Time flew by swiftly. In the blink of an eye, another year had passed.
That night, as always, Lin Feng sat cross-legged in meditation.
He hadn't forgotten his promise to Qian Renxue—to only construct his meridians during the day, and to cultivate soul power at night.
Soul power surged within him, washing over his body through the newly constructed channels.
> "The Innate Spirit Pearl can now manifest within my body. But where should I anchor it?"
Lin Feng had two options in mind.
The first was the heart.
It was the central hub of all blood circulation—soul power naturally passed through it too.
With an existing central node, follow-up operations would be easier. Placing the Innate Spirit Pearl there would also provide some protection.
However, the risk was just as great.
The second was the dantian—the body's center, where soul power was most concentrated.
Choosing this would be more conducive to shaping the soul meridians and creating new cultivation methods.
> "Alright then… the dantian it is."
He glanced out the window—it was time to rest. Lin Feng lay down and closed his eyes.
> "Xiao Xue hasn't shown up these past few days… I wonder where she went?"
Before long, Lin Feng's breathing became calm and steady.
"Click."
The door quietly opened. A pair of small hands pushed it in.
In those bright blue eyes was a trace of panic and cautiousness.
Confirming Lin Feng was asleep, Qian Renxue tiptoed inside and gently closed the door.
Barefoot, she slowly approached the side of his bed and lay down beside him.
Bathed in moonlight, she gazed carefully at Lin Feng.
Though only nine years old, his features already showed a hint of handsomeness and determination.
Qian Renxue stared in a daze.
Tears uncontrollably welled up from her reddened eyes once more.
Just a few days ago, she had personally learned from Bibi Dong's mouth—Qian Xunji was dead.
That crazed smile on Bibi Dong's face… she still couldn't forget it.
It was like a sharp dagger, stabbing mercilessly into her heart.
She couldn't understand why her mother had always shown her such intense disgust, nor why she had never once met her father.
And now, after his death, her mother laughed—unrestrained and delighted.
For the past two days, Qian Renxue had sat dazed in the Hall of Douluo.
Even her grandfather's words barely reached her ears.
She could only cry.
A father lost.
A mother cursing her as a bastard.
For a nine-year-old child, it was an unbearable blow.
She suddenly felt that soul power and talent didn't matter anymore.
So what if she was innately level 20?
Without a father, and with a mother who had never cared for her…
And so, that night, Qian Renxue thought of Lin Feng.
She remembered the past two years—day and night spent together.
Though he often made her angry, he always surprised her.
He was her first friend, and also somewhat like a teacher.
From cultivation techniques and Martial Soul knowledge, to life's basics and skill training…
He taught her everything, without reservation, with great care.
Under the moonlight, Qian Renxue leaned in closer.
The soft light highlighted her delicate features.
Her gaze became dazed, and dried tears still stained her cheeks.
Ever so gently, she brushed her hand across the boy's cheek, whispering:
> "Xiao Feng, it's alright. I still have you… you're mine."
Her eyes shimmered with resolve.
Staring at his lips, she trembled slightly, leaned down, and softly pecked them—like a dragonfly skimming the water—barely a touch, then retreating.
Her face turned crimson.
Breathing quickened, her fingertip slid across her lips as her eyes flashed with a trace of unstable emotion.
The next moment, her soul power stirred.
She lifted the blanket and nestled into a comfortable spot beside Lin Feng, inhaling his familiar scent and falling into a deep sleep.
---
Elsewhere…
Ling Yuan was drenched in sweat, frozen in place, staring at Qiandao Liu who appeared calm on the surface.
> "That brat… of all times to fall asleep, why now?"
> "You're asleep, but what about me?!"
"Grand Preceptor, this…"
"Hmm?"
Qiandao Liu sighed deeply, loosening his clenched fists.
> Maybe… letting Xue'er release her emotions with Lin Feng for now isn't such a bad thing.
What happened with Qian Xunji hit her far too hard.
That madwoman Bibi Dong…!
A dark glint flashed in Qiandao Liu's eyes.
Since leaving the City of Slaughter, Bibi Dong had become unrecognizable.
She had sealed away all emotion, consumed only by negativity.
And when Qian Xunji was severely injured, she bared her fangs at last.
The worst part—Qiandao Liu couldn't bring himself to deal with her.
Not only because she was Qian Renxue's biological mother, or because Qian Xunji owed her…
But also because as the Saintess, she was necessary to become the next Pope of the Martial Soul Hall.
His former guilt toward Bibi Dong… had vanished.
> "This past year, what's your impression of Lin Feng?"
Ling Yuan was stunned. The Grand Preceptor didn't pull Qian Renxue out?
Could it be…
She quickly bowed and responded:
> "Reporting to the Grand Preceptor—Lin Feng has spent the year researching soul meridians.
His theoretical talent is second to none.
He hasn't slacked on soul power cultivation either.
He's reached level 14 now. Three years, 13 levels—on par with the top geniuses of the Martial Soul Hall.
Furthermore, I believe his temperament is outstanding. He is capable of bearing great responsibilities."
Qiandao Liu laughed heartily:
> "No need to praise him like that. I've observed him myself over time—I know his character."
Ling Yuan blushed and fell silent.
Qiandao Liu looked toward Lin Feng's room and said after a pause:
> "Continue guarding them tonight. You don't need to join tomorrow's operation."
"Yes, understood."
After a moment of silence, Ling Yuan couldn't help asking:
> "Grand Preceptor, what's the plan for the Clear Sky Clan?"
Qiandao Liu's expression turned cold.
> Even if Bibi Dong made the final move, Tang Hao's crimes are unforgivable.
Tang Chen… don't blame me for being ruthless. The Clear Sky Clan must pay the price.
> "Drive them out 8,000 li. Let there be no place on the continent for the Clear Sky Clan to stand!"
---
After Qiandao Liu left, Ling Yuan couldn't resist glancing toward Lin Feng's room.
There, she saw Qian Renxue curled up, lying quietly beside Lin Feng.
As if feeling cold, she instinctively drew closer to him.
Unconsciously, she nestled into Lin Feng's chest.
And as if sensing something in his sleep, Lin Feng gently wrapped an arm around her.
> "This brat…"
Cold wind blew through.
Ling Yuan shivered, feeling a mix of helplessness and tenderness.
> "Let's hope Lin Feng can help the young lady open her heart again… sigh."
---
The next morning—
Lin Feng woke up under a strange pressure.
There seemed to be something heavy on his chest, making it hard to breathe.
> "So heavy… and it smells so good?"
Qian Renxue?!
Why was she here?
Why was she lying on top of his chest?!
Had Ling Yuan and Qiandao Liu gone mad?!
Looking down at Qian Renxue, he saw her curled up, arms wrapped tightly around him.
There were still tear streaks on her face, and sorrow lingered between her brows.
Lin Feng froze, a wave of pity rising in his heart.
He gently brushed his fingers through her hair.
The motion was extremely soft—yet Qian Renxue's body stiffened slightly.
Her ears flushed red, and her breathing turned unnatural.
> "…You're awake?"