Ignoring the flush creeping across Sisi's face from the intense emotions swirling inside her, Chu Tianxiu continued his playful "seduction."
"I think with Sister Sisi's talent, she really needs this ability of mine," he said, winking at her as he finished.
Sisi's mind nearly went haywire. She knew her own limitations. Her martial soul, the Thorn Datura Flower, was only slightly more resilient than an ordinary datura flower — lacking any true offensive power or special abilities.
At present, she was only an eighteenth-level Soul Master. Her first soul ring had formed from a fortunate encounter with a 280-year-old bitter bamboo, yet the plant soul beast's natural limitations meant it had no offensive power under a thousand years old. Her only skill was its tenacity.
'I've been faking friendship with Su Yuntao all this time… but now… a glimmer of hope appears,' she thought, her heart racing.
"Then… how can you help your sister, little brother?" she asked directly.
Chu Tianxiu smiled faintly, his eyes glinting."Sister, my talent will definitely alarm the Spirit Hall. The Spirit Master who helps me awaken will be promoted. I heard the branch bishop here is about to retire… and I think you'd be perfect for the position."
Sisi's throat constricted. She swallowed hard before replying,"As long as you can help me with these two things, I'll listen to you from now on."
'Even though he's only a Spirit Master now…' she thought, 'his talent clearly shows he will be powerful in the future. If I latch onto him now, my prospects will far surpass my ambiguous situation with Su Yuntao.'
Chu Tianxiu leaned closer, lowering his voice."Sister, as long as you do me one favor, I'll go with you to the Spirit Beast Forest tomorrow to find a suitable Spirit Beast to help nurture your Spirit."
Sisi's eyes sparkled, and she leaned forward with a seductive smile."I'll agree to anything you ask. Please tell me," she said eagerly.
Chu Tianxiu's lips curved into a small, confident smile."Sister Sisi, I hope you can keep an eye on Grandmaster and his close associates while I'm at the Spirit Hall. If anything unusual happens, send me a message immediately."
Though she didn't fully understand why her little brother wanted her to monitor Yu Xiaogang, it concerned her future, so she nodded firmly."Okay, I'll keep an eye on him for you, brother."
Chu Tianxiu's grin widened."In that case, let's prepare our provisions and tents. Tomorrow, we head to the Spirit Beast Forest."
The two left Sisi's room, emerging at the entrance of the Spirit Branch Hall. There, Su Yuntao was speaking to a kind-looking older man, his words polite and solicitous. Yu Xiaogang had already disappeared.
Upon seeing them, Su Yuntao quickly introduced the elder."Little brother, this is Master Matthew, the bishop of our Notting branch."
Before he could finish, Matthew stepped forward and grasped Chu Tianxiu's hand firmly. His voice carried both excitement and authority."Child, I've heard of your martial soul from Xiao Tao. In the history of the Spirit Hall, your talent is unparalleled. Would you like to join the Spirit Hall?"
Chu Tianxiu smiled politely."I will."
Matthew's eyes gleamed with excitement."Good! Don't worry, child. With your talent, you'll definitely reach the Spirit Hall headquarters. I'll submit your information immediately — within a month, someone from headquarters will come for you. Your future is limitless."
Even as Matthew approached retirement, discovering such a peerless genius thrilled him. Not only would Chu Tianxiu's talent bring honor to the branch, but it would also enhance Matthew's retirement benefits — a perfect win-win situation.
Matthew glanced at Chu Tianxiu tightly embracing Sisi and nodded approvingly."Sisi, you've discovered a genius for the Spirit Hall. That's a great achievement. If you cultivate a little harder, you'll have an excellent chance of taking my position after I retire."
The subtext was clear: if she could break through to a second-ring Great Soul Master, the branch bishop position would be hers.
Matthew glanced at the time."It's getting late. You should take little brother Tianxiu to rest."
Sisi's eyes sparkled, and she smiled brightly."Thank you, Master!"
With that, she carried Chu Tianxiu back to her room, the boy feeling 'Step three complete. Now, everything is falling into place…'