"What are you looking at?"
A crisp voice rang in Lin Feng's ear, accompanied by a faint sweet fragrance.
"A book."
Lin Feng responded without turning his head. For him at this moment, finding a method for his future cultivation was the top priority.
Qian Renxue frowned. She had actually been observing Lin Feng for a long time. Over the past year, this guy had come to the library every single day, always sitting in the same spot.
The only thing that changed was the book in his hand. Playing the role of a scarecrow for an entire year, Lin Feng couldn't avoid attracting attention even if he wanted to.
Annoyed by Lin Feng's cold attitude, Qian Renxue pouted. In all her seven years of life, aside from her mother, no one had ever spoken to her like that.
"This guy doesn't even glance back? Hmph."
Smack!Qian Renxue slapped the table.
"Hey, I'm talking to you. Shouldn't you at least look at me when replying? Don't you know basic manners?"
Lin Feng turned his head slightly, a bit helpless, and surprise briefly flashed in his eyes.
He sized Qian Renxue up and secretly sighed—As expected of the future Angel God, she already showed hints of her stunning future beauty.
Her long golden hair cascaded down, her delicate face had a youthful blush, and she wore a golden-white short dress made of sheer fabric.
Her eyes were round and full of playful charm, but at the same time, there was an aura of nobility and holiness about her.
But why was she here? And why did it seem like she was looking for him?
"Alright, young lady, I'm reading a book."
With that, he lowered his head and continued reading, taking notes.
Qian Renxue, who was feeling a bit pleased seeing the surprise in Lin Feng's eyes:"..."
What the heck is this feeling of wanting to say something but not being able to? 'Reading a book'? That's not what I asked! I meant what kind of book you're reading!
"The Possibilities for Improving Meditation Techniques — Part 6?"
Qian Renxue sat down beside Lin Feng on her own, softly reading the title of his notes aloud.
"Hey! Lin Feng, let's get to know each other! My name is Xiao Xue."
"You've investigated me?"
Qian Renxue was stunned. Looking at Lin Feng's calm, expressionless face, she suddenly panicked and quickly waved her hand.
"No, no, it's not like that! You come here to study every day—lots of people here know your name! I definitely didn't investigate you!"
Lin Feng put down his pen, looking a bit amused at Qian Renxue's flustered explanation.
"I'm not mad. But I don't think I've seen you around the academy?"
"Oh! That's because my family members are high-ups in the Spirit Hall, so they didn't let me attend the academy.
You like studying so much, you must know that what's taught in the primary academy can be learned at home too."
Lin Feng nodded. He didn't mind her keeping her identity a secret. With an innate soul power of level 20, it made sense for her to lay low for a while.
"I see. So, you're here in the library to read too? The shelves are over there. If you can't find a book, you can ask the lady at the counter."
Qian Renxue froze. Was this guy for real? I'm sitting right next to him—obviously I came to talk to him! What a blockhead!
She forcefully placed her right hand on Lin Feng's shoulder, puffed her cheeks, and threatened:
"I said I came to see you! I want to know what you're studying! Got it?"
"Ow, ow, okay, I get it! Let go already!"
"Hmph."
Rubbing his sore shoulder, Lin Feng looked helplessly at Qian Renxue. He didn't really want to interact with her this early, but now that it had happened, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
"So, what do you want to know?"
Qian Renxue smirked, crossing her arms confidently:
"Tell me everything about you!"
"The soul power circulation paths in the body? I already know those," Qian Renxue said proudly, her face practically screaming Praise me!
"That's not what I mean." Lin Feng shook his head. "I'm talking about a fixed route for soul power to circulate through the body's meridians—enhancing physical growth, improving absorption efficiency, and strengthening the body as a whole.
It's not just about using soul power to trigger a skill like everyone else. That's standard."
Qian Renxue was momentarily speechless. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to hide her awkwardness.
"I see... but what's the point of doing that?"
Lin Feng pulled out a human meridian chart.
"Look, the human body has various acupuncture points and meridians. When soul masters activate their soul skills, soul power surges through their bodies.
These meridians are like the riverbeds through which soul power flows.
Since physical ability improves during soul skill activation, I believe that the most critical part of refining soul power lies in its internal circulation.
If we can develop a method for fixed soul power circulation, it could revolutionize cultivation.
Imagine soul power enhancing the body as it flows, clearing impurities, accelerating absorption and refinement.
And further, soul power could develop unique traits, making self-created soul skills easier to craft. That's what I'm researching."
Qian Renxue pursed her lips. So this is what he's been working on all year? Doesn't seem very realistic.
She tried to offer some heartfelt advice:
"You? Thousands of years of soul masters haven't figured this out, and you think you can? You should probably focus on normal cultivation instead."
Lin Feng cut her off:
"Since you've looked into me, you must know my innate soul power level, right?"
Qian Renxue felt a little awkward. Was it really okay to bring up someone's shortcomings right to their face?
"Uh... I think it was level 1? That's what I heard! But it's not that bad, at least you can cultivate. Don't be too upset."
Lin Feng smiled and shook his head:
"I'm not upset at all. My soul power level right now... is level 6."
Qian Renxue's eyes widened:
"That's impossible!"
Innate soul power and cultivation speed were directly proportional—this was a widely accepted truth among soul masters.
Even with her own innate level 20 power (plus the +3 boost from the soul ring), she'd only gained 5 levels this year.
How could someone like Lin Feng achieve that?
"If you don't believe me, try sensing it yourself."
With that, Lin Feng extended his right hand.
Qian Renxue hesitated. Other than her father and a few elders, no man had ever touched her before...
Looking at the smiling boy in front of her, Qian Renxue got annoyed.
"Tch, what's there to be afraid of? I'm not scared of anything!"
In the next moment, a soft, delicate sensation pressed against Lin Feng's hand. Her palm was warm and smooth—and he couldn't help lightly tracing his finger across it.
"You! Don't move your hand!"
Blushing, Qian Renxue glared at him and clenched his hand tightly.
"Ouch—"
"Hmph."
As she carefully felt the energy, shock spread across her face:
"It's true?! How did you do this!?"
Caught up in the moment, Qian Renxue loosened her grip, not even realizing she hadn't pulled her hand away yet. She leaned closer, eagerly asking.
Lin Feng glanced at their still-joined hands and grinned:
"Like I said—I'm researching it. And now, I've made some initial progress."