Luan Feng arrived at the medical camp with Shu Qiu by her side.
On one of the beds lay a young girl. She had soft, wavy auburn hair tied back with a delicate ribbon. Her large, expressive eyes glimmered with a mixture of sadness and vulnerability, faint tears still clinging to her cheeks. Her pale complexion gave her an almost ethereal quality, though it was marred by a slight flush from her injuries. A faint bruise peeked out from the edge of her clothing, hinting at the trauma she had endured. Her small frame appeared fragile as she lay there, her expression a silent plea for comfort and reassurance.
Luan Feng gazed at the girl with an unreadable expression. She had seen countless children left orphaned by war and strife—many of the girls in her Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion had similar stories. This was no different.
Yet, as her thoughts turned to Xue, the boy she had been raising alone, a flicker of hope crossed her mind. Xue needed companions close to his age, people who could walk beside him as he grew. Perhaps this girl could serve that purpose.
She didn't doubt Xue's potential. He was smart, mature, and brimming with promise. If he had truly came from the sky in that radiant light, there was no chance he would be useless. But even if the girl proved talented in her own right, Luan Feng considered it a bonus—what better way to secure Xue's future than by creating a capable companion for him? And if Xue wasn't interested, she could teach this girl herself. After all, who better to learn from than a Level 9 Soul Engineer and a Level 94 Titled Douluo?
With that thought in mind, Luan Feng approached the girl and checked her condition.
"Girl, let me introduce myself. I am Luan Feng, Commander of the Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion. What's your name?"
The girl on the bed turned her tired eyes toward Luan Feng but didn't respond. She didn't have the energy to speak. Pain and resentment filled her heart. What had these legions been doing when her hometown was destroyed? Where were they when her parents were killed?
Seeing her reluctance, Luan Feng softened her tone. "I understand you might be blaming us and 'Duke White Tiger' for what happened to your hometown," she began gently. "But believe me, we didn't receive any warning of the attack, despite all our detection tools. I suspect there might have been a traitor involved. Now, we're doing everything we can to strike back. We won't defeat Duke White Tiger overnight, but..."
Her voice became more persuasive as she continued, "I can teach you. You could take revenge yourself one day, if you become strong enough. It doesn't matter if you're an Auxiliary-type Soul Master—Soul Engineering doesn't discriminate. You can wield power, shape your destiny, and ensure justice for those you've lost."
As Luan Feng spoke, she gently caressed the girl's hair, a rare gesture of kindness. Her words were calculated but sincere. She emphasized the role of Duke White Tiger, subtly redirecting the girl's potential grudge away from her own legion. There were still questions to be answered—how had a town under the jurisdiction of two of the Empire's most powerful legions been attacked so easily? But for now, all she could do was give the girl a reason to keep going, a goal to overcome her grief.
If the girl had talent, Luan Feng wouldn't mind grooming her to eventually take over the Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion. She was old, after all, and needed a successor. Though the Royal Family would undoubtedly send someone if she retired, she preferred to shape the future of her legion herself—at least until Xue grew up. And if this girl became his companion, perhaps even his sister in spirit, it would make her efforts worthwhile.
The girl's eyes, which had been dull moments before, sparked with anger at the mention of Duke White Tiger. Images of his face flashed in her mind, fueling a fire she hadn't felt before.
Her voice trembled as she finally spoke. "Can you really teach me?"
"Yes, but my teaching is strict, and you must follow my instructions properly," Luan Feng said, her tone firm yet encouraging. Seeing the girl finally respond, she allowed herself a faint smile. Perhaps her words had begun to work. "Now, before we go further, tell me—what's your name?"
"My name is Ju Zi," the girl replied softly, her voice tinged with sadness. Despite the prospect of a teacher, her face betrayed no real joy.
"Ju Zi, from this moment on, you are my disciple," Luan Feng declared. She paused briefly, considering whether to offer a gift to mark the occasion. Deciding against it for now, she added, "Rest for now. By tomorrow morning, your injuries will be healed. After that, I'll take you to the Imperial Capital. On the way, I'll begin teaching you. And if you decide to join the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, I will support you."
Without giving Ju Zi time to respond, she retrieved a small box from her soul tool and opened it to reveal a root with two delicate leaves. It exuded a soft, soothing soul power. Handing it to Ju Zi, she said, "This is a Soul Soothing Root Leaf. It will help you relax and ensure a restful sleep. When you wake, your injuries will be healed. Think of this as the start of a new day."
Luan Feng's gentle smile accompanied the offering. Ju Zi stared at the herb, uncertain whether to consume it or not.
"Don't worry," Luan Feng reassured her. "Consider this my way of accepting you as my disciple."
With Luan Feng's persuasion, Ju Zi hesitated no longer. She chewed the herb, feeling its warmth spread through her body. A gentle wave of soul power enveloped her, and before long, she drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Luan Feng let out a quiet sigh of relief and turned to Shu Qiu, her expression shifting to one of seriousness. "I don't want news of me accepting a disciple to spread, not yet. It would cause too much attention, especially considering my position in the Sun Moon Empire. Additionally, I need you to investigate whether there truly is a traitor in our ranks. Be discreet. Do not alert anyone. If the enemy is weaker than you, capture them. If it's a Titled Douluo, inform me immediately."
Shu Qiu saluted crisply, her eyes filled with determination. "Don't worry, Commander. I'll find out the truth."
"Good." Luan Feng nodded approvingly. "Once Ju Zi has healed, I'll take her to the Imperial Capital with Xue. Perhaps being in the capital will help ease her pain."
Stepping outside, Luan Feng gazed into the distance, her thoughts a swirling mix of concern and resolve.