Soul Land—Chapter 42: Angel's Love
Heaven Dou Empire, Prince's Mansion, Qian Renxue's Study.
Ling Qianyao roughly explained to Qian Renxue what had happened, hiding the details of obtaining the immortal herbs and the amount he had acquired.
Dugu Bo's martial soul was evolving, and Dugu Yan would soon take the Land Dragon Golden Gourd, so the matter of the immortal herbs could not be concealed.
To silence Qian Renxue, Ling Qianyao decided to take out two valuable immortal herbs and present them to her.
He carefully retrieved two rare immortal herbs from his storage bracelet. One was a Singular Velvet Sky Reaching Chrysanthemum, resembling a large chrysanthemum flower with furry petals that shimmered like golden threads, and a much taller stamen in the center.
The other was a Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, with the top of its leaves resembling a cockscomb, and the veins of the leaves were red-gold.
"First, this is the Singular Velvet Sky Reaching Chrysanthemum, which is the prototype of Chrysanthemum Douluo's martial soul," Ling Qianyao explained, pointing at the immortal herbs. "Its medicinal properties are moderate. Eating it can open up the eight meridians and cultivate an indestructible body."
"This immortal herb is very compatible with Chrysanthemum Douluo Yueguan's martial soul. If he can obtain it, it will greatly aid his cultivation."
"This second one, the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, has strong medicinal properties. It's especially beneficial for martial soul holders with fire attributes. Besides greatly improving soul power, it should also further enhance the fire attribute power of the martial soul."
Qian Renxue took the special jade box containing the two immortal herbs, but her thoughts kept flashing.
"What is your current soul power level?"
"Level 33."
Qian Renxue was surprised. "Didn't you say..."
"The immortal herbs I absorbed have little effect on improving my soul power level. They focus more on stabilizing my foundation and enhancing potential."
Qian Renxue nodded, then took the two immortal herbs and cast a teasing look at him. "Based on my understanding of you, I suspect you've obtained more immortal herbs than these. I've also read the flower and plant book sent by Chrysanthemum Douluo."
"There are many immortal herbs recorded there. If Dugu Bo's secret medicine garden contains such herbs—if these herbs can be produced—then it must be a treasure trove of heaven and earth, recorded in the classics."
"I fear the immortal herbs in the legends are everywhere."
She paused, then looked at Ling Qianyao with a playful smile. "This Singular Velvet Sky Reaching Chrysanthemum is a reward for Chrysanthemum Douluo, and the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower is your explanation for me, right?"
Qian Renxue supported her delicate chin with one hand and smiled at Ling Qianyao. "My six-winged angel martial soul has attributes of sacredness, fire, and light. This immortal herb is quite suitable."
"But," she suddenly leaned forward, her figure flashing, and came behind Ling Qianyao, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind.
"Slurp—"
Her cherry lips gently pressed against his earlobe, her jade teeth softly rubbed it, and her warm breath brushed his cheek.
The warm, numb sensation sent a shiver through Ling Qianyao, as if electrocuted.
Qian Renxue whispered in his ear, "Do you have some good things hidden for your little kitten girlfriend?"
"Don't touch me," Ling Qianyao said, blushing slightly. He tried to break free from her embrace, but her arms wrapped tightly around him like a snake.
Qian Renxue chuckled, teasing. "Why? Are you shy because I hit the nail on the head? Is your little kitty also looking forward to you bringing her some immortal herbs?"
Her arms tightened, making it difficult for Ling Qianyao to move, and she whispered, "Did you get the immortal herb, the Yearning Heartbroken Red, described in great detail in the Chrysanthemum Douluo Flower and Herb Book?"
"No."
"Humph, why are you so nervous?" Qian Renxue snorted. "You and I have practiced the martial soul fusion technique for so long, and we're in sync. Do you still want to lie to me?
If you say you don't know how I feel, I will kill you—this evil little devil—with my own hands. Be obedient and let me see."
Ling Qianyao sighed. He knew Qian Renxue's temperament. Once she became curious, she wouldn't give up until she found out the truth.
He turned his head to meet her eyes, a hint of helplessness in his gaze.
"The condition for picking the Yearning Heartbroken Red is that one must be pure and undivided. Only those who are truly passionate can pick it. We are connected because of our martial soul fusion, and perhaps you've regarded me as your destiny, venting your long-buried emotions on me."
"But I also see very clearly that, besides liking me, your feelings are mixed with possessiveness and complex emotions that haven't been fully sorted out."
"I can't pick it, and you can't either now. I don't want you to be hurt by failure, nor do I want our relationship to become awkward because of it."
Qian Renxue's arms gradually relaxed around him. She admitted that if liking someone very much is love, her feelings for Ling Qianyao might only be about eight or nine points.
As Ling Qianyao said, her emotions were indeed mixed with complex elements—the desire for true love, expectations for a future partner, and a subtle craving for control.
"But, this feeling is real, isn't it? Let me try."
She suddenly spoke softly. After Ling Qianyao's consent, she became more determined.
Looking into her eyes, which refused to give up, Ling Qianyao hesitated for a moment but ultimately took out the Yearning Heartbroken Red.
"It's a beautiful flower," Qian Renxue praised, then looked at him with a slight smile and suddenly punched herself in the chest.
She spat a mouthful of blood onto the flower, then closed her eyes. Ling Qianyao's figure appeared in her mind—memories of their past, their shared training, playing like a movie.
The red flower of the Yearning Heartbroken Red was watered by her blood, and the crimson on the white petals gradually spread, soon soaking the entire blossom.
The thrilling red seemed to drip with blood.
The flower trembled constantly, and its roots, connected to the black stone below, appeared to soften and hesitate—shaken by her true feelings but stubbornly holding on due to some unknown force.
"Ka—"
One root broke free from the black stone, shaking more violently.
Qian Renxue opened her eyes and smiled brightly. The flower's trembling stopped, and the blood-red on the petals receded, returning to the original white with a few blood-red streaks. The separated root was reattached to the black stone.
"What a pity," she said with a smile.
Ling Qianyao opened his mouth, dazed. "You… seemed to be..."
Her jade finger pointed at his lips. Qian Renxue chuckled, a sly look in her eyes. "If you hadn't said that earlier, the outcome might have been different. It's good to know it in your heart."
"For me, this flower is just a tool to confirm my feelings, but for others, it may be different."
"This time, I won. Remember what happened today—so that you feel guilty for the rest of your life."
Qian Renxue leaned forward and bit his shoulder blade hard, leaving a trace of blood.
"Does it hurt?"
"No," Ling Qianyao replied, shaking his head. He was sure her feelings for him had shifted just now—she could indeed pick the Yearning Heartbroken Red.
___
Support me on [patreon.com/Thebeginning331] for access to advanced chapters and exclusive content
End of Chapter