From Bibidong's expression, Qian Xunji naturally knew she hadn't been listening at all. But he understood the nature of children, so he didn't scold her. Instead, he shifted the topic and sat under the pavilion.
"Well, I have nothing to do today," he said aloud. "I'll personally guide you both. If there's anything you don't understand, ask."
"Teacher, I have a question!"
Bibidong eagerly raised her hand and spoke up.
Qian Xunji turned to look at her, noticing the mischievous glint in her eyes. Knowing she was probably up to something again, he said nothing and instead turned his gaze to Gu Han.
"Xiaohan, I know you like reading. Today, I want to test you."
"I'm ready, Teacher," Gu Han replied respectfully.
Seeing that the teacher ignored her, Bibidong angrily stomped her foot. Her puffed cheeks looked like steamed buns as she muttered to herself under her breath.
Qian Xunji smiled to himself but didn't comment. Instead, he asked Gu Han, "How did you create your own soul skill? Explain it."
"Self-created soul skill?" Bibidong's interest was piqued. She turned to her senior, three years older than her, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Brother, you actually created your own soul skill? Tell me, how did you do it?"
Self-created soul skills were extremely rare. They required a soul master to deeply understand their martial soul and tailor a skill unique to themselves. Many self-created soul skills far outclassed those granted by soul rings.
Even Tang Chen of the Clear Sky Sect had famously developed one.
"Teacher, my self-created soul skills are still a bit rough," Gu Han began modestly. "They're based more on refining swordsmanship in combination with my soul attributes."
"I also tend to think a lot in my spare time. To me, soul skills are just methods of channeling soul power in specific ways. Soul rings only provide the pattern. But by understanding those patterns and gaining battle experience — like in the Great Soul Arena — I developed this set of skills."
Some of what he said was true. Some he improvised. But self-created soul skills were rare enough that even Qian Xunji had to consider it plausible.
"Very good. You really are talented."
Qian Xunji nodded thoughtfully. The boy's insight into soul power manipulation at such a young age was exceptional. With guidance, he could definitely become a powerful soul master — perhaps even a titled one.
"That's amazing!" Bibidong exclaimed. "I heard from Teacher that you've won a hundred straight battles and even created your own skill. How did you manage that?"
"If you're willing to put in the time, your talent is definitely greater than mine," Gu Han replied with a gentle smile.
Though she was his senior sister in name, she was still just a little girl. After spending time with her over the past few days, Gu Han realized that Qian Xunji wasn't as bad as he'd imagined.
Maybe it was the future betrayal by Bibidong that pushed him to such extremes.
For now, Qian Xunji was just a strict but gentle teacher — the son of Qian Daoliu, and someone who still carried that upright bearing.
Bibidong, too, was still innocent. Around Qian Xunji, she acted more like a daughter than a disciple. Their relationship was pure and even heartwarming.
Maybe… his presence could change what was destined to happen.
Gu Han began to understand why Bibidong had fallen for Yu Xiaogang in the future. She didn't care for dry theory, but when someone like Yu Xiaogang came along — someone who could break it down into vivid stories — she was captivated.
Back then, she was still just a curious little girl, bored of theory. Gu Han could already see that.
But now that he was here, Yu Xiaogang would have no such chance.
Maybe Qian Xunji took him in as a student just to motivate Bibidong into studying more.
Gu Han chuckled inwardly. Was this what it meant to be a study companion?
Still, he wasn't really losing out. He was now a direct student of the Pope of the Martial Soul Hall. No one would dare mess with him.
And it wasn't so bad studying alongside a cute girl like Bibidong.
In the end, it was a win for Gu Han.
"Dong'er," Qian Xunji finally said, turning back to Bibidong, "what did you want to ask earlier?"
"N-Nothing!" she said, hiding her hands behind her back and nervously playing with the hem of her clothes. She smiled sheepishly.
Earlier, she had just wanted to ask if they could go out to play.
But after hearing Gu Han's analysis and realizing that he had gone from a Level 5 innate talent to Level 23 already, she felt a bit competitive.
She didn't want to seem lazy in front of her junior.
Though she was a twin martial soul user with full innate power, she was still only Level 28.
She had no talent for theory. All she had were six standard moves.
She wanted to learn — really — but every time she opened a book, her eyelids grew heavy, and her interest vanished.
"If there's nothing," Qian Xunji said with a sly smile, "and since your junior brother is new, let me explain the true meaning behind the Martial Soul Hall's existence."
He looked pleased, while Bibidong pouted and looked away.
Watching their interaction, Gu Han couldn't help but smile.
No wonder Bibidong hated Qian Xunji so much later on. Their bond had once been so close — how deep the love, so deep the hate.
It might not be the best metaphor, but it was close enough.
"Teacher, what is the true purpose of the Martial Soul Hall?" Gu Han asked, eager to keep the emotional energy flowing. Even though he knew a lot from his previous life, hearing it directly from the Pope would reveal more.
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