Wants to Eat Spicy Rabbit Heads, Qian Renxue's Unrequited Love

Tang San excitedly opened his eyes. When he looked at Shen Qingling, the words that had reached his lips were swallowed back down.

"Teacher, what happened to your neck? Why is it so red?"

His teacher's body was so formidable—who could possibly hurt him?

"Little San, we don't need to look into that."

Shen Qingling changed the subject. They could not waste too much time dwelling on this matter.

Tang San quickly nodded. "Yes, Teacher."

Suppressing his curiosity, he stopped asking about the red marks. He focused and mobilized his Soul Power. His second soul ring lit up with a purple glow, and the Blue Silver Grass emerging from his palm grew a full size thicker. The vines were emerald green throughout, carrying a faint jade-like sheen.

"Second soul skill, Revitalizing Grafting."

With a low shout, several vines shot out like lightning, precisely wrapping around the century-old Iris Rabbit behind the bushes. Fine green markings surfaced across the vines.

They slowly flowed back into Tang San's body through the points of contact, gently replenishing his depleted Soul Power. The speed was slow, but it was steady and continuous.

Then, dense green thorns suddenly protruded from the vines. Their sharp tips instantly pierced the Iris Rabbit's body. The rabbit, which had still been struggling, stiffened. Its limbs went limp at once, leaving it without even the strength to kick. Tiny beads of blood seeped through its fur; it had clearly been completely restrained by the paralysis effect.

Delight flashed through Shen Qingling's eyes. He had thought the Jade Spirit Vine possessed only a pure life attribute, but it unexpectedly came with the additional effects of paralysis and piercing.

This meant that the second soul skill could not only sustain them, but its control and supplementary damage capabilities also far exceeded expectations. Its practical combat value had increased immensely.

"Teacher, this soul skill actually has another effect. If I leave marks on my teammates with the vines, I can share their damage and transfer life force to heal them."

"Transfer damage?"

"Not bad. Better than I expected." He stepped forward, satisfaction in his voice. "The life marks provide continuous healing, the thorns come with paralysis and piercing, and there's also this damage-transfer effect."

Tang San withdrew the vines, his face full of joy. He secretly rejoiced that he had listened to his teacher and chosen the Jade Spirit Vine. The effects of this soul skill were far stronger than he had imagined. His first soul skill was suited for swift attacks and draining, while his second was for sustained battles and endurance. Together, they were a perfect match.

Most importantly, his recovery ability was incredibly strong. He could fully serve as his teammates' anchor.

"It was all because Teacher chose well!" Tang San scratched his head, smiling brightly. "If Teacher hadn't guided me, I definitely wouldn't have found such a suitable soul beast."

At that moment, Xiao Wu came hopping over as well. She had just finished absorbing her second soul ring, and her aura had stabilized considerably.

"Third Brother, you're amazing! Those vines look so sturdy." She leaned closer to inspect the Iris Rabbit. "They can even paralyze opponents. That's so useful."

Di Tian still stood in the distance, glancing over with the corner of his eye. He admired Dragon Consort's judgment more and more. He could casually choose a two-thousand-year soul beast and uncover so many marvelous uses from it. No wonder his lord was so devoted to him.

Shen Qingling smiled and patted Tang San on the shoulder.

"Get familiar with your soul skill. Once we're back, stabilize your realm."

Tang San nodded firmly, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. He clenched his fists and silently resolved to become stronger as soon as possible, so he could always remain by his teacher's side. No, by his future father's side.

Elsewhere, in the study of the Crown Prince's Residence in Heaven Dou City.

After several consecutive days of searching without finding Shen Qingling, Qian Renxue sat behind her desk. Her face showed no expression, but inside, she had nearly gone numb.

The people she had sent out had searched all of Heaven Dou City, inside and out, and even investigated the surrounding areas, yet they had not found even the slightest trace of him. It was as though their encounter at Heavenly Fragrance House that day had been nothing more than a fleeting dream.

Porcupinefish Douluo entered carrying a bowl of rice porridge. Seeing his young mistress's increasingly thin profile, he was filled with worry. These past few days, she had neither eaten nor drunk properly. Every day, she either handled government affairs or stared blankly out the window. Her whole person had grown noticeably more haggard.

"Young Mistress, you haven't eaten anything all day. Shall I have the imperial kitchen prepare something you like? At least drink some porridge to tide you over."

Qian Renxue raised a hand, her tone calm yet carrying unquestionable resolve.

"No need. If I can't find Big Brother, I can't eat."

She paused, then looked up at Porcupinefish Douluo. A barely perceptible stubbornness lay hidden in her eyes.

"Send more people. Guard every city gate and major road. Big Brother will definitely come to Heaven Dou City again. The moment there is any news of him, notify me immediately. Even if it is the middle of the night."

"Yes, Young Mistress." Porcupinefish Douluo did not dare persuade her further. He bowed and withdrew.

Qian Renxue was left alone in the study. She slowly rose and walked to the window, her fingers gently brushing over a small portrait on the corner of the desk. It depicted a young man with handsome features and a bright smile, his pair of golden eyes especially striking.

She had ordered someone to paint it from her memories. It was how Shen Qingling had looked in his youth, and it was also the longing she had hidden away for more than ten years.

In her dark childhood, one of the few rays of light had once appeared. Yet that light seemed close at hand while actually being far beyond reach, filled with the helplessness of wanting it but never being able to attain it.

Her fingers traced the edge of the portrait as a surge of bitterness rose in her heart. Her childhood days in Spirit City had been bleak and oppressive. Everyone feared her status and treated her with utmost caution.

Only this Big Brother had smiled as he gave her sweets, patiently listened to her speak, and treated her like an ordinary little girl. He was the one person who had truly been good to her.

She had searched for him for ten years. After finally reuniting with him, they had met only briefly, without even exchanging a complete conversation, and she had learned that he had long since married.

But even so, she could not let him go. Her days undercover in Heaven Dou City were already difficult enough. If she lost even this small hope, the years ahead would only become more tedious.

Qian Renxue looked out at the bustling street beyond the window, her gaze becoming resolute once more. She did not believe their fate was so shallow. Since Big Brother had appeared in Heaven Dou City, he would definitely return. As long as she stayed here, one day she would see him again.

Meanwhile, Shen Qingling's group had already left the Star Dou Forest and begun their journey back to Notting City, taking a route that bypassed Heaven Dou City.

They traveled back by carriage rather than flying separately, while Di Tian returned alone.

"Teacher, I'm hungry." Tang San rubbed his stomach. "How about we have a good meal once we get back?"

I'm about to starve flat. It's time to fill my stomach.

"Sure. Since we're heading back, let's have a proper feast."

Shen Qingling also felt that they ought to celebrate properly.

"Teacher, I want roast duck!" Xiao Wu was starting to crave it.

"Of course!"

"Teacher, I want spicy rabbit heads too!" Tang San was craving them as well.

The moment he said that, Xiao Wu's body trembled. Her eyes widened. "Third Brother, rabbit heads aren't tasty!"

Tang San did not understand. "Why not? I once saw an old foodie pour hot oil directly over a rabbit head, and he seemed to enjoy it immensely."

Why shouldn't they eat rabbits? Besides, Xiao Wu had a Soft Bone Rabbit martial soul; she was not an actual rabbit.

"Just don't eat them!" Xiao Wu tugged at Tang San's sleeve.

Gu Yuena secretly chuckled.

"Fine, fine. We won't eat them. Then we'll have chicken instead." Tang San compromised.

Shen Qingling smiled and nodded, but after they had walked some distance, an observing gaze suddenly appeared nearby. Gu Yuena had noticed it as well.

Gu Yuena transmitted her voice, "Do we need to get rid of them?"

Shen Qingling replied, "Not for now. I'll explain it to you slowly once we're back!"