Time flowed like the leaves falling from an ancient tree, drifting slowly but inevitably toward change.
During this period, Qian Renxue's seventh birthday quietly passed. As the days accumulated, so did her mastery over the Psychiatrist’s power, now reaching a staggering 70% digestion. Her soul power had also progressed astonishingly, already reaching level 40.
Elsewhere in Spirit Hall, young Tian Yue had finally undergone her martial soul awakening. As promised, Qian Renxue gifted her an immortal herb that she had originally prepared ‘Golden Solar Dew Bamboo’ as she had previously promised to Golden Crocodile Douluo.
The result was miraculous.
Tian Yue’s martial soul, the Golden Crocodile, underwent a divine transformation on the spot, evolving into the Golden Crocodile King. The majestic light and deep dragon-like roars that echoed out made even the older soul masters raise their heads in awe.
Golden Crocodile Douluo, overwhelmed with joy, organized a grand banquet at his residence. During the celebration, Tian Yue couldn’t help but challenge Qian Renxue again. But despite her evolution, she was still unable to move Qian Renxue’s hand even an inch.
The little girl pouted, but this time there was admiration in her eyes rather than frustration.
Meanwhile, subtle but significant events continued to unfold behind the scenes.
Jiang Mo officially joined the Twilight Hermit Order, guided by Qian Renxue. Recruitment for the Order had quietly begun. Elder Ghost sought out soul masters who were not only talented but had been hurt by evil soul masters, now they turned from victims to agents.
Before long, these recruits found themselves sitting across Qian Renxue in quiet chambers.
One or two psychiatrist sessions with her were all it took. Their eyes would tremble with clarity, their loyalty soaring to unimaginable heights. It was as if their souls had been purified, purpose reborn within them.
Though on the surface, the Spirit Hall remained unchanged, the undercurrents were growing deeper and faster. A tide was building, one that would reshape the future.
Then, on what appeared to be a normal, uneventful day, a strange phenomenon occurred.
From the deepest chambers of the Elder Hall, a terrifying suction force erupted. For a moment, every elder and priest paused, their soul power trembling as if in reverence. It lasted only seconds, but those seconds stretched long and heavy.
And then, it stopped and stillness returned.
Moments later, footsteps echoed from the depths of Elder Hall. They were calm, slow, but carried a terrifying weight behind them. The elders waiting outside instinctively bowed, hearts racing.
A tall, ancient figure emerged.
Qian Daoliu, the High Priest of Spirit Hall, had stepped out of his secluded cultivation, his presence far more overwhelming than before. His aura had grown serene, yet boundless.
He had succeeded in condensing his soul core.
All the other Worships, sensing the sudden and powerful soul fluctuation, emerged from their respective cultivation chambers one by one. A divine pressure filled the air, not overwhelming, but sacred, undeniably signaling that Qian Daoliu had stepped into a new realm of power.
The first to arrive was Golden Crocodile Douluo. His massive frame moved with surprising speed and reverence as he landed before Qian Daoliu with a respectful cupped fist salute.
“Congratulations, Elder Brother,” he said with a booming voice, “on successfully condensing the soul core and advancing your path!”
Behind him, the other worships quickly followed:
Azure Luan Douluo, with his flowing cyan robes and an avian grace, bowed gently. “Eldest Brother, the radiance of your breakthrough has cleansed the Hall itself. We rejoice.”
Mighty Lion Douluo stepped forward, his aura as fierce and grounded as ever. “I, offer my sincerest respect congratulations. The Soul Core… only a select few in the continent can claim such power!”
Glowing Feather Douluo, elegant and composed as always, inclined his head. “Spirit Hall's sky shines brighter today, because of you eldest brother”
Fifteen Ton Douluo, a large and stocky man with bulging muscles under a tight robe, laughed heartily. “Eldest Brother! With you stronger than ever, even the Heavens will think twice before opposing Spirit Hall!”
Falling Devil Douluo, the last to arrive, remained quiet but bowed deeply. His presence, dark and reserved, still radiated awe and respect.
Qian Daoliu, standing tall and majestic, glanced across his gathered worshipers. His expression was calm at first, but his brows furrowed as he observed more closely.
“…Your auras,” he said slowly, his voice deep and timeless, “are… richer than before. Your soul power… several of you have risen by at least a level.”
He fixed his gaze upon Golden Crocodile Douluo. “Second Brother, what has happened during my seclusion?”
Golden Crocodile Douluo exchanged looks with the other Worships before speaking, his tone slightly proud yet humble. “Elder Brother… It was due to Little Renxue.”
“Renxue?” Qian Daoliu’s voice softened slightly.
Azure Luan Douluo stepped in, her voice gentle. “Indeed. During your seclusion, the Renxue distributed several immortal-grade herbs to us. The herbs were unlike anything we’ve seen, clearly treasures born of heaven and earth. They helped harmonize our soul power and stimulate our growth.”
Mighty Lion Douluo nodded. “The herb I received helped me eliminate the bottleneck I had felt for nearly ten years.”
Glowing Feather Douluo added, “Mine purified the meridians and let my soul power circulate far more smoothly. It felt like my Martial Soul was reborn.”
Qian Daoliu stood silent for a moment.
He hadn’t expected this. His granddaughter, had not only grown but had already started nurturing the upper echelons of Spirit Hall.
He remembered those herbs. He had watched Qian Renxue seal them into jade boxes herself , each herb almost glowing, taken from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
He had assumed she would use them to entice new talents, perhaps secure the loyalty of rising geniuses across the continent. That was the obvious and practical thing to do.
But no , she had used them on the old elders.
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