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Chapter 9: Stories and Rants (This Chapter Might Be a Bit Toxic)
"Alright," Qian Ningshuang tilted her head back, gazing up at Qian Renxue, who was idly twirling a strand of her golden hair. "What story would you like to hear, Sister?"
"I want the rest of Sun Wukong!" Tian Yue blurted out, instantly forgetting her grudge against Hu Liena. She'd always adored Qian Ningshuang's tales.
"Let's pick something else," Qian Renxue said with an apologetic smile toward Tian Yue. "I've already heard that one. Xiao Shuang, didn't you promise in your letter to tell me a story about unification when I came back? Let's hear that."
It wasn't that she was being selfish—stealing story choice from a younger girl. But Qian Ningshuang's stories weren't just whimsical fables; they carried insights that even Qian Renxue found deeply thought-provoking.
With so little time to spend together these days, she wanted to seize every chance to listen—especially to a tale about unification. After all, Spirit Hall had pursued continental unity for centuries!
"A new story is fine too—just start already!" Tian Yue shrugged. As long as Qian Ningshuang was telling it, she'd listen.
"Then I'll tell this one," Qian Ningshuang said, sitting up straight. "It's a story of unification—a tale of three kingdoms locked in endless struggle, each vying to rule the land."
"In a distant land, there once stood a great nation—ancient, vast, and proud. But in its twilight years, the realm fell into chaos…"
She began recounting the history of the Three Kingdoms from her past life.
She'd long wanted to share *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* with Qian Renxue—and, by extension, Spirit Hall's inner circle. The reason was simple.
In the original Douluo story, whether Shrek or Spirit Hall, every major character seemed to think of nothing but personal power, romance, or revenge.
*"I love her so much, I'd die for her!"*
*"If only we weren't enemies, I'd keep you by my side forever!"*
*Wah-wah-wah!*
As a Zhonghua native, Qian Ningshuang had found this tolerable as a child. But after graduating university and rereading it? All she could think was: *What the hell?*
These were people at the pinnacle of worldly power—and their brains were filled with nothing but teenage melodrama? Where were their political visions? Their plans for societal progress?
Don't hide behind "it's a feudal society." Even ancient sages dreamed of a harmonious world! People whose minds revolved solely around love and hate were no better than mating monkeys.
(Actually, that insulted monkeys—alpha males at least strategized for their troop's survival.)
Of course, expecting deep ideals from a web novel was unreasonable. Web novels were meant to be fun.
But Qian Ningshuang had *transmigrated*.
Now that she was *in* this world, she refused to tolerate allies whose brains were full of nothing but romantic nonsense. Such teammates didn't just hold her back—they were *annoying*.
So from the moment she could walk and talk, she'd worked tirelessly to fill the heads of those around her with *actual ideas*. At the very least, they should look beyond petty love triangles and think bigger!
And Qian Renxue—her adoptive sister—was priority number one for "re-education."
If she'd had even a *shred* of political sense in the original story, Tang San would've been crushed before he became a problem.
In Qian Ningshuang's eyes, *Three Kingdoms* was perfect for this. It featured hypocrites, madmen, idealists, and realists—packed with political intrigue, military strategy, and historical lessons.
As for suspicions about how a six-year-old knew such things? She didn't care. She'd never hidden her knowledge.
Time flowed as Qian Ningshuang spoke.
By evening, the group reached the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest. A small town came into view.
"After Cao Cao defeated Yuan Shao and unified the north," Qian Ningshuang continued, "he marched south, aiming to conquer the entire land."
*Three Kingdoms* couldn't be told in a day. She'd started at dawn and had only just reached the eve of the Battle of Red Cliffs.
"Alright, Shuang'er, pause for now," Tian E interrupted. "We're almost at Star Dou Town."
Internally, he marveled at the tale. It felt *real*—as if such a land and its scheming warlords truly existed. The parallels to the current continent were uncanny: rival powers jostling for dominance. But unlike the story's cunning strategists, Douluo Continent relied on brute strength. Still… Spirit Hall had never truly dominated. Maybe some of these "schemes" were worth trying.
"Grandfather Tian, are we here already?" Qian Ningshuang stepped out of the carriage, puzzled. "The books said it'd take two days."
Tian E didn't answer. Walter simply pointed to the horses.
Qian Ningshuang's eyes fell on the two steeds—each with a scale-like patch on its forehead. She'd been carried into the carriage by Qian Renxue that morning and hadn't noticed. Normal horses took two days; these soul beast hybrids? Not so much.
"We'll rest in Star Dou Town tonight," Tian E said. "Tomorrow morning, we enter the forest for your soul ring."
As they entered the town, two guards outside a modestly grand building dropped to one knee upon seeing Walter's token.
"Hail, My Lord!"
Walter and Tian E ignored them, striding inside with the girls.
Inside, Qian Ningshuang surveyed Spirit Hall's outpost. Given the town's role as the first line of defense against soul beasts—and a hub for hunters—she'd expected a fortress. Instead, it was just a plain hall.
Several staff members, mid-conversation, instantly scattered into defensive positions upon seeing strangers. A burly middle-aged man stepped forward, hand on his weapon.
"Elders, what business brings you here? You should've been announced by the guards."
*Impressive,* Qian Ningshuang thought. Their stances allowed instant, unobstructed attacks. Not a military base, but the personnel were sharp.
Tian E remained impassive. Walter merely flashed his token again.
The staff immediately knelt. "Forgive our caution, My Lord! Duty demanded it."
"No harm done. Fetch your commander."
Moments later, a tall, elderly man descended the stairs—his white-and-gold robes marking him as a Platinum Archbishop, likely a Soul Douluo.
"Subordinate Pulman greets Golden Crocodile Your Eminence and Death God Your Eminence!"
He clearly recognized them.
"Rise, Pulman," Tian E said flatly. "Arrange lodging."
"At once, My Lord."
As Pulman led them upstairs, he glanced curiously at the three girls. Only heirs of the highest status warranted two Title Douluos as escorts.
"You're here for soul hunting, I presume?" Pulman asked. "How may I assist?"
"Indeed," Tian E nodded. "We've been away from the Star Dou Forest too long. The soul beast territories have surely shifted."
"I'm honored! Command me as you will."
Pulman's face lit up. A chance to serve a Hall Guardian! He'd never had such an opportunity.
"First, bring us food. After we rest, you'll accompany us into the forest at dawn."
"Yes, My Lord!"
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