Body Sect

Seeing Vina's shy appearance, Lin Ran felt somewhat puzzled.

He hadn't done anything. Why was it that whenever Vina faced him, she couldn't display even a trace of the elegance and composure befitting a princess of a nation?

Of course, he wasn't so narcissistic as to think Vina had fallen for him after only meeting twice—

If that were true, then he thought this little girl was being a bit much. He was only six! Six plus eighteen years was still six.

After thinking it over, Lin Ran felt it was most likely because of the Heaven Soul Emperor or that old man Liu.

He could guess what they were thinking. Nothing more than using Princess Vina to win him over.

He didn't reject proactive approaches with ulterior motives. It was simply a reflection of his own value; there was no such thing as kindness without reason in this world.

If you thought you were worthless but someone still approached you on their own initiative, then you had to consider whether they were after your kidneys.

"I haven't really explored Heaven Dou City since arriving. Vina, you should know the city well, so why don't you show me around?"

Lin Ran changed the subject at the right moment, lest the little girl become increasingly embarrassed.

"Actually, I'm not that familiar with Heaven Dou City either. I stayed in the palace all the time as a child and rarely went out. Ever since my martial soul awakened, I've spent most of my time in the Body Sect."

Princess Vina spoke somewhat sheepishly, but still promised gently, "However, I have a very good memory and remember clearly every place I've been. If you're willing, I can take you to look around those places."

"Then I'll have to thank you."

Lin Ran smiled, then seemed to ask curiously, "You're also a member of the Body Sect?"

Vina hesitated for a moment before nodding and admitting, "That's right. I have Twin Martial Souls, and one of them is the brain."

"Twin Martial Souls—the legendary kind! Impressive, impressive! You're definitely going to become a Limit Douluo in the future." Lin Ran transformed into a master flatterer and praised the little girl until her lips curled up.

Princess Vina tried hard to maintain an elegant and indifferent image, but the corners of her mouth had ideas of their own.

Seeing Vina's adorable expression, amusement surfaced in Lin Ran's eyes.

"Speaking of which, I also have a Body Martial Soul and wanted to join the Body Sect, but unfortunately, I've never been able to find where the Body Sect is located."

"You have a Body Martial Soul too?" Vina was surprised, with a hint of delight in her heart. Thoughtfully, she said:

"I know the Body Sect's contact point within Heaven Dou City. I'll take you there later and recommend you for entry into the sect."

"Then thank you."

This time, Lin Ran's gratitude was considerably more sincere.

Meanwhile, the Soul Douluo secretly protecting Vina saw that, after Vina and Lin Ran greeted Huo Yun'er, they headed toward the Body Sect's residence. He became anxious.

His Majesty wanted to secretly keep Lin Ran here for half a year to make it easier to build a closer relationship. Yet Princess Vina was now taking him to join the Body Sect.

He wanted to report to the Heaven Soul Emperor, but he was worried about Vina's safety and couldn't leave. He could only mourn silently in his heart:

"Your Majesty, your little padded jacket is leaking. They've only met twice, and her elbow is already turning outward."

Lin Ran and Princess Vina wandered through Heaven Dou City before finally arriving at an ordinary courtyard.

"Your Highness, why have you come? Do you have some message to send back to the sect?"

As the two entered the courtyard, a sturdy middle-aged man came out to greet them. Before he could finish speaking, his gaze landed on Lin Ran. Scrutiny filled his eyes, and he frowned.

"Your Highness, who is he? If he's unrelated, have him wait outside."

Princess Vina said, "Steward Zhong, he isn't unrelated. He is also a possessor of a Body Martial Soul and has come to join the sect."

The man surnamed Zhong immediately relaxed and said kindly to Lin Ran, "So you're a disciple of our sect. Little friend, come in and sit. All Body Martial Soul possessors under heaven are family; we are your family. There's no need to be reserved. My name is Zhong Heng, and my martial soul is Twin Arms."

Lin Ran gave a slight bow. "This junior is Lin Ran. Greetings, Senior."

He had long heard that the Body Sect was domineering and unreasonable toward outsiders, yet exceptionally united within the sect. He hadn't expected to witness this atmosphere the moment he arrived. The instant Zhong Heng heard that he had a Body Martial Soul, he changed his attitude without missing a beat.

Zhong Heng brought the two into the main hall and seated them before asking Lin Ran:

"Tell me about your martial soul. I'll register you."

"Senior, my martial soul is blood," Lin Ran answered.

"You said your martial soul is blood?" Zhong Heng's eyes suddenly lit up with intense excitement.

"Yes." Lin Ran extended his right hand and raised his index finger. Several droplets of blood immediately seeped from the skin at his fingertip, constantly changing shape in his hand.

Zhong Heng took two steps to Lin Ran's side and stared fixedly at the droplets, his gaze blazing. "Good, good! It really is a Blood Martial Soul! Tell me quickly, what is your Innate Soul Power?"

"Level ten," Lin Ran said.

"Hahaha!"

Zhong Heng suddenly burst into laughter, staring fervently at Lin Ran as though he were some peerless treasure. The look sent a chill down Lin Ran's back, and he involuntarily scooted backward, pressing himself against the chair back.

He suddenly regretted it. Perhaps he shouldn't have joined the Body Sect? Cultivation could be delayed a little, but once his innocence was gone, it was really gone.

Looking at it this way, joining Shrek might not be so bad after all.

At the very least, there were plenty of beauties over there. The atmosphere probably wasn't as tense as it was in the Body Sect.

"I must immediately report this news to the Sect Master!" After Zhong Heng finished laughing, he hurriedly turned and headed outside. The moment one foot crossed the threshold, he turned back and walked inside again, looking at Lin Ran.

"No, I'll take you back to the sect myself!"

As he spoke, he reached out to grab Lin Ran.

Lin Ran hurriedly said, "Please wait, Senior. I haven't informed my family yet. How about I go with you to the Body Sect in a couple of days?"

Zhong Heng paused, and the excitement in his eyes finally subsided somewhat. After thinking it over, he said, "Alright. Spend these next two days properly saying goodbye to your family. I'll report your information to the Sect Master. I imagine that in a few days, the Sect Master will come personally to receive you."

Lin Ran added, "Senior, my only family member also has a Body Martial Soul. Her Soul Power isn't very high, though. Could she join the Body Sect with me?"

Upon hearing this, Zhong Heng rubbed Lin Ran's head and said gently, "I already told you—the Body Martial Soul users of the world are one family. Regardless of how high or low their Soul Power is, as long as they possess a Body Martial Soul, they are one of us."

"Also, everyone in the sect will be your family from now on," Zhong Heng said solemnly.

Lin Ran fell silent, unable to help feeling moved. Perhaps joining the Body Sect would not be so bad after all.

After Lin Ran and Vina left the Body Sect, they walked along the streets of Heaven Dou City.

Vina smiled brightly. "That's wonderful! From now on, I'll be able to see you in the sect too."

Lin Ran looked at the girl's flower-like smile. Sunlight spilled over her smooth dark hair, casting it in a warm, dazzling golden glow.

"Seeing me makes you that happy?" Lin Ran could not resist teasing her.

Vina blushed, somewhat embarrassed. But soon, her expression turned downcast again.

"It's just a pity that you'll be going to the sect soon, while I still have to stay home for another half year."