"Master."
Before Na'er and Ah Yin could remind him, Luo Chen had already sensed the gaze of that golden figure.
"I see her."
Luo Chen did not expose her. He knew she meant no harm.
Also, Na'er had released her Dawn Avatar again that morning.
Because Ah Yin wanted to check on Tang Hao and Tang San, she had once again directed her search toward the area around Nuoding City.
And so, travel frogs +1.
Na'er had also gone from a one-of-a-kind little beggar to the captain of a trash-collecting squad.
Yes, Captain Silver Dragon King and Vice Captain Blue Silver Emperor.
That lineup was enough to shock the Soul Beast Realm for a hundred years!
"Who is this child?"
Ah Yin watched Qian Renxue quietly approach. She had never seen such an adorable little girl. "Her presence feels a little familiar, as though I've encountered it somewhere."
"She's the daughter of the current pope, Bibi Dong, and the previous pope, Qian Xunji."
Na'er began filling her junior in, and at the mention of Qian Xunji, a clear trace of fear flashed through Ah Yin's eyes.
"Sister Ah Yin."
"Xiao Chen, you don't have to."
Ah Yin knew what Luo Chen wanted to say. She smiled. "The one I have a grudge against is Qian Xunji. What does that have to do with this child?"
Never mind that she had now become Luo Chen's Aspect.
Even if she had not, Ah Yin would never take the initiative to hurt Qian Renxue.
Ah Yin was simply that kind. She drew a clear distinction between love and hate, and could never do anything that brought harm upon someone's family.
"Sigh."
Luo Chen did not force Ah Yin to change her mind.
Anyone hunted down until they voluntarily sacrificed themselves probably would not feel good about it.
Luo Chen had no good way to resolve the enmity between Ah Yin and the Qian Family. All he could do was favor neither side and be as fair as possible.
As a human, Qian Xunji had done nothing wrong by hunting Soul Beasts.
Ah Yin had done nothing wrong either.
She had chosen to take human form only because she wanted to live, and had never harmed any human.
When it comes to where you stand, how can you speak of right and wrong?
Luo Chen shook his head slightly and stopped dwelling on it, returning his attention to what he was reading.
And so, after stealing glances at him for nearly fifteen minutes, Qian Renxue finally could not hold back any longer and stepped out.
"Hello."
A pleasant female voice came from in front of him. Luo Chen raised his head and saw a lovely golden figure standing across the table.
Qian Renxue held her hands behind her back, the toes of one foot touching the floor. She squirmed slightly, seemingly from nerves, clearly inexperienced at striking up conversations.
"W-we met yesterday. Do you remember?"
To avoid awkwardness, Qian Renxue added another sentence.
Only then did she look timidly at Luo Chen, hoping he would pick up the conversation.
"Yes, you're Teacher's daughter."
Seeing that Luo Chen did not dislike her because of Bibi Dong's attitude, Qian Renxue broke into a brilliant smile.
"You picked so many at once. Can you finish them all?"
"These?"
Luo Chen glanced at the height of the book stacks, then smiled faintly at Little Angel. "I'll finish them before evening."
"You're bragging."
Qian Renxue bent down, resting her chin in her hands. She did not act overly enthusiastic, merely watching him curiously.
In that respect, Luo Chen was much the same.
He bore Qian Renxue no ill will, and even felt she was rather pitiful.
But remembering how ruthlessly Qian Renxue had abandoned Spirit Hall's members in the original story, and how her love-addled brain had led her to fall for Tang San, Luo Chen was also somewhat wary, worried that this girl had some purpose in approaching him.
In short, one must never harbor the intent to harm others, but must never lack a guard against them.
There was nothing wrong with being a little cautious.
"I'm not lying."
Luo Chen rested his gaze on the text, unbothered by Qian Renxue's interruption.
Splitting his attention between two things had long become second nature to him.
"Can I look at these books?"
Neither of them mentioned the other's identity, as though by unspoken agreement.
As for yesterday, Luo Chen had certainly witnessed Qian Renxue's embarrassing moment.
Her pitiful appearance, like pear blossoms drenched in rain, and the way she had lost face before her mother left Qian Renxue feeling so inferior that she could hardly hold her head up before Luo Chen.
But Luo Chen did not bring up her embarrassment, which greatly improved Qian Renxue's impression of him.
"It's not like I can read two books at once."
As he spoke, Luo Chen pushed a stack of books beside him toward Qian Renxue, leaving her free to take them.
The books here were not his.
Besides, taking so many at once really was not very considerate.
"I just want to see what you're reading. I won't fight you for them."
As she spoke, Qian Renxue began picking them up one by one, reading aloud the key topics they covered.
"Soul Beasts."
"Beast Martial Souls."
"Star Dou Great Forest."
After looking through all the books, Qian Renxue gently stacked them again and pushed them back into place. "Are you preparing to hunt Soul Beasts?"
"I'm looking for a rather rare kind of Soul Beast."
"Oh?"
As she talked to Luo Chen, Qian Renxue unconsciously forgot her own purpose.
She felt that his words carried an inexplicable warmth that made her instinctively want to draw closer.
"What kind of Soul Beast?"
Little Angel was not yet the calculating Xue Qinghe who put benefit above all else. She was innocent, kind, naive, and fanciful, with a little girl's playfulness and curiosity. "If I know, I can tell you."
A peach given deserved a plum in return.
Since Luo Chen did not mention her embarrassing moments, she naturally had to treat him courteously in return.
That was what her grandfather had taught her.
"Hmm..."
Luo Chen did not feel that Qian Renxue was disturbing him. After all, there was still plenty of time to read, so there was no question of being disturbed.
Besides, Luo Chen really did think Qian Renxue's suggestion made sense.
He had a good memory and strong comprehension.
But searching for a Martial Soul like the Silver Dragon among so many books was no different from fishing a needle out of the sea.
Perhaps I can ask Qian Daoliu through Little Angel.
Luo Chen had actually asked Bibi Dong last night, but unfortunately, the gorgeous pope had never heard of a Soul Beast called a Silver Dragon.
That made Luo Chen even more certain that Na'er's origins were extraordinary.
"Have you heard of the Silver Dragon?"
"Huh?"
Qian Renxue froze for a moment, blinking as confusion appeared on her adorable little face.
"Wait, let me think."
Tapping her lower lip lightly with a slender, jade-like finger, the little girl raised her head and began recalling the Soul Beasts she had read or heard about over the years.
Unfortunately, Qian Renxue had no relevant memories.
Never mind information about Silver Dragons-she had never even heard the term.
"Um..."
Qian Renxue clearly had not expected Luo Chen to ask about this. "I-I've never heard of this kind of Soul Beast."
She had learned about Luo Chen from her grandfather and knew he loved reading and was quite fascinated by knowledge about Soul Masters.
Qian Renxue was exceptionally gifted, and particularly outstanding in her knowledge of Martial Souls.
Her original plan had been to use this opportunity to show Luo Chen what an older sister could do, let him see her intelligence, and earn his admiration.
What profound theories could a six-year-old brat possibly understand?
But the result was...
Fine, she had been slapped in the face.
What was going on?!
What the heck was a Silver Dragon? Was there really a dragon-type Soul Beast like that?
"Yes, it's normal not to know."
Luo Chen's reaction was somewhat beyond Qian Renxue's expectations.
Little Angel had thought Luo Chen would laugh at her. Who would have thought he would be so calm?
"Actually, I've already asked Teacher."
Luo Chen said, "Teacher doesn't know either."
"Even Mom..."
Qian Renxue had thought it was merely a relatively obscure Soul Beast, but even Bibi Dong did not know about it. That surprised her quite a bit.
After all, Bibi Dong not only possessed profound cultivation, but also surpassed everyone in Spirit Hall in theory and accumulated knowledge.
"Could you ask the Great Enshrined for me?"
Luo Chen raised his head and looked into Qian Renxue's eyes. "Teacher won't let me have contact with anyone from the Worship Hall."
"Why does she have to meddle in everything?!"
Qian Renxue naturally would not refuse this small request from Luo Chen.
She already wanted to win his favor, and helping him would clearly be a good way to bring them closer.
"I'll ask Grandpa for you."
Setting aside the matter of marrying Luo Chen, Qian Renxue at least had no objection to becoming his friend.
Recalling their first meeting, when Bibi Dong had spoken harshly to her, Luo Chen had not thrown stones at someone in a well. He had even seemed inclined to help her.
"Is this question urgent?"
Without realizing it, Qian Renxue became increasingly attentive to Luo Chen. "I can go find Grandpa right now!"
"There's no need to rush."
Luo Chen said, "I'm just a little interested in this kind of Soul Beast."
"Then I'll ask Grandpa for you tonight."
Qian Renxue sat down, drew a book from Luo Chen's stack, and quietly read alongside him.
Neither child spoke again.
That tranquil, heartwarming scene let Gui Mei, concealed in the shadows, glimpse the possibility of reconciliation between the Papal Palace and the Worship Hall.
"Aren't they getting along perfectly well?"
Qian Daoliu said to Bibi Dong, who stood beside him watching like a tiger eyeing its prey.
The two had been keeping constant watch over their granddaughter and disciple respectively. The moment Qian Renxue met Luo Chen, Bibi Dong had already arrived.
"Getting along?"
Bibi Dong said discontentedly, "From what I see, Xiao Chen can barely be bothered with her."
"Shamelessly throwing herself at him."
"Despicable!"
Bibi Dong's three consecutive expressions of contempt nearly broke Qian Daoliu's composure.
The Great Enshrined really wanted to say, Bibi Dong, that's your own daughter!
What mother spoke about her own daughter that way?
"Heh."
"How sour those words are."
Qian Daoliu said, "You're worried my Xue'er will steal your disciple away, aren't you?"
"Hmph!"
Bibi Dong frowned slightly. Rather than argue with Qian Daoliu, she simply turned and left.
Bibi Dong had, in effect, tacitly permitted Qian Renxue's contact with Luo Chen.
Luo Chen would be living in Spirit City for many years. Bibi Dong could not remain constantly on guard against the Worship Hall and Qian Daoliu.
Thus, the best solution was to make the Worship Hall recognize Luo Chen's importance.
Only if both sides treated Luo Chen as a treasure could his safety be protected to the greatest extent.
Sigh, in the end, I'm still too weak...
Bibi Dong felt some resentment deep down. In truth, she did not want to share Luo Chen with the Worship Hall at all. If only I were stronger, I could give Xiao Chen everything he needs by myself!
With that thought, Bibi Dong decided to fill her remaining nine Soul Ring slots as soon as possible.
"Someone, attend me!"
Upon returning to the Papal Palace, Bibi Dong summoned the bishop serving before the throne and ordered, "Devote every effort to gathering traces of Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts. Anyone who provides a lead will receive a reward from Spirit Hall!"
Yes, Bibi Dong intended to hunt Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts.
With her current strength, Soul Rings below a hundred thousand years were already essentially useless to her.
There was no need to raise her Soul Power.
Bibi Dong was already at the peak of level 97 and could break through to level 98 in less than a year.
Reaching level 99 was as difficult as ascending to heaven for other Soul Masters, but that was because their aptitude was limited.
With her Demon Abyss Divine Queen Martial Soul, Bibi Dong could contemplate the essence of Divine Power at any time.
Thus, within five years at most, she would certainly reach the Demigod Realm.
At that point, the only thing left on the entire Douluo Continent that could affect her combat strength would be Hundred Thousand Year Soul Rings.
I'll wait a little longer.
Bibi Dong gazed tenderly at the boy quietly reading in the distance, then knitted her delicate brows as her gaze swept over Qian Renxue. Hmph, can't you see that Xiao Chen doesn't want to pay you any attention? You have no eye for these things at all!
With that paltry ability, you still want to win Xiao Chen's favor?
Bibi Dong sneered disdainfully. She only wanted to say: a mere Little Angel couldn't hold a candle to the fox!
"Xiao Chen?"
"Xiao Chen~~"
That evening, having finished her afternoon training, Hu Liena ran cheerfully into the library.
Xie Yue and Wang Sheng followed behind her.
Yan had come as well.
With the misunderstanding cleared up, Yan had now naturally become a member of Luo Chen's team.
Luo Chen and Wang Sheng had Innate Full Soul Power, Hu Liena had level 9.5 Innate Soul Power, and Xie Yue and Yan had level 9.
Among this generation of Spirit Hall, they were undoubtedly the most outstanding few.
Yan certainly had his pride, but he was ultimately just a six-year-old child who yearned for friendship and recognition.
Now, Luo Chen's wisdom, Wang Sheng's talent, Hu Liena's charm, and Xie Yue's strength, which was enough to rival his own, all drew Yan in.
"Hmm?"
Qian Renxue remembered Hu Liena's voice.
She certainly wouldn't forget this little fox who had stolen Bibi Dong's attention.
Several times, the Little Angel had hidden in the shadows and watched Bibi Dong give Hu Liena smiles she had never seen before.
Those tender eyes held none of the disgust they did when looking at her.
"Shouting in a library," Qian Renxue said softly. "How utterly ill-mannered."
"Uh..."
Luo Chen knew Qian Renxue meant no harm. She was merely jealous-jealous that Hu Liena could receive Bibi Dong's love.
"Would you like to come meet them with me?"
"What?"
Qian Renxue froze for a moment. She had intended to refuse, but Luo Chen had already stood up and extended his hand toward her.
For a moment, Qian Renxue hesitated, unsure whether she should accept Luo Chen's invitation.
She was the Qian Family's heir and Spirit Hall's young master.
But to the outside world, the previous Supreme Pontiff's child had died young, and only a very few people knew of her existence.
Thus, she did not need to attend the academy or prepare for the Soul Master Tournament.
Nine years old, with a Soul Power cultivation of level 33.
Once this got out, it would absolutely shake the entire Douluo Continent, then draw the attention of countless hostile forces.
I...
Qian Renxue wanted to tell Luo Chen that she couldn't expose herself.
Yet as the words reached her lips, Qian Renxue immediately thought of Luo Chen's circumstances.
Wait, that's not right.
Xiao Chen has a God-Level Martial Soul just like me, and his aptitude is even greater than mine, Qian Renxue thought.
Level 30 Innate Soul Power-more outstanding than hers.
Moreover, according to her grandfather, the quality of Luo Chen's God-Level Martial Soul even surpassed their Qian Family's Six-Winged Angel.
Xiao Chen can attend the academy and make friends.
Why can't I? Qian Renxue thought.
Once this thought emerged, it was like water bursting through a dam, impossible to hold back any longer.
(End of chapter)