Hearing someone else's words of comfort stirred waves in Qian Renxue's heart.
She had been undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire since childhood, playing the role of Xue Qinghe. Although those around her showed her care, that affection was meant for Xue Qinghe, not the real Qian Renxue.
Her true identity had always been like a deeply buried secret that no one had ever touched.
Even her grandfather, who doted on her and showered her with endless care, was not her peer. He could never truly understand the loneliness and struggles in her heart.
Now, as a stranger's warm words reached her ears, Qian Renxue felt a flicker of discomfort.
It was as though sunlight had suddenly shone into a heart long sealed away, leaving her unsure how to respond.
Qian Renxue cleared her throat twice, trying to conceal her inner fluster, then continued, "We're almost at the rendezvous point. Watch what you say."
Although her voice was calm, its faint tremor betrayed the waves stirring within her.
Just then, a dazzling ray of light suddenly blossomed from Qian Renxue's head.
As the radiance intensified, Qian Renxue's figure was gradually swallowed by it.
When the light slowly faded, the original Qian Renxue had vanished, replaced by the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire-Xue Qinghe.
Her features were now handsome and her bearing noble, looking like an entirely different person from the Qian Renxue of moments before.
Meng Yiran watched the transformation, wonder glittering in her eyes. She said softly, "That transformation is truly breathtaking. It looks like the Head Soul Bone Brother Xuanqing mentioned must be quite old."
Zhu Zhuqing's face was full of admiration. She carefully studied the transformed Qian Renxue and murmured, "Whether as a woman or in your current appearance, you're equally beautiful and captivating."
Seeing this, Chen Xuanqing flashed over to Qian Renxue's side.
He gently pinched Qian Renxue's cheek, feeling a thin layer beneath his fingers.
"Just as I thought. A Head Soul Bone alone isn't enough to make both your martial soul and your facial structure exactly like Xue Qinghe's. Still, disguising an angel martial soul as a swan martial soul is already an impressive feat. And this Human Skin Mask is quite well made."
Chen Xuanqing continued with a sigh, "What a shame. Your grandfather actually sent a woman as lovely as a flower and as flawless as jade to infiltrate the Heaven Dou Empire and play a man's role. What a terrible waste."
"What's even more laughable is that after more than a decade, the Heaven Dou Empire doesn't seem to have changed much. Are you really planning to just wait for Emperor Xue Ye to die?"
Hearing Chen Xuanqing's words, Qian Renxue could not help feeling a surge of conflicting emotions.
She was angry that Chen Xuanqing had once again belittled her achievements during her undercover mission, yet touched that he was the first person to lament the prime years she had squandered.
Qian Renxue drew a deep breath, settled her emotions, and slowly said, "You're right. I have indeed spent more than a decade undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire. But it wasn't a waste. It was for Spirit Hall's mission. I understand my responsibilities, and I'm willing to sacrifice everything for that goal."
At this point, a faint tremor stirred in Qian Renxue's heart.
That's right! For Spirit Hall's mission, I gave up my identity as a woman, went undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire, and spent the finest years of my life there.
But who ever thought about the hardships and sacrifices behind it all?
Looking into Qian Renxue's resolute eyes, Chen Xuanqing could not help feeling a trace of respect.
Qian Renxue took a deep breath and cast a warning glance at the three girls. "In a moment, we'll keep acting out the story we agreed on earlier. Remember, don't let the people coming to meet us find out that you've already seen through my identity."
Meng Yiran immediately nodded and replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Highness!"
In an instant, Meng Yiran's voice took on a tone of reverence for Qian Renxue's status.
Afterward, the four continued toward the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest.
The forest was thick with trees, and sunlight streamed through gaps in the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the ground.
Suddenly, a figure flashed out from among the trees and blocked their path.
It was an elderly man. He bowed to Qian Renxue and said in a slightly trembling voice, "Congratulations on becoming a Soul Ancestor, Your Highness. What wonderful news!"
As his words fell, a powerful aura burst from him, sweeping toward Chen Xuanqing, Meng Yiran, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing.
The three girls immediately felt uncomfortable, as though an invisible force were pressing down on them, making even breathing difficult.
Chen Xuanqing frowned at the sight and unleashed his own aura without hesitation. Powerful soul power surged from him, driving the elderly man's aura straight back.
Feeling Chen Xuanqing's aura, the elderly man's eyes flashed with surprise.
He had never expected this young man to possess such formidable strength and withstand the pressure of his aura so easily.
Seeing this, Qian Renxue inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
Although both sides belonged to Spirit Hall, the man her grandfather had sent her was ruthless. He might very well have struck down Yiran and the other two without mercy.
Just as Qian Renxue was about to speak and ease the atmosphere, freeing everyone from the tension, Chen Xuanqing broke the silence first.
Chen Xuanqing smiled at the elderly man and said softly, "Sirius, long time no see. It looks like you've made considerable progress in your cultivation over the past two years!"
Hearing someone call his name, Sirius froze. He scrutinized Chen Xuanqing, trying to find this young man's face in his memories.
Suddenly, Sirius seemed to recognize Chen Xuanqing. He hastily dropped to his knees and said respectfully, "Young Master, this old servant was blind and offended you just now. Please punish me."
Seeing this, Chen Xuanqing hurried forward to help Sirius up and said gently, "Sirius, there's no need for that. It's been three years since we last met, so it's only natural that you wouldn't recognize me. After all, a growing boy goes through eighteen transformations. I really do look very different from back then."
Hearing Chen Xuanqing's relaxed tone, the tension in Sirius's heart slowly dissipated.
As Qian Renxue watched their interaction, a trace of puzzlement quietly arose in her heart.
She had never expected the helper her grandfather had assigned her to know Chen Xuanqing. Moreover, the two seemed to be on very good terms.
This surprised her. In her eyes, this old man had always been ruthless, cold, and unfeeling.
Qian Renxue recalled her previous encounters with Sirius. His stern, aloof manner had made her somewhat afraid of him.
Yet now Sirius was so respectful toward Chen Xuanqing-one might even call him warm-that Qian Renxue could not help reassessing the old man.
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