The hem of her skirt was embroidered with intricate six-winged angel patterns in gold thread, shimmering with a flowing radiance with her every movement.
A cascade of brilliant golden hair flowed down like a waterfall, falling smoothly all the way to her ankles.
She wore no jewelry, but that peerlessly beautiful face was itself the world's most dazzling treasure.
Sacred, noble, and inviolable.
Yet, at this moment, that sacredness was tinged with a trace of tension and unease she couldn't conceal.
She had been waiting here for a very long time.
From dusk until deep into the night.
In her mind, she kept replaying the scene from the library earlier that day.
That man had effortlessly torn apart the disguise she had maintained for over a decade.
And then, just as effortlessly, offered her a sliver of hope to change her destiny.
Tonight's meeting would decide the future of the Spirit Hall, and her own future as well.
What posture should she adopt when facing him?
The pride of the Angel God's Legacy? Or the weakness of one seeking help?
She didn't know.
She could only present her truest, most prideful self as her greatest show of sincerity.
The candle flames in the bedchamber suddenly flickered gently.
A faint breeze, coming from nowhere, stirred the gauze curtains by the window.
Qian Renxue's breath hitched, and she spun around sharply.
On the empty floor several meters behind her, a figure had appeared out of thin air without any warning, as quiet as a shadow merging with the night.
Li Yifei stood in place, appraising Qian Renxue before him.
Golden hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and the gilded long dress outlined her perfect curves.
That stunningly beautiful face, illuminated by the candlelight, was breathtakingly lovely.
"Good. This is much more pleasing to the eye."
Li Yifei nodded, his tone calm.
Qian Renxue's breath hitched slightly, her nervous tension easing a little.
She raised her head, her golden eyes meeting Li Yifei's gaze directly.
"Please, have a seat."
Qian Renxue gestured with her hand, her voice regaining some of the composure befitting the Angel God's Legacy.
The two of them settled onto the soft couch in the bedchamber.
Qian Renxue picked up the teapot and personally poured tea for Li Yifei.
Her movements were graceful and respectful.
Li Yifei accepted the teacup but didn't drink from it, merely placing it beside him.
His gaze rested on Qian Renxue, waiting for her to speak.
Qian Renxue took a deep breath, folding her hands on her knees.
"I want to know... what would it take for you to stand on our side and help us deal with the Asura God?"
Her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable seriousness.
Li Yifei didn't answer immediately.
He leaned back on the soft couch, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest.
"Tang San and the Asura God are also obstacles for me."
"So, I can help you."
Qian Renxue's eyes instantly lit up, but she quickly suppressed her excitement.
"Then... what is the price?"
Her voice held a trace of tension.
"What do you need? A Divine Rank? Resources? Or..."
Li Yifei raised a hand to stop her.
"I need some spatial artifacts."
He paused briefly.
"Later, I might need to return to my world to fetch some weapons and such. I'll need spatial artifacts to carry them."
Qian Renxue was momentarily stunned, then her eyes brightened even more.
"Alright, no problem!"
She immediately stood up.
"I'll give the order later. It's just that spatial soul tools are quite precious; it might take a little time."
"It's fine."
Li Yifei waved his hand, indicating she needn't worry about it.
Qian Renxue let out a sigh of relief.
She had originally thought Li Yifei would make more demanding conditions.
Such as asking for control over certain powers within the Spirit Hall, or demanding vast amounts of resources.
But all he wanted were spatial artifacts.
This price was incredibly light, almost unbelievable.
"As for the Divine Rank you mentioned earlier..."
Li Yifei's voice sounded again.
Qian Renxue's heart instantly leaped into her throat.
"...you can keep your Divine Ranks. I don't need them."
Qian Renxue was dumbfounded.
She opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.
He doesn't need a Divine Rank?
That's the only path to godhood.
Qian Renxue's expression showed surprise.
A Divine Rank is something countless Spirit Masters dream of, and he actually doesn't want it?
"However, I do need to study your Divine Ranks."
Li Yifei added.
"Study?"
Qian Renxue's voice held clear confusion.
She only knew that Divine Ranks could be inherited.
She had never heard of studying a Divine Rank.
A Divine Rank is an intangible, elusive existence. How does one even study it?
A thought flashed through Qian Renxue's mind.
The Divine Ranks are currently with me and Bibi Dong.
So, when Li Yifei says he wants to study the Divine Ranks... isn't he actually saying he wants to study us?
Study...
Qian Renxue's cheeks instantly flushed with a rosy hue.
She secretly glanced up at Li Yifei.
Features so handsome they were flawless.
Strength so formidable it was god-like.
And that Divine Rank Spirit of time and space.
He was undoubtedly the best candidate for a husband.
Qian Renxue's heartbeat began to accelerate.
Her thoughts began to spin uncontrollably.
If our child could inherit his dual Spirits of time and space...
That way, the Qian family would gain two more Divine Rank Spirits.
No, this should be negotiable, right?
I don't even mind Bibi Dong anymore. Asking for one child to take my surname shouldn't be a problem, right?
Qian Renxue bit her lip.
Summoning her courage, she raised her head and looked directly at Li Yifei.
"I am the only direct descendant of the Qian family left now."
Her voice was soft, yet carried a firm resolve.
"So... can I have several children, and let one take my surname to carry on the Qian family line?"
Li Yifei's fingers stopped tapping the armrest.
He was momentarily stunned.
A big question mark flashed through his mind.
Why did the topic suddenly jump to children?
He looked at Qian Renxue's flushed face and fell into brief silence.
The power of a love-struck brain is truly something.
Ordinary people can't keep up with the train of thought.
Li Yifei silently complained in his heart.
But he didn't refuse.
"Fine, if it makes you happy."
Qian Renxue's face grew even redder. She lowered her head, her hands tightly clutching her skirt.
Her heart felt like it was about to leap out of her chest.
He agreed.
He actually agreed.
Seeing Qian Renxue's deeply flushed face, Li Yifei understood that haste makes waste. He stood up and said,
"It's getting late. I should be going."
Qian Renxue stood up as well.
"Let me see you out."
Li Yifei looked at her.
Today, thanks to Qian Renxue's love-struck brain working overtime, their relationship had leaped forward by who knows how many steps.
He reached out and pulled Qian Renxue into his embrace.
Qian Renxue's body stiffened instantly, but she didn't struggle.
Li Yifei lowered his head and gently pressed a kiss to her cheek.
"Alright, no need to see me out."
His voice sounded by Qian Renxue's ear.
"Focus on your Cultivation. Don't let your progress stagnate anymore because of pretending to be Xue Qinghe."
"Remember, strength is what matters most."
He paused briefly.
"Also, using whale glue can enhance your physical strength, allowing you to better absorb spirit rings."