The sound of light footsteps echoed down the hallway of Spirit Hall as a young girl, no more than thirteen, walked with a natural grace that seemed far beyond her years.
Her golden hair cascaded around her shoulders, catching the warm glow of the lanterns lining the walls.
Her face, though still holding the softness of childhood, was extremely beautiful.
Though only a child, she possessed elegance and maturity.
A soft sigh escaped Qian Renxue's lips. "Haa... another preaching session with Grandfather. He is really devoting himself to the Angel God."
Her grandfather, Qian Daoliu, was one of the most powerful figures in the Spirit Hall, a man wholly dedicated to the faith of the Angel God.
To him, Qian Renxue was not just his beloved granddaughter; she was the chosen one, the heir to the Angel lineage.
This heavy mantle, bestowed upon her from birth, was one she had borne without complaint but not without frustration.
As she walked, her mind replayed the endless lessons and sermons she endured.
The Angel God's will, the duties of the heir, the responsibilities of leading Spirit Hall... every detail drilled into her mind.
'You must be perfect,' her grandfather would often say.
As she walked toward her quarters, her mind was preoccupied with the details of her training and the meticulous plans she had been crafting for some months.
At this time, she remembered something...
She had heard whispers among the maids earlier that day.
Her mother, Bibi Dong, had taken a new disciple... a boy with twin martial spirits.
The rumor had spread quickly, and some of the younger maids had been openly gushing about how "adorable" he was.
As she neared her room, something unusual caught her eye.
A figure stood by her door... a boy, no older than seven.
His small body was clad in simple yet finely made robes, and he had pure white hair that shimmered under the warm lantern light.
'Is that him? The new disciple?' Qian Renxue thought, her steps slowing slightly as she approached.
When she reached closer, he must have sensed her presence because he turned his head to look at her.
The moment their eyes met, Qian Renxue felt her breath hitch.
For the first time in years, Qian Renxue found herself momentarily at a loss.
His appearance was adorable, as they say, a rare blend of purity and elegance that made him seem far removed from the mundane world.
She composed herself quickly, keeping her expression neutral, though the flicker of surprise lingered in her mind. "You must be the new disciple... I presume."
The boy blinked, then offered a polite smile. "Hello," he said, his voice carrying a refined elegance that belied his young age. "My name is Xuan Yan. And I am indeed the new disciple. May I ask who this lady is?"
Qian Renxue raised a brow, noting the slight formality in his tone.
'He's well-mannered,' she thought, a hint of approval crossing her mind. "Qian Renxue," she replied evenly.
The boy's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. "Qian Renxue?".
A faint smile curled her lips as she explained, "I'm the previous Pope's daughter. Bibi Dong... your teacher is my mother."
Xuan Yan was genuinely surprised and asked "Teacher's daughter? W-When did she have a daughter? Wait..When did she even get married? What?"
Amusement flickered in Qian Renxue's chest at his confusion, though she didn't let it show outwardly.
She gave a slight nod. "It seems she didn't mention me to you. I am not her actual daughter. Well, she has been taking care of me since I was young... so yeah, she is like a mother to me." she muttered, folding her arms lightly.
Xuan Yan exhaled and ran a hand through his hair, "She didn't tell me about you..." he replied with a faint chuckle.
"I assumed she…" He trailed off, shaking his head. "Never mind. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Qian Renxue."
"Likewise," Qian Renxue replied, her voice steady as she extended a hand toward him.
He hesitated for a fraction of a second before taking it.
As their hands touched, Qian Renxue couldn't help but take a closer look at him.
His demeanor was calm, which really intrigued her 'So young, yet already so composed. He'll be an interesting addition to Spirit Hall.'
Xuan Yan released her hand and glanced at the door behind her. "This is your room, I presume? I apologize for lingering here. I was simply… exploring the halls and ended up here without realizing it."
"Exploring, hmm?" Qian Renxue said with a faint smirk, though there was no malice in her tone.
"It's understandable. The Spirit Hall can be a labyrinth for someone new. But if you're going to wander aimlessly, try not to stand in front of people's rooms."
Xuan yan laughed softly "Noted. I'll be more mindful next time."
There was a pause, a moment of silence where neither of them spoke, though the air was not uncomfortable.
Finally, Qian Renxue stepped aside and opened the door to her room. "Since you're already here, would you care to join me for tea? I'd like to know more about my mother's new disciple."
Xuan Yan blinked, clearly surprised by the invitation, but he quickly recovered and gave a small bow. "It would be my honor."
As they entered the room, Xuan Yan glanced around in wonder at the enormous room, neatly arranges selves, a large bed at the center and a couch and table at the side.
"Come, sit..."
Qian Renxue gestured him to the couch and sat beside him.
Xuan Yan nodded and sat down.
Qian Renxue followed, sitting beside him with a grace befitting her. She maintained a polite distance but leaned slightly toward him, curiosity evident in her posture.
A faint smile played on her lips as she glanced at him. "I've heard about your… exploits in the Academy. Fufu, they say you left quite the impression on your first day."
Xuan Yan smiled dryly in his heart 'Seems like the news reached her too.'
Xuan Yan just chuckled and she mused, "But seeing the polite boy sitting beside me, I find it hard to believe you're the same person who left a senior beaten black and blue."
Xuan Yan glanced at her and, to her surprise, raised his arm, flexing his nonexistent biceps with a playful smile. "Even though I look like a soft rice, I'm actually very strong!"
Qian Renxue couldn't help but giggle. "Is that so?" she replied, her tone faintly mocking.
"Shall we test that strength? Let's see who's stronger between us."
-_- Xuan Yan stared at her blankly for a moment, "Miss Qian Renxue," he began slowly, as if trying to reason with a particularly stubborn child, "you're older than me, and you want to fight me? Seriously?"
He let out a dramatic sigh, shaking his head helplessly, his white hair swaying with the motion. "It seems like everyone these days wants to bully a weak child like me," he lamented.
"Challenging me to fights, no less. How cruel."
Qian Renxue blinked at his response before a soft chuckle escaped her lips.
That chuckle quickly turned into a full-blown laugh, her melodious voice echoing through the room. "Pfft! Hahaha! You're quite the actor, Xuan Yan," she said, struggling to contain her amusement.
"I didn't expect you to be this dramatic."
Despite her laughter, Xuan Yan maintained his melancholy expression, "I'm just speaking the truth, Miss Qian Renxue," he said, his voice mournful.
"How am I supposed to defend myself against someone as powerful as you? It's unfair, really."
She waved a hand dismissively, still smiling. "Alright, alright, I get it," she said, her tone lighter now.
"I'm not actually trying to bully you."
Her smile softened, and she tilted her head, her golden locks cascading over her shoulder. "I'm just… curious."
Xuan Yan raised an eyebrow, still keeping his act. "Curious about what? My tragic life as a poor, bullied disciple?"
Qian Renxue rolled her eyes, though the amusement in her expression didn't fade. "No, your martial spirits. That's why I asked you for a fight. I want to see them in action."
At that, Xuan Yan straightened slightly, his playful demeanor replaced by a hint of seriousness. "My martial spirits?"
She nodded, leaning forward slightly, "Yes, twin martial spirits are incredibly rare. I'm curious to see them as other than you; only my mother has twin martial spirits."
Xuan Yan tilted his head. "And you think fighting me will give you the answers you're looking for?"
Qian Renxue shrugged, "It's the fastest way to understand someone's strength. A person's true self comes out in battle."
He tilted his head, considering her words. "I suppose that's true,"
"But isn't it a bit unfair? You're older, more experienced, and undoubtedly stronger than me."
She smiled faintly "So you're saying you'll lose?" she asked, her voice teasing.
Xuan Yan sighed again, "I didn't say that; I'm just pointing out the obvious. But if you're so determined to test me, who am I to refuse?"
Qian Renxue's smile widened, and she leaned back slightly, crossing her arms once more. "Good answer,"
"But don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're younger."
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!