Fate Diverges, Futures Part Ways

A hexagram formation emerged upon the gilded floor of the Worship Hall's main chamber. Qian Daoliu touched the center of the array, and the golden radiance ignited by his ninety-nine-level soul power rippled across the twelve Angel Pillars like water.

Qian Renxue stepped into the heart of the formation with bare feet, her bright golden hair stirring without a breeze. Before the phantom of her six wings had even fully formed, the eight Angel God Statues suspended from the dome raised their holy swords in unison.

"Focus your mind," Qian Daoliu's voice resonated, and the lines of the formation ignited with divine brilliance.

The space behind Qian Renxue suddenly tore open. A six-winged angel, radiating a divine aura, emerged from the rift; every feather erupted with a warm glow reminiscent of a rising sun.

The moment the Test Crystal touched her fingertip, it transformed into a miniature sun suspended within the hall.

"Six-Winged Angel, Innate Soul Power level twenty!"

Before the cheers could even fade, Guang Ling had already retreated into the shadows of the pillars, cradling the drowsy Qian Lingche.

The ice crystals congealing on his hair tips caught the holy light, refracting into a fine, iridescent shimmer across Guang Ling's silver hair.

When Qian Daoliu signaled for Qian Lingche to step forward, Mighty Lion Douluo suddenly coughed. "Twins awakening on the same day—I fear there may be a clash..."

"Step to the center of the formation," Qian Daoliu said, ignoring him and turning his gaze toward Qian Lingche.

As Qian Lingche took his first step, rubbing his eyes, frost flowers bloomed across the gilded tiles.

The lines of the formation froze the instant they touched his toes, the golden radiance forced back by a frigid, deep-blue aura.

Qian Daoliu's pupils constricted, and the Angel God Statues on the dome emitted a groaning crack under the unbearable pressure.

The moment six icy wings manifested, ice crystals condensed in the air throughout the entire hall.

Unlike Qian Renxue's divine warmth, this Angel Martial Soul appeared to be carved entirely from black ice, the edges of its wings shimmering with the cold light of the Far North's eternal night.

Most chilling of all were those eyes; under the gaze of his ice-blue pupils, even Mighty Lion Douluo instinctively took half a step back.

"Test your soul power," Guang Ling said, handing the Test Crystal ball to Qian Lingche.

Amidst the crisp sound of encroaching ice crystals, the Test Crystal—which had borne witness to countless geniuses—erupted with blue light, and spiderweb cracks covered the sphere in the blink of an eye.

"Innate level twenty." Guang Ling brushed the ice particles from Qian Lingche's eyelashes, a genuine smile, unseen for many years, tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Though, he seems to be a bit sensitive to heat."

Qian Renxue ran down the steps, her overly long gown trailing behind her as her golden wing-phantom brushed against the tassels of the crystal chandelier. "My brother's wings are so beautiful!" She reached out to touch the edge of the icy wings, only to recoil as the biting cold stung her fingers.

Frost flowers bloomed in Qingluan Douluo's teacup, while Mighty Lion remained silent, staring at the footprints he had left while retreating.

Golden Crocodile Douluo stroked the golden scroll containing Qian Renxue's information, hesitant to turn to a new page.

"Take him to the Far North later," Qian Daoliu said, watching the ice crystals seep from the cracks in the Angel God Statues. "The soul beasts there are suited to his Martial Soul."

"I know," Guang Ling said, lifting Qian Lingche onto his shoulder. "It just so happens that he likes the snow."

In the dead of night, the Feather Hall was filled with the scent of powdered sugar as Qian Lingche stood on tiptoe, reaching for the Snow Honey Jar on the top shelf of the cabinet.

Guang Ling leaned against the doorframe, watching him fall on his backside three times before finally flicking his finger to knock the ceramic jar down.

"Fifth Consecrator," Bai Yi knelt in the shadows of the corridor. "The Pope Palace has sent a crate of fire-attribute Soul Tools."

"Mm," Guang Ling said, catching the pouncing Qian Lingche and pulling his wings into a cocoon around him. "But we likely won't have any use for them."

When Qian Renxue ran in, her hair tips still dusted with the radiance shed by the Angel God Statues, she chirped, "Fifth Grandpa, I've already talked to Grandpa! When my brother gets back, I'm going to teach him how to fly!"

She stuffed a piece of armor into Qian Lingche's suitcase. "Little brother, this is a protective vest that can withstand a blow from a Soul King. I saved one for you."

Qian Lingche smiled and ran to Qian Renxue's side, hugging her arm. "Thank you, sister!"

The moment the carriage rolled out of Martial Soul City, the Angel God Statue seemed to awaken for a brief moment, though no one noticed.

Qian Lingche pressed his face against the carriage window, his breath condensing into frost flowers on the glass.

Guang Ling tucked a piece of Warm Jade into his palm, yet the biting cold etched even clearer divine patterns onto the surface of the stone.

"Are you cold?"

Qian Lingche shook his head, the frost on his eyelashes melting into the curve of his smile.