Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, another year has passed.
On this particular night, Lin Feng was meditating and cultivating as usual.
He hadn't forgotten his promise to Qian Renxue—constructing meridians within his body was only done during the day, while at night, he focused on cultivating his soul power.
The soul power within his body surged, flowing through the constructed pathways and continuously cleansing his physical body.
"The Innate Treasure Pearl can now manifest within my body. Where should I anchor it?"
Lin Feng had two ideas. The first was the heart.
The heart is the central hub of the body's blood circulation, and soul power also flows through it. Using the existing hub would naturally make subsequent operations easier. Placing the Innate Treasure Pearl here would also provide some protection, but it also came with potential risks.
The second option was the dantian, the area in the body where soul power is most concentrated and the center of the human body. Choosing this location would maximize the benefits for shaping spirit meridians and creating new cultivation techniques.
"I'll anchor it in the dantian."
Glancing out the window, Lin Feng decided it was time to rest. He lay down and closed his eyes.
"Xiao Xue hasn't been around for the past few days. I wonder what she's been up to."
Soon, Lin Feng's breathing became steady and even.
Click.
The door was gently pushed open by a small hand. A pair of azure-blue eyes peeked in, filled with a mix of nervousness and caution.
Confirming that Lin Feng was still asleep, Qian Renxue tiptoed into the room and quietly closed the door behind her.
Barefoot, she slowly crept to Lin Feng's bedside.
Under the moonlight, Qian Renxue carefully studied Lin Feng's face. At nine years old, his features already showed signs of handsomeness and determination.
Qian Renxue stared blankly, tears uncontrollably streaming from her reddened eyes.
Two days ago, she had personally heard from Bibi Dong that Qian Xunji had died.
The crazed smile on Bibi Dong's face was something Qian Renxue couldn't forget—it was like a sharp dagger stabbing into her heart.
She couldn't understand why her mother had always harbored extreme hatred toward her since she was a child. She had never even met her father, and now that he was dead, her mother laughed with abandon.
For the past two days, Qian Renxue had been sitting numbly in the Douluo Hall. Even her grandfather's attempts to comfort her couldn't fully reach her.
Qian Renxue simply cried. The loss of one parent and the other calling her a "bastard" was an unimaginable blow for a nine-year-old child.
Suddenly, she felt that her innate soul power talent wasn't so important anymore. What did it matter if she had innate level 20 soul power? Her father was gone, and her mother had never truly cared for her.
So, on this night, Qian Renxue thought of Lin Feng. She remembered the days they had spent together over the past two years.
Though he sometimes made her angry, he always managed to surprise her. He was her first friend and, in a way, also played the role of a teacher.
From cultivation methods and martial soul knowledge to life skills and common sense, he taught her everything.
He was meticulous and shared everything with her.
Qian Renxue slowly leaned closer. The moonlight highlighted her delicate features.
Her gaze was distant, and tears still streaked her face.
With the lightest touch, her slender hand gently brushed over the boy's face as she whispered:
"Xiao Feng, it's good that I still have you. You're mine."
Her eyes flickered as if she had made a decision. Staring at his lips, she trembled and leaned down, her lips barely touching his before she quickly pulled away.
Qian Renxue's face turned crimson, and her breathing became rapid. She bit her lip, a hint of something almost obsessive flashing in her eyes.
In the next moment, she channeled her soul power, lifted the blanket, and found a comfortable spot next to Lin Feng. Breathing in his familiar scent, she fell into a deep sleep.
...
Ling Yuan was drenched in sweat, not daring to move a muscle. As she watched Qian Daoliu, who appeared calm, she cursed Lin Feng a thousand times in her heart.
Why did this brat have to fall asleep now of all times?
You're asleep, but what about me?
"Grand Worship, this..."
"Hmm?"
Qian Daoliu let out a deep sigh and relaxed his tightly clenched fists.
Perhaps it was for the best to let Xue'er release her emotions with Lin Feng for now. The news about Xunji had indeed hit her too hard.
That madwoman, Bibi Dong!
A shadow of gloom passed through Qian Daoliu's eyes. Ever since she emerged from the Slaughter City, she had become a completely different person.
She had sealed off all her emotions, leaving only negativity in her heart. She had bided her time, waiting for the right moment to strike, and finally revealed her fangs when Qian Xunji was severely injured.
The problem was, Qian Daoliu couldn't bring himself to take action against her. Not only was she Qian Renxue's mother, and Qian Xunji had wronged her, but as the Holy Maiden, the Spirit Hall needed a new pope.
At the same time, Qian Daoliu's guilt toward Bibi Dong had also dissipated.
"How do you think Lin Feng has been this past year?"
Ling Yuan was startled. The Grand Worship wasn't going to take the young mistress away? Could it be...
Not daring to think too much, Ling Yuan clasped her hands and replied:
"Grand Worship, over the past year, Lin Feng has mainly been exploring meridians. In terms of theoretical research, his talent is unmatched.
He hasn't neglected his soul power cultivation either. He's now at level 14, gaining 13 levels in three years. This puts him on par with the top talents in the Spirit Hall.
Additionally, I believe Lin Feng's temperament is also exceptional. He is capable of handling great responsibilities."
Qian Daoliu laughed:
"You don't need to praise him so much. I've observed him for some time and know his character."
Ling Yuan's cheeks turned red, and she fell silent.
Qian Daoliu glanced toward Lin Feng's room and pondered for a moment.
"Continue guarding the two of them here. You don't need to participate in tomorrow's operation."
"Yes, I obey."
Seeing the worry on Qian Daoliu's face, Ling Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Grand Worship, how do you plan to deal with the Haotian Sect?"
Qian Daoliu's expression turned stern. Even if Bibi Dong had dealt the final blow, Tang Hao's crimes were also too numerous to count! Tang Chen, you can't blame me for being ruthless. The Haotian Sect must pay the price.
"Chase them for eight thousand miles. The Haotian Sect will no longer have a place to stand on this continent!"
——
After Qian Daoliu left, Ling Yuan couldn't help but glance toward Lin Feng's room.
She saw Qian Renxue curled up, quietly lying beside Lin Feng. As if feeling a chill, she moved closer to him.
Unconsciously seeking warmth, she nestled against Lin Feng's chest. Lin Feng, as if sensing something, instinctively wrapped his arm around her back.
"This kid..."
A cold breeze blew past, and Ling Yuan shivered, feeling both annoyed and sympathetic.
"I hope Lin Feng can help the young mistress find some peace. Sigh..."
The next morning, Lin Feng woke up feeling a weight on his chest, making it hard to breathe.
"So heavy... and it smells nice?"
Qian Renxue!?
Why was she here, lying on his chest? Had Ling Yuan and Qian Daoliu gone mad?!
Lin Feng looked down at Qian Renxue, who was curled up with her arms around him. Tear stains were still visible on her face, and a hint of sorrow lingered between her brows.
Lin Feng was momentarily stunned, and a wave of tenderness washed over him. He gently stroked her hair.
Despite his gentle movements, he felt Qian Renxue's body stiffen.
Her ears turned red, and her breathing became uneven.
"Awake?"