Chapter 19: Reunion
Stepping out of the Lake of Life, Qian Ningshuang took a deep breath—and slowly exhaled.
Now, the lake truly felt serene. But over there by the shore… weren't those the Titan Giant Ape and Heavenfrost Ox Python from the original story?
She eyed the several-story-tall monkey and the ox-headed, python-bodied魂 beasts with quiet recognition.
"Those are just gatekeepers," Gu Yue Na said, noticing Qian Ningshuang's gaze. "Is something wrong, Shuang'er?"
"Nothing," Qian Ningshuang shook her head quickly. "I just didn't see them when we came in. Let's go find my companions."
With Gu Yue Na now stepping beyond Star Dou's borders, the original plot was little more than a rough sketch.
…
"I never knew my own grandfather could be so heartless! Sacrificing his own granddaughter for some vague, half-baked plan!"
"You listen well! If Shuang'er comes back with so much as a scratch, I swear—I'll never call you 'Grandfather' again! Consider us done!"
When Qian Ningshuang and Gu Yue Na finally located Qian Ren Xue's group, this was the scene that greeted them.
Qian Ren Xue stood red-eyed, unleashing a torrent of fury at a thoroughly embarrassed Qian DaoLiu. Walter wore a pained smile, while Pulman and Tian Yue trembled silently nearby.
"Sister!"
Qian Ningshuang stepped forward, cheeks burning. She was touched by Qian Ren Xue's worry—but scolding their own grandfather like this? That felt wrong.
"Shuang'er!" Qian Ren Xue whirled around at the sound, eyes lighting up.
In a blur too fast for Qian Ningshuang to follow, her sister swept her into a tight embrace.
"You'll look like a tear-streaked kitten if you keep crying. And see? I'm perfectly fine."
Qian Ningshuang gently wiped Qian Ren Xue's tears, her voice soft.
"As long as you're safe… as long as you're safe…"
Still sniffling, Qian Ren Xue let out a shaky breath. Qian Ningshuang cupped her sister's face in both hands—and pressed their foreheads together.
Qian Ren Xue froze, eyes wide.
Qian Ningshuang held the gaze of the stunned, tear-damp face in her palms.
"Sister… I hate tears. So please—don't cry anymore, okay?"
A smile broke through Qian Ren Xue's sorrow. She leaned in, resting her forehead fully against Qian Ningshuang's.
"If my little sister says so… I suppose I have no excuse to keep crying."
Their eyes met—and both pairs curved into crescent moons.
After a long moment, Qian Ningshuang suddenly pulled away, hands flying to cover her flaming cheeks.
*Oh no! What did I just do?! Why did I get so sappy all of a sudden?!*
Qian Ren Xue didn't comment on the retreat. She simply resumed her usual composed demeanor—though her tear-smudged face made her look rather comical.
"Shuang'er… everything went well?" Qian DaoLiu finally stepped forward.
Pulman and Tian Yue exhaled in relief. Walter looked like he'd just survived a storm.
Clearly, the only one who could truly rein in Qian Ren Xue wasn't Qian DaoLiu or Bi Bi Dong—it was Qian Ningshuang.
"Everything's great, Grandfather!" Qian Ningshuang beamed sweetly. She bore no resentment toward his "plan." After overhearing Qian Chongling and Gu Yue Na in the lake, she understood—and accepted.
"And this young lady is…?" Qian DaoLiu turned to Gu Yue Na.
Gu Yue Na, meanwhile, was watching the sisters with amused fascination. *Ah, mortal affection… as enchanting as ever.*
"She's Gu Yue Na," Qian Ningshuang introduced cheerfully. "The Sovereign of all魂 beasts—the Silver Dragon King."
Pulman sucked in a sharp breath. *Sovereign of魂 beasts?* That title alone reeked of power.
"Hello, everyone!" Gu Yue Na waved brightly—utterly approachable.
"And just so you know," she added, "I'll be staying with Shuang'er from now on. I'll rely on Spirit Hall's hospitality."
"No need to treat me as some grand sovereign—just think of me as a little girl."
*The Ancestor only mentioned an alliance… not that he'd bring the Silver Dragon King herself to Spirit Hall!* Qian DaoLiu's mind reeled—but his face remained calm.
"Your presence honors us, Lady Gu Yue Na. Spirit Hall welcomes you with open arms."
While the adults processed this earth-shattering development, Qian Ningshuang turned to Gu Yue Na without hesitation.
"Sister Gu Yue Na, can you help with something?"
"Go ahead."
"My friend needs a rare魂 beast. With you here, there's no need to search the hard way."
She pointed to Tian Yue. When you had the Sovereign of魂 beasts on your side, you used her—just like every savvy transmigrator before her.
"No problem. What kind? Approximate age?"
Gu Yue Na didn't bat an eye. Star Dou housed more魂 beasts than she cared to count. Only 100,000-year-olds warranted her attention; the rest were practically background noise.
"An 800-year-old Golden-Scale Crocodile Turtle."
Tian Yue stepped forward confidently. With Qian Ningshuang going this far for her, shyness was pointless.
"Di Tian! You heard that—go fetch it!"
Gu Yue Na summoned her ever-reliable dragon lieutenant.
As Di Tian vanished into the distance, Qian Ningshuang asked curiously, "I thought you'd hesitate… Is it really okay to take one of your own?"
"Why would I hesitate?" Gu Yue Na looked genuinely puzzled.
"You humans lump us all under '魂 beasts' like we're one big family. But among ourselves? We couldn't care less."
"There are countless species—how could we possibly get along? Do you think a Soft-Boned Charm Rabbit would peacefully coexist with a Darkgold Terrorclaw Bear? One gets eaten, the other eats. That's the natural order."
"Every day, hundreds—if not thousands—of魂 beasts die in Star Dou from infighting. Losing one or two means nothing."
As they spoke, Di Tian returned, tossing a massive turtle onto the ground.
"Sister Tian Yue, go ahead," Qian Ningshuang urged. "Once you've absorbed the魂 ring, we'll head back to Spirit City."
If even the魂 beast Sovereign didn't mind, why should they?
"Got it!" Tian Yue plunged a blade into the turtle's skull and sat cross-legged to begin absorption.
While she meditated, Gu Yue Na remembered something.
"Shuang'er, once we're back at Spirit Hall, let Qian Chongling and me teach you to contain your martial soul's life energy. Right now, every time you summon it, it causes a spectacle."
"Sure thing!" Qian Ningshuang agreed eagerly.
By evening, Tian Yue finished her absorption—gaining a魂 skill that doubled her defense.