Qian Renxue's Weariness

Qian Renxue slightly drew back the curtains on both sides of the carriage, her gaze sweeping over the crowds lining the street. After forming a rough impression, she lowered the curtains.

"Return to the estate."

As the convoy gradually disappeared down the street, Ling Qianyue relaxed after a slight frown and left with Zhu Zhuqing.

The fluctuation transmitted by the Shattered Star Sword just now had truly surprised him.

He had already obtained his thousand-year purple Second Soul Ring. The Star Acupoints represented by the Twenty-Eight Constellations of the Four Symbols within his body had also been lit, and the stars of the Three Enclosures system had officially entered the stage of visualization.

He was currently beginning to reshape the acupoints in his head that represented the 120 stars of the Ziwei Imperial Palace.

The Ziwei Imperial Palace represented the central axis of the Imperial Star and was related to Spiritual Power and command.

Among them, the newly lit core star, Gouchenyi (Shenting Acupoint), had allowed Ling Qianyue's Spiritual Power to grow rapidly.

The Emperor of Heaven (Yintang Acupoint) had elevated the strength of the Shattered Star Sword's "Zhanxing" skill to another level, enhancing Ling Qianyue's ability to foresee danger.

The Martial Soul Resonance fluctuation that had just come from Qian Renxue was precisely what caused the stars of the Ziwei Imperial Palace to shine intensely.

The two Star Acupoints in particular, Shenting and Yintang, seemed to have sensed attributes that matched them perfectly. That feeling of resonance was like a drizzle nourishing parched earth, stirring an indescribable comfort deep within Ling Qianyue's heart.

The aura emanating from Qian Renxue seemed to possess some innate connection with the stars of his Ziwei Imperial Palace. This connection surpassed ordinary Martial Soul Resonance and was more like a resonance of the laws of heaven and earth.

"An angel who commands the authorities of holiness and judgment, and the Ziwei Star that governs all stars." Ling Qianyue murmured inwardly.

Ling Qianyue glanced in the direction Qian Renxue had departed. "A Martial Soul Fusion Skill? I'm looking forward to it, but it isn't the time yet."

Heaven Dou Crown Prince's Estate, Qian Renxue's study.

Having just returned to the Crown Prince's Estate, Qian Renxue ignored all other matters and walked straight toward the bookshelf in the corner.

After pressing a mechanism, the bookshelf slid aside with a faint series of clicks, revealing a hidden passage.

As she entered the passage, the lights came on and the mechanism closed behind her.

Xue Qinghe's appearance transformed amid a flicker of fluorescent light, revealing a graceful and sacred figure. This was Qian Renxue's true appearance.

Her features were exquisite and well-defined, her vermilion lips full and rosy, and her skin fairer than snow.

Even the golden one-piece court gown could not conceal her tall, proud figure beneath it.

Her long golden hair cascaded loosely down her back. Her steps were unhurried, yet carried an air of noble elegance.

Even the word "beautiful" seemed somewhat shallow when used to describe Qian Renxue.

At the end of the passage was a secret chamber with rather simple furnishings. Several glowing Soul Tools shaped like luminous pearls were embedded in the walls, emitting soft, bright light that illuminated the entire chamber as though it were day.

An ancient sandalwood table stood in the center, piled with documents nearly equal in number to those on the desk outside.

She sat upright and tapped the sandalwood table a few times. Immediately afterward, a deep, resonant voice rang out in the secret chamber.

"Young Master." A sturdy man clad in golden armor covered in reverse spikes emerged from the shadows. He resembled a Pufferfish and was none other than the Porcupine Douluo.

The Porcupine Douluo gave a slight bow, his attitude respectful.

Qian Renxue raised her eyes to him. A glacial gleam flashed through them before fading into calm. "When we entered the city just now, did you notice anything unusual? Especially any signs of a powerful Martial Soul?"

The Porcupine Douluo was slightly stunned. After pondering for a moment, he shook his head. "Young Master, I did not sense any unusual fluctuations."

"But I did. The sensation of Martial Soul Resonance."

"Martial Soul Resonance? Th-this is impossible!" The Porcupine Douluo was momentarily at a loss for words, his face full of astonishment.

"Young Master, Martial Soul Resonance usually occurs between soul masters whose Martial Souls are similar or have deep origins connecting them, and it is often only triggered during battle or cultivation. In this bustling city, where people come and go and Martial Souls vary so greatly, how could resonance suddenly arise?" the Porcupine Douluo asked doubtfully.

Qian Renxue gently shook her head. "I am certain. That sensation was very real, as if something were calling to me. And when I actively probed again, the other party severed that resonance on his own initiative. That only proves he exists—and that he wishes to hide."

"Heh." Qian Renxue laughed softly. "Not wanting to reveal himself before the imperial family means he has yet to grow and lacks a solid foundation. Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that he simply does not wish to become involved with Heaven Dou's nobles and imperial family.

This is a genius left to wander outside, one fated for our Spirit Hall. He should join us."

Her jade-like fingers lightly tapped the tabletop as her gaze shifted. "Pufferfish, immediately arrange for people to secretly search for this mysterious soul master capable of producing Martial Soul Resonance with me.

Everyone who appeared on that street today, whether soul masters or commoners—their names and everything they did must be compiled into a record. Mark any suspicious individuals and bring it to me."

"Remember, act cautiously. Do not alert him. Since he can actively sever the resonance, he possesses considerable strength and vigilance. Our Spirit Hall has always acted openly and honorably, but against such a genius, we must employ certain extraordinary methods." Qian Renxue's voice carried undeniable authority.

"Our Spirit Hall rose from humble beginnings. Even commoners can produce distinguished children, and genius knows no origin. Since this person can resonate with me, perhaps he is the one chosen by fate, someone who may help our Spirit Hall rise to even greater heights in the future."

"Yes, Young Master."

Pufferfish accepted the order, unable to stop himself from complaining inwardly. The Young Master's urge to recruit geniuses had struck again. Whenever she saw talent, she simply could not hide her desire to bring them in.

He still remembered how Qian Renxue had visited a small clan several times before finally negotiating its recruitment.

With a flash, Pufferfish departed.

Qian Renxue remained seated before the sandalwood table, staring blankly at the pile of documents. After a long while, she picked up one of them and began reading.

Frowning, she set it down and let out a deep sigh. "These days... I'm getting tired of them."

She rubbed her temples, and the day she had left Spirit Hall suddenly surfaced in her mind once more.

She had volunteered to accept the mission of infiltrating Heaven Dou. Bibi Dong had sat high upon the Pope's throne, holding the Papal Scepter, and there had not been the slightest ripple of emotion in her eyes as she looked at Qian Renxue.

There had been no encouragement, nor any concern—only that endless calm as deep as an abyss.

Bang—

Qian Renxue opened her eyes and slammed her fist onto the sandalwood table, producing a dull thud.

She gritted her silver teeth. "Sister? Hmph, what a fine Sister. I will see this through no matter what. Is that damned position of Pope really so worth your concern?"

"Phew—"

She took a deep breath and continued reading the documents on the table. "Just wait, my good Sister."