The outskirts of the Shuijia residence.
Many of Shuiyue'er and Shuibing'er's clansmen had gathered here, all seeking refuge.
Among them was Ye Lingling, who had also emerged from the courtyard and knew a little about the situation.
"Grandfather, will he be alright?" Ye Lingling murmured, her voice tinged with worry.
Her grandfather was a Soul Douluo, but as a support-type Soul Master, his combat ability was practically negligible. Staying behind to block that terrifying green mist—could something go wrong?
If Ye Renxin were a battle-type Soul Master, she wouldn't be so worried. But a support-type Soul Master was just that—support.
Had anyone ever seen someone charge into battle wielding a Nine Heart Begonia Martial Soul?
It was as unthinkable as someone using the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda to smash a spirit beast. That wouldn't be called support anymore.
"The poison mist still hasn't been cleared?"
A sudden voice snapped Ye Lingling out of her thoughts.
"Qian Renxue?" Looking at the golden-haired woman with an air of unapproachable nobility, even the usually aloof Ye Lingling felt her own demeanor paled in comparison.
"Yes, the two elders from my family sensed something happening here and came to check," Qian Renxue said without hiding anything. "But it seems the area has been sealed off by a domain?"
"A domain… seal?" Ye Lingling wasn't very familiar with domains. She wasn't from a major clan.
Even though her lineage was unique, her knowledge couldn't compare to someone like Qian Renxue.
"Exactly. Exceptionally talented Soul Masters may comprehend a domain upon reaching Title Douluo. It's like a special energy field."
Just as Qian Renxue was about to explain further to Ye Lingling, a plump figure landed on the ground—one of the two Title Douluo she had brought with her, Title Douluo Ci Xue.
"Young lady, the domain we observed has disappeared."
"Oh, it's over?" Qian Renxue activated her soul rings and soared into the sky, with Ci Xue following closely behind.
The two arrived at She Long's position, only to find him in a standoff with a young girl.
"That person…"
Qian Renxue's pupils constricted sharply.
Though she couldn't hear what they were saying, if things escalated, it would be troublesome.
It was actually Tokisaki Kurumi.
Accelerating her flight, Qian Renxue quickly reached She Long's side, with Ci Xue arriving a step later.
"Miss Kurumi, may I ask why you're blocking us?" The situation hadn't yet reached a tense confrontation, and Qian Renxue let out a slight sigh of relief.
Tokisaki Kurumi was no ordinary existence. It was unclear just what level of Title Douluo she was.
But based on previous information and the intelligence recently relayed by Bibi Dong,
She likely possessed the ability to severely injure even a Level 99 Title Douluo.
If they accidentally provoked her, all three of them might end up dead here.
"Isn't this Miss Qian Renxue?"
"If not for today's events, I'd have thought you'd already left Tian Shui City."
"This…" Qian Renxue hesitated at Kurumi's question before replying, "The Spirit Hall is preparing to investigate the Extreme North, and we've already dispatched personnel."
"You're planning to enter the Extreme North?"
Qian Renxue didn't answer.
"Heh, as expected! Humans never learn to reflect on themselves. Greed might just kill you one day, you know?"
"Perhaps." Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't argue.
"Whatever. What you do has nothing to do with our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School." Kurumi could tell Qian Renxue was hiding something but didn't press further.
"The Shuijia family belongs to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. I hope the Spirit Hall knows where to draw the line." Kurumi's tone was indifferent.
"Are you threatening us?" Qian Renxue's delicate brows furrowed.
"Ah, just a friendly reminder."
Kurumi didn't mind the hostility in the other's tone. "In any case, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has no intention of opposing the Spirit Hall."
"Of course, if it comes to that, we have our own cards to play."
"Today's matter is over, Miss Qian Renxue. Overthinking isn't good for your skin—you should go rest."
With that, Kurumi's figure gradually faded until she disappeared entirely.
"How arrogant! Does the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School really think they're something special?" Ci Xue's face darkened, his plump cheeks twitching.
Qian Renxue remained silent for a long moment, staring at the spot where Kurumi had vanished before sighing. "Let's go back. We'll deal with this another time."
"Young lady, what about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the matters in the Extreme North? We—"
"Safety comes first. The situation in the Extreme North can be handled later. By then, we'll see whether the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is truly formidable or just bluffing."
Not long ago, spies lurking in the Star Luo Empire had sent back news.
The Clear Sky School would announce its return to the world in two weeks.
"A storm is coming…" Qian Renxue glanced one last time at the courtyard where the poison mist had originated, then flapped her angelic wings and turned to leave.
She Long and Ci Xue exchanged glances, unsure whether to continue their investigation.
With Qian Renxue gone and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's stance unclear, they ultimately followed her.
...
Time passed swiftly.
Ye Lingling also learned from her grandfather that their family had joined the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Of course, she only knew the result—certain details of the process were omitted.
But it was still enough to shock her repeatedly.
"Grandfather, didn't you say we wouldn't join any sect?" Ye Lingling's eyes widened. The information Ye Renxin revealed was nothing short of a bolt from the blue.
Damn, even you joined?
All these years, you've been making me refuse Dugu Yan's invitations—what's the point if you surrender first?
"Ah, Lingling, times have changed," Ye Renxin said earnestly.
"We've caught the attention of both Xue Qinghe and Qian Renxue. If we align with either, it'll be difficult to protect ourselves."
Xue Qinghe wasn't the Snowy Emperor. Given the Nine Heart Begonia's enhancement effects on armies, Xue Qinghe would hardly let them go.
The same went for Qian Renxue. Rather than being left with no choice later, it was better to accept Young Master Ning's offer and join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Besides, with Dugu Bo there, Ye Renxin was familiar with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's inner workings. Even Xue Qinghe wouldn't be able to say much about it.
As for the Spirit Hall… surely they couldn't interfere with independent cultivators joining a sect, right?
"Grandfather, I feel like you're just making excuses," Ye Lingling said suspiciously.
"Actually, joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School isn't so bad," Dugu Yan chimed in. "Lingling, do you know what my soul power level is now?"
"What?"
Ye Lingling was momentarily caught off guard.
"Level 59. If I wanted, I could reach Level 60 anytime—maybe even obtain a soul ring right away and become a Soul Emperor."
Ye Lingling turned and scrutinized Dugu Yan.
"Yanyan, is this what you meant by 'just a little stronger' than me?"
After joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Dugu Yan had never disclosed her soul power level.
She claimed the sect wanted to keep it confidential, planning to make a stunning revelation two and a half years later.
Since it was a secret, Ye Lingling hadn't pressed further.
But calling this "just a little stronger" was downright ridiculous.
"Lingling, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has special medicinal baths and plenty of spiritual herbs for cultivation. On top of that, I'm Dugu Bo's granddaughter from the Alchemy Pavilion—of course I'd have access to good stuff."
"Lingling, join us!"