Yue Guan took the Herbal Compendium from Ye Xi with a gentle smile on his face.
"Second Young Miss, you're too polite."
At the same time, Bibi Dong's gaze shifted toward Ye Xi. Her expression was calm, devoid of any emotion.
"Your Holiness, the Pope," Ye Xi said with composed respect as her clear blue eyes met Bibi Dong's, unwavering and neither humble nor arrogant.
"Mm. Second Young Miss Ye," Bibi Dong responded with a neutral tone, merely nodding slightly as she looked into Ye Xi's sapphire eyes.
Standing nearby, Hu Liena seemed like she wanted to speak, but before she could open her mouth, Bibi Dong waved her hand to silence her.
"All right, Xiao Xi. Let's go," Qian Daoliu said as he gave Bibi Dong a glance and then turned to leave the Pope's Hall with Ye Xi, heading toward the carriage waiting outside.
"Teacher, what's with her attitude?" Hu Liena grumbled as she watched Ye Xi's departing figure.
"What's there to be surprised about?" Bibi Dong replied indifferently. "When have the Pope's Hall and the Worship Hall ever been on good terms?"
Ever since she had ascended to the papal throne, the relationship between the two halls had been strained. So she didn't care in the slightest about Ye Xi's attitude.
Hu Liena still seemed like she wanted to say more, but Bibi Dong didn't give her the chance.
"Nana, go back to the inner hall and continue your cultivation."
"Yes, Teacher," Hu Liena answered and quietly walked off toward the rear hall.
As for Ghost Douluo and Yue Guan, who were standing silently in the grand hall, they acted as if they hadn't seen or heard anything at all, remaining motionless.
Elsewhere…
Inside a luxurious and comfortable carriage, Ye Xi lifted the curtain to peer out the window, her eyes full of curiosity as she observed the scenery along the way.
It was her first time leaving Spirit City, and everything beyond its walls was a new and wondrous sight.
"Xiao Xi, the journey from Spirit City to Star Dou Forest will take around four days," Qian Daoliu said, gently stroking her silvery hair. "If you get bored, you can meditate in the carriage. While meditation doesn't replace sleep, it does help ease fatigue significantly."
"I understand, Grandpa," Ye Xi nodded. She then let down the curtain and sat cross-legged to begin her cultivation.
Seeing her enter a meditative state, Qian Daoliu leaned back and closed his eyes to rest.
Their carriage was drawn by a type of soul beast known as a Scale Horse, and the carriage itself was equipped with cushions and shock absorbers. So even at high speeds, the ride remained smooth and comfortable.
Four days later…
To the south of the Heaven Dou Empire, their carriage came to a halt in front of the great Star Dou Forest.
Qian Daoliu and Ye Xi stepped out. Gazing at the vast primeval forest before them, Ye Xi's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Here, she would obtain her first soul ring and formally begin her path as a soul master.
"Let's go, Xiao Xi. We'll search the outer region of the Star Dou Forest for a suitable soul ring for you."
Qian Daoliu led Ye Xi into the forest. As they walked, Ye Xi looked around curiously at the lush scenery.
"Our targets are primarily three types of soul beasts: the Bloodmist Mantis, the Ghostgold Eagle, and the Man-Faced Demon Spider," Qian Daoliu explained while they moved. "In terms of compatibility, the Demon Spider is the best match for your martial soul. But both the Bloodmist Mantis and the Ghostgold Eagle have extremely useful abilities that could be highly beneficial early on."
"If I remember correctly," Ye Xi said after some thought, "the Bloodmist Mantis's special ability is Bloodmist, and the Ghostgold Eagle's is Phasing, right?"
"Exactly. If we can find either of those, we'll prioritize them. We'll hope that absorbing their soul rings might grant you a skill related to those abilities. If not, then we'll consider the Man-Faced Demon Spider as a backup."
As Qian Daoliu spoke, he released his spiritual sense and began scanning the area around them.
Ye Xi followed quietly by his side.
As time passed, the sky gradually darkened.
After a whole day of searching with no results, the two of them sat under an ancient tree, roasting meat over a fire to fill their stomachs.
"It smells so good! Grandpa, try some," Ye Xi said, taking a bite and handing a piece to Qian Daoliu.
"Sure, I'll have a taste too," Qian Daoliu replied with a chuckle, taking the roasted meat and biting into it.
Although they were eating, Qian Daoliu kept his spiritual sense alert to the surroundings.
Suddenly, he stopped mid-bite and turned sharply toward the left.
"Xiao Xi, stop eating. I've found the soul ring you need."
With that, Qian Daoliu picked Ye Xi up and moved swiftly in the direction of the disturbance.
In just a few blinks, Ye Xi saw it—about one meter long, a mantis with a dark red body, surrounded by a faint mist.
"That's a Bloodmist Mantis. Estimated to be between 650 and 700 years old," Qian Daoliu assessed. After glancing at Ye Xi in his arms, he put her down gently.
"Xiao Xi, wait here for a moment."
Before Ye Xi could even respond, Qian Daoliu raised one hand and struck the mantis.
Bang!
With a heavy thud, the Bloodmist Mantis slammed into the ground. Cracks appeared around it from the force. It twitched slightly, still alive but barely.
"Hmph… Almost used too much force," Qian Daoliu muttered. He then pulled out a short sword and handed it to Ye Xi.
"Xiao Xi, take this sword and stab it in the head. That's all you need to do."
"Got it, Grandpa."
Ye Xi took the sword, walked over to the dying mantis, and plunged the blade into its head.
Blood sprayed, but she didn't flinch. On the contrary, she felt a strange satisfaction—an almost joyful resonance from her martial soul.
The mantis stopped twitching. From its body, a yellow soul ring slowly rose.
Ye Xi immediately sat cross-legged and began using her soul power to draw the soul ring into herself, starting the absorption process.
Qian Daoliu, meanwhile, stayed close by, silently guarding her as she cultivated.
(End of Chapter)
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