Qian Renxue: Bing'er, I Want to Be Alone with Huang Yan for a While! Immortal Herb: Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone!

Shui Bing'er caught the hidden meaning behind those words, "this stretch," and smiled without yielding:

"Miss Qian is right.

But Huang Yan and I won't just walk this stretch together. We'll keep walking together in the future as well.

After all, even Third Granduncle praised our Martial Soul Fusion Skill."

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

"A Martial Soul Fusion Skill?

No wonder Third Granduncle made an exception and took you as disciples.

Still, on the path of cultivation, one's own strength is what truly matters."

Seeing the atmosphere grow increasingly delicate, Huang Yan spoke up at just the right moment:

"Xue'er, Bing'er, let's leave the reminiscing at that for now.

Third Granduncle has other business to attend to this time."

Azure Luan Douluo picked up the conversation:

"Indeed.

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

Also, where in Heaven Dou City has the most comprehensive supply of medicinal herbs?

We need a batch of items of considerable age with the Extreme Cold attribute."

Qian Renxue withdrew her gaze and resumed a serious expression:

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

Whatever Third Granduncle needs, I'll have people fetch it immediately."

Azure Luan Douluo nodded faintly:

"Ice Marrow over ten thousand years old, Snow Silkworms, and spiritual herbs with the Extreme Cold attribute. The more, the better."

This is to help Bing'er temper the origin of her Martial Soul, and to allow their Martial Soul Fusion Skill to advance further."

The Snow Silkworms they had gathered earlier at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well amounted to only one or two plants.

It was still far from enough.

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue gave Shui Bing'er a deep look before smiling.

"Rest assured, Third Granduncle. I'll issue the order at once and have all the Extreme Cold medicinal herbs in the Crown Prince's Residence's private treasury sorted out."

Also, the Heaven Dou Auction House happens to be holding a secret auction tomorrow morning. I hear there will be a piece of ten-thousand-year Cold Marrow there, and I'll have someone secure it as well."

"Thank you for your trouble, Miss Qian."

Shui Bing'er dipped slightly in a courteous bow, though there was a trace of distance in her manner.

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

Qian Renxue remained perfectly composed as she turned to Huang Yan.

"Still, Huang Yan, you are already level sixty-five. Have you made plans for your seventh soul ring?

The seventh soul ring grants the Martial Soul Avatar. It is of utmost importance."

"Don't worry, Xue'er. I already have plans for my seventh soul ring."

Huang Yan smiled confidently.

Azure Luan Douluo rose at that moment and dusted off his robe.

"Since the medicinal herbs are accounted for, this old man will take a look around first and inspect Heaven Dou City's defenses while I'm at it. You young people can talk among yourselves."

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

Only the three of them remained in the hall.

Qian Renxue looked at Huang Yan, then caught sight of Shui Bing'er beside him, her gaze guarded and faintly hostile toward her. The corner of Qian Renxue's lips curled upward as her competitive spirit was thoroughly aroused.

Qian Renxue looked at Shui Bing'er, her tone gentle yet deliberately pointed:

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

Back when we were at Spirit Hall, though we were not together for long, we could still be considered childhood sweethearts.

Would Bing'er be willing to do us a favor and give us some private space, so we can talk alone and properly catch up?"

At the words "childhood sweethearts," Shui Bing'er's heart suddenly tightened, and she felt utterly unwilling.

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

Yet Qian Renxue had phrased her words with impeccable courtesy, leaving no fault to pick at.

Shui Bing'er took a deep breath and desperately suppressed the surging sense of crisis within her, unwilling to appear like a selfish, clingy woman before Huang Yan.

She could only console herself inwardly:

So what if they're childhood sweethearts?

You and Huang Yan were merely friends, while Huang Yan and I are truly united as ice and fire!

Unable to respond directly, Shui Bing'er could only comfort herself with the saying, A latecomer can surpass a childhood sweetheart.

Shui Bing'er barely maintained a proper smile and turned to Huang Yan, speaking gently:

"Since Miss Qian has put it that way, you two should have a proper talk.

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

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

Watching Shui Bing'er's departing figure, Qian Renxue withdrew her gaze and looked at Huang Yan with an ambiguous smile.

"Your little girlfriend is certainly possessive. She was already so eager to declare her claim over you?"

Huang Yan smiled helplessly.

"Bing'er just cares about me. Don't mind her, Xue'er.

Still, twelve years have passed, and Xue'er's grace has only surpassed what it once was."

Qian Renxue sighed softly, her expression somewhat lonely.

"What grace? I've merely been struggling through a mire while wearing a mask.

But you, reaching level sixty-five at eighteen, truly surprised me.

I had thought my cultivation speed had already reached the limit for Soul Masters."

"I simply encountered some fortunate opportunities."

Huang Yan answered calmly.

"Xue'er, have you truly decided to act early on the plan to seize power that Teacher mentioned?"

Qian Renxue nodded faintly, and her eyes turned cold.

"Xue Ye has indeed lived too long.

If I keep delaying, I fear there will be too many unforeseen changes.

It's just that Ning Fengzhi has been watching me closely, along with that old poisoner Dugu Bo.

It won't be easy to do this without anyone noticing."

"As for Dugu Bo, Xue'er can rest assured. He will not interfere with your plans.

Ning Fengzhi may be a fox, but he is only an auxiliary-type Soul Master."

Huang Yan spoke lightly.

"So long as Spirit Hall's Title Douluo cooperate, the Heaven Dou Imperial Family can be purged within a single day.

If needed, I can lend a hand."

Qian Renxue shook her head.

"A bloody purge of the imperial family would cause too great a disturbance and easily alert the various powers of Heaven Dou.

We should deal with Xue Ye first. Once I ascend the throne smoothly and take control of power, there will be plenty of time to slowly clean up the remnants."

Then Qian Renxue asked curiously:

"But why are you so certain Dugu Bo will not interfere?

That old poisoner is Xue Xing's most trusted guest retainer. He supports that useless Xue Beng in inheriting the throne and opposes me."

Huang Yan smiled and explained:

"Earlier, when I took Third Granduncle out, we 'accidentally' found Dugu Bo's medicinal garden, the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

It was a treasure trove that cultivated countless Immortal Herbs and top-grade medicinal plants.

Taking that opportunity, I gave him a method to completely cure the Jade Phosphor Snake poison, and he swore loyalty to me."

Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes widened, her face filled with shock.

"It was that simple?

You actually subdued Dugu Bo?

His nature has always been solitary and ruthless. He rejected every attempt by Spirit Hall to recruit him, yet you brought him under your command so easily?"

"I merely happened to know how to cure the Jade Phosphor Snake poison and gave him what he wanted."

Huang Yan replied calmly.

Qian Renxue looked deeply at Huang Yan. Her eyes held a few more traces of unusual admiration and emotion as she shook her head with a smile.

"There is no need to be modest.

Knowing such a secret method and finding a treasure land like that are abilities in themselves.

Luck has always been part of strength as well."

Huang Yan smiled faintly, took an exquisite Jade Box from the Ruyi Hundred Treasure Pouch, and held it out before Qian Renxue.

"What is this?"

Qian Renxue accepted it curiously.

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

Huang Yan explained.

"It can nourish the tendons and replenish the bones, opening the flow through all eight extraordinary meridians.

For you, it can not only greatly raise your Soul Power, but also further optimize your aptitude."