With Xiao Xia there, I'll keep him safe and sound. I won't let him lose a single hair!
"What?!"
Qian Renxue's eyes widened suddenly, and an unbelievable light of surprise burst forth in her Viola pupils, like the most brilliant star in the night sky being lit up!
"Really... really? Xiao Xia!"
Her voice rose slightly with excitement, her feigned calm completely crumbling, leaving only pure, immense joy.
She even instinctively grabbed Lin Xia's arm, as if afraid he would change his mind.
Qian Daoliu listened silently to the sound, his dignified face revealing little emotion, but his deep eyes were filled with turbulent emotions.
Upon hearing Lin Xia volunteer, his gray eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, and his lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something.
As the Grand Pontiff of the Spirit Hall, he was well aware of what Lin Xia's current strength and potential meant.
Sending him personally to the Heaven Dou Empire to carry out such a mission with strong infiltration and subversion characteristics carries obvious risks.
The royal family of the Heaven Dou Empire, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and even the remnants of the Clear Sky Sect could all pose a threat.
Lin Xia is the hope of the Spirit Hall and the most important pillar besides the Angel God's inheritance; his safety cannot be compromised.
But as Qian Renxue's grandfather, he was even more aware of the pressure and loneliness his granddaughter had endured over the past ten years.
Seeing the long-lost, relieved joy that burst forth in Qian Renxue's eyes, and seeing the unwavering protection for her sister in Lin Xia's eyes, Qian Daoliu's worries and words of advice ultimately turned into a silent sigh, dissipating deep in his throat.
Both are my flesh and blood.
Lin Xia is his prized disciple and one of the successors he has painstakingly cultivated.
Qian Renxue is the continuation of his bloodline, and the granddaughter he owes so much to.
He couldn't stop the deep bond between the siblings, nor could he ignore Qian Renxue's Covet for liberation.
Moreover, given Lin Xia's current strength...
Perhaps, it's possible to resolve the issue more quickly without triggering a full-scale war?
This thought kept Qian Daoliu silent, but his gaze towards Lin Xia held a complex mix of relief and deeper entrustment.
"Of course!"
Lin Xia nodded vigorously, her answer resolute, and a bright, sunny smile returned to her face.
"Sister Xue'er's affairs are my affairs! Dragging this on isn't a solution. Perfect timing!"
He changed the subject, his eyes revealing a young man's longing for new and exciting things.
"It's been a very, very long time since I've been to the Heaven Dou Empire! The last time was five years ago, when I went with my teacher to participate in the preliminary rounds of the Soul Master Tournament. There were so many places I didn't get to see enough of!"
He started planning with great enthusiasm, counting on his fingers.
"I heard that Qiluo Pavilion in Heaven Dou City have new items, and I didn't get a good look at the night view of Cuiwei Lake last time! And that Xue Beng..."
A sly smile curved Lin Xia's lips.
"I want to see for myself just how good this guy who's been pretending to be crazy for over a decade really is! No wonder you're so fed up with a 'brother' like this every day, Sister Xue'er."
As Qian Renxue watched Lin Xia instantly transform from a composed and powerful Soul Emperor back into that Hustle, even slightly playful, young man, and listened to his rambling plans for "eating, drinking, and having fun," the last trace of gloom in her heart was completely dispelled.
The heavy, almost overwhelming task seemed to suddenly become lighter, even... taking on a touch of adventurous fun, because of Lin Xia's addition.
An immense joy washed over her, like a warm current coursing through her body. She could no longer suppress her smile, a smile more radiant and dazzling than the setting sun, filled with heartfelt ease and dependence.
She gripped Lin Xia's hand tightly and nodded vigorously.
"Okay! It's a deal!"
Her voice was clear and melodious, full of anticipation and Hustle.
"This time, my brother and I will join forces and completely overturn the Heaven Dou Empire!"
Qian Daoliu stood to the side, his dignified gaze revealing an unyielding love and deep expectation.
In a corner of the square, Bi Ji stood quietly, her emerald eyes taking in everything.
Seeing the genuine, radiant smile on Qian Renxue's face and the rekindled light in her eyes, Bi Ji's lips also curled into a faint, knowing smile.
She could clearly sense the heavy shackles on Qian Renxue's body, which suddenly loosened because of Lin Xia's Frillish promise.
That strong girl, burdened with a lonely mission, has finally shed some of her pretense, revealing a relaxed and expectant demeanor befitting her age.
'Lin Xia...'
She became increasingly certain that the message Ziji brought back would surely provoke the deepest thoughts of her lord, Gu Yuena.
The changes brought about by this young man have long surpassed his individual strength, and are quietly influencing every thread of the future landscape of the mainland.
"This matter is of utmost importance."
Qian Daoliu's voice echoed clearly in the empty hall, carrying the majesty accumulated over the years.
"You are the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall; your every word and action can have far-reaching consequences."
"Directly interfering in the internal affairs of the Heaven Dou Empire is tantamount to openly declaring the Spirit Hall's ambitions to the entire continent. This will inevitably arouse unprecedented vigilance and hostility from the two great empires, and may even prompt them to join forces against the enemy!"
"Those forces lurking in the shadows, such as the remnants of the Clear Sky Sect and the strategists of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, will never miss any opportunity to stir up trouble and slander our hall."
He stepped forward, his gaze fixed intently on Lin Xia.
"If you're bringing someone along, you must be extremely careful about their identity! 'The Holy Son's Inspection' is too conspicuous and will arouse suspicion; 'Secret Envoy's Infiltration' is also easy to give others a handle against you. Once exposed, it will be a huge scandal. Think about five years ago."
A hint of reminiscence flashed in Qian Daoliu's eyes.
"The Soul Master Tournament is the safest way to exchange skills and learn from each other! Going to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy under the name of the Spirit Hall Academy Exchange Group is aboveboard and reasonable. It can conceal our true purpose and allow your people to move freely inside and outside Heaven Dou City."
The sharp edge in Lin Xia's eyes slowly subsided, like Torrent flowing into a deep pool.
Qian Daoliu's words stripped away the recklessness beneath the passion, clearly etching the sharp edges of the imperial power struggle and the delicate balance that the Spirit Hall had to maintain before his eyes.
He let out a soft sigh, the slight restlessness brought on by his sudden increase in strength replaced by composure, and nodded solemnly.
"Teacher, I understand now. I hadn't considered things thoroughly enough; I was only focused on immediate pleasure and forgot about the complex and multifaceted situation ahead."
"Grandfather--"
Qian Renxue's coquettish voice rang out at the right moment. With a hint of something Frisk, she took a step forward and naturally took Lin Xia's arm, as if she wanted to bring him under her wings. Her bright purple eyes looked at Qian Daoliu with a determined tone.
"Please rest assured! The Heaven Dou Empire is a chessboard I've cultivated for over a decade! Every piece, every line of defense, is etched in my heart. It's my 'territory.' Xiao Xia is gone, but I will protect him thoroughly and ensure he doesn't lose a single hair!"
She slightly raised her chin, her pride—a blend of that of Angel Young Master and an imperial Crown Prince —shining brilliantly.
"Besides, with Xiao Xia's current strength, if a fight really breaks out, who knows who will protect whom!"
She turned her head to look at Lin Xia, her eyes filled with a smile of complete trust.