Her purple eyes flickered, and her mind replayed a memory she had buried deep.
---
It was a year ago.
That day, the doors of her residence had opened to reveal Bibi Dong — the mother who had never once come to see her on her own accord since birth, came to meet her.
Her robes were regal and heavy as she had become the Pope, her beauty sharp as a blade, and her smile… far too gentle to be real.
“Renxue,” Bibi Dong had said softly, reaching out to brush her hair — a gesture that startled her more than comforted her. “You’ve grown so much.”
Qian Renxue had only stared at her.
While some conversations started, only then did Bibi Dong spoke her true purpose.
“Spirit Hall needs you. You must go to the Heaven Dou Empire, infiltrate the royal family, and prepare the foundation for our rule. This is your chance to gain recognition from me.”
Renxue remembered her reply clearly — calm, and sharp.
“No. I’m not interested, Pope Bibi Dong.”
Bibi Dong’s eyes had hardened instantly. The softness vanished like mist.
Her aura had turned oppressive, and venomous at once. “Do not forget your place, child.”
Bibi Dong left not long after realizing she could not make Qian Renxue undertake the ridiculous mission to become a spy in Heaven Dou Empire. The moment Bibi Dong left, something invisible crept into her spiritual sea — silent, suffocating, malevolent.
It was not her mother’s doing, but rather a presence beyond mortal comprehension — the Rakshasa’s dark thoughts, whispering like a curse beneath her consciousness.
If she hadn’t been a demigod herself, she would have never noticed it.
And if she were just an ordinary native demigod… she would have been consumed by it.
Even the mad whispers she withstands every now and then, are much more dangerous than the dark thoughts released by Rakshasha Goddess. It did not take long for her to create a virtual persona and fooling the Rakhshasha Goddess dark thoughts to latch unto it, making it believe that it was the original.
But the gods ,had underestimated something.
They were not dealing with the naïve Qian Renxue belonging to original story.
They were dealing with a Sequence 4 Manipulator, a being whose mind could twist the very essence of thought and belief.
----
Qian Renxue’s laughter finally faded into silence. Her expression grew still — terrifyingly calm.
Inside her mind, cold clarity took form.
‘So this is it… The true reason behind this “divine trial.” The gods have been moving me like a piece on their board since I was born.’
Her lips curved faintly. ‘And I think I already know who the puppeteer is behind that so-called oracle.’
She closed her eyes and murmured inwardly,
‘Poseidon… The righteous and benevolent sea god. The one who meddled with the Angel God’s trial in the original timeline. How fitting.’
‘A god who smiles like a saint yet poisons everything beneath calm waters. It was his hand that tampered with the Angel Goddess’s test — his whisper that made Renxue’s heart waver toward Tang San. He made her insecurities, her loneliness, her faith, all broadcasted before the world… like a divine play.’
Her hand clenched slightly, trembling around her fingers.
‘Not this time.’
-----
She looked at Qian Daoliu again, her mask of composure cracking just enough to let weariness seep through.
“Grandfather,” she asked quietly, “what if I don’t want to do this?”
The old man’s face changed, disbelief flashing in his eyes. “Renxue, don’t you understand the fortune you’ve been given?”
His voice grew impassioned, filled with both pride and desperation. “This is the culmination of generations of the Qian Family’s faith! Our bloodline has carried the Angel’s will for centuries, waiting for this very moment! You’ve been chosen — you’re the one destined to ascend as the Angel Goddess! This trial is the first step, and if you’re worried about political turmoil or hardship, don’t—”
He spoke quickly, fervently, as if reciting a prayer that had consumed his life.
But he never noticed the light fading from his granddaughter’s eyes — replaced by quiet disappointment.
Inside, Qian Renxue thought bitterly,
‘Grandfather, is that all I am to you? A vessel for your wish, a living extension of the Qian family’s dream?’
‘You don’t even hear me anymore.’
She sighed softly — not in anger, but in resignation — and turned away.
“Understood, Grandfather,” she said lightly, her voice emotionless. “I’ll think about it.”
Before Qian Daoliu could say more, she was already walking away.
Qian Daoliu watched her departing back, confusion flickering across his face.
“Renxue…” he murmured, his voice almost pleading.
For the first time, a sliver of unease wormed its way into his heart.
‘She seemed… distant. Could it be that she’s dissatisfied with her 1st divine trial?’
He frowned deeply, gazing up at the statue towering above him.
But after a moment of silence, he closed his eyes again, convincing himself.
“No matter… She will understand. I’ll persuade her. She must fulfill the Angel’s will.”
-----
Walking through the marble corridors of the Elder Hall, the soft echo of boots accompanied Qian Renxue’s steady steps. The faint golden light from the crystal chandeliers brushed her face, reflecting the sharp contrast between her youthful features and the oppressive air she carried.
Her gaze didn’t waver as she called out softly, “Uncle Ci Xue. Uncle She Long.”
The two figures emerged from the shadows with a speed that looked like ripples of darkness made flesh.
Their movement was noiseless.
They bowed slightly, their tones respectful but devoid of fear. “Young Master.”
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