Qian Renxue's Gift, A New Power (Seeking Collection)

The turmoil at Shrek Academy came to a temporary end with Tang Hao's final, dejected departure.

As Tang Hao left, his final glance toward Gu Han was still filled with hatred. He stubbornly blamed everything on Gu Han, convinced that this youth had used some dark art to steal his Ah Yin away.

However, with Chen Xin by his side, he could not act out again. He did not take Tang San with him, vanishing from everyone's sight on his own.

Gu Han knew that his grievances with Tang Hao were far from over, but he had more important matters to attend to.

He politely declined Chen Xin's invitation to return to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, solemnly thanking the senior for his assistance.

Chen Xin did not insist. He merely glanced at him, left behind a "take care of yourself," and drifted away.

Several days later, Gu Han set off for Spirit City with Xiao Wu.

On the way, he once again utilized the power of the Karma Scissors. This time, it was not a simple "Fiber Severing," but a layer of defense he applied to Xiao Wu, combining his newly acquired divine sense with a deeper understanding of karma.

As long as no god-level entity was specifically probing for her, even a Titled Douluo would find it difficult to see through Xiao Wu's identity as a spirit beast. He had also repaired the Thousand-Change Mask, further enhancing its concealment effects.

Standing before the Pope Hall once again, Gu Han felt less anxious and more at ease.

Inside the hall, Bibi Dong listened to Gu Han's brief report on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. He did not mention the incident at Shrek Academy, and Bibi Dong's expression remained unreadable, save for a slight nod.

"You handled it passably."

"You've managed to forge a connection with Chen Xin." Suddenly, she changed the subject, her gaze landing on Gu Han. "You didn't just come back to report, did you?"

"Your insight is sharp, Teacher."

Gu Han met Bibi Dong's gaze and said, "This disciple does have one matter he wishes to request your approval for."

"Speak."

"This disciple wishes to establish a faction of his own." Gu Han's voice was clear.

Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow, seemingly not too surprised. "Oh? Establishing a faction? Tell me more."

"This faction will operate independently of the Spirit Hall's standard hierarchy, yet it will remain entirely loyal to Spirit Hall and to you, Teacher."

Gu Han had already prepared his pitch. "Its primary duty will be to gather intelligence and resolve certain 'karmic' issues that are difficult to handle."

He deliberately emphasized the word "karma," both to define the nature of the faction he was building and to lay the foundation for its future.

Bibi Dong was silent for a moment, her fingertips tapping lightly against her scepter.

She naturally understood Gu Han's intent. A faction directly controlled by the Holy Son, possessing independence, would serve as a sharper hidden blade for Spirit Hall.

"The name?" she finally asked after a while.

"Karma Pavilion," Gu Han said the three words.

"Karma Pavilion..."

Bibi Dong murmured the name, a flicker of light passing through her eyes.

"Very well, this Seat grants it. You may plan and submit your initial personnel and resource requirements yourself. If Nana and Xie Yue have any spare time, they can assist you as well."

"The location shall be in the eastern inner city of Spirit City. There is an old archive building there; it is large enough and sufficiently secluded. You may use it."

"Thank you, Teacher." Gu Han felt a surge of joy; he had not expected Bibi Dong to be so forthcoming, even having the location prepared.

Leaving the Pope Hall, Gu Han did not immediately go to inspect the place Bibi Dong had chosen. Instead, he took Xiao Wu and returned to the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, to the Crown Prince's East Palace.

Qian Renxue, who had known of Gu Han's return early on, had already shed her disguise, revealing her stunningly beautiful face.

When she saw the cute, clear-eyed girl in pink following Gu Han, she was slightly startled at first, then a smile bloomed on her face.

"This must be little sister Xiao Wu, right? Truly a beauty in the making. Come here and let Sister Xue take a look."

Qian Renxue affectionately pulled the somewhat shy Xiao Wu toward her, looking her up and down with eyes full of fondness. She could feel Gu Han's affection for Xiao Wu, as well as Xiao Wu's undisguised reliance on him, and Qian Renxue was genuinely happy for Gu Han.

Xiao Wu had been a bit nervous at first, as the "Sister Xue" before her was not only Gu Han's closest person but also held a very noble status.

But Qian Renxue's gentle, unpretentious nature quickly won her over. The two girls soon huddled together, whispering and occasionally bursting into silver-bell-like laughter.

"Little Han, let me tell you,"

Qian Renxue suddenly put on a stern face and warned Gu Han, "You are not allowed to bully Xiao Wu in the future. If I find out, I won't let you off." As she spoke, she raised her fist, but the amusement in her eyes betrayed her.

Gu Han watched this scene, feeling a warmth in his heart, and could only nod repeatedly.

A long while later, Qian Renxue suddenly remembered something and took a sachet woven from ice silkworm silk from her robes.

The sachet was crafted with exquisite detail. On the front, the elegant and lively character "Xue" was embroidered in gold thread, while on the back, the steady character "Han" was embroidered in silver thread. A faint, elegant fragrance emanated from it, possessing a calming and soothing effect.

"Here, this is the return gift I promised you. I embroidered it myself; it took me a long time, so you aren't allowed to dislike it."

Qian Renxue handed the sachet to Gu Han, her cheeks slightly flushed, her eyes filled with anticipation. Given her status, a gift embroidered by her own hands was more precious than any treasure.

Gu Han took the sachet, which still held Qian Renxue's body heat. His fingertips brushed over the "Han" character, and he felt deeply moved. He carefully tucked it away close to his body. "Thank you, Sister Xue. I love it—I love it very much."

Seeing Gu Han's cherished expression, the smile in Qian Renxue's eyes deepened. Afterward, Gu Han told Qian Renxue about his plans to establish the "Karma Pavilion."

"Karma Pavilion? To explore and resolve the karma of the world?"

Qian Renxue's eyes sparkled. She certainly knew that her younger brother was extraordinary; the name and purpose of this faction were perfectly in tune with his spirit.

"It sounds impressive, and it suits you well. Do you need Sister's help? I might have some channels and information here in Heaven Dou."

"Sister Xue, I don't need it for now," Gu Han shook his head. "In the initial stages, I want to rely on the resources of Spirit Hall to gain a firm footing."

"However, if I ever have need in the future, I certainly won't hesitate to come looking for you, Sister."

Qian Renxue nodded, her voice softening.

"Very well, then take care of yourself. Remember, no matter what you encounter, Sister and Grandfather will always be your backing."

Right in the midst of this warm atmosphere, the sachet in Gu Han's embrace seemed to flicker faintly, and a trace of imperceptible fluctuation formed a momentary connection with an item worn by Qian Renxue.

This tiny phenomenon went unnoticed by both Gu Han and Qian Renxue for the moment; perhaps this sachet, carrying his sister's heartfelt intentions, would entangle them in a "causal link" at some point in the future.