After documenting the results of his first phase of research, Lin Feng finally allowed himself to relax and decided to go find Qian Renxue.
Recently, the soul master world had been in turmoil, and the Spirit Hall was bustling with activity.
First, Qian Xunji's death had led to a grand ceremony held by the Spirit Hall. Under the pressure from the Spirit Hall, the Haotian Sect announced its withdrawal from the world.
Then, the new pope, Bibi Dong, ascended to the throne. This caused a huge stir, as the two major powers, which had previously been on relatively good terms, suddenly turned against each other—something no one had anticipated.
After all, the higher-ups of various sects knew that Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu had a good relationship. Although there were rumors of some emotional entanglements, the two had always seemed to respect each other as fellow powerhouses.
"Did you hear? The Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony has been moved up by a month. It's happening in a few days."
"Oh? Why's that?"
"I heard the new pope wants to select a highly talented disciple from this batch to be a candidate for the next Holy Maiden."
"Oh~ I see. Too bad my granddaughter is already past the age limit."
"Pfft, with her innate level 5 soul power? Dream on! Besides, I heard they're looking among commoners. Even if your granddaughter had innate full soul power, she wouldn't qualify."
As Lin Feng strolled toward the Douluo Hall, he overheard the conversations around him. His heart stirred.
Was Bibi Dong announcing the arrival of a new era? The former Holy Maiden had now become the pope, and by selecting the next Holy Maiden candidate, she was stabilizing the morale of the Spirit Hall.
Just after taking office, she had made such a move. No wonder she was the pope who would lead the Spirit Hall to its peak.
Too bad she had been so naive in her youth, fooled by that scoundrel.
"Stop right there! Where did this kid come from? The Douluo Hall is not a place you can just barge into!"
Just as Lin Feng was about to speak, a fragrant breeze swept past him.
"He's with me. We have important business to discuss with the Grand Worship."
Ling Yuan had already appeared at Lin Feng's side, giving him a sweet smile and a wink.
The two guards quickly saluted.
"Greetings, Elder Ling Yuan."
"No need for formalities. Let's go, Xiao Feng."
Ling Yuan naturally took Lin Feng's hand.
After martial soul awakening, children developed rapidly. At just over nine years old, Lin Feng was already around 1.6 meters tall, only half a head shorter than Ling Yuan.
The mature and spirited Ling Yuan, paired with the calm and composed Lin Feng, created a somewhat mismatched yet harmonious scene as they walked hand in hand.
Lin Feng tugged at his hand, but Ling Yuan showed no intention of letting go, so he simply continued holding it.
The Douluo Hall, also known as the Worship Hall, was the highest sanctuary on the Douluo Continent.
It stood atop a mountain peak, its marble walls inlaid with gold threads and gemstones that shimmered under the sunlight.
The high dome and towering structure, with its distinct lines and intense light-attribute soul power, gave the entire building an air of solemnity and grandeur.
Qian Renxue was bored, gazing out from the second-floor balcony.
Normally, the view from here would allow her to take in the grandeur and prosperity of Spirit City, filling her with a sense of pride.
But today, she had no interest in it. She tossed the book in her hand onto the table and let out a small sigh, pouting.
"Stupid Xiao Feng, I said I wouldn't see you for a few days, but did you really have to take it so literally and not come find me?"
"Huh?"
Qian Renxue's eyes lit up as she spotted two familiar figures approaching in the distance. Wasn't that the guy she had just been complaining about?
"Hmm?"
As the two drew closer, Qian Renxue's brows furrowed, her gaze locked on their intertwined hands.
She glanced at Lin Feng's expression. Did he actually seem... to be enjoying it?
"Grr..."
Qian Renxue gritted her teeth, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Ling Yuan.
In her eyes, it was more believable that this older, single woman had made the first move rather than Lin Feng being the one with impure intentions.
"Can't find a man of your own, so you're trying to groom Xiao Feng since he's still young? Hmph."
Her eyes darted around, and she let out a mocking laugh before heading downstairs and taking a seat in a strategic spot in the hall.
The spot was cleverly chosen—she could see anyone entering from the outside, but those outside wouldn't be able to see her unless they stepped further into the hall.
"Achoo—"
Ling Yuan rubbed her nose, feeling a strange sense of malice directed at her.
Lin Feng gave her a puzzled look. Could a Soul Douluo really catch a cold and sneeze?
Ling Yuan's cheeks flushed, and she glared at Lin Feng.
"I'm allergic to pollen, okay?"
"Maybe saying you're allergic to the building materials here would be more convincing. There aren't any flowers around."
Lin Feng chuckled.
Ling Yuan, annoyed, raised her hand as if to hit him.
"Now you dare talk to me like that? Fine, it's pollen carried by the wind, okay?"
The two bantered as they finally reached the entrance of the hall.
They stepped through the grand doors.
"Ahem!"
A clear voice echoed through the spacious hall, sounding particularly crisp.
Ling Yuan's eyes widened as she quickly turned toward the source of the sound.
There, she saw Qian Renxue's teasing smile, with what seemed like a hint of... a cold smirk?
Flustered, Ling Yuan let go of Lin Feng's hand and looked away, pretending to be fascinated by the hall's interior.
"Xiao Xue?"
Lin Feng's eyes lit up, and he quickly walked over. Qian Renxue shot a triumphant glance at Ling Yuan.
Ling Yuan pretended not to notice.
Qian Renxue crossed her arms.
"So, you finally remembered to come find me? Seems like you've been having a great time lately, huh?"
Lin Feng paused. Why was Qian Renxue deliberately creating distance?
"Well, someone did say she'd disappear for a few days. If you're not welcoming, then Ling Yuan and I will just—"
"Hey—"
Qian Renxue clenched her fists, forcing a smile.
"Say that again?"
Uh-oh...
Lin Feng quickly changed the subject.
"My first phase of research is complete. Want to hear about it?"
Qian Renxue was startled, then delighted.
"Really? That fast!"
Lin Feng pulled out a thick notebook from his storage ring.
"This is the original copy of my notes. It's yours."
Qian Renxue happily took it. Seeing the character 'Feng' engraved on the cover, she hummed and pulled out a pen, adding the character 'Xue' next to it. She then subtly shot a triumphant look at Ling Yuan.
Ling Yuan: "..."
After flipping through a few pages and seeing the familiar, flowing handwriting, Qian Renxue tossed the notebook into her storage ring.
"Teach me yourself."
"Sure." Lin Feng grinned.
Without much more said, the two shared a simple yet tacit understanding exchange.
The three of them made their way to the second floor of the Douluo Hall.
"Grandpa is in meditation. I'll take you to see him later."
---
Under Lin Feng's guidance and with Ling Yuan's soul power assistance, Qian Renxue quickly mastered the first pathway of the Innate Soul Evolution Art.
Once again, she marveled at Lin Feng's brilliance, gazing at him with admiration.
Suddenly, her tone softened.
"In a few days, I'll have to leave for a while. I have a mission to complete."
Lin Feng's smile froze. Was she about to replace Xue Qinghe in the Heaven Dou Empire? Judging by the timeline, it should be around now.
"No, I disagree!"
Lin Feng said firmly.
When Qian Renxue didn't respond, Lin Feng continued:
"You're the young mistress of the Spirit Hall, a once-in-ten-thousand-years genius with innate level 20 soul power. What mission could possibly be worth your personal involvement?
Don't you know that the period before a soul master turns 20 is when they progress the fastest?
With your talent, you'll reach the Titled Douluo level in no time. By then, there'll be nowhere you can't go, nothing you can't achieve!"