Qian Renxue Joins the Journey, Entering Sunset Forest

"Xiaoxue, you've worked hard."

Qing Luan Douluo's gaze was gentle.

Qian Renxue gently shook her head, then her gaze fell upon Ye Chen behind Qing Luan Douluo.

The corners of Qian Renxue's lips lifted slightly, revealing a sincere, affectionate smile as she said to Ye Chen with a smile, "Xiaochen, I thought you would head straight to Sunset Forest. I didn't expect you to remember to come see your sister first."

As she spoke, she deliberately paused. "What are you still standing there for? Hurry, call me Sister."

Looking at Qian Renxue before him, dressed in a long gown and possessed of otherworldly beauty, Ye Chen was not shy. He called out crisply, "Sister."

Seeing the harmonious pair, Qing Luan Douluo also smiled.

Qian Renxue's eyes curved with her smile. She stepped forward and gently patted Ye Chen on the shoulder. "You must be tired from the journey. Come inside and sit first. I've prepared tea and snacks. You can keep Third Grandpa company, and properly tell your sister about your martial soul and divine inheritance."

Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo's pupils contracted sharply at the same time.

A divine inheritance?

That was something from legend, something even Titled Douluo like them dreamed of but could not so much as touch the threshold of!

The two instinctively exchanged glances, each seeing the barely concealed shock in the other's eyes.

Porcupinefish Douluo's breathing stalled as his gaze fell on Ye Chen. This child, only six years old, actually possessed a divine inheritance?

Snake Lance Douluo's expression turned solemn, though he could not help feeling nervous as well.

Was this sort of secret something they were allowed to hear?

Would Third Enshrined become angered because of it?

Porcupinefish Douluo came to his senses as well, instinctively holding his breath and staring at his nose, his nose at his heart. He did not even dare let his eyes wander.

Qing Luan Douluo stood with his hands behind his back, his expression as calm as still water, revealing neither joy nor anger.

It was precisely this calmness that made Pufferfish and Snake Lance feel even more as though they were sitting on pins and needles.

Qing Luan Douluo took in their reactions. In truth, he was not angry; he merely intended to give the two a timely warning.

Though Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo were ordinary elders of the Elder Hall, they were absolutely trustworthy.

Otherwise, why would his eldest brother, Qian Daoliu, have allowed them to protect Qian Renxue?

"There is no need to be so nervous."

Qing Luan Douluo stood with his hands behind his back, his tone indifferent. "Since Xiaoxue has spoken, it means she trusts you. Let's go inside and talk."

"Yes, yes, thank you, Third Enshrined!"

Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo relaxed slightly and hurriedly bowed in acknowledgment.

The group crossed the courtyard and entered the main hall.

The hall's furnishings were elegant and antiquated. They were not extravagant, yet every detail displayed understated refinement.

Qian Renxue personally led Qing Luan Douluo to the seat of honor, then pulled Ye Chen down to sit beside her.

Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo stood at the lower seats with respectful postures.

"She Long, Ci Xue, sit as well."

Qing Luan Douluo waved his hand.

These were Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo's given names. Hearing this, the two thanked him with a bow before quietly taking their seats.

Qian Renxue personally poured tea for Qing Luan Douluo and Ye Chen. Then, her beautiful eyes fell upon Ye Chen, filled with a smiling warmth.

The siblings chatted for a while about recent events. Ye Chen then told Qian Renxue about all his experiences during this time, including the awakening of his martial soul and the progress of his God Trial.

Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo sat below, their hearts pounding with alarm and surging with excitement.

The night grew deeper.

Qing Luan Douluo and the two Titled Douluo, Pufferfish and Snake Lance, went to the side hall to discuss matters. Only Qian Renxue and Ye Chen remained in the hall.

Qian Renxue looked at Ye Chen's face and said softly, "Xiaochen, you said in your letter that you wanted to go to Sunset Forest in search of Immortal Herbs?"

"That's right. Immortal Herbs are spiritual treasures of heaven and earth."

Ye Chen carefully chose his words. "Their medicinal effects are unique. They can cleanse the meridians and marrow, strengthen one's foundation, and cultivate one's vitality, greatly benefiting Soul Masters. There was a revelation in the divine inheritance: there are more Immortal Herbs deep within Sunset Forest than can be counted on two hands!"

"Hm?"

Qian Renxue was slightly startled, her gaze shifting. "How could there be so many?"

Immortal Herbs, as their name implied, were immortal-grade medicinal plants. Their rarity went without saying; even across all of Douluo Continent, it was difficult to find a single one.

Yet now, Ye Chen was telling her that Sunset Forest held at least a dozen Immortal Herbs?

After a pause,

Qian Renxue felt that her previous words had been inappropriate and spoke again. "Xiaochen, it isn't that your sister doesn't believe you. In every respect, Sunset Forest is far inferior to Star Dou Great Forest. Can it really have that many Immortal Herbs?"

"Absolutely!"

Ye Chen nodded seriously.

Qian Renxue lowered her eyes thoughtfully, her long lashes casting faint shadows in the candlelight.

Seeing that she seemed quite interested, Ye Chen's heart stirred, and he simply said, "Sister, if you have time, why not come with us?"

Qian Renxue raised her eyes to look at him, somewhat surprised.

"Immortal Herbs are rare. If we find one suited to you, it would be of immense benefit to you as well."

Ye Chen said seriously, "Besides, Sunset Forest is only a hundred li from Heaven Dou City. Even if we are delayed, the round trip will only take a day or two."

At his words, the corners of Qian Renxue's lips rose slightly, revealing a gentle smile.

After considering it, she slowly said, "Come to think of it, I really should obtain my fifth soul ring."

Qian Renxue's eyes shifted slightly, as though calculating something. "Though Xue Qinghe is the Crown Prince, finding an excuse to miss court is quite simple."

Ye Chen's eyes lit up. "Then shall we go together?"

Seeing the anticipation in his eyes, Qian Renxue's heart warmed slightly. She gently nodded. "Mm."

She reached out to straighten Ye Chen's collar, her movements gentle and natural. "Xiaochen, you've given your sister an excuse to go out and relax."

Ye Chen smiled. "Sister works too hard every day. It would be good for you to get out for a walk."

Qian Renxue was slightly startled, then laughed. Raising her hand, she gently ruffled Ye Chen's hair. "Silly boy, you've even learned how to care for others."

The siblings spoke for a long while longer. Only deep into the night did Qian Renxue rise and leave.

The following morning.

News spread from the Crown Prince's residence in Heaven Dou City—the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe, had caught a chill and needed to rest within the residence for several days, receiving no visitors.

At the same time, a slender figure quietly appeared outside the eastern city gate.

Qian Renxue had changed into a simple, elegant outfit suited for travel. A white veil covered her face, and her long hair was lightly pinned up with a jade hairpin, adding a touch of heroism to her delicate beauty.

When Ye Chen and Qing Luan Douluo arrived, she smiled slightly and went forward to greet them.

"Has everything been arranged?" Qing Luan Douluo asked.

"Rest assured, Third Grandpa." Qian Renxue nodded. "Pufferfish and Snake Lance will arrive shortly."

As soon as she finished speaking, two figures swept out from the city. They were Porcupinefish Douluo and Snake Lance Douluo.

"Third Enshrined, Young Mistress, Young Master Ye Chen."

After bowing in greeting, the two quietly stood to one side.

The group of five said no more and headed north at once.

Sunset Forest lay a hundred li away.

Two hours later, a vast sea of verdant forest appeared at the edge of their vision.

Viewed from high above, Sunset Forest was entirely different from the boundless Star Dou Great Forest. Its borders were distinct, and its depth was limited.

Only upon truly entering it could one feel the oppression and gloom unique to a Soul Beast forest.

Ancient trees towered into the sky, blotting out the sun.

As the Soul Beast gathering place second only to Star Dou Great Forest on the surface of Douluo Continent, it contained no shortage of powerful 10,000 Years Soul Beasts.