Love of Utmost Sincerity

Douluo Continent, Sunset Forest.

When Qian Xunji appeared in Sunset Forest with Xiao Rou, the sky was already fully bright.

They passed through the poisonous fog and entered the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

Xiao Rou was completely captivated by the scenery of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

"I never imagined there could be such a beautiful place in this world," Xiao Rou exclaimed. She couldn't help wondering how wonderful it would be to live here forever.

"Xiao Rou, come on. I'll show you something wonderful." Qian Xunji took her deeper into the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

"Your Holiness the Pope." Yue Guan came over to greet them. In the distance, Soul Masters were tending to and cultivating Immortal Herbs and rare treasures.

"Yue Guan, how is the cultivation of the Immortal Herbs and rare treasures coming along?"

"Your Holiness the Pope, we've already made progress in researching the rare treasures."

"The Immortal Herbs are proving more troublesome."

"There's no need to rush. We have plenty of time. As long as we can cultivate Immortal Herbs, it will all be worth it." Qian Xunji had no intention of imposing a time limit on Yue Guan. He would let him work at his own pace.

"Yes, Your Holiness the Pope. I certainly won't let you down." Yue Guan had never been happier than he was now. This was the pursuit of his entire life, and this trust meant the world to him.

No amount of words could express his gratitude for His Holiness the Pope's trust. All he could do was cultivate the Immortal Herbs as quickly as possible and make sure he didn't disappoint him.

Yue Guan took his leave.

Xiao Rou was still immersed in the beautiful scenery of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

Qian Xunji tugged at her. "Xiao Rou, come on. I'll show you something wonderful."

Xiao Rou followed Qian Xunji to the Lovesick Heartbreak Red.

The moment she saw the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, she couldn't take her eyes off it.

Although she didn't know what it was called or what it did, instinct told her that the thing before her was a peerless treasure, unique in all the world.

"Master, what is this?" Xiao Rou asked. She knew Qian Xunji wouldn't have brought her here for no reason.

Qian Xunji explained, "Xiao Rou, this is the Lovesick Heartbreak Red. In my opinion, it's the only Immortal Herb in the world that truly deserves to be called an immortal-grade herb."

"It can restore flesh to bone and bring the dead back to life. As long as even a breath remains, it can bring you back in full health."

"On top of that, it can conceal your identity as a Soul Beast. Even a Titled Douluo wouldn't be able to discover it."

"But the Lovesick Heartbreak Red is exceptionally difficult to pick. Only someone it recognizes can pluck it."

"If you try to force it, you'll only destroy it."

"To pick the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, you must think of the person you love with absolute devotion and sincerity, then let a drop of your heart's blood fall onto its petals and wait for it to recognize you."

"If it accepts you, you can pick it. If it doesn't, you won't be able to."

"That's why I brought you here."

"Master, I'm afraid I can't do that," Xiao Rou said, trembling with apprehension.

She had clearly misunderstood what Qian Xunji meant.

Qian Xunji smiled. "Xiao Rou, you misunderstood me. The person I want you to think of isn't me. It's your late husband."

"You and I are only bound by a transaction."

"I won't ask too much of you. Just don't betray me."

"Thank you, Master. Don't worry, I'll never betray you."

"Go ahead." Qian Xunji looked at the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, wondering whether his own idea would work.

"All right, Master." Xiao Rou went up to the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, and memories of her and her husband began to surface in her mind.

As her feelings surged, tears streamed down her face. A drop of heart's blood appeared in her palm, and she let it fall toward the Lovesick Heartbreak Red.

The drop of blood swirled around several times, but the Lovesick Heartbreak Red didn't absorb it.

Was it not going to work?

Qian Xunji felt a pang of disappointment.

But Xiao Rou didn't stop.

A cool female voice appeared in her mind.

"You've already betrayed your husband. What right do you have to hope that I'll accept you?"

Xiao Rou murmured, "I only want to avenge my husband. What have I done wrong?"

"As long as I can avenge him, I'm willing to pay any price, even death."

At that moment, Xiao Rou's hatred soared to the heavens. Even the drop of blood that had been swirling around began to change.

The Lovesick Heartbreak Red fell silent.

Yes, wasn't this a love of utmost sincerity, too?

Even if it had been carried to the extreme.

At last, the Lovesick Heartbreak Red absorbed Xiao Rou's heart's blood. It lifted itself from the ground and flew toward her.

She'd actually succeeded!

Happiness had come so suddenly.

Qian Xunji was overjoyed.

"Master, here." Xiao Rou offered the Lovesick Heartbreak Red to him with both hands.

Qian Xunji took it and sensed its unmistakable resistance.

What a naughty little flower.

Qian Xunji inspected the Lovesick Heartbreak Red closely and noticed a dark spot on its roots that seemed out of place.

But since he'd never seen a Lovesick Heartbreak Red before, he didn't think much of it. Perhaps it was normal.

Even if something was wrong, Qian Xunji was sure he could easily suppress it.

"Xiao Rou, since the Lovesick Heartbreak Red has accepted you, you should keep it with you." Qian Xunji handed the flower to Xiao Rou.

"Thank you, Master." Xiao Rou accepted it, then carefully placed the Lovesick Heartbreak Red in her purse.

After accepting her as its master, the Lovesick Heartbreak Red had become much smaller.

"Xiao Rou, we've accomplished what we came here for. It's time to go home."

"Mm, Master."

Qian Xunji left the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well with Xiao Rou and headed for Spirit City.

Douluo Continent, Spirit City.

It was afternoon.

By the time Qian Xunji returned to Spirit City with Xiao Rou, the sun was nearly setting.

He headed straight for Saintess Hall.

By now, Qian Renxue and Qian Renshuang had finished school, and Qian Renxia, Qian Renwei, and Qian Renting should be back for dinner, too.

So Leng Lingyuan and Xue Ying were sure to be at Saintess Hall. It was the perfect chance to introduce Xiao Rou to the family and help them get to know one another.

Spirit City, Saintess Hall.

Qian Xunji pushed the door open and entered.

"Hubby."

"My lord."

"Daddy, Daddy, Daddy..."

"Ling Yuan, Xue Ying."

"My sweet girls, come here and let me hug you." Qian Xunji greeted them all in turn.

The five little girls—Qian Renxue, Qian Renshuang, Qian Renxia, Qian Renwei, and Qian Renting—ran toward Qian Xunji and Xiao Rou.

"Daddy, Daddy, is this our new mother?" all five girls asked.

"That's right," Qian Xunji replied.

"Third Mother, we want presents." The five little girls didn't reject Xiao Rou.

Fortunately, Xiao Rou had prepared in advance on the way back. When she saw the five girls, they reminded her of her own daughter, Xiao Wu.

She was full of warmth toward them.

Leng Lingyuan studied Xiao Rou, her mind full of questions. She'd already guessed Xiao Rou's identity. There was a very good chance she was the Blue Silver Emperor her husband had mentioned. But she didn't understand. Wasn't the Blue Silver Emperor Tang Hao's wife? So why was she here?

Seeing the confusion in Leng Lingyuan's eyes, Qian Xunji immediately understood what she was thinking.

After Qian Xunji explained, Leng Lingyuan understood. The Soul Beast before her wasn't the Blue Silver Emperor, but the Rabbit Emperor—Xiao Rou.

"First Mistress, Second Mistress," Xiao Rou said respectfully.

Qian Xunji suggested, "Ling Yuan, why don't you have Xiao Rou stay by your side?"

"All right," Leng Lingyuan agreed readily. Xiao Rou seemed like a real veteran at this sort of thing, and she was clearly experienced at winning over the five little girls.

Sometimes the girls really gave Leng Lingyuan a headache. Now someone experienced had arrived, someone she could trust. How could she not be pleased?

Leng Lingyuan trusted Qian Xunji's judgment and abilities, though she would still keep a close eye on Xiao Rou herself.

After spending some time coaxing the five little girls, Qian Xunji left Saintess Hall.

He needed to check whether Bibi Dong was pregnant with his child yet.

Spirit City, Pope Palace.

Underground Palace.

Suite 1.

Qian Xunji entered. Bibi Dong remained motionless, as if she hadn't even seen him.

Last time, Bibi Dong had sworn she would no longer obey Qian Xunji in everything—unless he let her leave this damned place.