Chapter 149: Reunion with Qian Renxue
Tang San's current spirit power was level forty-three. If, by the time of the finals, he actually managed to reach Soul King—rising seven levels in such a short span—would that not demand an explanation?
At that point, Luo Ling could easily question how Tang San and Yu Xiaogang had achieved such progress, linking it with the disappearance of prisoners from Heaven Dou City's jails.
Once evidence surfaced that Yu Xiaogang's group had been responsible for the jailbreak—and both the Heaven Dou Spirit Hall branch and the royal court testified—their identities as evil spirit masters would be undeniable.
Even if they jumped into the Yellow River, they could never wash themselves clean.
The thought brought a faint, satisfied smile to Luo Ling's lips.
He was already planning to meet Platinum Bishop Salas to discuss the matter when a dark-robed figure suddenly appeared on the path ahead.
Luo Ling halted immediately, narrowing his eyes. His acute perception told him the stranger was powerful—comparable to Ghost Douluo himself.
"Your Holiness, Saint Son."
The hooded figure spoke, and Luo Ling blinked in mild surprise.
There were few in Heaven Dou City who would address him this way. Aside from Ghost and Chrysanthemum Douluo, only two others fit the description—those who served directly under Qian Renxue.
"Are you Porcupinefish Douluo or Serpent Spear Douluo?" Luo Ling asked calmly.
"I am Porcupinefish Douluo, though the Saint Son may address me as Bloodthorn," the man replied respectfully, bowing slightly. "My lady wishes to see you."
"Qian Renxue wants to see me?" Luo Ling raised an eyebrow.
The two had not met since their encounter years ago in the Star Dou Forest.
He had left the Spirit Hall afterward and never once sought her out. Their paths rarely crossed, nor did they share much connection.
"Yes," Bloodthorn confirmed. "The young mistress requests your presence."
Luo Ling's smile returned, lazy and measured. "Very well. It's been a long time since I've seen her anyway."
"Please, follow me," Bloodthorn said, turning to lead the way.
…
The Crown Prince's Manor.
Luo Ling stepped inside the grand residence and found himself facing the disguised form of Qian Renxue—known publicly as Xue Qinghe.
"Aren't you going to drop the disguise?" Luo Ling said casually. "I don't enjoy being in a closed room with another man."
He strolled into the resting chamber without ceremony and sat down as though it were his own.
Bloodthorn respectfully remained outside, leaving the two alone.
Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow at his bluntness, then sighed softly. With a wave of her hand, the illusion faded.
Golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her noble, divine beauty reemerged in full glory.
"Much better," Luo Ling said with an amused shrug. "Truly a shame—someone that stunning forced to wear a man's face all day."
He remembered his first glimpse of her in the Star Dou Forest—how her beauty had struck him, her noble and holy aura unmatched.
Some fans in his past life had said Qian Renxue was the reincarnation of the Angel God; perhaps it hadn't been an exaggeration.
As her disguise vanished, a faint, strange energy pulsed between them—the same resonance they had both felt the first time they met.
"It seems our martial souls share quite a bond," Luo Ling remarked with a faint smile. "This must be a Martial Soul Fusion reaction—you sensed it before, didn't you?"
Indeed, the connection between them was undeniable.
But for Luo Ling, it felt less like harmony and more like temptation—his shadowed spirit yearning to taint that radiant angelic light, to drag it down into darkness.
That thrilling contrast between holiness and corruption—it stirred something deep within him.
"Luo Ling," Qian Renxue interrupted sharply, steadying her breath. "I didn't summon you here to discuss martial souls."
Luo Ling tilted his head, saying nothing, waiting for her to continue.
"I want to know why you came to Heaven Dou City—and why you've joined the Royal Academy," she said plainly.
"That's all you want to ask?" Luo Ling raised an eyebrow.
She nodded.
Luo Ling thought for a moment, then replied, "You're aware of my teacher—Pope Bibi Dong—and her relationship with Yu Xiaogang, correct?"
"The Pope has long abandoned Yu Xiaogang," Qian Renxue said with a frown. She knew of their past, as did most high-ranking members of Spirit Hall. Once, there had been affection—until Bibi Dong's love turned to hatred, and she even contemplated killing him, though she never acted on it. The reasons remained unclear.
"Yes, my teacher gave up on him long ago," Luo Ling said calmly. "She meant to have him killed… but I took it upon myself instead. I came here to avenge my teacher."
Qian Renxue's lips parted slightly, surprise flickering across her features. She hadn't expected that answer.
Amused by her silence, Luo Ling smiled faintly. "That's all. Anything else you want to ask, my lady?"
Then, leaning back, he added almost cheerfully, "I plan to stay in Heaven Dou City for quite some time. If you ever need help securing the throne, I can lend a hand."
"You'd help me?" she asked, incredulous.
He was Bibi Dong's student, after all—and the rift between Qian Renxue and the Pope was no secret. Yet here he was, offering his support as though it were nothing.
"Why not?" Luo Ling said easily. "We're both from the Spirit Hall. Helping each other is only right, isn't it?"
Qian Renxue's expression softened into something unreadable. She wanted to ask if he truly understood how strained her relationship with Bibi Dong was—but in the end, she remained silent.
"Well then," she said finally, allowing herself a faint smile. "If you're offering, I won't refuse. The day I need your help, you'd better not back down."
"Of course not," Luo Ling replied, smiling. Then his tone shifted. "Since we're talking about mutual assistance, there is something I'd like you to help with."
At that, Qian Renxue's smile froze, suspicion gleaming in her eyes. For a moment, she felt as if she had walked straight into a trap.
"It's nothing too serious," Luo Ling said lightly. "I've received word that Yu Xiaogang may soon attempt to raid the prisons of both Heaven Dou City and the local Spirit Hall branch. I'd appreciate it if you could have the guards subtly… relocated. And inform Bishop Salas as well—so that Yu Xiaogang's operation can proceed successfully."
Qian Renxue blinked, taken aback. Just minutes ago, Luo Ling had claimed he was here to avenge Bibi Dong by destroying Yu Xiaogang—now he wanted to aid his jailbreak?
Her elegant brow furrowed, confusion flickering in her eyes.
Luo Ling merely smiled knowingly. "You're wondering why, aren't you? Why I would help Yu Xiaogang?"
He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Do you know, my lady," he said softly, "why he truly plans to raid those prisons?"
(END CHAPTER)
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