Qian Renxue's Guarantee and Bo Saixi's Overbearing Warning

Time slipped away bit by bit, and the scent of tea gradually faded into the air.

Finally, Bo Saixi let out a soft sigh, the sound seemingly laden with a sense of resignation.

She raised her head to look at Qian Renxue. Her blue eyes had returned to their usual depth and calm, though a trace of complex emotion remained, hidden deep within.

"You may take him."

Bo Saixi's voice was clear and firm, carrying the decisiveness of the High Priestess.

A faint light flickered in Qian Renxue's purple eyes.

But Bo Saixi had not finished. Her tone suddenly turned grave, carrying an unmistakable warning as her gaze, sharp as a torch, locked onto Qian Renxue:

"However, you and your Martial Soul Hall must exhaust every resource to ensure his absolute safety!"

"The mainland is not like Sea God Island; it is treacherous and fraught with peril. The Heaven Dou Empire is a place where dragons and snakes mingle, and your status is sensitive and unique. Although Li Qing is special, he is still young, and his cultivation has yet to reach its peak. Since he is going with you, you must take responsibility for him!"

Bo Saixi leaned forward slightly, and an invisible pressure, belonging to a ninety-nine-level Peerless Douluo, quietly permeated the room.

Though it lasted only an instant, it made Qian Renxue's heart tighten.

"Remember this, Qian Renxue. Even though you now have a marriage contract and a significant relationship, if any harm comes to him while he is on the mainland under your watch..."

Bo Saixi's voice grew colder, each word carrying the weight of a thousand jun:

"I, Bo Saixi, and the entirety of Sea God Island will never let it go! When that time comes, let alone the marriage contract, there will be no room for negotiation between Martial Soul Hall and Sea God Island! You and your grandfather would do well to weigh the consequences!"

This was not a mere threat, but a solemn declaration—a stern warning issued when entrusting one's most cherished treasure to another.

Qian Renxue felt the gravity of the moment. She wiped the smile from her face, stood up, and bowed respectfully to Bo Saixi, her purple eyes filled with earnest determination:

"Senior Bo Saixi, please rest assured. I, Qian Renxue, swear in the name of the Angel God's successor: as long as I draw breath, I will protect Li Qing! I take full responsibility for his safety while he is on the mainland; I will not let him suffer even the slightest harm! Should I break this oath, I am willing to suffer divine punishment and have my soul scattered!"

Her vow was resonant and firm, carrying an unquestionable resolve.

Watching the unyielding light of determination in Qian Renxue's eyes, the unease and inexplicable agitation in Bo Saixi's heart seemed to settle slightly.

She nodded gently, her expression softening:

"Remember your promise. It is getting late; go back and rest. Remember our conversation tonight—keep the matter of his inner thoughts strictly to yourself. Do not let a third person know, especially... Li Qing himself."

"Yes, Senior, I will remember." Qian Renxue nodded again, said nothing more, turned, and stepped out of the room with light footsteps, closing the door behind her.

Inside, silence returned to the room.

Bo Saixi sat alone by the window, gazing in the direction where Qian Renxue had disappeared, remaining motionless for a long time.

The night breeze stirred the window curtains, bringing the cool scent of the deep sea, yet it could not disperse the tangled mess in her heart.

(Letting him go... is the right thing to do.)

She tried to convince herself.

(It is better for both children, and better for the big picture.)

But why did she still feel so empty inside?

In her mind, the image of that black-haired boy surfaced uncontrollably.

The way he smiled when he called her "Big Sister," the way he winked mischievously, the wisdom he displayed when analyzing matters seriously, and... the way his eyes shone with startling brilliance when he blushed (though perhaps it was an act) and said, "Big Sister, marry me..."

(How... absurd!)

Bo Saixi shook her head violently, trying to banish these images.

But the more she resisted, the clearer they became.

Along with them came his rebellious inner thoughts, his compliments about her beauty, and his playful remarks about wanting to marry her (perhaps they weren't entirely playful?), all flooding into her mind at once.

Bo Saixi felt her cheeks beginning to burn again.

She had never experienced such a feeling in her hundred years of life.

Even back then, when Tang Chen displayed his strength and protection with the Clear Sky Hammer, or when Qian Daoliu expressed his admiration and respect with the radiance of an angel, her heart had never stirred with such... indescribable ripples.

At that time, she merely viewed them as excellent opponents and... friends, her heart peaceful and even somewhat detached.

But now, just thinking about that little one leaving to go to a far-off place with another woman made her heart feel chaotic, as if it were being tugged by something invisible—sour, astringent, and carrying a trace of... loss that she herself was unwilling to admit.

(What has come over me?)

Bo Saixi raised a hand to press against her burning cheeks, her blue eyes filled with confusion and a rare touch of vulnerability.

(Could it be that I... really...)

The thought had barely surfaced before she forcibly cut it off.

She dared not think it; she could not think it.

She stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the boundless night sky and the deep, dark sea.

Sea God Island remained as tranquil as ever, yet she suddenly felt that this temple, where she had lived for over a century, seemed... far too empty and quiet.

(Perhaps, once he is gone, I will get used to it.)

She could only comfort herself with that thought.

But could that quietly budding emotion, which she herself had not yet fully understood, truly dissipate with habit?

The night was still long.

The next morning, the Sea God Hall was filled with the fresh, tranquil scent unique to the sea breeze.

Sunlight filtered through the high windows, casting mottled patterns of light and shadow across the corridor.

Li Qing yawned, sitting up from his soft bed with sleepy eyes.

Having spent last night processing the overwhelming information about his engagement and the descent of the gods, then pondering the complex thoughts of that woman Qian Renxue for half the night, his sleep had been far from deep.

He rubbed his eyes and was just about to get up to wash when the door was gently knocked.

"Knock, knock, knock."

The sound was steady and unhurried, carrying a distinct sense of rhythm.

"Who is it? So early..."

Li Qing muttered, grabbing the cyan garment draped over the side of the bed to pull it on. Still nursing the remnants of his morning grumpiness, he walked over and pulled the door open.

Outside the door, the golden morning light outlined a tall, graceful silhouette.

She had changed into a goose-yellow cinched-waist dress today, which made her skin appear even fairer. Her long golden hair was tied simply behind her head, with a few stray strands falling against her cheeks, adding a touch of softness to her appearance.

Her violet eyes shimmered in the morning light, and she looked at him with a faint, almost sweet smile.

Who else could it be but Qian Renxue?

"Uh... it's you."

Li Qing was somewhat surprised and asked instinctively, "Why are you here?"

The curve of Qian Renxue's lips deepened, and her voice carried a deliberate gentleness: "What, do I need a special reason to come and see my own fiancé?"