Ling Luochen

Time flew by, and more than five months had passed since Qin Yue and the other two had won the Freshman Assessment.

In the Qin Mansion's secret chamber, Qin Yue, who had been sitting cross-legged on the floor, slowly opened his eyes. He exhaled a three-inch Air Arrow and, feeling the abundant Soul Power within him, looked refreshed as he gazed at the Dragon Core hanging from his chest.

This thing truly deserved its reputation as a famous treasure of the Douluo Continent. Even Qin Yue himself had not expected that, with the Dragon Core's assistance, his Soul Power would rise by a full six levels in just five short months! It was simply astonishing.

Qin Yue had noticed something was off during the first week of cultivating with the Dragon Core. His "affinity" with this Dragon Core was exceptionally high, and the boost to his cultivation speed far surpassed the increase Tyrant Thunder Douluo had experienced, according to Ning Tian.

After experiencing it firsthand, he felt the issue likely lay with their Martial Souls. Although Tyrant Thunder Douluo's Martial Soul was also among the top-tier Martial Souls, it still fell short compared to his Ultimate Lightning Martial Soul. Naturally, it could not fully bring out the Dragon Core's miraculous effects.

"Now, I'm only one Soul Ring away from truly breaking through to Soul Ancestor." Qin Yue stood up, the joy on his face turning to worry.

Two months earlier, the Qin Clan members stationed in Forest Spirit City had sent word. Due to the accidental death of a Soul Saint in the clan and certain information they had received, Clan Head Qin Haichuan and several clan elders had gone to investigate together, only to lose all trace of themselves within Thunder Cliff. The entire Qin Clan had been reduced to having only one elderly Soul Saint holding the fort.

Having failed to find them, the clansmen could only write to tell Qin Yue to remain vigilant. At the same time, they asked Qin Shu to resign from his post at Shrek Academy and return to the Qin Clan as soon as possible, joining the sole remaining clan elder in guarding Forest Spirit City and preserving the city's assets as best they could.

The letter stated even more directly that, should things truly reach their final stage, they would try to sell off all their assets in exchange for cultivation resources, then have Qin Yan return to Forest Spirit City. The three Soul Saints would then safely deliver those resources to Qin Yue and wait for their chance to rise again.

Although Qin Yue had never intended for the Qin Clan to help him obtain his Fourth Soul Ring, the current situation was not something he wanted to see. Qin Haichuan had only become a Title Douluo a few years ago. He had been more than capable of serving as a protector during the early stages, yet he had suddenly vanished like this. No one could accept that.

So, not long after receiving the letter, Qin Yue told Ning Tian about it. First, he wanted to ask the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to look after the Qin Clan. Second, he wanted to use the Sect-Protecting Douluo to search for Qin Haichuan and the others. Third, he wanted to show weakness through this matter, urging Ning Tian to increase her investment as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, two months had already passed, and no news had come back from the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Everyone in the Qin Clan believed Qin Haichuan and the others were likely dead, and they were gradually selling off their assets and shrinking their influence.

Qin Yue pushed open the door. Qin Yan, who had been quietly standing guard outside, immediately rose. Meeting the other man's expectant gaze, Qin Yue gave a slight nod. "I did not disappoint you."

"As expected of the greatest genius our Qin Clan has seen in three hundred years!"

Qin Yan waved his fist excitedly. When he had seen the clan's letter, it had felt as though the sky were falling. If Qin Yue's cultivation speed had not been so terrifyingly fast, he probably would not have been able to hold on.

"Time is of the essence. Don't you have one chance to choose any Soul Ring you want? A group from the academy will soon be heading to the Star Dou Forest to hunt Soul Beasts. The team will be accompanied by a Title Douluo and several Soul Douluos, so their safety is guaranteed."

Qin Yue's expression changed when he heard that, and he blurted out, "The leading teacher wouldn't happen to be Xuan Zi, would it?"

"Of course not." Knowing what Qin Yue was worried about, Qin Yan shook his head. "The leader is the vice dean of the Soul Guidance Department, Oolong Douluo Qian Duoduo, along with two Soul Douluo teachers, Senior Sister, and the Inner Court and Outer Court students who need Soul Rings."

Qin Yan paused there, carefully considering his words before continuing. "Oh, right. That beautiful and highly talented Inner Court student I mentioned to you before, Ling Luochen, is also on the team. Her cultivation has not been going smoothly lately, and she wants to use this opportunity to get out and clear her mind."

"As long as Xuan Zi isn't leading the team, it's fine. Sign me up."

"Alright, I'll make the arrangements now. Dean Qian probably won't reject your request to join without reason."

Qin Yue was not particularly concerned about the Ling Luochen Qin Yan had mentioned. When the clan's letter had arrived, Qin Yan had laid out all the plans between himself and the clan head in full, including the matter of winning Ling Luochen over.

Qin Yue had already seen the Heavenly Treasure Qin Yan spoke of. It was merely an Ice Soul Stone the size of a fist. Qin Yue knew of something that would be even more alluring to Ling Luochen.

It was not that he looked down on that cold beauty. He was simply still focused on improving his cultivation for now. Since Qin Yan had brought it up again, he might as well have a chat with her. It would not take much time, after all.

Two days later, Qin Yue and Qin Yan appeared together in an open area to the left of Shrek Academy's main gate.

A few students had already arrived, scattered about the area. There were both men and women, all Soul Ancestors or Soul Kings.

After some time, several more people emerged from Shrek Academy. The leading woman had long black hair cascading to her waist, bright and wise black eyes, and a flawless, delicate face. Her serene and gentle temperament was unforgettable at first sight.

From the faint trace of sorrow between her brows, Qin Yue recognized her as the Inner Court's Senior Sister, the eight-ringed Soul Douluo Zhang Lexuan.

Among the people following Zhang Lexuan, another figure was particularly eye-catching. She was a tall young woman dressed in a blue-violet gown. Her long black hair hung quietly down her back, while her skin was so fair it was startling. Though her features were beautiful, her face held little expression. Paired with those icy blue eyes, she was truly a cold and beautiful woman.

Sensing someone looking at her, Ling Luochen followed the gaze over. She first glanced at Qin Yan, then focused her attention on Qin Yue.

After that day, Ling Luochen had privately asked around about Qin Yue as well. Even as one of this generation's Shrek Seven Devils, she had to admit that the young man before her possessed truly astonishing talent.

Her deep desire to transform her Martial Soul into Ultimate Ice, combined with Qin Yue's own excellent qualities, meant she was not all that opposed to Qin Yan's proposal.

That was why Ling Luochen had applied to join this Soul Beast hunting team. She wanted to use this opportunity to get to know Qin Yue first. After all, information gathered from others was merely hearsay and could not compare to seeing things for herself.

She also had to consider their personalities. Two people with incompatible personalities would only wear each other down day after day, bringing no benefit to either side. If she and Qin Yue truly could not get along, then she could only choose to give up.