Golden Hair, Purple Eyes

Qian Renxue stood in the corner, her gaze lowered, but her mind was on something else.

A few days ago, she had received word that a shop called the "Heavenly Workshop" had appeared in Heaven Dou City, selling the legendary Soul Tools.

Soul Tools.

Of course, she knew what they were.

Spirit Hall's records had documented such things. They were special devices used by Soul Masters in ancient times, immensely powerful, but their methods of creation had long since been lost.

And now, such things had appeared in Heaven Dou City.

Moreover, it was said that the technology had been provided by a six-year-old child named Gu Ci.

Gu Ci.

Qian Renxue silently repeated the name, a glimmer of curiosity flashing through her eyes.

Six years old, Level 8 Innate Soul Power, Thunder Tiger Martial Soul, the only son of Thunder Tiger Marquis Manor, most likely Poison Douluo Dugu Bo's future grandson-in-law...

She had long since learned every detail of this information through Spirit Hall's intelligence network.

But what truly interested her was not any of those obvious details.

Rather—the child seemed to be hiding some secret.

For a six-year-old child to suddenly produce Soul Tool technology lost for a thousand years was absolutely not normal.

Either some powerful force stood behind him, or...

He himself was the secret.

The corners of Qian Renxue's lips lifted slightly, revealing a faint, nearly imperceptible smile.

Interesting.

Xue Qinghe put down his book and stretched. "Xue'er, go rest first. We still have to enter the palace early tomorrow morning, so don't stay up too late."

"Yes."

Qian Renxue gave a bow and turned to leave the study.

After leaving the study, she returned to her room along the corridor.

The room was small and simply furnished, containing only a bed, a table, and a wardrobe.

This was standard for a maidservant. Compared to the palace chambers she had at Spirit Hall, it was ridiculously crude.

But she had long grown used to it.

Closing the door, Qian Renxue sat on the edge of the bed and took a small token from beneath her pillow.

The token was entirely gold, with an Angel engraved on its front—it was Spirit Hall's Pope's Token, something only Bibi Dong and a few core elders were qualified to possess.

This one had been secretly given to her by Bibi Dong for emergency contact.

She held the token and remained silent for a long time.

She knew that Yin Wuji and Iron Face had returned to Spirit Hall today to make their report.

She also knew perfectly well that Bibi Dong would most likely put the matter of Heaven Dou City aside for the time being.

Because she understood her mother too well—that woman always placed power above everything else.

Qian Renxue put away the token and lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Information about the child named Gu Ci surfaced in her mind.

Six years old, Level 8 Innate Soul Power, Thunder Tiger Martial Soul, holder of Soul Tool technology, Poison Douluo Dugu Bo's future grandson-in-law...

"Gu Ci."

She softly spoke his name, amusement gleaming in her eyes.

"When there's a chance, I should see just what kind of person you are."

She closed her eyes and soon fell fast asleep.

The next morning, Heaven Dou City.

As usual, Gu Ci went to the Academy with Dugu Yan.

The special training continued. Qin Ming's methods were becoming increasingly demanding, but the progress of all eight of them was plain to see.

Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul grew more and more refined, and his control over thunderbolt had improved by a great deal.

The Shi Mo brothers worked together flawlessly. Even Qin Ming had to put in considerable effort to break through the Black Tortoise's defenses.

Yu Feng and Osler grew faster and faster, their movements becoming ever more agile.

Ye Lingling's Nine-Heart Begonia could now simultaneously enhance and heal three people, with astonishing results.

Dugu Yan's progress was no small matter either.

Her Ice Fire Flood Dragon Martial Soul displayed astonishing potential during the special training. The coordination between ice and fire grew increasingly seamless, while her control over poison became more precise.

Qin Ming had even designed a set of tactics specifically for her, having her work with Ye Lingling to become a core pillar of the team.

As for Gu Ci, he continued to conceal his true strength, displaying only the level of a Century Spirit Ring.

But his foundation was growing increasingly solid. His speed, strength, and reactions were steadily improving.

Although Qin Ming felt that his performance was somewhat "reserved," he could not find anything wrong with it.

"Today's special training ends here."

Qin Ming clapped his hands. "Starting tomorrow, we'll conduct combat simulations. The eight of you will face the Academy's senior team."

"Senior students?" Yu Feng's eyes widened. "Teacher Qin, those upperclassmen all have at least three spirit rings!"

Qin Ming said flatly, "On the battlefield, enemies will not go easy on you just because you're young. If you can't beat them, keep learning until you can."

Everyone fell silent.

After the special training ended, the eight of them sat on the arena platform to rest.

Yu Tianheng suddenly spoke. "Gu Ci, have you heard about the Heavenly Workshop?"

Gu Ci's heart stirred, though his expression remained unchanged. "I've heard of it. What about it?"

Yu Tianheng glanced at him, looking thoughtful. "I heard the Heavenly Workshop is your family's business?"

Gu Ci did not deny it. "It is."

Yu Tianheng nodded and did not ask further, but there was clearly a deeper meaning in his gaze.

Yu Feng leaned closer and asked curiously, "Gu Ci, the Soul Lights your family sells are really good."

"My father bought ten of them, and they lit up the whole estate. It used to be pitch-black at night, but now it's as bright as daytime."

Osler added, "My family bought some too. My mother said these lamps are much better than candles. No smoke, and they're brighter."

Shi Mo smiled honestly. "My family bought them too. They're just a little expensive."

Everyone talked over one another about the Soul Lights, while Gu Ci merely smiled and said nothing more.

Ye Lingling sat nearby, quietly watching him. A thoughtful look flickered through her cool eyes.

After everyone dispersed, Gu Ci and Dugu Yan walked out of the Academy together.

The moment they left the gates, Gu Ci sensed someone watching him.

He turned around and looked toward a distant street corner, where a girl dressed in a plain maidservant's uniform stood. Her long golden hair gleamed faintly beneath the sunlight.

When the girl saw him turn, she smiled slightly, then turned and vanished into the crowd.

Gu Ci frowned slightly.

That girl's bearing... did not seem ordinary.

"Brother Gu Ci, what's wrong?" Dugu Yan asked.

Gu Ci shook his head. "Nothing. Let's go."

He withdrew his gaze, but silently committed the girl's appearance to memory.

Golden hair, purple eyes.

He seemed to have seen that face somewhere before.

But he could not remember where.

After returning to the Marquis Mansion, Gu Ci told Dugu Bo about it.

After listening, Dugu Bo frowned. "Golden hair and purple eyes? Are you sure?"

Gu Ci nodded. "I'm sure."

Dugu Bo fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "There aren't many people with golden hair and purple eyes in Heaven Dou City. As far as this old man knows, there is only one family—"

"Who?"

Dugu Bo shook his head. "Without evidence, it wouldn't be right to make wild claims. But kid, be more careful lately."

"Although Spirit Hall's people have left, there may still be other eyes watching you."

Gu Ci nodded. "I understand."

Night deepened, and the Marquis Mansion grew quiet.

Gu Ci sat in the courtyard, Zi Dian lying across his legs while Night Shadow remained concealed in the darkness.

He thought back to the girl he had seen outside the Academy today, feeling that something was off.

That girl's bearing was completely at odds with the maidservant's uniform she wore.

That elegance, that composure, could not be cultivated in merely a day or two.

And the way she had looked at him...