Qian Renxue Meets Lin Ming

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the thin mist and shone over the campus of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, bathing the ancient institution in a golden glow.

Lin Ming was awakened early by a rapid knock at the door. He had absorbed the hundred-thousand-year Mountain Dragon King torso bone the previous night and refined it until late before finally going to sleep. He had been sleeping soundly when the knocking startled him awake. With an irritated expression, he climbed out of bed and opened the door, still bleary-eyed.

Then he saw Meng Shenji, the dean of academic affairs, standing outside with an excited look on his face. He was panting and drenched in sweat, as if he had just run a marathon.

"Student Lin Ming! Hurry, hurry! His Highness the Crown Prince has come to the academy! He says he wants to see you!" Meng Shenji's voice trembled, clearly overcome with excitement.

"His Highness the Crown Prince?" Lin Ming rubbed his eyes and yawned, his mind not yet fully awake. "Which crown prince?"

"Of course, His Highness Crown Prince Xue Qinghe!" Meng Shenji stamped his feet anxiously, looking as though he wanted to drag Lin Ming away himself. "His Highness rarely visits the academy. He came specifically to see you today—this is an immense honor! Hurry and clean yourself up. Change into something presentable, and don't keep His Highness waiting! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

Lin Ming's drowsiness vanished instantly, and a sharp gleam flashed through his eyes.

Qian Renxue had come!

She had finally come!

Over the past few days, he had caused quite a commotion at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. First, he had set the rule that anyone who wanted to pursue Ning Rongrong had to get past him first.

Then, he had defeated dozens of challengers, one spear thrust at a time. Finally, before all the academy's teachers and students, he had instantly defeated Yu Tianheng with a single spear strike, earning the title of the Little Spear God. Everything he had done had been for this moment.

Only by drawing Qian Renxue's attention would he have a chance to approach her, make contact with her, and ultimately bind her to himself.

"Alright, I'll be right there."

Lin Ming shut the door and returned to his room. He quickly washed up and changed into a clean, neat set of white martial attire. Silver cloud patterns were embroidered along the cuffs and collar, while a black belt circled his waist, from which hung a special token of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

He tidied his hair in front of the mirror, gathering his loose black hair behind his head and revealing his full forehead and sharp brows.

Only after confirming that he looked alert and valiant did he nod in satisfaction and follow Meng Shenji toward the reception room.

Inside the reception room, a youth who looked seventeen or eighteen sat in the seat of honor, leisurely sipping tea.

She wore a luxurious golden robe embroidered with five-clawed golden dragons. A jade-studded belt was tied around her waist, and a jade pendant symbolizing her status as crown prince hung from it.

A golden crown rested on her head. Her features were handsome, her skin fair, and her demeanor refined and gentle. A perfectly measured smile lingered on her lips, making others feel as though they were basking in a spring breeze. She seemed as approachable as the elder brother next door.

She was none other than Qian Renxue, disguised as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.

She sat there with elegant composure, every gesture radiating the upbringing and bearing of imperial nobility.

But Lin Ming knew that beneath that refined, scholarly exterior hid the soul of an unrivaled beauty—the young mistress of Spirit Hall and the inheritor of the Angel God.

The moment Lin Ming entered the reception room, Qian Renxue's gaze fell upon him.

She had originally thought that someone capable of defeating Yu Tianheng with a single spear strike would be a burly brute with an imposing aura, broad shoulders, and a sturdy build—at the very least, someone who looked obviously formidable in battle.

To her surprise, Lin Ming looked so young, and he was remarkably handsome as well. His long black hair hung casually over his shoulders, and his sword-like brows framed star-bright eyes. His nose was high, his thin lips lightly pressed together, and a faintly roguish smile rested at the corner of his mouth, carrying an uninhibited, carefree air and a wildness that refused restraint.

He was tall and straight. Though he was not one of those exaggeratedly muscular men, the white martial attire still revealed the smooth, powerful lines of his muscles. Every movement hinted at explosive strength hidden beneath his calm exterior.

A ripple stirred in Qian Renxue's heart without her realizing it.

She had seen countless outstanding young men: imperial nobles, sect geniuses, and sons of Aristocratic Clans. But this was the first time she had encountered someone like Lin Ming, who possessed both strength and looks.

There was something unique about him. He was neither affected and artificial like those noble youths, nor insecure and restrained like commoner Soul Masters. Instead, he possessed an innate confidence and calm, as though even if the sky fell, he could stab it back into place with a single spear.