After documenting the results of his first stage of research, Lin Feng finally relaxed a little and decided to go find Qian Renxue.
These past few days, the soul master world had been shaken, and the Spirit Hall was overflowing with people.
First came Qian Xunji's death. Spirit Hall held a massive funeral ceremony, and under intense pressure, the Clear Sky Clan officially announced their retreat from the world.
Then came the sudden ascension of Bibi Dong as the new Supreme Pontiff. It was like tossing a boulder into a lake—setting off a thousand ripples. No one expected the two major forces, once on friendly terms, to suddenly tear into each other.
After all, the upper echelons of the major sects all knew Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu had a decent relationship. Rumors swirled of some romantic entanglements, but to most, the two were more like kindred spirits—powerhouses who admired one another.
"Did you hear? The Spirit Awakening Ceremony got moved up—by a whole month. It's happening in just a few days."
"Huh? Why's that?"
"Word is the new Supreme Pontiff wants to choose a highly talented disciple from this batch. She's looking for a candidate for the next Holy Maiden."
"Oh, I see... A shame my kid's too old now."
"Tch. Like your granddaughter's innate soul power of level five would've stood a chance. And I heard it's only open to commoners this time. Even a level ten wouldn't qualify if they come from a noble family."
Walking toward the Douluo Hall, Lin Feng overheard all kinds of chatter.
So Bibi Dong was ushering in a new era?
The former Holy Maiden was now Pope, and she was already laying the groundwork for the next generation, selecting a successor to stabilize the hearts of Spirit Hall's people.
Taking such a bold move right after ascending—classic Bibi Dong. No wonder she would one day bring Spirit Hall to its peak.
Too bad she let her guard down in her youth and got played by a scumbag.
"Stop right there! Where are you from, kid? The Douluo Hall is off-limits!"
Just as Lin Feng was about to explain, a breeze carrying the scent of flowers swept past him.
"I'm with him. We're here on important business to see the Grand Priest."
Ling Yuan had appeared at his side, flashing a sweet smile and a wink.
The two guards immediately straightened up.
"Greetings, Elder Ling Yuan!"
"No need for that. Come on, Xiaofeng."
With a natural grace, Ling Yuan took Lin Feng's hand in hers.
Ever since awakening his martial spirit, Lin Feng's development had been unusually fast. Though only nine years old, he already stood close to 1.6 meters tall—just half a head shorter than Ling Yuan.
She was a mature and striking beauty; he, calm and composed beyond his years. The two walking hand in hand gave off a strangely harmonious vibe.
Lin Feng gave her hand a little tug, but she showed no intention of letting go. So, he simply let her hold it.
The Douluo Hall, also known as the Hall of Worship, was the highest sacred place on the continent.
Built atop a mountain peak, its marble walls inlaid with gold and gemstones gleamed under the sun. The towering dome, the sharp architectural lines, and the thick concentration of light-element soul power made the entire building radiate solemn majesty.
Meanwhile, Qian Renxue stood bored on the second-floor balcony, watching the view outside.
Normally, standing here and overlooking the grandeur of Spirit City would fill her with pride and awe.
But right now, she had no mood for any of that. Tossing her book onto the table with a sigh, she pouted.
"Stupid Xiaofeng. I said we wouldn't see each other for a few days, and you really didn't even bother to come find me?"
"…Huh?"
Her eyes lit up. Two familiar figures were walking toward the hall—wasn't that the very person she'd just been grumbling about?
But wait—her expression shifted as they got closer.
Her gaze locked onto their hands, still tightly clasped together.
And Lin Feng… he actually looked like he was enjoying it!?
"…Heh."
Qian Renxue gritted her teeth. Her eyes darkened as she stared daggers at Ling Yuan.
In her mind, it wasn't Lin Feng with impure thoughts—it had to be that shameless older woman making the first move.
"Can't find a man of your own, so now you're trying to raise one? Hmph."
Her eyes narrowed. She let out a cold laugh and headed downstairs, taking a seat in a discreet corner of the hall.
It was a clever spot—she could clearly see those entering, but no one would spot her until they walked further in.
"Ah-choo!"
Ling Yuan suddenly sneezed, scrunching her nose.
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow. "Wait... Soul Douluos can catch colds?"
Her cheeks flushed slightly. She shot him a glare. "It's allergies. You got a problem with that?"
"Hm… It'd be more believable if you said you were allergic to the marble in this building. There aren't even any flowers around."
Lin Feng chuckled softly.
"You little—" Ling Yuan growled and raised her hand to smack him. "So bold now, huh? Ever heard of drifting pollen?!"
Bantering like that, they finally arrived at the entrance.
As they stepped inside—
Ahem!
A crisp voice rang through the empty hall.
Ling Yuan's eyes snapped to the source—and there was Qian Renxue, sitting with a mischievous grin… and a hint of coldness in her smile.
Ling Yuan quickly released Lin Feng's hand and turned her head, pretending to admire the architecture.
"Xue?"
Lin Feng's eyes brightened, and he rushed toward her. Qian Renxue smirked at Ling Yuan before looking away.
Ling Yuan pretended not to notice.
Arms crossed, Qian Renxue said coldly:
"So, you do remember I exist? Looks like you've been living the good life lately."
Lin Feng froze. What was with the sudden attitude?
"Weren't you the one who said you'd be gone for a few days? If I'm not welcome, then... Sister Ling Yuan, shall we go?"
"Heh—"
Qian Renxue clenched her fists, forcing a smile.
"Wanna say that again?"
Uh oh.
Lin Feng quickly changed the subject. "My first stage of research is complete. Want to hear about it?"
She blinked, surprised. "Already? That fast?!"
Lin Feng pulled a thick notebook from his storage ring.
"My original notes. They're yours now."
She beamed as she took the notebook. The cover had the character "Feng" engraved on it.
With a little humph, she pulled out a pen and added the character "Xue" beside it, then gave Ling Yuan a smug glance.
Ling Yuan: ...
Flipping through a few pages and recognizing Lin Feng's elegant handwriting, she quickly stored the notebook away.
"Teach me in person."
"Sure," Lin Feng grinned.
They didn't say much more, but their understanding ran deep.
The three ascended to the second floor of the Douluo Hall.
"Grandpa's in seclusion. I'll take you to him later."
With Lin Feng's guidance and Ling Yuan assisting with soul power flow, Qian Renxue soon grasped the first pathway of the Innate Soul Refinement Technique.
Once again, she marveled at Lin Feng's genius, her gaze softening as she stared at him.
Then, with a gentler tone:
"In a few days, I'll be leaving for a while… I've got a mission to carry out."
Lin Feng's smile froze.
She was going to replace Xue Qinghe in the Heaven Dou Empire? Judging by the timeline, that should be coming up soon.
"No. I don't agree!"
His voice was firm.
Seeing that she didn't respond, Lin Feng pressed on:
"You're the heir to the Spirit Hall. A once-in-ten-thousand-years genius with innate level-20 soul power. What kind of mission could possibly be worth you going personally?
Don't you know that for soul masters, the years before age 20 are the prime time for growth?
With your talent, you could reach the realm of Ultimate Douluo in no time. At that point, nothing in this world would be beyond your grasp."
(OG Authers Note: Qian Renxue will not stay in Heaven Dou permanently.)