Qian Renxue

By day, he followed Chen Xin to temper his will and hone his offensive techniques, learning how to turn the Blood Dragon's brutality into ultimate killing power.

At night, under Gu Rong's guidance, he entered spatial rifts and comprehended the mysteries of space.

And in the gaps between all that training, a small figure in a blue dress would always appear at the edge of the training grounds on time, carrying a food box or a kettle.

"Brother Gu En, take a break. I had the chef make your favorite..."

The sect disciples who saw this could not help but feel envious and jealous.

Everyone knew that although the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was aloof and spoiled around others, before the boy with the purple first soul ring, she was always the gentlest Rong Rong.

Three years slipped quietly away.

Gu En was ten years old.

With top-tier resources piled upon him and the foundation of his Twin Martial Souls, his Soul Power had already reached the astonishing Peak Rank 29 Grand Soul Master, just one step away from Rank 30.

At ten, Gu En had already grown to Ning Fengzhi's shoulder.

Years of extreme training had given him a lean yet explosively powerful build. Beneath his neat short hair, his deep eyes carried a steadiness far beyond his age.

"En'er, His Highness the Crown Prince is coming to the sect today to consult me on state affairs. Come receive him with me."

Standing before the sect's main hall, Ning Fengzhi looked at Gu En beside him, his eyes full of satisfaction.

Ten years old, Rank 29—such an achievement was unprecedented in the entire history of Douluo Continent.

He even thought that when Gu En turned twelve, he might perhaps reach the astonishing Rank 40.

"Yes, Uncle Ning."

Gu En nodded calmly.

Yet a ripple stirred in his heart.

Xue Qinghe—or rather... Qian Renxue.

The young mistress of Spirit Hall, possessor of the god-tier Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul—he was finally about to meet her.

Before long, an elite royal knight regiment escorted a luxurious carriage slowly into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

The carriage door opened, and a young man in a pale golden robe stepped out.

He had refined features and a warm, jade-like temperament. Every gesture carried an innate nobility and approachability that made people instinctively want to draw close.

"Your student, Xue Qinghe, greets Teacher."

The young man quickly stepped forward and bowed to Ning Fengzhi. His etiquette was so impeccable that there was not the slightest fault to find.

"Your Highness need not stand on ceremony."

Ning Fengzhi smiled as he helped her up, then turned slightly and introduced Gu En.

"This is Gu En, Uncle Bone's grandson and a child I watched grow up. Little En, greet His Highness the Crown Prince."

Gu En dipped slightly and performed a standard noble's salute.

"Gu En greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

The instant he raised his head, Gu En's gaze met "Xue Qinghe's."

At that moment, Gu En felt the Blood Dragon Martial Soul within him tremble slightly. It was an instinctive resonance between top-tier Martial Souls.

A flash of surprise also passed through "Xue Qinghe's" eyes.

"What a valiant young man."

"Xue Qinghe" praised him in a clear, pleasant voice.

"Teacher, is this the genius whose thousand-year first ring has caused such a stir throughout Heaven Dou City? Now that I see him in person, he truly possesses extraordinary bearing."

"Your Highness flatters me."

Gu En replied calmly, his expression barely rippling, as though it were only natural.

Just then, a crisp voice carrying a hint of hostility came from behind the main hall.

"Father, what are you all talking about? It sounds so lively."

Ning Rongrong came running out, lifting the hem of her dress. She habitually wanted to burrow into Gu En's arms, but then noticed there were outsiders present.

Only then did she restrain herself somewhat. She merely clung tightly to Gu En's arm and stared at Xue Qinghe as though staking her claim.

"Rong Rong, do not be rude. This is His Highness the Crown Prince."

Although Ning Fengzhi was reprimanding her, his tone was filled with indulgence.

Ning Rongrong pouted and gave a perfunctory salute.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Seeing how dependent Ning Rongrong was on Gu En, "Xue Qinghe" curved her lips into a meaningful smile.

"Little Sister Rong Rong is as lively as ever."

"Brother Gu En, to make Little Sister Rong Rong so devoted to you, your talents must extend beyond Martial Soul cultivation."

This teasing remark made Ning Rongrong blush, but it also put Gu En on guard.

Qian Renxue's insight was indeed astonishing.

"Your Highness, let us go inside and speak."

Ning Fengzhi made an inviting gesture.

Inside the council hall, Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe discussed the empire's recent affairs, while Gu En sat to one side with his eyes closed, resting.

Suddenly, Xue Qinghe turned to Gu En and asked gently.

"Brother Gu En, I heard that although you are only ten years old, your Soul Power has already reached the peak of Rank 29?"

"With talent like yours, if you remain in the sect and cultivate in seclusion, it would be somewhat wasted."

"Would you be interested in visiting Heaven Dou Royal Academy? It has the empire's finest simulated cultivation grounds."

The moment Ning Rongrong heard this, she became anxious and gripped Gu En's arm tightly.

"No! Brother Gu En has to stay in the sect with me. He isn't going anywhere!"

Gu En opened his eyes and looked at the "Crown Prince" whose disguise was flawless. He sneered inwardly.

Heaven Dou Royal Academy? That is your territory. If I went there, you would probably try to poach me for Spirit Hall.

"Thank you for Your Highness's favor."

Gu En answered neither humbly nor arrogantly. "However, advancing my Martial Soul requires a great deal of spatial comprehension. In this regard, the guidance my grandfather can provide far surpasses that of any academy."

Xue Qinghe's expression stiffened slightly before returning to normal, and she burst into laughter.

"Brother Gu En certainly has character! Since that is the case, I will not press the matter."

"However, if Brother Gu En comes to Heaven Dou City in the future, you must visit the Crown Prince's residence. Qinghe will welcome you with open arms."

Gu En did not continue refusing and nodded in agreement.

After seeing Xue Qinghe off, Ning Rongrong angrily dragged Gu En toward the rear mountain.

"Brother Gu En, that Xue Qinghe looked at you strangely. I don't like her! Stay away from her from now on!"

Ning Rongrong complained as they walked.

Gu En stopped and looked at the girl who, though spoiled and willful, sincerely cared for him. He spoke softly.

"Rong Rong, some things are not as simple as they appear."

"The Crown Prince's invitation may not be because she values my talent. More likely, she wants to test the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's hidden strength."

"I don't care. You're mine, and no one can take you away!" Ning Rongrong domineeringly wrapped her arms around Gu En's neck.

Gu En stopped, turned around, and gently placed both hands on Ning Rongrong's shoulders.

Looking into the little girl's large, uneasy eyes, his voice was firmer than ever.

"Rong Rong, I am becoming stronger not to play games of power, but so that no storm within or beyond this sect can ever reach you."

"I promise you, no matter how far I go in the future, as long as you turn around, I will be behind you."