Morning mist still lingered at the edges of the sky over Spirit City.
Yet the city was already bustling. Teahouses and breakfast stalls along streets and alleys were packed with people.
Everywhere, people discussed yesterday's astonishing final.
As Ning Chen and Qian Renxue walked through the streets, the lively atmosphere rubbed off on them, softening their expressions.
After a while, Qian Renxue finally spoke. "Benqi, what do you think of Spirit Hall?"
"What do I think of Spirit Hall?"
Ning Chen raised an eyebrow, unsure what she was getting at.
Was she planning to reveal her true identity here in Spirit City, or was she testing his attitude first?
Either way, Qian Renxue's true allegiance lay with Spirit Hall.
Given her nature, she would never let someone who had performed as he had at the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament slip away.
After all, Tang San's performance had been nowhere near his, yet she had become so determined to recruit him that she had still wanted to try after becoming a god.
So Ning Chen judged that Qian Renxue was most likely testing his attitude toward Spirit Hall before deciding whether to reveal the truth.
After a moment's thought, Ning Chen said, "I actually have a fairly good opinion of Spirit Hall."
He chose his words carefully, watching Qian Renxue's reaction as he spoke.
At his answer, her shoulders seemed to relax. Ning Chen knew he had said the right thing.
"In what way? Could you tell me more?" Qian Renxue asked, still speaking in that gentle masculine voice.
"Wouldn't Your Highness be angry?" Ning Chen asked instead of answering.
"Oh? Why would I be angry?" Qian Renxue smiled.
"The empire and Spirit Hall haven't come to blows, but as I understand it, their relationship isn't exactly peaceful. I wouldn't