Chapter 83: The Psychology of Control
Qian Xunji, Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo, and even Ah Yin—whose belly was already slightly rounded from a month-long pregnancy—had no trouble at all dealing with these Wolf Raiders. If they wanted to, they could wipe them out in a single move.
But Qian Renxue couldn't. She wielded a soul power-formed longsword, and even then could only manage one kill per strike.
Sensing their comrades dying, the Wolf Raiders grew more frenzied. Their eyes turned blood-red, and they dropped to all fours, their speed soaring, unleashing their bestial nature. Their limbs sprouted three-inch claws, and their strong muscles propelled them like wild beasts.
Some Wolf Raiders, seeing an opening, unleashed their innate soul skill—Wind Blades—from glowing green hands.
In response, Qian Renxue activated her second soul ring. Purple light flared beneath her feet, and golden soul power formed a radiant shield in her hand.
"Second Soul Skill—Angel Assault!"
With a swing of her arm, the shield dissolved two wind blades and knocked three charging Wolf Raiders flying. Their chests caved in, blood spurting from their mouths—none would survive.
Though only at Soul Elder level, Qian Renxue fought like a Soul King. After using a thousand-year soul skill and engaging in battle for some time, she'd slain around twenty enemies—but her soul power was already half depleted.
She slashed at another Wolf Raider's fur-covered torso, gritting her teeth as she cleaved it in half. Blood and entrails splattered everywhere, staining her elegant dress—filling her with disgust and rage.
"Xue'er, watch out!"
Ah Yin shouted. Qian Renxue had been distracted, and a Wolf Raider seized the chance. Its sharp claws swiped toward her exposed back.
At the last second, a golden whip wrapped around the creature's claw. Qian Xunji flicked his fingers and hurled the beast dozens of meters away.
"Daddy!"
Qian Xunji appeared at her side. "Xue'er, listen. Soul Masters are categorized into five types: Power Attack, Agility Attack, Control, Defense, and Support."
"Remember what Daddy told you? Every powerful martial soul has a weakness. Most of them originate from soul beasts—which means they share soul beasts' weaknesses."
"Gale Demon Wolves, while well-rounded and flightless, still have biological weak points like any creature."
Qian Xunji tapped his toe and spun gracefully, his golden whip extending endlessly, dazzling the Wolf Raiders. In the next moment, screams of agony erupted—their eyes were burst by the lashing light.
Another flick, and the whip pierced into their throats through their gaping mouths.
"Daddy… that's…"
Qian Renxue was taken aback by his methods. Targeting the eyes? Attacking the throat? It felt dirty, even disgraceful.
"Xue'er, in a battle of life and death, survival is all that matters. Don't preach honor to your enemies—especially not to beasts. Erase them. Let them feed the soil. That's their highest value."
Following Qian Xunji's lead, Qian Renxue dove back in. Her angelic wings granted unmatched speed, and her blade now aimed at vital points—eyes, noses, mouths, hearts. Her kill count skyrocketed, with far less effort.
Qian Xunji nodded slightly. But behind him, a green blur shot forward. A Wolf Raider, fur colored jade-green and walking on four limbs, looked more wolf than man. Its soul power far exceeded the others—approaching or surpassing most Soul Emperors. With its cloaking aura, even Soul Saints could be ambushed.
But its stealth meant nothing against Qian Xunji's spiritual perception. With a single movement, he caught it by the throat and lifted it.
"A soul beast on par with a Soul Emperor, even more atavistic in bloodline than the others. What a shame… You'd have been a great training partner for Xue'er if you were weaker."
Qian Xunji clenched his fist, crushing its throat with a crack.
Meanwhile, Tang Yuehua cowered inside the carriage, barely breathing. She'd heard of Wolf Raiders—nightmares in human form. But with such strong protectors around, and having signed a deal to pay thirty percent of Moon Pavilion's income yearly, she wasn't worried about her safety.
CRACK!
A Wind Blade tore through the reinforced carriage wall. Tang Yuehua turned in horror as two claws reached through the hole. With one wrench, a wall was ripped open, and a monstrous green Wolf Raider burst in.
With a terrifying snarl, it lunged—mouth wide, ready to bite off her head.
"AHHH—!"
Tang Yuehua screamed, paralyzed with fear. The beast's giant maw snapped inches from her face, missing somehow. Saliva sprayed her cheeks as it roared, the stench making her gag.
This scene would put any horror movie to shame—and she was living it.
Tang Yuehua, a noblewoman who'd lived in luxury all her life, had never experienced anything like this. Her brain overloaded with panic, and she fainted on the spot. A wet patch spread down her inner thigh.
Just as she passed out, a golden light enveloped the Wolf Raider and flung it aside—exploding it into a mist of blood.
Naturally, Qian Xunji had acted. He had spotted the threat the moment it emerged. In his eyes, Tang Yuehua was a golden goose—potentially worth as much as a "Bibi Dong-level" deal.
Letting a Wolf Raider kill her? Waste of planning and mental energy.
But Qian Xunji also knew Tang Yuehua was cunning. To squeeze her full value, subtle manipulation was needed. That's why he delayed killing the creature—to scare her, traumatize her, and trigger a complete mental collapse.
In psychology, it's called externalized emotional dependence. After enduring so much under Qian Xunji, Tang Yuehua would instinctively seek comfort and protection from the elders of the Clear Sky Sect.
And if those elders responded not with care, but with harsh blame and punishment?
That's when her entire emotional foundation would collapse—and Qian Xunji would strike, finishing his plan.
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