"Wine is a fascinating thing," Qin Feng explained patiently, addressing Qian Renxue's confusion. "At first, it tastes bitter, and grape wine has that odd flavor. But after a few sips, you'll find it's not bitter—it's aromatic. Don't believe me? Try a few more sips. The alcohol content is low, and these grapes are natural treasures. Drinking a bit won't harm you; it'll strengthen your body and boost your cultivation."
Noticing her puzzled expression, he added, "When you took that sip, didn't you feel a warm flush, like a fire in your chest?"
Qian Renxue nodded. She had felt exactly that. Trusting Qin Feng—he had no reason to harm her—she still found the wine too bitter and its taste too strange to stomach.
Qin Feng didn't press her. At her age, wine wasn't suitable, even if his was unique. Instead, he taught her how to make fruit juice, a better fit for a child. The process was similar to winemaking: selecting, washing, and juicing the fruit, but without fermentation. He also showed her how to make milk tea and grind coffee beans.
The haven had its own dairy farm at its outskirts, and knowing girls loved milk tea, Qin Feng figured Qian Renxue would adore it. He spent the day guiding her through the Peach Blossom Haven, showing her its various areas. The haven exceeded her expectations, designed for enjoyment with every imaginable delicacy. Awestruck by its perfection, Qian Renxue secretly vowed to claim it one day—once she could defeat the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger.
Unaware of her scheming, Qin Feng was tired after the tour. As dusk approached, he let her explore on her own. "Stay out of the inner circle and the Lake of Life," he said. "The rest of the Star Dou Forest is your backyard." He'd already introduced her to the outer circle's soul beasts, who recognized her face and aura and would steer clear. Confident she'd be safe, he reminded her of the 9 p.m. curfew.
Qian Renxue nodded eagerly, promising to return on time. With her assurance, Qin Feng left her to wander.
As he departed, Qian Renxue slipped out of the haven. She needed to send word to the Martial Soul Hall that she was safe and thriving, easing her grandfather and father's worries. Initially, she'd considered returning to the Hall, but the haven's cultivation benefits—potentially making her a Titled Douluo by twenty—changed her mind. She'd also thought of telling her grandfather about the haven and having him attack the Star Dou Forest to seize it. But Qin Feng's unfathomable strength, mastery of elemental powers, and elusive spatial abilities made that risky. Even her grandfather might not defeat him. After weighing her options, she decided to stay.
Heading toward the forest's edge, Qian Renxue encountered soul beasts that parted to let her pass, thanks to Qin Feng's influence. But the Star Dou Forest was vast and disorienting, with twisting paths and thick fog. Soon, she was lost, unable to find either the way out or back to the haven.
The forest was perilous; even a Soul Douluo could perish if lost. Qian Renxue knew this well but took comfort in Qin Feng's protection—none of the outer circle's soul beasts would harm her. However, language barriers prevented her from asking them for directions, and they couldn't leave the forest without risking death, as soul rings were highly sought by soul masters.
Like a headless fly, she wandered for two hours. She tried flying to escape, but the night sky was shrouded in fog, and without the sun to guide her, she couldn't tell directions. Fearing she'd stray into the inner circle—where soul beasts didn't know her and Qin Feng's protection didn't extend—she stayed grounded.
The night forest was eerily silent, and as a nine-year-old, Qian Renxue grew frightened. Wolf howls, tiger roars, and snake hisses made her tremble, curling up in fear. She tried calling to soul beasts for help, but they couldn't understand her, nor she them. Alone in the dark, she was terrified.
Suddenly, the ground beneath her quaked and split open. Qian Renxue stumbled, falling to the ground. A monstrous Man-Faced Demon Spider erupted from the earth, its grotesque form looming before her. Sensing a human, it turned slowly, its sinister eyes locking onto her with malice.