirit is a divine-level spirit granted by a deity after completing a particularly high-level god's trial."
"I very much agree with Ye Lan's theory regarding the quality levels of spirits."
"Our 'Seraphim' is, in a sense, a type of God-Bestowed Spirit, except that the 'Seraphim' spirit is not bestowed by a god but is passed down through bloodline inheritance."
"In a way, this is also a reward from the 'World' itself, acknowledging the contributions of the first Seraphim God, allowing his descendants to inherit the divine-level spirit 'Seraphim' through their bloodline."
"But on the entire Douluo Continent, only the 'Seraphim' spirit is an exception. No other gods have left behind bloodline-inherited spirits."
"Even the Sea God, who ascended to godhood most recently, did not leave behind a bloodline-inherited Sea God Spirit."
"As far as I know, apart from our 'Seraphim' spirit, only the High Priestess of Sea God Island possesses a God-Bestowed Spirit, the 'Sea God.'"
Thinking of Bo Saixi, a look of reminiscence appeared on Qian Daoliu's face.
"So that's how it is. Hearing you say that, Grandfather, Ye Lan's spirit must not be a God-Bestowed Spirit then," Qian Renxue instantly deduced.
"Oh? And why do you think so, Little Xue?" Qian Daoliu said.
"Grandfather, you've fallen into a pattern of conventional thinking! Even if Ye Lan's spirit is divine-level, it doesn't necessarily mean he has participated in a god's trial!"
"What kind of god's trial would result in the participant still being only a Grand Spirit Master after completing it," Qian Renxue said with a mischievous smile.
Qian Daoliu rubbed Qian Renxue's head and chuckled, "Little Xue has certainly grown up. Now you've learned to tease your old grandfather."
Qian Renxue quickly covered her mouth.
"Grandfather is getting old. I can no longer comprehend the world of you young people."
"For the quality of a Blue Silver Grass spirit to rival the 'Seraphim' is simply too shocking. Apart from a god's trial, I truly cannot think of any other way to obtain a divine-level spirit," Qian Daoliu explained to Qian Renxue.
A thought occurred to Qian Renxue, and she suddenly spoke, "Grandfather, is it possible for a spirit fusion skill to exist where only one person can sense it?"
Qian Daoliu shook his head, "Little Xue, regardless of the spirit fusion skill, as long as a fusion is possible, both parties will definitely be able to sense the fluctuation of the spirit fusion."
What!?
Ye Lan has been able to sense the fusion resonance with my spirit all this time?
Then why would Ye Lan pretend not to know?
Could it be that Ye Lan knew from the very beginning that I wasn't Xue Qinghe?
Since Ye Lan's spirit is divine-level, then Ye Lan must know that a 'Swan' spirit could never possibly fuse with a divine-level Blue Silver Grass spirit.
Therefore, Ye Lan has always known that 'Xue Qinghe's' spirit is divine-level.
Has he known all along that 'Xue Qinghe's' identity is fake?
Violent waves surged through Qian Renxue's heart.
Seeing Qian Renxue's complicated expression, Qian Daoliu asked, "Little Xue? Is something wrong?"
"It's nothing, nothing! Grandfather, if Ye Lan and I were to perform a spirit fusion, what kind of spirit fusion skill would it be?" Qian Renxue asked with curiosity.
Qian Daoliu shook his head, "I don't know either. The 'Seraphim' is already the most supreme spirit on the Douluo Continent. If it were to fuse with another divine-level spirit, I'm afraid it would give birth to a terrifyingly powerful spirit."
"Little Xue, have you not yet performed a spirit fusion with Ye Lan?"
Qian Renxue's cheeks reddened. "No..."
In truth, it had always been a one-sided affection on her part. Ye Lan had never even seen her as 'Qian Renxue.'
Qian Renxue simply couldn't believe that Ye Lan would be fond of 'Xue Qinghe.'
Qian Renxue eagerly anticipated what Ye Lan's reaction would be if she appeared before him as 'Qian Renxue.'
"That makes sense. After all, you have always been using the identity of 'Xue Qinghe.'"
Wait? If that's the case, then Ye Lan also knows that 'Xue Qinghe's' identity is false?
Qian Daoliu instantly understood why Qian Renxue had shown such a complex expression earlier.
Qian Daoliu said, "Could it be that Ye Lan has been pretending not to know that 'Xue Qinghe' is no longer the Crown Prince?"
"Ye Lan must be keeping my identity a secret for the sake of 'Big Brother Xue.' After all, Brother Ye and I get along very well."
"On the very first day I met Ye Lan, he agreed to be a good friend to 'Xue Qinghe,' not a subordinate to the Crown Prince."
Qian Renxue began to construct a narrative in her mind, convincing herself that Ye Lan was only pretending not to know that 'Xue Qinghe' had been replaced in order to protect 'Big Brother Xue's' identity from being exposed.
Qian Daoliu pondered for a moment before speaking:
"After hearing what you've said, Grandfather is now even more in favor of you two getting together."
"Why?! Grandfather." Qian Renxue was overjoyed that her grandfather approved of them and asked curiously.
"Little Xue will understand in the future."
Qian Daoliu shook his head, casting a fond look at Qian Renxue.
He did not intend to tell Qian Renxue about the Seraphim God's trials just yet.
With her innate talent of twenty levels, Little Xue was destined to become the Seraphim God.
If the person Little Xue loved was an ordinary Spirit Master, then given her temperament, Qian Daoliu knew very well that Little Xue would be fated to live in solitude for tens of thousands of years in the future.
However, if Ye Lan's spirit was also divine-level, then the possibility of him ascending to godhood was nearly the same as Little Xue's.
If that were the case, and they both ascended to godhood, then Little Xue's future days in the God Realm would not be spent alone.
Pope's Palace.
Before the magnificent throne, a new desk had appeared, crafted from rare wood and adorned with intricate golden patterns.
Bibi Dong, dressed in simple purple attire, was engrossed in handling official documents.
Click!
Click!
Click!
The sound of high heels striking the marble floor echoed through the vast, empty hall.
Bibi Dong's shapely eyebrows furrowed slightly. Without looking up, she continued to gaze at the document and asked, "Who is it?"
Qian Renxue observed Bibi Dong's serious, focused appearance as she worked with her head lowered.
She watched Bibi Dong work in silence for a moment.
A long time passed.
Bibi Dong looked up. The golden-haired young woman before her was both familiar and strangely foreign!
"Qian Renxue?" A muscle in the corner of Bibi Dong's eye twitched slightly.
"Heh, to be recognized by Her Majesty the Supreme Pontiff, what an honor for me," Qian Renxue said with a sarcastic smile.
Hearing Qian Renxue's sarcasm, Bibi Dong's expression remained unchanged.
But Bibi Dong's consciousness trembled violently.
Kill her!
Kill Qian Renxue!!
Kill Qian Renxue!!
Kill Qian Renxue, and you will never suffer again!!
Kill Qian Renxue, and that memory will never surface again!!
Kill...
Countless whispers erupted within Bibi Dong's consciousness.
GET OUT!!!
THAT IS MY DAUGHTER, LITTLE XUE!!
Bibi Dong's rational mind began to desperately suppress her malevolent consciousness.
Externally, Bibi Dong fought back the wicked urge to release her spirit, her fingers trembling uncontrollably as she said:
"Why have you suddenly come to the Pope's Palace to find me?"
"I have handed the 'Heaven Stealing Plan' over to Xiao Qin. You can arrange for people to ensure the plan proceeds smoothly. It's also fine if you don't; Grandfather has already dispatched another Elder to the Heaven Dou Empire."
Bibi Dong looked at Qian Renxue in amazement. She couldn't believe that Qian Renxue would give up a plan she had persisted with for twelve years, just like that.
Bibi Dong suppressed the evil thoughts in her heart and asked, "Why suddenly abandon the 'Heaven Stealing Plan'? This plan is crucial to whether Spirit Hall can peacefully annex the Heaven Dou Empire."
"I'll abandon it if I want to. Are you going to control me?" Qian Renxue retorted.
"What you do is none of my business, but the Heaven Dou Empire must be annexed peacefully. I do not wish for a large number of defenseless civilians under Spirit Hall's domain to die because of war!" Bibi Dong stated.
Qian Renxue looked at Bibi Dong's earnest expression and was lost in thought for a moment.
Although Bibi Dong was a completely unqualified mother, the feeling she gave off at this moment made Qian Renxue feel that the Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall should be none other than her.
Aside from Ye Lan, she had rarely heard any Spirit Master express concern for the lives and deaths of common people.
Qian Renxue returned to her senses and did not continue the topic. Instead, she said:
"I heard that once Ye Lan reaches level thirty in his cultivation, you intend to take him as your disciple?"
"That is correct. I know Ye Lan's background and character thoroughly. He is a rare and exceptional talent!"
"After taking him as my disciple, in just a few years, I will cultivate him into the Holy Son of Spirit Hall."
Qian Renxue thought of Hu Liena, and after a moment of silence, she said:
"Holy Son? Isn't that fox you have enough? Just let that fox be cultivated as the Holy Son of Spirit Hall."
"Oh? You are interested in Ye Lan?" Bibi Dong said through gritted teeth.
Qian Renxue declared, "That's right! I'm informing you, I'm claiming Ye Lan!"
"If you want to compete with me for Ye Lan, you are more than welcome to try."
After announcing her decision to Bibi Dong, Qian Renxue turned and strode away without a second glance.
The departing Qian Renxue did not see the beads of sweat covering Bibi Dong's forehead.
Bibi Dong watched Qian Renxue's receding figure, her gaze fixed on the spot where she disappeared.
After a long while, Bibi Dong heaved a sigh of relief.
Just now, when Qian Renxue had announced she was taking Ye Lan, the malicious thoughts in her heart had grown ever more powerful, and the desire to kill Qian Renxue had nearly overflowed from her consciousness.
Fortunately, her reason had triumphed over her malevolent thoughts.
So, Qian Renxue came specifically to Spirit Hall this time to find me because of Ye Lan?
Little Xue has grown up.
But... from now on, I'm afraid I can never get close to Little Xue again.
Bibi Dong felt that the evil whispers in her mind were becoming exceptionally difficult to handle.
Before Bibi Dong learned that Yu Xiaogang had plagiarized her spirit theory and used her, the malicious thoughts had only ever incited her to destroy the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. But ever since she had completely let go of Yu Xiaogang, the evil thoughts had focused solely on her own unbearable past.
Chihiro Ji was already dead, so this malicious念had redirected its target to Little Xue.
In the past, Bibi Dong's feelings towards Qian Renxue were extremely conflicted, but after coming to understand her own heart, Bibi Dong realized that in this world, only Little Xue had always occupied the softest part of her heart.
What mother in this world doesn't love her own child?
But with the whispers in her consciousness constantly inciting her to kill Little Xue, Bibi Dong completely gave up on the idea of reconciling with her. Interacting like this is probably for the best!
If Little Xue were to throw herself into her arms every day like Nana, she would very likely be driven completely mad by the whispers in her mind.
So Little Xue has fallen for Ye Lan?
Although Bibi Dong was exceptionally reluctant to give Ye Lan to Qian Renxue, who else was Qian Renxue but her own daughter?
If it were anyone else, even if Qian Daoliu tried to stop her, Bibi Dong would have directly ignored his advice and proceeded to take Ye Lan as her disciple.
Back in Spirit Holy Temple, inside Qian Renxue's chambers.
The golden-haired girl sat on the edge of her bed, hugging her knees and weeping silently.
Bibi Dong's failure to recognize her at first glance had left her deeply hurt.
Although the Qian Renxue from moments ago had been strong and unyielding, she simply didn't want to show any weakness in front of Bibi Dong.
Qian Renxue had always been the innocent and naive Little Xue. She was incredibly envious that Hu Liena could throw herself into her mother's arms every day.
Having cried herself to exhaustion, Qian Renxue hugged the tattered doll and quietly drifted off to sleep.
(End of chapter)