Father...
Mother...
Elder sister...
They had done nothing but force her to grow through slaughter.
And all the way from Star Luo, she had been alone, with no one to rely on and no one to guide her.
Except for this person before her...
This spider had given her strength, given her a new life, and shown her a way to break free from her fate.
A warmth welled up from the depths of her heart. In her sea of consciousness, she solemnly agreed,
"Okay, teacher."
Gu Chensha was finally satisfied.
"That's more like it."
Outside her sea of consciousness, the bishop took several deep breaths before he could barely suppress his shock.
When he looked at Zhu Zhuqing again, all his earlier nonchalance was gone. His eyes now brimmed with eagerness.
Even his tone softened by eight degrees, as though he were afraid of frightening the frail-looking young girl.
"Little girl, don't be nervous. Tell me, what's your name?"
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her eyes and answered softly.
"I... I only remember that my name is Zhu Zhuqing."
"Then which deacon or bishop brought you here? Have you taken a teacher? Did you come from the Star Luo Empire...?"
The bishop hurriedly pressed her, his questions tumbling out like a barrage.
Zhu Zhuqing's face paled at once. She clutched her head and gently swayed, putting on a pained expression.
"I... I don't remember... Whenever I think about it, my head hurts so much..."
In her sea of consciousness, Gu Chensha chuckled.
"Nice acting. Keep it up."
Seeing this, the bishop not only kept asking questions but grew even more eager to recruit her on the spot.
His tone turned increasingly enthusiastic, until he sounded like an old lecher.
"It doesn't matter if you don't remember! It's actually better that way!"
"A genius with Innate Full Soul Power—there are only a handful like you on the entire continent!"
"Little girl, you have a boundless future!"
"As long as you're willing to stay in Spirit Hall, I'll report this right away and arrange for some important figure of at least Red Cardinal rank to guide you. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly for you. Becoming a Soul Saint one day won't be difficult at all!"
The more he spoke, the more excited he became. He was practically itching to claim her then and there.
The stream of promises only deepened the bewilderment on Zhu Zhuqing's face. She instinctively took half a step back.
"She's the one I brought back."
Just as the bishop was about to speak again, a slightly husky yet captivating voice rang out.
Hu Liena, who had been watching from behind, walked forward at an unhurried pace and said coolly,
"Bishop Li, she's lost her memory and can't remember much."
The excitement on the Purple Robe Bishop's face froze. He quickly wiped away his smile and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Lady Hu Liena."
He knew better than anyone that even without any specific administrative positions for the time being, the Golden Generation were people he could never afford to offend.
What's more, Hu Liena was the Pope's personal disciple. Her future standing was boundless. A low-ranking bishop like him wasn't fit to carry her shoes.
Hu Liena paid him no further attention. Her gaze fell on Zhu Zhuqing beside the crystal stone, and her eyes curved into a smile.
She stepped forward and naturally put an arm around Zhu Zhuqing's shoulders, shielding her behind her as she said to the bishop,
"I'll take full responsibility for her."
"I've seen the test results. Thank you for your efforts, Bishop Li."
"Not at all, not at all. It was only right."
Bishop Li hurriedly smiled ingratiatingly, not daring to ask another question.
Watching this scene, Gu Chensha, hidden in Zhu Zhuqing's sea of consciousness, sneered as if he had expected it.
"What a clever move, all arranged to win your trust."
Hu Liena looked down at Zhu Zhuqing, her voice growing even gentler.
"Zhuqing, the test is over. Shall I take you back?"
Zhu Zhuqing looked up at her, her eyes carrying just the right amount of confusion and dependence.
She nodded and answered softly,
"Mm. Thank you, big sister."
The two walked side by side out of the testing hall, proceeding slowly along Spirit Hall's corridors.
Before them stretched grand, imposing halls. Exquisite carvings of the Six-Winged Angel adorned the eaves, and everywhere radiated the majesty of the continent's foremost Soul Master sect.
"So you have Innate Full Soul Power."
Hu Liena suddenly spoke, smiling warmly. "I knew you were no ordinary person."
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head and murmured, "I... I don't know either..."
"All right, don't dwell on it. It's fine if you don't remember."
Hu Liena smiled reassuringly. "Even if you can't remember what happened before, it's all right. I'll take you around first, so you can relax."
Zhu Zhuqing obediently nodded.
As they passed the training grounds, Soul Masters sparred in pairs, the muffled thuds of colliding Soul Power rising and falling without pause. Nearby, Soul Master instructors offered careful guidance. Their movements were precise and their system rigorous, making Zhu Zhuqing's gaze linger.
When they reached the library, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help stopping.
It was a towering ten-story building. Two Soul Master guards with steady auras stood at its entrance, while the Soul Masters coming and going all walked softly.
Just one glance was enough to sense the depth of knowledge accumulated within.
"This is Spirit Hall's main library."
Following her gaze, Hu Liena smiled and explained,
"It holds the most complete collection of Soul Beast records and cultivation insights on the entire continent. Any Spirit Hall disciple of Purple Robe rank or higher can come in and consult them."
A flicker of emotion crossed Zhu Zhuqing's eyes.
Though she had grown up in the Star Luo Imperial Family, the books she could access had still been limited.
Not to mention that the brutal elimination system had left her no time to read.
All she could do was train her Soul Power as hard as she could.
Hu Liena took in her reaction and smiled as she took her hand.
"Come on, I'll take you inside."
All along the way, Hu Liena had been the very picture of a considerate big sister, taking Zhu Zhuqing all around Spirit Hall.
She deliberately chose places where Zhu Zhuqing could relax, her care gentle, attentive, and thorough.
If Gu Chensha hadn't known her true nature, even he might have nearly believed in her sincerity.
In her sea of consciousness, he chuckled.
"Zhuqing, looks like you're not the only one who could win an acting award."
By evening.
Orange-red clouds filled half the sky, dyeing the glazed tiles across Spirit City in a gentle, warm hue.
The two had spent all afternoon exploring and had eventually made their way to this scenic terrace with its wide-open view.
Leaning against the railing, they could see crisscrossing streets and scattered halls, with much of Spirit City spread out before them.
Hu Liena suddenly stopped. Turning to look at Zhu Zhuqing, she asked,
"Zhuqing, let me ask you something. Do you want to regain your memories?"
Zhu Zhuqing froze for a moment and asked blankly,
"Regain my memories?"
"Mm."
Hu Liena nodded and said softly,
"I know you've seemed quiet these past few days, but you must be frightened inside."
"Not knowing who you are or where you came from."
"So we've been looking into it for you this whole time."
"Zhuqing, we found your family and discovered your identity."
Zhu Zhuqing's shoulders trembled.
"My... identity?"
"That's right."
Hu Liena answered softly.
"If you want to know, I can tell you everything right now."
Before you continue