Shi Yi leaned against the ship's railing, gazing out at the distant sea. "Ji Lin's Martial Soul specializes in mental attacks, so it'd be best to find a mental-type Soul Beast. That way, he'll get the most out of his Soul Ring."
At that, Guang Ling pursed his lips. "Little Eight, that's easy for you to say. It's not that simple."
"Mental-type Soul Beasts are rare to begin with, and it has to be one that suits him, too. The sea's vast as far as the eye can see. Where are we supposed to find one?"
Ji Lin sat in the middle of the ship, holding a thick bestiary of Soul Beasts. His brows were slightly furrowed; clearly, he was worried about the same problem.
He looked up, his voice tinged with helplessness. "The Worshipful Elder is right. Mental-type Soul Beasts are hard to find, and even if we do find one, it might not suit me."
Shi Yi shook his head. "Hard to find doesn't mean impossible. We're already out at sea. As long as we keep looking patiently, we'll run into one eventually."
Before setting out, he'd confidently promised Xiao Che that he'd get Ji Lin a suitable Soul Ring. If he messed this up, how could he show his face when he got back?
Snow Empress suddenly spoke, making everyone aboard the ship pause in surprise. "As far as I know, there are many times more Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts in the sea than on the continent. Perhaps we really can find one."
Shi Yi nodded. "Snow Empress is right. There's a huge variety of Soul Beasts in the sea, and the deep-sea regions are rarely visited. There really are far more Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts there than on the continent."
His last three Hundred Thousand Year Soul Rings had come from sea Soul Beasts. He really couldn't bring himself to settle for those two big, dumb brutes in Star Dou Forest.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was filled with celebration, every lantern lit and every banner hung, for today was Ning Rongrong's birthday.
In the sect's main hall, Ning Fengzhi sat in the seat of honor, smiling warmly as he watched the lively scene below.
Ning Rongrong wore a gorgeous pink gown and a delicate crystal crown. She looked just like a little princess.
She stood in the middle of the hall, her face radiant with joy as she accepted everyone's birthday wishes.
"Happy birthday, Rongrong!" The sect's disciples presented her with gifts and good wishes, and the hall was alive with excitement.
Just then, a cool voice came from the entrance. "Rongrong."
At the sound, everyone turned toward the doorway.
Qian Lingche walked in slowly, clad in blue, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Seeing him, Ning Fengzhi greeted him with a warm smile. "Xiao Che, you're here."
Qian Lingche smiled faintly, his tone modest. "You're too kind, Uncle Ning. Of course I had to come and wish Rongrong a happy birthday."
The little girl was always running off with Ning Jingchen to the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall, so Qian Lingche had grown quite familiar with her.
After speaking, he took out an exquisite jade box and handed it to Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, this is your birthday present. I hope you like it."
Ning Rongrong took the box, a flash of delight in her eyes. "Thank you, Brother Qian!"
She opened it. Inside lay a translucent jade pendant, carved with exquisite patterns and glowing faintly.
Ning Rongrong's eyes shone with delight, and she couldn't help exclaiming, "What a beautiful pendant!"
Qian Lingche explained, "This pendant is called Clear Heart Jade. Wearing it can calm the mind and focus the spirit, which greatly benefits cultivation."
Ning Rongrong beamed. "Brother Qian, you're so thoughtful. I really love this gift!"
Qian Lingche gently patted Ning Rongrong's head, his tone affectionate. "Happy birthday, Rongrong. I hope every day from now on makes you as happy as today."
Ning Rongrong looked up at him, her face full of smiles. "Thank you, Brother Qian!"
Ning Fengzhi said to Qian Lingche, "Xiao Che, come sit down. Don't just stand there."
Qian Lingche nodded and went over to sit beside Ning Jingchen.
After he sat down, Ning Jingchen leaned over with a smile and whispered, "What have you been up to lately? You've kept the hall doors shut the whole time. Have you been busy cultivating again and forgotten all about me?"
A trace of helplessness flashed in Qian Lingche's eyes. He replied quietly, "I really have had a lot on my plate lately, and cultivation has taken up plenty of time, too."
Ning Jingchen pursed his lips. "Come on. What's the real reason?"
Qian Lingche chuckled and shook his head. "I can't hide anything from you. Some time ago, Xue Ye sent someone over. He wanted me to help with the war between the two empires, so I've been avoiding him."
Ning Jingchen couldn't help laughing. He patted Qian Lingche on the shoulder. "All right, stop thinking about that. Since you're here, just relax and enjoy the day."
While the two were speaking in hushed voices, Ning Rongrong came bouncing over with the Clear Heart Jade in her hand, her face alight with excitement.
"Brother Qian, this pendant really is so beautiful! I feel much lighter since I put it on!"
Qian Lingche nodded. "I'm glad you like it, Rongrong."
Ning Rongrong took his hand. "I'll treasure it!"
Seeing them, Ning Jingchen couldn't resist teasing her. "Rongrong, you're so nice to Brother Qian that even I'm getting jealous."
Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue and said playfully, "Brother, you get jealous too? Then bring me an equally beautiful gift next time, and I won't play favorites!"
Her words left Ning Jingchen laughing and crying at once. He shook his head helplessly. "You little rascal. You're getting better and better at talking."
Watching the siblings banter, Qian Lingche lifted his teacup and took a small sip, a smile in his eyes.
He loved this kind of atmosphere. It was so warm.
As evening fell, Qian Lingche returned to the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall.
He stood on the terrace, gazing absently at the scenery beyond the hall.
"I wonder how Brother Ling and the others are doing. They've been gone for so long," Qian Lingche murmured.
As Qian Lingche stood lost in thought, a hurried rush of footsteps pulled him back to the present.
A Cardinal hurried onto the terrace, his face full of anxiety and fine beads of sweat glistening on his forehead.
He came to a stop behind Qian Lingche and bowed respectfully, his voice urgent. "Hall Master, something terrible has happened!"
Qian Lingche's brow furrowed slightly as he turned around. "What is it? Tell me clearly."
The Cardinal took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "A message just arrived. Two of the Heaven Dou Empire's vassal states have fallen to the Star Luo Empire. The war is now in full swing!"
A cold glint flashed in Qian Lingche's eyes at the news, but his expression remained calm.
He fell silent for a moment, then said evenly, "The Star Luo Empire certainly couldn't hold back. They made their move sooner than expected."
The Cardinal nodded, worry in his voice. "Hall Master, should we take action? This war may engulf the entire continent and even affect us."
Qian Lingche didn't answer. Instead, he turned to look out into the night.
A moment later, he spoke slowly. "Pass down my orders. The Eternal Night Frost Song Hall will remain neutral. We are not to interfere in the war between the two empires."
"At the same time, close the hall doors to visitors. Strengthen the hall's defenses and prevent anyone with ulterior motives from taking advantage of the situation."
The Cardinal nodded at once. "Yes, Hall Master! I'll see to it immediately!"