The Foolish Qian Renxue

"Heh."

Qian Renxue pulled over a chair and sat down opposite Ling Qianyue, with barely half a meter between them.

She elegantly crossed one leg over the other, the motion further accentuating the graceful curves of her slender figure. With her arms folded across her chest, she looked both languid and faintly imposing.

"Qian Renxue. That is my name." She stated her name calmly, her gaze fixed on Ling Qianyue as she observed his reaction. The atmosphere between them began to turn subtle.

"Qian Renxue." Ling Qianyue softly repeated the name, a hint of amusement flashing through his eyes. "It really suits you—proud and coldly beautiful, just like you."

"Hmph, smooth talker." Qian Renxue gave a light snort, though the corners of her lips still curled upward slightly. "Since you already know who I am, you should understand that I did not seek you out merely for idle conversation."

"Of course I understand. Isn't that why I came at your invitation?"

Ling Qianyue spread his hands. "Actually, compared to the Heaven Dou Empire, Spirit Hall is clearly the better choice for me.

As the Spirit Hall caught between the two great empires—or rather, standing above them—it can naturally offer more comprehensive and powerful protection.

And if Zhu Qing has Spirit Hall protecting her, she will be safer as well."

Qian Renxue suddenly leaned forward, her hair tips nearly brushing his throat as a trace of anger appeared in her sapphire-like eyes.

"You had better not tell me that you are only willing to join Spirit Hall in order to protect that girl. If that is the case, I will be very angry."

Ling Qianyue adjusted his posture slightly. "So what if I am? She is my girlfriend now. It is only natural for me to consider her. You and I have only just met—did you really expect me to fall for you at first sight just because you are breathtakingly beautiful, then claim that everything I do is for your sake?

Do not think so little of me, and do not think so highly of yourself, Qian Renxue."

A complicated emotion flickered through Qian Renxue's eyes. She lightly bit her lower lip, seemingly suppressing the anger in her heart.

Yet a moment later, she suddenly laughed. "Ling Qianyue, I have to admit, you are quite interesting. Not many people dare speak to me like that."

Her smile faded. "As long as you join Spirit Hall, I can guarantee that no one will be able to harm either that girl or you. As for your relationship with her—"

Ling Qianyue interrupted her. "My relationship with Zhu Qing is obvious. Someone with a Martial Soul as holy as the Six-winged Angel would not forcibly break up a couple, would they? And those who possess a Martial Soul Fusion Skill do not necessarily have to be together."

Qian Renxue's brows twitched repeatedly, her silver teeth clenched as she forced out a smile. "Y-yes. Did I say anything? You do not think that just because we had a Martial Soul Resonance once, I consider you my future partner, do you? Do not get ahead of yourself, Ling Qianyue!"

"That is good, then." Ling Qianyue nodded solemnly.

His response made Qian Renxue's heart pound wildly as she cursed that insensitive bastard again and again. Was this guy blind? In what way could that Zhu Zhuqing possibly compare to me? Talent? Looks? Other than those two lumps of flesh on her chest, what does she have that surpasses me? Can that stuff feed you? Damn it, I will make you acknowledge how outstanding I am. You are only hiding it—I refuse to believe you are not moved.

Qian Renxue let out a breath. "Then, you are now one of Spirit Hall's people?"

"Of course. But you cannot restrict me. I need to complete my Martial Soul cultivation in Heaven Dou, and I still have many things to do."

"Of course." Qian Renxue nodded. "Your lives will remain exactly as they were before. Apart from knowing of my existence, nothing will change."

If Ling Qianyue did not remain in Heaven Dou, how was she supposed to practice their Martial Soul Fusion Skill with him?

How could she possibly send him to Spirit City? With Ling Qianyue's talent, what if someone else got to him first? She remembered clearly that Sister had taken in a seductive little fox as her disciple.

She had stolen the maternal love and concern that should have belonged to her. If someone else stole Ling Qianyue away as well, would she not explode with rage?

She handed Ling Qianyue two tokens engraved with the character "Xue." One belonged to the Heaven Dou Crown Prince, while the other bore the emblem of Spirit Hall on its reverse side and was her own special token.

"In Heaven Dou City, you may go anywhere without hindrance. If you encounter an elder or anyone higher-ranking within Spirit Hall, show them the latter token. Those of lower status will not recognize it."

Ling Qianyue accepted them without ceremony and placed them in his storage ring.

"Now, we are companions." He smiled and extended his hand.

Qian Renxue stared at his outstretched hand. After a brief silence, a teasing smile curled across her lips, but she slowly extended her own hand as well and lightly shook his. "I hope you will not disappoint me."

After the handshake, the atmosphere between them seemed to shift subtly. It was no longer as tense as before, though it had not become entirely harmonious either.

"Tell me what you think of Spirit Hall."

"A powerful force. A force that balances the powers of the continent."

"Oh?" Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes, seemingly somewhat surprised by Ling Qianyue's answer. "Then do you not think Spirit Hall's ambitions are too great? I infiltrated this place in order to take control of the Heaven Dou Empire.

What do you think of Spirit Hall's actions?"

Ling Qianyue shook his head. "Ambition? Who does not have ambition? Spirit Hall has merely placed its ambition in the open. Moreover, it possesses sufficient strength to support that ambition.

Unification is the trend of history. If Spirit Hall truly has the ability to achieve it, then perhaps it would not be a bad thing."

Qian Renxue nodded in satisfaction, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.

But then Ling Qianyue continued, "Still, since you are a descendant of the Qian Clan, your status should be extremely exalted, should it not? As far as I know, the Angel Martial Soul has only a single lineage. Apart from Spirit Hall's Great Enshrined, there was only the previous Pope.

If you are the previous Pope's daughter, then may I call you Young Master?"

"Of course." Qian Renxue gave a light snort. "That sounded quite good. Say it a few more times."

Ling Qianyue ignored her and continued, "Then I do not understand. With your status, and the exceptional talent guaranteed by the Angel Martial Soul, why would you come here to play spy when you have nothing better to do?

Is that not wasting your cultivation talent? If I may ask, what level was your Innate Soul Power, and what is your Soul Power level now?"

Qian Renxue's face darkened, and she remained silently sullen.

Ling Qianyue tossed the boomerang back. "Why are you not saying anything? Do you not like it?"

"Still stronger than you. Why are you asking so much nonsense?" Qian Renxue glared at Ling Qianyue irritably, her tone carrying a trace of impatience.

"More importantly, it is time to get down to business." Qian Renxue pressed her soft hand against Ling Qianyue's chest, her scorching breath brushing over his collarbone. "Let us attempt the Martial Soul Fusion Skill."