"Why not?" Qian Renxue smiled. As a ruler-in-waiting, she had to display the confidence expected of someone in her position—especially when her designated opponent was Bibi Dong. As for Yang Yunhai, though not fully under her control yet, he had already paved the way for her by many steps, and now he even presented her with a precious treasure as support. If she still couldn't outshine Bibi Dong and prove her worth…
That would mean her own incompetence.
She would also be unworthy of the loyalty of a top strategist like Yang Yunhai. A wise ruler chooses worthy ministers, and worthy ministers choose their ruler. The higher the caliber of the talent, the more pride they carry.
As someone who also had pride, she could completely understand Yang Yunhai's choice.
'Are all the Qian clan this inexplicably confident? Very well, I like the way you're brimming with self-confidence right now.' Yang Yunhai also smiled, pushing the immortal herb toward Qian Renxue. He explained the method of consumption, then nodded and continued, "This treasure is brimming with fire energy. After consuming it, you may have to endure the pain of inner flames scorching your body. At that time, you must persevere, or everything will be wasted."
"If you're worried, I can stay behind to guard you. If anything unexpected happens, I'm sure those two elders outside won't spare me."
Although Chrysanthemum Douluo had sworn it was safe, Yunhai hadn't actually seen anyone consume it before. He knew that in the original story, Ma Hongjun had eaten it without issue, but gender, Martial Soul, and physique differed. He thought it safer to stay and keep watch.
Besides, if Qian Renxue slipped up and something went wrong, Qian Daoliu would come after him with a sword.
"Of course, you can also hold onto it and wait for the two elders outside, or the Grand Worship himself, to guard you during the process," he added. 'If something goes wrong, don't blame me!'
"No need. You staying to watch is enough," Qian Renxue replied. Since Yang Yunhai was the one who had gifted the herb and was skilled in medicine, he was the most suitable protector. If anything happened, he could treat her immediately.
"Wait just a moment." She rose, strode to the door, and cracked it open. "Stand guard outside. Without my command, no one may enter. Today, all visitors except for Elder Dugu are to be turned away."
"Yes!" the two guards replied in unison.
Qian Renxue shut the door again, returned to the inner hall, picked up the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, and said, "Please follow me."
She walked to a nearby bookshelf, pressed on a tome, and the entire shelf shifted aside, revealing a hidden doorway.
'...Why am I suddenly reminded of that secret-room master, Qian Xunji?' Yang Yunhai thought as he silently followed her in.
The secret door closed behind them with a creak.
They followed a sapphire-lit passage to a stone gate. Opening it, they entered a vast, brightly lit chamber, its walls and ceiling studded with diamond-shaped mirrors that reflected light and illuminated the room. At the far right stood a white jade bed, and across from its foot was a round ventilation shaft.
"This is where I usually cultivate. Make yourself at home," Qian Renxue said as she walked to the bed. She removed her fur coat and silk shoes, then calmly sat cross-legged at the center of the bed with the herb in hand.
Without hesitation, she bit off the root and swallowed it whole, closing her eyes to focus on absorbing it.
'No wonder in the original she was already a Soul Saint in her twenties. Even while occupied with state affairs, her cultivation hasn't fallen far behind,' Yang Yunhai mused as he examined the chamber. 'If Qian Renxue were to devote herself entirely to cultivation, her progress would be even faster.'
He still thought her undercover role in the Heaven Dou Empire was a waste of her talent.
Settling his thoughts, he leaned against the far wall and closed his eyes to cultivate. With Yiner watching, he didn't need to monitor constantly.
Outside, in the shadows beneath a tree, a dark figure stirred. Brushing aside weeds, he uncovered a small hole.
"This must be the ventilation shaft," he muttered before vanishing back into the shadows.
Inside the chamber, a soft moan broke the silence. Yang Yunhai opened his eyes instinctively.
Qian Renxue's face was flushed, sweat beading on her brow, her expression pained.
The next moment, with a whoosh, flames surged from her body, golden light flashing, revealing her breathtaking features framed by flowing golden hair.
'...She's burning through her clothes.' Yang Yunhai silently rose, opened the stone gate, and sat behind it.
Time passed. By midday, Dugu Bo arrived outside the hall, chewing a toothpick. Spotting the two anxious elders pacing, he raised a brow. "What's got you two so nervous?"
"Does Elder Dugu know what's happening? Young Friend Yang has been inside with the Young Mistress for a long time," Snake Lance Douluo asked.
"Nothing serious. He just gave her a rare treasure, and my Yunhai is likely watching over her as she absorbs it," Dugu Bo said casually. "Such treasures are extraordinary. Taking a whole day or night to absorb them is normal. Relax."
"A rare treasure?!" The two were startled.
"Don't worry. If anything happens to your Young Mistress, Qian Daoliu won't spare us," Dugu Bo said calmly, pulling out a reclining chair and settling into it. "You two might as well sit and wait with me."
"No need, we'll stand," Porcupine Fish Douluo replied politely.
"Suit yourselves," Dugu Bo muttered, closing his eyes to nap.
The breeze was gentle. The air, quiet. But inside the stone chamber, change erupted.
Radiant golden light flared, the Six-Winged Angel manifested, its form wreathed in faint flames that filled the chamber with brilliance.
Qian Renxue's body was crimson, sweat evaporating as soon as it appeared, golden hair steaming with white mist. She looked like a boiled lobster.
Her rosy lips were clenched, her beautiful face twisting as though she struggled to contain something.
"Yun, her aura is unstable. Could something be wrong?" Yiner whispered in his mind.
"If something's wrong, she'll call out," Yang Yunhai replied coolly.
Suddenly, Qian Renxue's eyes snapped open, golden irises faintly glowing with flame. She clenched her legs, braced her head with one hand, and tried to suppress the turmoil. Her gaze flicked toward the doorway where only a corner of clothing was visible. Recognizing who it was, her anger ebbed, though her jaw remained tight.
Forcing herself to calm, she closed her eyes again—and realized in shock that she had broken through to soul rank 70.
Summoning her Martial Soul, she saw dazzling golden light threaded with fire. The astonishment on her face deepened. But in the next instant, another surge of nameless fire welled up, crashing through her chest like a tidal wave.
Alarmed, she sat upright, circulating soul power to suppress it. Heat coursed through her meridians, flooding into her blood until it boiled.
Her eyes flushed red. Unbidden, images of Yang Yunhai flashed in her mind—his golden hair and eyes, sharp features, every smile and frown vivid.
His past guidance echoed in her ears, filled with confidence that once made her feel ashamed. For the first time, she had known what it was to be surpassed in wisdom and strategy. Then his commanding presence in the tournament came to mind. Compared to him, she had to admit she fell short.
'He's the only man who can outshine me in every aspect… the only man worthy of me.'
The thought left her cheeks even redder, her gaze more hazy.
Startled, she shook her head.
'No! I am Qian Renxue. How can I yield to a man younger than me?'
But the more she resisted, the more memories of Yang Yunhai surged, like a flood of images proving she had already lost. 'You lost. You just won't admit it. Without your noble birth, if you and Yang Yunhai had the same start, you would have been defeated utterly.'
'I lost… I lost…' The thought drove her to near madness—until the fire within consumed her reason once more.
'Admit it! You've fallen for him—the only man you've ever yielded to!'
'No, impossible!' she fought back—yet in her mind, Yang Yunhai's figure drew nearer, smiling with unshakable confidence.
"Yang Yunhai…" she whispered aloud.
"Hm?" Sitting outside the gate, Yang Yunhai called back, "Qian Renxue, how do you feel right now?"
"I…" She nearly answered before catching herself, eyes clearing slightly. Forcing down the heat, she hurriedly pulled on a golden night-robe, crossed her legs, and lowered her head. Her neck and ears were red as blood. She pressed her thighs together and said, voice strained, "Yang Yunhai, come quickly. My body feels… wrong."
'Wrong?' Yang Yunhai frowned. But since she could still speak, she was likely dressed already. Without hesitation, he entered—and flushed at the sight.
She sat in golden sleepwear, pale legs crossed, long golden hair spilling down, head bowed, skin flushed. Her hands rested on her lap, her posture refined yet strangely alluring.
Sensing his gaze, Qian Renxue shifted uncomfortably, clamping her legs tighter and gritting her teeth.
"Quickly!"
Yang Yunhai snapped back to focus, striding forward. "Let me check your pulse."
She extended her hand without hesitation. He grasped her wrist, sending soul power to probe within.
'Damn, what scorching heat!' He was shocked. Even the slightest touch revealed blazing energy, her skin burning hot.
Just as he prepared to delve deeper, a surge of energy erupted.
At such close range, Qian Renxue's body heat overwhelmed her. Her eyes flushed pink as desire surged.
'Damn, it's breaking out!' Yang Yunhai's expression changed. His soul power was pushed back out of her body.
Then, with a sudden twist, her pale wrist flipped, gripping his hand tightly—pulling him down toward her.
(End of Chapter)
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