Qian Xunji's Death, Qian Renxue's Night Raid

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, another year had passed.

That night, Lin Feng sat cross-legged and cultivated as usual.

He had not forgotten his agreement with Qian Renxue. He only constructed the meridians within his body during the day, while cultivating Soul Power at night.

Soul Power surged through his body, continuously tempering his flesh along the bridges he had constructed.

The Innate Treasure Pearl can now manifest within my body. Where should I establish its foundation?

Lin Feng had two ideas. The first was the heart.

The heart was the center of all blood flow throughout the body, and Soul Power likewise had to pass through it all.

With an existing center, subsequent operations would naturally be less difficult. Placing the Innate Treasure Pearl there would also offer some protection, though it came with hidden dangers as well.

The second was the Dantian, the place within the body where Soul Power was most concentrated, the center of the human body.

Choosing this location would be most beneficial for the future shaping of Spirit Meridians and the creation of Cultivation Methods.

The Dantian it is.

After glancing at the scenery outside the window, Lin Feng decided it was time to rest. He lay down and closed his eyes.

Xiao Xue hasn't been seen these past few days. I wonder what she's been doing.

Before long, Lin Feng's breathing became even.

Click.

A pair of small hands pushed open the door. Her azure eyes held traces of panic and caution.

After confirming that Lin Feng had not awakened, Qian Renxue tiptoed into the room and closed the door behind her.

Her jade-like bare feet moved softly as she slowly lay down beside Lin Feng's bed.

By the moonlight, Qian Renxue carefully studied Lin Feng. At nine years old, his face had already begun to show hints of handsomeness and steadfastness.

Qian Renxue stared at him blankly, and tears once again flowed uncontrollably from the corners of her reddened eyes.

Two days earlier, she had personally learned of Qian Xunji's death from Bibi Dong.

She still could not forget the crazed smile on Bibi Dong's face. It was like a sharp dagger stabbing viciously into her heart.

She did not understand why her mother had always treated her with such extreme disgust. She had never even met her father, yet when he died, her mother had smiled so wantonly.

For the past two days, Qian Renxue had remained blankly by guard in Douluo Hall. Even her grandfather's attempts to console her had barely reached her.

Qian Renxue could only cry. One close relative had passed away, while another called her a bastard. It was truly difficult to imagine what kind of blow this was to a nine-year-old child.

She suddenly felt that the talent of her martial soul was no longer so important. So what if she was innately level twenty? Her father was gone, and her mother had never had a place for her in her heart.

So that night, Qian Renxue thought of Lin Feng, of the days they had spent together day and night over the past two years.

Although he sometimes made her angry, he always managed to surprise her. He was her first friend, and at the same time, he was more like a teacher.

From cultivation methods and martial soul knowledge to everyday common sense and skill instruction.

He took care of everything and held nothing back.

Qian Renxue slowly leaned closer. The moonlight accentuated her delicate face.

Her gaze was somewhat unfocused, and tears had yet to dry on her face.

Ever so gently, her slender hand slowly brushed across the boy's face as she murmured:

"Xiao Feng, thank goodness I still have you. You belong to me."

Her eyes flickered as though she had made some sort of decision. Staring at the lips before her, she trembled and lowered herself, touching them as lightly as a dragonfly skimming the water before pulling away at once.

Qian Renxue's face reddened like blood, her breathing quickened, and her index finger brushed across her pearly teeth between her lips. A trace of morbidness flashed through her eyes.

The next moment, Soul Power circulated through her body. She lifted the blanket, found a comforting spot beside Lin Feng, and, breathing in his familiar scent, fell into a deep sleep.

Ling Yuan was drenched in sweat, yet she did not dare move. Looking at Qian Daoliu's composed expression, she cursed Lin Feng a thousand times in her heart.

Why did this brat have to fall asleep now of all times? He could have slept earlier or later, but he had to sleep at this exact moment.

You're asleep, but what am I supposed to do?

"Great Enshrinement, this..."

"Hmm?"

Qian Daoliu let out a deep sigh and loosened his tightly clenched hands.

Perhaps it was not a bad thing to let Xue Er release some of her emotions here with Lin Feng. Ji Er's death had indeed dealt her far too great a blow.

That madwoman Bibi Dong!

A trace of gloom flashed through Qian Daoliu's eyes. Ever since she had emerged from Slaughter City, she had felt like an entirely different person.

She had sealed away all emotion, leaving only negative feelings in her heart. She had hidden herself in wait, finally revealing her Fangs after Qian Xunji was severely wounded.

The key was that Qian Daoliu could not bring himself to act against her. Not only was she Qian Renxue's biological mother and Qian Xunji owed her a debt, but as the Saintess, Spirit Hall needed a new Pope.

At the same time, Qian Daoliu's original guilt toward Bibi Dong had also vanished.

"Over this past year, what do you think of Lin Feng?"

Ling Yuan froze. The Great Enshrinement had not taken the Young Master away. Could it be...

Daring not to think further, Ling Yuan cupped her hands and said:

"Reporting to the Great Enshrinement, Lin Feng has spent most of this past year exploring Spirit Meridians. In terms of theoretical research, no one can match his talent.

"He has also not neglected his Soul Power cultivation and has now reached level fourteen. Thirteen levels in three years—he is no worse than the top-ranked geniuses within Spirit Hall.

"Moreover, this subordinate believes Lin Feng possesses an excellent temperament and can shoulder great responsibilities."

Qian Daoliu laughed heartily.

"You need not praise him so much. I have observed him for some time myself, and I know his character."

Ling Yuan's pretty face reddened, and she fell silent awkwardly.

Qian Daoliu glanced toward Lin Feng's room and pondered for a moment.

"Continue guarding the two of them here. You will not participate in tomorrow's operation."

"Yes, this subordinate obeys."

Seeing Qian Daoliu's troubled expression, Ling Yuan could not help asking, "Great Enshrinement, how should Clear Sky Sect be dealt with?"

Qian Daoliu's expression turned stern. Even if Bibi Dong had played her final move, Tang Hao's crimes were still too numerous to recount! Tang Chen, you cannot blame me for being heartless. Clear Sky Sect must pay the price.

"Drive them eight thousand li away. There shall no longer be a place for Clear Sky Sect on the continent!"

After Qian Daoliu left, Ling Yuan could not help looking toward Lin Feng.

Qian Renxue had curled up beside him, lying quietly at his side. Seemingly feeling a little cold, she moved closer to Lin Feng.

Unconsciously seeking warmth, she leaned against Lin Feng's chest. Lin Feng seemed to sense something as well, and instinctively wrapped an arm around Qian Renxue's back.

"This brat..."

A cold wind swept past. Ling Yuan shivered, feeling both irritated and sympathetic.

"I hope Lin Feng can help the Young Master come to terms with it. Sigh..."

The next morning, Lin Feng woke under a sense of pressure. Something heavy seemed to be pressing on his chest, making it somewhat difficult to breathe.

So heavy... and so fragrant?

Qian Renxue!?

Why was she here, lying on top of his chest? Had Ling Yuan and Qian Daoliu gone mad?!

Lin Feng looked at Qian Renxue before him. She was curled up with both arms around him, tear tracks still on her face and hidden sorrow between her brows.

Lin Feng froze, a surge of tenderness rising in his heart. He gently stroked her hair.

His movements were extremely gentle, yet Lin Feng still felt Qian Renxue's body stiffen.

A blush swiftly crept up to her ear roots, and her breathing became somewhat unnatural.

"You're awake?"

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