Nan Feihuang had no clue about Qian Renxue's wild thoughts—how she'd started considering turning him into a loyal "dog".
Still, he felt an urge to clear his name. He couldn't let this woman get the wrong idea and label him as some shameless pervert.
"Uh, Miss Qian Renxue, actually, I—"
"You don't need to keep addressing me so formally." Qian Renxue interrupted, smiling softly. "After what we've been through, I'd say we're more like comrades in life and death. I'm a bit older than you, so if you don't mind, just call me 'Sister.'"
"...Sister?" Nan Feihuang paused, slightly taken aback. Why the sudden warmth?
But he wasn't slow on the uptake. His sharp mind quickly pieced it together.
"So that's her game," he thought, smirking inwardly. "She's trying to PUA me, isn't she? I bet she's realized I once mentioned my ideal type being her exact style. Clever. She wants to gain my admiration as Xue Qinghe and my affection as Qian Renxue. Combine the two identities later, and she thinks I'll be completely hers."
Though her ploy was clear to him, Nan Feihuang wasn't one to shy away from a challenge. You want to play this game? Fine. I'll play along.
Feigning bashfulness, he scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Are you sure? Isn't that… a bit too familiar?"
Qian Renxue chuckled, seeing right through what she thought was his "timid crush." She found it amusing—and flattering. So this kid really does like me. How adorable.
"What's there to hesitate about?" she said with a gentle smile. "You saved my life. From now on, call me Snow Sister. And I'll just call you Feihuang—how about that?"
Nan Feihuang nodded quickly, putting on an excited expression like a boy whose idol had just praised him. "Of course! That would be great, Snow Sister! Please guide me from now on."
His earnest display seemed to confirm Qian Renxue's assumptions. Internally, she laughed. Perfect. Everything's going exactly as planned.
---
The next morning, Qian Renxue was in slightly better condition. Though her spirit was refreshed after a night of rest, her physical injuries remained severe. She still couldn't use her soul power, nor could she move her broken leg.
But staying in the cave wasn't an option. They needed to leave and find safety.
"Feihuang, come in," Qian Renxue called.
Nan Feihuang had spent the night outside the cave. He'd done so partly out of respect for boundaries and partly to stand guard.
Qian Renxue appreciated his thoughtfulness. Though she hadn't said it aloud, her opinion of him had improved yet again.
Hearing her call, Nan Feihuang entered and crouched beside her. "Snow Sister, how are you feeling?"
"Much better," she replied. "But we can't stay here. I can't move on my own, so I'll need you to carry me. Don't worry—I can still use my mental power to sense nearby dangers and guide our path."
Nan Feihuang nodded without hesitation. "Understood. Come on, Snow Sister, I'll carry you."
He crouched down with his back to her.
Qian Renxue climbed onto his back. Despite his young age, Nan Feihuang's tall and sturdy frame made it easy for him to carry her. His movements were steady and without awkwardness.
They left the cave together, with Qian Renxue using her mental power to scan their surroundings.
"Turn right," she instructed. "Don't go left—there are several life signs that might be ten-thousand-year soul beasts."
"Got it," Nan Feihuang replied, adjusting his course accordingly.
As they progressed, Qian Renxue stretched out her hand to carve Spirit Hall's secret symbols into nearby trees. These markings would serve as a trail for her protectors to follow if they came looking.
---
Meanwhile, back at Spirit Hall, Porcupinefish Douluo knelt anxiously in the Supreme Pontiff's Hall. He had bypassed Bibi Dong entirely and gone straight to the worship hall to report to the Seven Enshrined Elders.
In front of him, the elders sat in their towering seats, their expressions a mix of calm authority and concern.
"What? Little Snow is missing?" The fifth elder, a short but youthful-looking man with silver hair, leapt to his feet. His voice trembled with a mix of fury and worry. "You useless fool! As a Title Douluo, you couldn't even protect her? What's the point of your existence?"
The temperature in the room dropped sharply with his rising anger.
"Calm yourself, Fifth." The first elder, Qian Daoliu, waved a hand to ease the tension. His commanding presence immediately restored order. "This isn't entirely Porcupinefish Douluo's fault. From what he described, the soul beast they encountered isn't an ordinary ten-thousand-year beast. Based on its strength, it's likely a legendary beast—one with at least five hundred thousand years of cultivation. It's a miracle they escaped at all. Stand, Porcupinefish."
"Thank you, Great Worship," Porcupinefish Douluo said, sweat dripping down his brow as he stood. "I deeply regret failing my duty. But now I fear for the young mistress's safety. With no other options, I've come to beg for the Worship Hall's assistance."
Qian Daoliu nodded solemnly. "Your decision was correct. Don't worry—Little Snow is still alive. Although she hasn't yet begun the Angelic God trials, she's already under the Angel God's watch. If anything truly dire happened to her, I would have received a warning."
It was this divine connection that kept Qian Daoliu calm. He understood better than anyone that panic would only worsen the situation.
"What should we do, Great Worship?" asked the second elder, Golden Crocodile Douluo.
"I will personally lead the rescue." Qian Daoliu's tone left no room for debate. "If this soul beast is as powerful as reported, only I have the strength to confront it. Fifth, you will come with me. The rest of you, maintain order here while we are gone."
The fifth elder, Bright Feathers Douluo, stepped forward eagerly. "Great Worship, thank you! I couldn't sit still without knowing Snow's fate."
The relationship between Bright Feathers Douluo and Qian Renxue was unique. Despite being her senior, he had been her closest companion during her lonely childhood—a mix of mentor and playmate. To him, she was both a granddaughter and a cherished friend.
Qian Daoliu nodded. "Very well. Let us depart immediately. Second Elder, I leave the Worship Hall in your care."
"Yes, Great Worship!" Golden Crocodile Douluo responded firmly.
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