Elsewhere, Yang Xing took Qian Renxue straight back to the East Palace of the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.
The first thing Qian Renxue did after landing was order the palace attendants to prepare a meal. Then she changed into the attire of a gentle, graceful woman and returned to the side hall, where Yang Xing had already made himself comfortable in the seat of honor, a pot of clear tea still steaming beside him.
The two sat facing each other.
Yang Xing poured himself a cup of tea, then pushed another toward Qian Renxue, as casual as if he were in his own home.
Qian Renxue lifted her cup and took a sip. Just as she set it down,
Yang Xing spoke.
"Qianxue, did you feel anything unusual during your Martial Soul Evolution?"
Qian Renxue paused slightly, thought for a moment, and began carefully recalling what had happened.
"I did."
Her voice softened, as though she were retracing a hazy experience.
"The instant I finished absorbing the Immortal Herb's medicinal power, I felt as if something had enveloped my entire being. I can't quite describe it. It was like... being drawn into a very warm embrace."
She paused, weighing her words.
"My consciousness was actually blurred at the time, and I had no control over my body at all. When I truly came to, the first thing I noticed was my martial soul stirring restlessly."
At this point, Qian Renxue's expression grew complicated.
"I instinctively summoned my martial soul, then realized something was wrong. My back felt different. I turned and counted, and discovered that my original two wings had become eight."
She looked at her palm, as though she were still taking in that sight.
"My first reaction was disbelief. I thought I'd counted wrong, so I counted again.