Qian Renxue

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

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

And amid all this training, a small figure in a green dress would always appear at the edge of the training grounds on time, carrying a lunchbox or a kettle.

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

The sect's disciples watched this scene, all of them consumed by envy and jealousy.

Everyone knew that although the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was cold and spoiled toward others, before that boy with a purple first soul ring, she would always be the gentlest Rongrong.

Three years slipped quietly through their fingers.

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 years old, Gu En had already shot up to Ning Fengzhi's shoulder.

Years of extreme training had given him a lean yet explosive build. Beneath his neat short hair, his deep eyes held a steadiness that did not belong to someone 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."

Ning Fengzhi stood before the sect's main hall, looking at Gu En beside him with eyes full of satisfaction.

Ten years old, Rank 29—such a thing had never existed in the history of the entire Douluo Continent.

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

"Yes, Uncle Ning."

Gu En nodded calmly.

Yet a faint ripple stirred in his heart.

Xue Qinghe—or rather... Qian Renxue.

The young mistress of Spirit Hall, bearer of the god-tier Six-Winged Angel martial soul—at last, they were about to meet.

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 gold robe stepped down.

His features were refined, and his temperament was as warm and gentle as jade. 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 hurried forward and bowed to Ning Fengzhi. His etiquette was so flawless that no fault could be found in it.

"Your Highness need not stand on ceremony."

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

"This is Gu En, Bone Uncle'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 moment he raised his head, Gu En's gaze met "Xue Qinghe's."

In that instant, Gu En felt the Blood Dragon Martial Soul within him tremble slightly. It was an instinctive resonance between top-tier martial souls.

A flicker of surprise also flashed 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 carries himself exceptionally."

"Your Highness flatters me."

Gu En's response was calm, his expression barely changing, as though it were only natural.

Just then, a crisp voice tinged with hostility came from behind the main hall.

"Father, what are you talking about? It's so lively here."

Ning Rongrong ran out, lifting the hem of her skirt. She first instinctively wanted to throw herself into Gu En's arms, but then noticed there were outsiders present.

Only then did she restrain herself somewhat. She merely wrapped herself tightly around Gu En's arm and stared at Xue Qinghe as if declaring her claim.

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

Though Ning Fengzhi was reprimanding her, his tone was full of 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" curled her lips into a meaningful smile.

"Little Sister Rongrong is as lively as ever."

"Brother Gu En, to have Little Sister Rongrong so enamored with you, I'm afraid your talents extend beyond martial soul cultivation."

That teasing remark made Ning Rongrong's pretty face flush, but it also put Gu En on guard.

Qian Renxue's powers of observation truly were remarkable.

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

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 you are only ten years old, yet your soul power has already reached the peak of Rank 29?"

"With such talent, staying in the sect to cultivate in seclusion would be somewhat of a waste."

"Would you be interested in visiting Heaven Dou Imperial 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" before him, whose disguise was flawless. He sneered inwardly.

Heaven Dou Imperial Academy? That's your territory. If I go there, won't you try to poach me for Spirit Hall?

"Thank you for your favor, Your Highness."

Gu En answered neither humbly nor arrogantly. "However, advancing my martial soul requires extensive insight into space. In that regard, the guidance my grandfather can provide far surpasses that of any academy."

Xue Qinghe's expression stiffened slightly before returning to normal. 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 ever comes to Heaven Dou City, be sure to visit the Crown Prince's residence. Qinghe will welcome you with open arms."

Gu En did not refuse further and nodded in agreement.

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

"Brother Gu En, the way that Xue Qinghe looked at you was strange. I don't like him! Stay away from him in the future!"

Ning Rongrong complained as they walked.

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

"Rongrong, some things are not as simple as they seem."

"His Highness inviting me may not be because he values my talent. More likely, he wants to probe the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's hand."

"I don't care! You're mine, and no one can take you away!" Ning Rongrong domineeringly threw 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, anxious eyes, his tone became firmer than ever.

"Rongrong, 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."