Qian Renxue: Bing'er, I want to be alone with Huang Yan for a bit! Immortal Herb: Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone!

Shui Bing'er caught the subtext behind the phrase "this stretch," and without backing down, she smiled slightly:

"Miss Qian is right.

However, Huang Yan and I are not just walking this stretch; we will continue to walk together in the future.

After all, our Martial Soul Fusion Skill is something even Third Grandfather has praised."

Qian Renxue's gaze narrowed slightly, her tone remaining composed:

"A Martial Soul Fusion Skill?

No wonder Third Grandfather made an exception to take on a disciple.

However, on the path of cultivation, one's own strength is the foundation."

Seeing the atmosphere turn subtle, Huang Yan spoke up at the right moment to interrupt:

"Sister Xiaoxue, Bing'er, let's stop the reminiscing here.

Third Grandfather has serious business to attend to this time."

Azure Luan Douluo took the cue and continued:

"Indeed.

Xue'er, prepare for the power-seizure plan I mentioned earlier as soon as possible.

Also, where in Heaven Dou City can one find the most comprehensive collection of medicinal herbs?

We need a batch of high-year extreme cold items."

Qian Renxue withdrew her gaze and returned to a serious expression:

"Both the Heaven Dou Auction House and the private treasury of the Crown Prince's Residence have them.

Whatever Third Grandfather needs, I will have someone fetch it immediately."

Azure Luan Douluo nodded slightly:

"Ice Marrow over ten thousand years old, Snow Silkworms, and spiritual herbs with extreme cold attributes—I want as many as you can get.

This is to help refine the origin of Bing'er's martial soul, and also to take their Martial Soul Fusion Skill a step further."

The Snow Silkworms collected previously at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well amounted to only one or two stalks.

That was far from enough.

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue took a deep look at Shui Bing'er, then smiled:

"Rest assured, Third Grandfather. I will issue the order now to have all the extreme cold herbs in the Crown Prince's Residence's private treasury sorted out.

Additionally, there is a private auction at the Heaven Dou Auction House tomorrow morning; it is said there will be a piece of ten-thousand-year Cold Marrow, and I will have my people secure that as well."

"Many thanks for your trouble, Miss Qian."

Shui Bing'er bowed slightly, polite but with a hint of distance.

"No need for formalities. Since you are Third Grandfather's disciple, you are naturally not an outsider."

Qian Renxue's expression remained calm as she turned to look at Huang Yan.

"However, Huang Yan, you are now at level sixty-five. Do you have any plans for your seventh soul ring?

The seventh soul ring is the Martial Soul Avatar, which is of vital importance."

"Rest assured, Sister Xiaoxue. I already have plans for my seventh soul ring."

Huang Yan smiled confidently.

Azure Luan Douluo stood up at this moment and brushed off his robes:

"Since the herbs are taken care of, this old man will go out for a stroll and take a look at the defenses of Heaven Dou City. You young people can chat amongst yourselves."

With that, his figure flashed and he vanished from the inner hall.

The hall was suddenly left with only the three of them.

Qian Renxue looked at Huang Yan, then glanced at Shui Bing'er, who was standing to the side with a guarded expression and a faint sense of hostility, and the corners of her mouth curled up; her desire to win had been completely ignited.

Qian Renxue looked at Shui Bing'er, her tone gentle but intentionally pointed:

"Little Sister Bing'er, Huang Yan and I haven't seen each other for twelve whole years.

Back when we were at Martial Soul Hall, although we weren't together for very long, we could still be considered childhood sweethearts.

I wonder if Little Sister Bing'er could do us a favor and give us some private space so we can talk alone and catch up properly?"

Hearing the words "childhood sweethearts," Shui Bing'er's heart tightened, filled with extreme reluctance.

She did not want these two to be alone together at all.

Yet, Qian Renxue's words were extremely polite, leaving no room for complaint.

Shui Bing'er took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the surging sense of crisis, not wanting to appear like a selfish, clingy woman in front of Huang Yan.

She could only console herself in her heart:

So what if they are childhood sweethearts?

'You and Huang Yan are merely friends, while I and Huang Yan are truly one in ice and fire!'

Shui Bing'er had no direct way to counter this, so she could only comfort herself in her heart with the saying, 'childhood sweethearts are no match for the one who arrives later.'

Shui Bing'er barely maintained a graceful smile, turned her head, and said softly to Huang Yan:

"Since Miss Qian has said so, you two should have a good chat.

Brother Yan, I will wait for you in the garden outside."

Shui Bing'er gave Huang Yan a gentle smile, then turned and walked out of the inner hall.

Watching Shui Bing'er's departing back, Qian Renxue withdrew her gaze and looked at Huang Yan with a half-smile:

"Your little girlfriend has quite a strong possessiveness, doesn't she? She was in such a rush to assert her sovereignty over me."

Huang Yan smiled helplessly:

"Bing'er just cares about me, don't mind her, Sister Xiaoxue.

However, it has been twelve years, and Sister Xiaoxue's elegance is even greater than before."

Qian Renxue sighed faintly, her expression somewhat desolate:

"What elegance? It is nothing more than struggling in a quagmire while wearing a mask.

As for you, reaching level 65 at eighteen is truly surprising.

I had thought my cultivation speed was the limit for a soul master."

"By a stroke of luck, I obtained some good fortune."

Huang Yan said calmly.

"Sister Xiaoxue, are you truly determined to move up the timeline for the power-seizing plan that Teacher proposed?"

Qian Renxue nodded slightly, her eyes turning cold:

"Xue Ye has indeed lived too long.

If we drag this out any longer, I fear there will be too many variables.

It is just that Ning Fengzhi has been keeping a close eye on me, not to mention that old poison Dugu Bo.

It is not easy to act without anyone noticing."

"As for Dugu Bo, Sister Xiaoxue can rest assured; he will not interfere with your plan.

Although Ning Fengzhi is a fox, he is only a support-type soul master after all."

Huang Yan said indifferently.

"As long as the Title Douluo of Martial Soul Hall cooperates, we can purge the Heaven Dou Imperial Family within a single day.

If necessary, I can take action myself."

Qian Renxue shook her head:

"A bloodbath of the imperial family would cause too much of a stir and easily alert the various factions within Heaven Dou.

We shall deal with Xue Ye first, and once I have successfully ascended the throne and hold the reins of power, it will not be too late to slowly clean up the remnants."

Then, Qian Renxue asked curiously:

"However, why are you so certain that Dugu Bo will not interfere?

That old poison is the guest advisor most trusted by Xue Xing, and he supports that trash Xue Beng in inheriting the throne to oppose me."

Huang Yan smiled and explained:

"Previously, when I took my Third Grandfather out, we 'accidentally' found Dugu Bo's herb garden, the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

It is a treasure trove that cultivates countless Immortal Herbs and top-tier medicinal plants.

I used this as an opportunity to give him a method to completely cure his Jade Phosphor Snake poison, and he swore his allegiance."

Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes widened, her face full of shock:

"It's that simple?

You actually subdued Dugu Bo?

His personality has always been reclusive and ruthless, and he has even rejected the recruitment attempts of Martial Soul Hall, yet he was so easily brought under your command by you."

"I just happened to know the method to detoxify the Jade Phosphor Snake poison and catered to his needs, that is all."

Huang Yan said calmly.

Qian Renxue looked deeply at Huang Yan, her eyes filled with a strange sense of appreciation and fluctuation, and she shook her head with a smile:

"There is no need to be humble.

Being able to know the secret method and find such a treasure land is your own ability.

Luck has always been a part of strength."

Huang Yan smiled slightly, took an exquisite jade box from his Ruyi Hundred Treasure Pouch, and handed it to Qian Renxue.

"What is this?"

Qian Renxue took it with curiosity.

"This is the Immortal Herb, Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone."

Huang Yan explained.

"It can moisten the tendons and strengthen the bones, clearing the eight extraordinary meridians.

For you, it will not only significantly increase your soul power but also further optimize your innate talent."