The Angel's Choice, Xue Qinghe's Invitation

After deciding to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, the first issue Qin Mo had to resolve was Qian Renxue's—alias Xiao Xue—situation.

He arrived at the small courtyard where Qian Renxue lived alone behind the academy. The surroundings were tranquil and secluded, rarely disturbed by others, making it ideal for hiding her identity and cultivating.

Qian Renxue seemed to have known Qin Mo would come. She was seated beside the stone table in the courtyard, brewing tea with elegant movements and a dignified bearing. Though she wore an ordinary Student Uniform, she could not conceal the nobility ingrained in her bones. Her Soul Power aura had become even more restrained, but Qin Mo could sense that she was not far from reaching the rank of level sixty Soul Emperor. Her cultivation speed was terrifying.

"Dean." Seeing Qin Mo, Qian Renxue smiled faintly, gestured for him to sit, and poured him a cup of clear tea. After spending this time at Myriad Manifestations Academy, the aloof pride that kept others at a distance had faded somewhat, replaced by a measure of calmness. Yet the pride and determination deep within her eyes remained entirely unchanged.

Qin Mo sat down and went straight to the point. "The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament is about to begin. I intend for you to compete as a core member."

Qian Renxue's hand paused slightly as she poured the tea. Raising her eyes, a complicated glint flashed through her golden pupils. "Under what identity? Xue Qinghe, Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire? Qian Renxue, the former young mistress of Spirit Hall? Or... merely Xiao Xue, a student of Myriad Manifestations Academy?"

Those three identities represented entirely different parts of her past and struggles.

Qin Mo looked at her, his gaze calm and profound. "Your past identities are merely shackles binding you. At Myriad Manifestations Academy, you are only yourself—Qian Renxue. Or perhaps you prefer being called Xiao Xue? Competing is for the academy's honor, but it is also to prove to yourself and everyone else that you can rely entirely on your own strength to carve out a path that belongs to you, rather than living beneath the shadows of Spirit Hall or the Heaven Dou Royal Family."

Qian Renxue fell silent for a moment, her slender fingers brushing over the warm teacup. Qin Mo's words had struck the deepest part of her heart. She longed to break free from her restraints, longed for genuine freedom and recognition. And the Soul Master tournament stage was undoubtedly a perfect opportunity.

"If I compete, will it bring trouble to the academy?" She had some reservations. After all, her identity was far too sensitive.

"Trouble?" Qin Mo smiled faintly. "Myriad Manifestations Academy has never feared trouble. If Spirit Hall comes knocking because of this, we can settle both old and new scores at once. As for the Heaven Dou Royal Family... Xue Ye has just sent an invitation to an Imperial Banquet. I imagine he is also quite 'curious' about me and Myriad Manifestations Academy."

A flicker of surprise crossed Qian Renxue's eyes before she understood. Given the strength and potential Qin Mo and Myriad Manifestations Academy had displayed, it was inevitable that the royal family would take notice.

"Fine." Qian Renxue finally made her decision, her gaze turning firm. "I'll compete. I'll participate as Xiao Xue, a student of Myriad Manifestations Academy."

She wanted to see how far she could go on the continent's highest stage after shedding all her halos and disguises, relying solely on her Angel Martial Soul and her own strength.

"Very good." Qin Mo nodded. "Then welcome to the Myriad Manifestations Battle Team. You are the strongest, so you will be the team's public captain, responsible for on-the-spot command and serving as the main attacker."

Qian Renxue had no objections to this arrangement. She had both the confidence and ability for it.

Just then, an academy guard hurried to the courtyard entrance and reported, "Dean, His Highness the Crown Prince, 'Xue Qinghe,' has sent someone with an invitation, asking you to meet him at the Prince's Mansion tonight."

Xue Qinghe? Qian Renxue herself was right here, so this invitation...

Qian Renxue and Qin Mo exchanged a glance and immediately understood. This had to be someone from Spirit Hall impersonating Xue Qinghe in order to make contact with Qin Mo. Their purpose was obvious: testing him, recruiting him, or... threatening him.

A trace of coldness flashed through Qian Renxue's eyes. Spirit Hall's reach was extending farther and farther.

Qin Mo, however, revealed an amused smile. "Speak of the devil, and he appears. We had barely mentioned trouble before it came knocking on our door. Fine, then. I'll meet this 'Crown Prince' and see what game Spirit Hall is trying to play."

He accepted the invitation and said to Qian Renxue, "Focus on preparing for the tournament. I'll handle these matters."

Watching Qin Mo remain so calm and composed, Qian Renxue felt inexplicably reassured. Perhaps choosing to remain at Myriad Manifestations Academy had been the most correct decision of her life.

As night fell, Qin Mo left Myriad Manifestations Academy alone and headed toward the lavish Prince's Mansion in the center of Heaven Dou City.

A new storm had already begun to unfold.