Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, another year had passed.
That night, Lin Feng sat cross-legged as usual, cultivating.
He hadn't forgotten his agreement with Qian Renxue: during the day, he would focus on constructing his meridians, and at night, he would cultivate his soul power.
Soul power surged within him, washing over his body repeatedly along the bridges he had built.
"The Innate Treasure Pearl can now manifest within my body… but where should I set its foundation?"
Lin Feng had two ideas.First: the heart.As the central hub of blood flow, all soul power must pass through it. With an existing central system, future operations would be easier. Placing the treasure pearl here would offer protection—but it also posed risks.
Second: the dantian.The place where soul power was most concentrated—the very center of the human body.Choosing this location would best support the shaping of future soul channels and the development of unique cultivation methods.
"Alright, I'll place it in the dantian."
He glanced out the window. It was time to rest. Lin Feng lay down and closed his eyes.
"Xiaoxue hasn't been seen these past few days. I wonder what she's been up to…"
Soon, his breathing steadied.
Click.
The door creaked open, pushed by small hands. A pair of sapphire eyes peeked in, filled with nervousness and caution.
Seeing Lin Feng fast asleep, Qian Renxue tiptoed inside and gently closed the door.
Her bare feet touched the ground as she crept to Lin Feng's bedside.
Bathed in moonlight, she studied his face closely. Now nine years old, his features had begun to show signs of handsomeness and determination.
Qian Renxue stared blankly. Tears welled up again at the corners of her reddened eyes.
A few days ago, she had personally heard from Bibi Dong that Qian Xunji was dead.
That crazed, gleeful smile on Bibi Dong's face haunted her—it was like a dagger thrust into her heart.
She didn't understand why her mother had always shown her nothing but disdain. She had never met her father, and now he was dead. Yet her mother laughed.
These past days, Qian Renxue had sat in a daze at the Douluo Hall. Not even her grandfather's comfort could reach her.
She only cried.One parent dead.The other calling her a bastard.For a nine-year-old, it was a crushing blow.
Suddenly, she realized soul talent wasn't everything. What did being innately Level 20 matter, when her father was gone and her mother had never once cared?
So that night, Qian Renxue thought of Lin Feng—of the more than two years they had spent together.
He sometimes annoyed her, but always surprised her. He was her first real friend, and more than that, a mentor.
From cultivation methods to soul knowledge, daily life, and practical skills—
He taught her everything, leaving nothing out.
Qian Renxue leaned closer, her delicate face illuminated by moonlight.
Her gaze turned dreamy, her cheeks still stained with tears.
Softly, slowly, she brushed her hand across Lin Feng's cheek and whispered:
"Xiaofeng… it's okay. I still have you. You're mine."
Her eyes shimmered with a strange light, as if she'd made a decision.Fixating on his lips, she hesitated… then, trembling, leaned in and gave a feather-light kiss—barely a touch.
Her face flushed deep red, her breath quickened. She traced her finger across her lips, a flicker of obsession in her eyes.
Then, channeling her soul power, she lifted the blanket, slipped in beside Lin Feng, and curled up next to him—letting his scent lull her into a peaceful sleep.
Ling Yuan stood frozen in place, drenched in sweat. Across from her, Qian Daoliu sat expressionless.
In her mind, she cursed Lin Feng a thousand times.
"Why did that brat have to fall asleep now of all times?!Fine, you're asleep—but what am I supposed to do?!"
"Grand Worship… this…"
"Hmm?"
Qian Daoliu sighed heavily, loosening his clenched fists.
"Maybe it's a good thing to let Xue'er release some emotions here with Lin Feng. What happened to Xunji hit her far too hard."
"That crazy woman Bibi Dong…"
His eyes darkened. Ever since she returned from the Slaughter City, Bibi Dong had become a different person.
She'd sealed away all emotion, consumed by negative thoughts—silently lurking until the moment Qian Xunji was gravely injured. Then, she bared her fangs.
And Qian Daoliu… still couldn't bring himself to strike her down.
Not only because she was Xue'er's mother or because Xunji had owed her, but also because—Wuhun Hall needed a new Pope, and Bibi Dong was the Saintess.
Any lingering guilt he once held toward her had now vanished.
"This past year, what's your impression of Lin Feng?"
Ling Yuan was startled. He's not pulling the young miss out?!Not daring to overthink it, she quickly bowed.
"Reporting to the Grand Worship: Lin Feng has spent most of the year exploring soul meridians. In theoretical research, no one can match his talent.
He hasn't neglected his soul cultivation either—he's reached level 14, climbing from level 1 in just three years. He rivals the top talents in Spirit Hall.
Moreover, I believe Lin Feng has an exceptional temperament. He's capable of bearing great responsibilities."
Qian Daoliu laughed.
"You don't need to praise him that much. I've been observing him myself and know what kind of person he is."
Ling Yuan blushed, falling silent.
Qian Daoliu looked toward Lin Feng's room and mused aloud:
"Continue guarding the two of them. You don't need to participate in tomorrow's mission."
"Yes, as you command."
Then, unable to contain her curiosity, Ling Yuan asked:
"Grand Worship, how will you handle the Hao Tian Sect?"
Qian Daoliu's eyes sharpened.Even if Bibi Dong had played her final card—Tang Hao's crimes were beyond forgiveness.Tang Chen, don't blame me for being ruthless. The Hao Tian Sect must pay the price.
"Chase them out 8,000 li. Let the continent have no place for them to stand!"
After Qian Daoliu left, Ling Yuan couldn't help but glance toward Lin Feng's room.
There, Qian Renxue curled up, lying quietly beside Lin Feng. Feeling cold in her sleep, she shifted closer.
Instinctively seeking warmth, she ended up pressed against his chest.
Lin Feng, subconsciously sensing something, wrapped his arm around her back.
"This brat…"
A cold breeze passed. Ling Yuan shivered, a mixture of frustration and sympathy rising in her chest.
"Hopefully Lin Feng can help the young miss through this… sigh…"
The next morning, Lin Feng awoke under a strange pressure. Something heavy weighed on his chest, making it hard to breathe.
"So heavy… and smells nice?"
Qian Renxue!?
What is she doing here?!And sleeping on top of me?!Are Ling Yuan and Qian Daoliu out of their minds?!
He looked down to find Qian Renxue curled up against him, her arms wrapped around his body, tear stains still on her cheeks, sorrow etched between her brows.
Lin Feng froze, a wave of tenderness washing over him. Gently, he stroked her hair.
His touch was featherlight—yet even so, Qian Renxue's body tensed.
Her ears flushed red, and her breathing turned ragged.
"…You're awake?"