Qian Renxue's test: I'm going to the Heaven Dou Empire on a mission, tell me, can I succeed?

The carriage stopped before a grand palace. The ancient main doors were inlaid with golden beast-head door knockers, and two imposing stone lions stood on either side. Everything exuded solemnity and reverence.

Wang Dong'er led Lu Jing out of the carriage. As they looked up, they realized this wasn't the main hall of the Martial Soul Hall, but a more secluded and tranquil complex of buildings—the Worship Hall.

At Qian Daoliu's request, Qian Renxue led them through several courtyards. The bluestone slabs underfoot were swept clean, and the pine and cypress trees on either side were neatly trimmed. A faint scent of sandalwood permeated the air.

Finally, Qian Renxue stopped before two adjacent doors. She turned to face them and said softly, "You'll be living here from now on. If you need anything, just tell the people outside. Don't feel like you're troubling them."

The room's furnishings were simple yet elegant. The pear wood table and chairs were polished to a shine, and a pot of vibrant green orchid sat by the window. The bedding was brand-new brocade, and the air still held the scent of sunshine.

"Thank you, Sister Xue," Lu Jing said first, nodding his thanks. Wang Dong'er echoed his gratitude.

"You're welcome. Here at the Martial Soul Hall, we're all family!"

Qian Renxue smiled slightly. After saying she would leave if there was nothing else, she strode away under their watchful eyes.

Watching Qian Renxue's retreating figure, Lu Jing turned to Wang Dong'er and said, "I'm in the next room. Call me anytime if you need anything."

Wang Dong'er nodded and pushed open her room door. "You too."

The two doors closed softly, separating their spaces. Yet, due to their proximity, a subtle sense of security settled between them. In this strange era, having someone who knew their origins living next door was undoubtedly a comfort.

Meanwhile, after seeing the two settled, Qian Renxue turned and walked into the main hall of the Worship Hall.

Qian Daoliu sat on a cushion, meditating with his eyes closed. His golden hair cascaded over his shoulders, and a faint fluctuation of Soul Power emanated from him.

"Grandfather," Qian Renxue called softly.

Qian Daoliu slowly opened his eyes, a glint flashing in his golden irises. "Are they all settled?"

"Yes, they've moved in, right next door."

Qian Renxue walked up to him, her tone laced with a hint of confusion. "Are we just letting them move in like this? Shouldn't we do something? Like... test their background?"

She always felt these two children, a boy and a girl who had appeared out of nowhere, were too mysterious. Especially the one named Lu Jing; despite his young age, his gaze was as steady as an adult's, making it hard not to be suspicious.

Qian Daoliu shook his head, his voice ancient yet carrying unquestionable authority. "No rush."

He tapped his knee with his fingertips and slowly said, "Since they dared to come to Martial Soul City and dared to stay in the Worship Hall, it means they either have something to rely on, or they are indeed as they say and mean us no harm. Regardless, let's observe them for a while first."

"They've already fallen into our hands anyway. The Worship Hall is full of our people, inside and out. Are you afraid they'll run away?" Qian Daoliu's lips curled into a faint smile. "What about you? How are your preparations coming along?"

Qian Renxue's eyes sharpened at his words. "Everything is ready. We depart for the Heaven Dou Empire in three days."

The plan to infiltrate the Heaven Dou Empire had been in preparation for a long time, and she could hardly wait. As long as they could control the Heaven Dou Empire's million-strong army, the Martial Soul Hall's path to unifying the continent would be greatly accelerated.

Qian Daoliu looked at the sharpness in her eyes and nodded. "Be careful with everything. Remember, your safety is paramount. If things become impossible, retreat immediately."

"Xue'er understands," Qian Renxue replied, though her heart was already burning with fighting spirit.

Night quietly descended, and palace lanterns were lit within the Worship Hall. The dim yellow light filtered through the window paper, casting warm halos on the ground. Lu Jing sat at the table, sorting through the clues since arriving in this era, when he suddenly heard a knock.

"Who is it?"

"It's me," Qian Renxue's voice came from outside the door, carrying a softness different from the daytime.

Lu Jing was somewhat puzzled. He got up and opened the door. Qian Renxue stood outside, holding a food box. She had changed into a light golden dress, possessing less of the coldness from earlier and more of a youthful liveliness.

"Sister Xue?"

Lu Jing asked, confused, "It's late at night, is there something you need?"

Qian Renxue shook the food box in her hand, a smile on her lips, and gestured with her eyes. "I just got this from the kitchens. I roasted some meat skewers and thought you might not have had a late-night snack, so I brought some over."

A wave of aroma wafted from the food box, a mix of cumin and the char of roasted meat, whetting the appetite.

Although Lu Jing couldn't fathom her intentions, he didn't refuse. He stepped aside. "Come in."

He knew in his heart that nothing in this world came for free. Qian Renxue bringing food at this hour likely meant she wanted to ask something. But he wasn't afraid; he'd deal with whatever came his way.

Qian Renxue entered the room, placed the food box on the table, and opened it. Inside were indeed several skewers of glistening, roasted meat, still steaming. She handed one to Lu Jing. "Try it? The roasted meat in Martial Soul City might taste different from your era."

Lu Jing took it and took a bite. The meat was tender and fresh, the seasoning just right. It was indeed good. He didn't speak, lowering his head and eating slowly, waiting for Qian Renxue to speak.

Qian Renxue looked at his composed demeanor, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. This young man was remarkably calm, not worried at all about her potentially tampering with the food. She picked up a skewer, took a small bite, and then asked casually, "You... are you really from ten thousand years in the future?"

Lu Jing chewed on the meat skewer and nodded. "Could this be fake? Is it possible that this is an illusion set up by your Martial Soul Hall to trick us?"

Qian Renxue chuckled at his words and shook her head. "That's unlikely. It's just... the world ten thousand years from now sounds so distant."

She couldn't imagine what the world would be like in ten thousand years, so she could only tease him.

"It's distant and near at the same time."

Lu Jing said calmly, "For us, it was just a spatial turbulence. One blink of an eye, and we arrived here."

Qian Renxue nodded thoughtfully, fell silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Since you're from the future, then... do you know what I'm about to do?"

Lu Jing's hand holding the meat skewer paused. He looked up at her. "How would I know what you're going to do? I'm not inside your stomach."

"I'm going to the Heaven Dou Empire on a mission."

Qian Renxue didn't hide it. Looking at the child beside her, her tone held a hint of inquiry. "Tell me, will I succeed in the end?"

As long as they obtained the Heaven Dou Empire's million-strong army, even if the three top sects and the Star Luo Empire joined forces, the Martial Soul Hall would be able to crush them all, like grinding them into dust.