A Real Love Letter, and Snake Lance Douluo's Discovery

"He really is getting better-looking," Qian Renxue muttered to herself. "No wonder that vixen Hu Liena tried to steal him from me."

She had made up her mind: she had to keep a close eye on Qin Yu.

Of course she was happy that Qin Yu was growing more handsome, but it also made her nervous.

Qian Renxue knew that someone as exceptional as Qin Yu was bound to attract countless women.

She was certain she would not be the only woman in his life.

She knew because, during one of their casual conversations, she had sounded him out on the subject.

Even after all this time, she still remembered how frankly he had said, "I want them all."

"Qin Yu, even if you find others, I'll be the one in charge!" Qian Renxue muttered, appointing herself mistress of his future household.

"Hm?"

Seeing the emotions flicker across Qian Renxue's face, Qin Yu was a little surprised. He did not ask about them, though. Instead, he smiled. "Xue'er, how have you been?"

He certainly had genuine feelings for Qian Renxue.

For one thing, they loved talking together. They could connect over all kinds of subjects, and often a glance was enough to convey what they meant.

For another, Qian Renxue was the first person with whom he had confirmed a relationship. He would always hold that close to his heart.

"Hmph. Not well!" Qian Renxue said indignantly. "After four years apart, this is how you treat me? With a challenge letter?"

Just thinking about it made her angry.

Four years without seeing each other, and instead of a love letter, he had written her a challenge letter?

What was Qin Yu thinking? Did he want a beating, or did he want to break up?

A beating was entirely possible!

As for breaking up... Qin Yu could forget it. Even if she had to force things, she would make him hers and never let go.

"Xue'er, you didn't read it all, did you?"

Qin Yu smiled. "I left you a hint. Didn't you burn it?"

"Hm?" Qian Renxue froze. She instinctively took out the "challenge letter" she had crumpled into a ball, unfolded and smoothed it, then examined it closely.

At last, her gaze settled on the character for "Yu," surrounded by a little flame.

"Fire? Burn it?"

Qian Renxue summoned a small flame at her fingertip and held it to the character for "Yu." The "challenge letter" in her hand immediately changed.

The brief line of text faded away, replaced by a handwritten message in neat, bold strokes.

"Xue'er, after four years apart, I've missed you terribly. A challenge letter on the outside, a love letter within. You..."

Qian Renxue began reading aloud without thinking. As she went on, her voice grew softer and her cheeks redder, embarrassment surging through her.

Eventually, she fell silent altogether.

But she still read the entire "love letter." Some of its words made her cringe at first, then left her feeling inexplicably sweet inside.

It was like a lingering aftertaste: slightly bitter at first, but richer with every moment.

"How sappy," Qian Renxue muttered.

Her hands told a different story. She folded the letter gently and put it away with great care.

"It is pretty sappy. It was my first time writing one," Qin Yu admitted with a nod.

"Hmph." Qian Renxue lifted her fair chin haughtily. "You're not allowed to call it sappy. Only I am."

Qin Yu laughed helplessly.

Qian Renxue looked even more pleased with herself.

She was in a wonderful mood, already ready to kiss him, hug him, and have him sweep her off her feet.

Then Qin Yu spoiled the moment with his next words.

"You've read the love letter. Now let's settle the challenge."

Qin Yu smiled faintly and produced the Heaven Dragon Halberd.

"..." Qian Renxue's mouth twitched. She was so angry she nearly spat blood. "Yu, can't you let the mood last a little longer?"

"No."

"Don't start something!"

"Can't help it. I've been petty since I was little."

"Qin Yu, you're finished!"

Qian Renxue flared with anger. Her Six-Winged Angel martial soul possessed her in an instant, its sacred, noble aura rising to new heights.

Five Soul Rings—two yellow, two purple, and one black—descended around her.

Her cultivation as a level fifty-nine Soul King was plain to see.

After more than four years, Qian Renxue was on the verge of becoming a Soul Emperor.

If not for her undercover mission, she would have advanced even faster. By now, she would probably have been a Soul Emperor just past level sixty.

"Qin Yu, if I don't beat you until your face swells like a pig's, I'll have Grandpa do it!"

Qian Renxue's fifth Soul Ring lit up. She gripped a Sacred Sword burning with holy flames, her presence formidable.

"That's fine. I'll have my teacher hold him off." Qin Yu smiled.

"Hmph. Grandpa Golden Crocodile can't beat my grandpa."

"Not now. Later, who knows?"

"Hm?" Qian Renxue frowned. Looking at Qin Yu, she suddenly had a bad feeling. "What are you planning this time?"

Qin Yu only smiled, giving nothing away.

Golden Crocodile Douluo was his teacher and had treated him like his own son for years. It was only right that he should receive some Immortal Herbs.

Once Golden Crocodile Douluo obtained them, he was bound to break through his bottleneck, reach the pinnacle, and gain a tremendous amount of strength.

When that happened, Golden Crocodile Douluo might not defeat Qian Daoliu, but he certainly would not lose. A draw was within reach.

"Tell me, or I'll beat you until you cry!" Qian Renxue raised a fist at him.

"Not telling."

Qin Yu grinned and activated his Purple Brilliant Heaven Destroying Dragon martial soul. An aura of destruction swept outward as purple-gold dragon scales spread across most of his body.

Then a pair of dragon wings studded with black voids unfurled.

Four Soul Rings—one yellow, one purple, and two black—descended around him, revealing his cultivation as a level forty-five Soul Ancestor.

"Level forty-five!"

Qian Renxue stared at Qin Yu in disbelief. "What... what miracle medicine did you take to advance so quickly?"

Four years ago, he had only been a level twenty-four Soul Grandmaster. Now he was a level forty-five Soul Ancestor. That was an increase of twenty-one levels of Soul Power.

More than five levels a year. It was terrifying.

"How... how can His Highness the Holy Son be this talented?" In the private box, Snake Lance Douluo's eyes widened. He instinctively looked at Ling Yuan Douluo beside him.

He had guessed Qin Yu was a Soul Elder in the thirties, perhaps close to becoming a Soul Ancestor at most.

It turned out he had not overestimated Qin Yu. He had underestimated him.

"His Highness has extraordinary talent. He is unquestionably the greatest genius on the continent!" Ling Yuan said with a faint smile, her eyes fixed on Qin Yu.

"Hm?"

Snake Lance Douluo suddenly noticed something unusual about the way Ling Yuan looked at Qin Yu. His heart jolted. No way. Is she in love with His Highness the Holy Son?

Ling Yuan did not notice Snake Lance Douluo's strange look. At that moment, she had eyes only for the figure in the arena.

Seeing that, Snake Lance Douluo was even more shocked.

Of all the people she could fall for, why His Highness the Holy Son? If the young lady finds out... Snake Lance Douluo considered the consequences, then decided they were too frightening to contemplate.

"Not telling."

Meanwhile, in the arena, Qin Yu gave Qian Renxue the same infuriating answer.

"Fine, fine! Now I'm really angry!" Qian Renxue laughed through her fury. "So you think being a level forty-five Soul Ancestor makes you something special? Watch me teach you a lesson!"