Shen An waited in place, idly toying with a small token in his hand.
He had retrieved it from the soul guide device of the black-clad Soul Sage. Shen An was pondering who had it out for him, sending someone to assassinate him.
If it weren't for his own "cheat," he wouldn't have been able to win.
"Shen An, Shen An." Are you okay?
A voice called from afar—it was Xue Qinghe. He ran up to Shen An, panting heavily.
Shen An smiled and said, "Brother Xue, I'm fine. I was fortunate to have obtained a powerful soul guide device, originally meant for self-preservation, and it came in handy just now."
"By the way, Brother Xue, do you recognize this item?" Shen An handed over the token.
Upon seeing it, Xue Qinghe's eyes immediately narrowed, and he felt an urge to curse inwardly.
Damn it, this is a token from the Spirit Hall. You're on an assassination mission, and you bring your ID? Afraid people won't recognize you if you fail?
Moreover, why would the Spirit Hall send a Soul Sage to kill Shen An? To dispatch someone of that level, they must at least know his identity.
He had accompanied Shen An multiple times, subtly leaving his own mark while trying to recruit him, so that major powers would hesitate to act.
Yet someone still dared to make a move. Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed coldly as he silently mouthed a name: "Bibi Dong!"
What is that crazy woman up to?
Though his mind was racing, he showed no sign of it on the surface. Pointing at the token, he said,
"This is a token from the Spirit Hall. Judging by the pattern, the bearer holds a significant position within the Hall."
Shen An said with interest, "Spirit Hall? I don't think I've had any dealings with that major power."
"No, even if I did, it would have been in Soto City, where I offended a mediocre uncle and nephew."
Shen An felt genuinely helpless. The top boss throughout the entire story—the Spirit Hall—why must they target him?
Are they planning to escalate step by step? Today it's a Soul Sage; tomorrow, they'll send a Soul Douluo; the day after, a Title Douluo?
"Damn it, if they push me too far, I'll go full Super Tom and bulldoze everything." Shen An muttered inwardly.
Xue Qinghe said with a wry smile, "As I expected, you've been too prominent lately, catching the attention of some big figures."
Seeing Shen An's uncertain expression, Xue Qinghe thought he was scared. As the young master of the Spirit Hall, she knew its power well.
If they truly decide to kill someone, no one can stop them. Tang Hao's evasion was only because Bibi Dong allowed it.
"Shen An, don't worry. You're my friend, and I won't let the Spirit Hall harm you." Xue Qinghe reassured him.
Shen An smiled and thanked him. It was best if Xue Qinghe was willing to help him solve this problem.
Reputation must be built under the sun to accumulate significantly. For now, he couldn't openly retaliate against the Spirit Hall, but he'd take note of it.
They attacked him without cause; if he didn't seek revenge later, he wouldn't be Shen.
Shen An and Xue Qinghe, along with the two little ones, walked home. Xue Qinghe, almost involuntarily, asked, "You've met her, right?"
"The mysterious woman?" Shen An replied.
"Yes. What do you think of her?" Xue Qinghe asked nonchalantly, looking elsewhere as if it were a casual question.
"Very strong. That powerful aura is the most intense I've encountered among young people. I have no doubt she could beat that Soul Sage to death."
Xue Qinghe...
Asked for your impression, and you gave a critique.
Xue Qinghe glared at Shen An and asked again, "Do you think she's pretty?"
Nearby, Tom and Jerry silently shook their heads and pursed their lips. Indeed, every girl asks this question.
"I can sense her extraordinary temperament. Even with a golden mask covering her face, she's undoubtedly a top beauty." Shen An said solemnly.
Xue Qinghe's lips curled slightly upward as she walked ahead on her own. "Remember, keep it a secret. She's a secret weapon."
Shen An couldn't help but laugh. The royal family's secrets were indeed numerous. But since he was asked to keep it confidential, he would.
Soon, they arrived at Shen An's small courtyard. Candlelight flickered inside the house, and through the window, two graceful silhouettes could be faintly seen.
Xue Qinghe's face immediately fell. "You're living with others?"
Shen An smiled and said, "Yes, Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong. The three of us train together. You know, I don't have many friends, so it's less lonely this way."
"Hmph, what does a strong person fear about loneliness? Anyway, I've escorted you back; I'll take my leave now."
"Alright, take care, Brother Xue."
"Hmph." Xue Qinghe snorted softly again and walked away without looking back.
...
However, at this moment, Xue Qinghe wasn't heading to the palace but to the Spirit Hall.
She looked around to ensure no one was watching, then quietly entered an alley. When she reappeared, she was a masked woman.
Qian Renxue sped along, and with her full effort, she reached the Spirit Hall on the third day.
Spirit Hall, Pope's Hall.
The entire ceremonial hall seemed to be enveloped in a layer of frost.
Inside were only three people: Bibi Dong, Qian Renxue, and a corpse on the ground.
Qian Renxue stood more than ten meters away from Bibi Dong, locking eyes with her.
Despite being the powerful Pope, Bibi Dong couldn't suppress Qian Renxue's aura at that moment.
Bibi Dong's gaze was complex as she spoke, "What is the meaning of this? The plan to usurp the throne must not fail."
"Hmph, you're asking me? Wasn't it you who sent someone to kill Shen An? Don't you know he's someone I'm trying to recruit, my dear—sister!"
When she said "sister," Qian Renxue's face was full of mockery.
"Sister? Fine, from now on, you can call me that." Bibi Dong slammed her scepter onto the ground, releasing a tangible pressure that spread outward from her.
Qian Renxue was forced to take several steps back, her eyes filled with astonishment. Just how powerful had this crazy woman become?
"Shen An has too much potential. You say you're recruiting him, but I see no sign of his allegiance. To the Spirit Hall, anyone we can't bring into our fold is an enemy. I believe I acted correctly." Bibi Dong said coldly.
"From now on, don't make another move against him. Remember, the Spirit Hall isn't just yours; it's mine too. Don't force me to take control of the Douluo Hall and the Elder Hall. You know I have the capability." Qian Renxue said, unyielding, her phoenix eyes exuding authority and strength.
Bibi Dong's expression was uncertain. She hadn't expected Qian Renxue to go to such lengths for someone she'd only met a few times.
'Now isn't the time to fall out with her. With Qian Daoliu around, her words aren't empty threats. Once my cultivation advances further and the plan to usurp the throne succeeds...'
"Fine, I agree. Focus on completing your plan. I'll restrain the Spirit Hall from making further moves against Shen An."
"He must be very important to you, my dear daughter." Bibi Dong said coldly, looking at Qian Renxue.