Xue Qinghe: I Have a God-sister

"The two of you fled the Star Luo Empire and enrolled at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, causing quite a stir."

Qian Renxue took a light sip of fragrant tea, her gaze drifting across their faces with an inscrutable smile. "Still, attracting talents like you is an honor for Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

Ling Qianyue smiled. "Your Highness flatters us. We merely came here by reputation, hoping to study more advanced Soul Master knowledge at Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

Zhu Zhuqing echoed, "That's right. Heaven Dou Royal Academy is renowned far and wide. We've long admired it."

Qian Renxue set down her teacup, her gaze deepening. "Oh? You came only because of its reputation? I heard that Miss Zhu Qing's identity is somewhat special.

"But it doesn't matter. Since you've come to Heaven Dou, I naturally welcome you. As long as Star Luo doesn't threaten us or proactively send people to provoke trouble, I can still guarantee your studies at the academy."

"Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince." Ling Qianyue clasped his hands in salute.

"It's nothing. I'm a few years older than you. If you don't mind, just call me Brother Xue. I have always greatly appreciated talented Soul Masters." Qian Renxue smiled warmly.

Zhu Zhuqing and Ling Qianyue exchanged a glance and said in unison, "Brother Xue."

"Mm." Qian Renxue nodded. "Besides getting acquainted with talented Soul Masters, I invited you here because I'm interested in your martial souls.

"Your academy entrance battle at Heaven Dou Royal Academy has already become the talk of Heaven Dou City. The Soul Master World has never before seen a Thousand-Year Second Soul Ring. I wonder if you would let me see it for myself?"

"Brother Xue, you jest. That battle was merely a stroke of luck." Ling Qianyue smiled modestly.

"A stroke of luck?" Qian Renxue looked at Ling Qianyue with interest. "Was it also luck that Dugu Bo accepted you as a Registered Disciple yesterday?"

Ling Qianyue merely smiled without answering.

Zhu Zhuqing slightly bowed and said softly, "If Brother Xue is interested, we would naturally be willing to show our soul rings." As she spoke, she was about to summon her martial soul.

At that, excitement flashed through Qian Renxue's eyes. She immediately rose and waved a hand. "Wait. To display martial souls, we'll probably need a more spacious place.

"There's an open training ground in the rear courtyard of the Crown Prince's Estate, perfect for displaying martial souls. Come, let's go there now."

With that, she took the lead toward the rear courtyard of the Crown Prince's Estate.

Ling Qianyue and Zhu Zhuqing followed closely behind, the former continuously surveying their surroundings.

Before long, the three arrived at the training ground. Qian Renxue waved for the guards to withdraw, leaving only the three of them there.

"Alright, now it's just the three of us. Show me as you please." Her gaze remained fixed on Ling Qianyue.

Ling Qianyue and Zhu Zhuqing nodded, then each summoned their martial souls.

The same two soul rings, one yellow and one purple, hovered around their martial souls.

"Mm." Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes. The Martial Soul Resonance she had imagined did not appear. She glanced at Ling Qianyue, then said in amazement:

"Though I had already received the news, seeing it with my own eyes is still rather unbelievable."

She led the two of them to the resting area of the training ground. "Qianyao, Zhu Qing, raising the age of soul rings isn't something ordinary people can accomplish. To possess Thousand-Year Second Soul Rings at your age, your talent is truly exceptional."

Qian Renxue sat on a bench in the resting area, curiosity and admiration gleaming in her eyes. "Could you share how you accomplished this? Of course, we can make an equivalent exchange. I can provide whatever resources you need."

Zhu Zhuqing looked toward Ling Qianyue, who gave her a look to reassure her.

Their small exchange did not escape Qian Renxue's eyes. She narrowed her eyes. *This little kitten seems to instinctively regard Ling Qianyue as someone she can rely on.

Their relationship really doesn't seem so simple. Childhood sweethearts? Heh, poor Star Luo Third Prince.

Ling Qianyue spoke. "May I ask what Your Highness believes the age limits for soul rings are?"

"Naturally, 423 years for the First Soul Ring, 764 years for the Second Soul Ring, 1,760 years for the third soul ring, and 5,000 years for the Fourth Soul Ring. After becoming a Soul King, one can absorb ten-thousand-year soul rings."

"Then what does Your Highness believe determines the age limit for absorbing soul rings?"

"Naturally, a Soul Master's physique," Qian Renxue answered without hesitation.

"And Spiritual Power," Ling Qianyue added.

"That's right. Spiritual Power is indeed another important factor." Qian Renxue nodded.

"Then hasn't the answer already been revealed? To absorb soul rings beyond the limit, one only needs to improve one's physique and Spiritual Power." A smile hung on Ling Qianyue's lips.

Qian Renxue froze for a moment, then smiled. "But the specific method..."

Under Zhu Zhuqing's somewhat surprised gaze, Ling Qianyue took out a piece of Whale Rubber from his storage ring and placed it on the tea table before Qian Renxue.

"This..."

Qian Renxue wore a strange expression. Though she had never used such a thing, she had been posing as the Crown Prince here and had spent years moving among the nobility.

Naturally, she knew what Whale Rubber was. It was used for the bedroom affairs of nobles, and many people had even sent it to the Crown Prince's Estate. Some of it was even ten-thousand-year-quality Whale Rubber.

She simply had no use for it, nor could she possibly use it, so she had tossed it into a corner to gather dust.

"Brother Xue, this Whale Rubber is one of the keys to improving our physiques and Spiritual Power," Ling Qianyue said slowly. "It contains the essence of ocean whale soul beasts. Long-term consumption can subtly strengthen a Soul Master's body and a small portion of their soul power."

"You're saying this thing is the secret to raising soul ring ages?"

Qian Renxue pointed at the Whale Rubber. "You're not messing with me, are you?"

"Your Highness can have someone test it. As long as they can feel the improvement to their physique, its effects will speak for themselves."

"Good!" Qian Renxue clapped her hands, picked up the Whale Rubber, and stood.

"I'll go test it right away and see whether this Whale Rubber is really as miraculous as you claim. Qianyao and Zhu Qing, wait here for the moment. I'll have someone come entertain you. Please don't take offense."

Ling Qianyue and Zhu Zhuqing also rose. "Of course we don't mind. Brother Xue, please go ahead."

"Mm." Qian Renxue smiled at Ling Qianyue. "Don't worry, I won't neglect proper etiquette. I have a god-sister who happens to be staying with me these days, so I'll have her entertain you in my place for now.

"I'll return after finding someone to verify the effects of the Whale Rubber. Speaking of which, my god-sister is breathtakingly beautiful and gentle in temperament. She isn't much older than you, so I'm sure you'll have plenty in common."

Qian Renxue smiled, a trace of mischief flashing through her eyes. "You two should get along well. Perhaps you'll even become good friends in the future."