Qian Renxue's sudden question caught Lin Feng off guard.
In the past, when Ling Yuan was present, Qian Renxue wouldn't ask such questions. Today, however, she seemed a bit unusual.
Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes, eagerly awaiting Lin Feng's answer.
Ling Yuan had dragged her into wearing this kind of outfit, making it seem like she was doing it for Qian Renxue's sake. How could Qian Renxue not feel a little upset? This was the perfect opportunity to make Lin Feng sweat a little.
Lin Feng hesitated for a moment before giving his carefully considered opinion:
"Well, if we're just talking about looks, Xue'er, you're definitely more stunning. Your beauty is truly one of a kind."
Ling Yuan's eyes dimmed slightly, but she continued to listen intently. Knowing Lin Feng, he wouldn't stop there.
Sure enough.
Lin Feng coughed lightly and continued under Qian Renxue's smug gaze:
"But when it comes to, um, grace and charm, as well as daily gentleness and elegance, Ling Yuan has the edge."
Qian Renxue glanced at Ling Yuan, then looked down at herself, pouting.
"Just wait a few more years. By then, Ling Yuan won't be able to compare to me."
"Hehe."
Ling Yuan covered her mouth and laughed.
"Hmph."
"By the way, how's the person taking over your mission doing? Hasn't he passed the test yet? I thought he'd already started taking on the role occasionally."
Qian Renxue lay in Lin Feng's arms, waving her hand dismissively.
"It's almost done. I'll probably be able to return to Spirit City to see Grandpa next month."
And that woman…
Qian Renxue closed her eyes, feeling a wave of irritation whenever she thought of Bibi Dong.
What did she mean when she said that the Qian family had wronged her? Did Father do something to hurt her? Is that why she's always been so cold toward us?
Qian Renxue frowned. Back then, both she and Lin Feng had been suppressed by Bibi Dong, unable to ask any questions.
Even if they had, she probably wouldn't have cared or answered.
Thinking about it, Qian Renxue felt a pang of sadness.
She sighed, pushing thoughts of Bibi Dong aside, and adjusted her position, wrapping her arms around Lin Feng's waist.
She took a deep breath, inhaling Lin Feng's comforting scent, and began to doze off.
As expected, being by Lin Feng's side was the most comfortable. She didn't want to think about that woman anymore.
Ling Yuan, noticing Qian Renxue had fallen asleep, smiled and leaned against Lin Feng's right arm, her softness pressing against him.
"Ling Yuan, have you thought about your title?"
"So soon? You're still five levels away. It's not that fast, is it?"
Ling Yuan chuckled.
Lin Feng shook his head. "Ling Yuan, you're underestimating the effects of the immortal herb. Your potential now far surpasses what it was before. With the two paths you're on, you'll definitely break through to Title Douluo within five years."
Ling Yuan hummed softly.
"What do you think my Title Douluo name should be?"
"How about Radiant Phoenix?"
---
On the way back to Spirit City, Lin Feng couldn't help but reflect.
So much had happened during their few months in Heaven Dou City.
After absorbing the two immortal herbs, Ice and Fire, and achieving the Golden Body, Qian Renxue's cultivation speed had increased yet again.
At just 10 years old, she was already at level 39 and would soon break through to Soul Ancestor.
Lin Feng himself had reached level 28 and was close to level 29, meaning he would become a Soul Elder within three months.
Aside from their personal growth, their trip to Heaven Dou had accomplished several key objectives.
They had secured the immortal herbs, the most important prize.
They had also brought the Nine-Heart Begonia family and Dugu Bo's family under their control, successfully advancing the plan to take over Heaven Dou. This meant Qian Renxue wouldn't have to spend over a decade there.
Tang San's most important opportunity had been taken by Lin Feng.
By now, Tang Hao should already be in Holy Spirit Village.
However, since they had just settled in, Tang Hao's guard would still be up.
A level 95 Title Douluo like Tang Hao, with his Ring Explosion and Great Sumeru Hammer techniques, would be a tough opponent if he decided to go all out.
It would probably take several elders working together to subdue him.
If they alerted him or if he had prepared defenses, he might go on a rampage against civilians, which would be disastrous.
Alternatively, they could have Qian Daoliu deal with him directly.
Lin Feng stroked his chin, deep in thought.
For someone like Tang Hao, who was already on the run, it might be better to set a trap and wait for him to fall into it.
Lin Feng would soon be traveling the continent, which would give him access to more information and allow him to set things in motion.
As for Tang San, Lin Feng was curious. If Tang San saw the letter Tang Hao left behind during his first semester at Notting Academy, believing his father had gone out on business, only to later discover the truth, what kind of expression would he make?
To Lin Feng, Tang San was no longer a threat.
Someone like Tang San, arrogant and narrow-minded, with a strong sense of self-importance, would likely scoff at the cultivation techniques Lin Feng had spread, believing they couldn't compare to his own Mysterious Heaven Technique.
Or perhaps, after some disdain, he would secretly practice them, justifying it by saying:
"This technique has some merit, but it's far inferior to the true teachings of the Tang Sect. However, as they say, mastering one technique allows you to understand ten thousand. I'll use this to supplement my Mysterious Heaven Technique and spread the glory of the Tang Sect in this world."
Lin Feng shook his head. That sounded exactly like something Tang San would do.
---
A month later, after a leisurely journey filled with sightseeing, Qian Renxue and the others finally returned to Spirit City.
Unlike Heaven Dou City, Spirit City's grandeur and majesty were on a completely different level.
Situated between two mountain peaks, the city's imposing presence far surpassed that of any other major city.
Looking at the familiar cityscape, both Lin Feng and Qian Renxue felt a sense of nostalgia.
Ling Yuan, however, was feeling anxious.
So much had happened during the few months she had spent with Lin Feng and Qian Renxue.
Originally, the Grand Worship had assigned her to be their protector, given that her Martial Soul contained a phoenix essence, granting her the ability to be reborn from flames.
She was supposed to assist Lin Feng in his research on meridian reconstruction.
In reality, however, she hadn't been much help to Lin Feng.
Instead, she had often been the one learning from him, drawn to his intelligence and determination, and eventually…
Even now, Ling Yuan wasn't sure if the Grand Worship knew about her relationship with Lin Feng and Qian Renxue.
After all, that effeminate elder seemed to enjoy gossiping with the silent elder, often giving her knowing looks.
Who knew if he had told the Grand Worship?
She had been assigned to protect them, but somehow ended up becoming Lin Feng's… and even competing with Qian Renxue for his affection.
Feeling like she might already be on Qian Daoliu's blacklist, Ling Yuan couldn't help but worry.
"Lin Feng, Xue'er, maybe I shouldn't go see the Grand Worship later…"
Ling Yuan bit her lip, her voice filled with hesitation.
Qian Renxue blinked, then took Ling Yuan's hand, patting it reassuringly.
"Don't worry. Even if Grandpa isn't happy, he can't refuse. This is my choice. What can he say?"
Ling Yuan nodded, smiling.
"Thank you, Xue'er."
From a distance, Ju Douluo clicked his tongue, excitedly sending a voice transmission to Ghost Douluo.
"See? It's confirmed. Lin Feng really did it. He's won over Ling Yuan."
Ghost Douluo remained expressionless, replying simply, "Boring."