Qian Renxue did not punish Salas, at least, not yet. She tucked the matter away in the recesses of her mind, not out of mercy, but out of restraint. She was keenly aware of her own limitations. Though her soul power had reached the level of a Soul Ancestor, her influence on the world was still tethered by the invisible chains of strength and status.
She was no savior brimming with boundless idealism. She did not suffer from the naive delusions like a Mary Sue who believed she could right every wrong with a wave of her hand. This world was twisted, its morality probably in gutters, and she could not bear every grievance upon her shoulders.
Ghost Douluo, seated silently beside her, looked slightly unsettled. He hadn't quite grasped what had transpired. He had only felt a surge of mental power from young master, which was very silent and hidden. The reason he could grasp it because as a Titled Douluo he also had high mental strength , but even then he could only glimpse a silver of mental strength which had become hidden again. One moment, a candle flickered between them, and the next, Salas had been speaking truths as if bewitched.
When Salas finally blinked and came back to his senses, Qian Renxue having already withdrawn her Beyonder abilities, he seemed to have no memory of his moment of vulnerability.
"Salas," she said softly, her voice neither commanding nor casual, "can you prepare a quiet room? I will remain at this branch for a few nights. I do not wish to be disturbed."
Salas beamed, entirely unaware of what had just happened. "Of course! Young master, it is our honor to have you stay here!"
Without delay, arrangements were made. Qian Renxue and Ghost Douluo were offered private accommodations suited to their rank, with extra measures taken to ensure their seclusion.
---
In the guest room...
While the Spirit Hall branch's guest quarters lacked the luxury and grandeur of her private chambers in the capital, they were far from uncomfortable. The room was warm, quiet, and dignified in its simplicity.
Qian Renxue sat on the edge of the bed, her golden hair illuminated faintly by the lamp's soft glow. She closed her eyes and began to meditate, folding her legs into a lotus position as soul energy gently stirred around her.
Time passed in stillness.
After several hours, she exhaled and opened her eyes, a subtle sigh escaping her lips.
'It's slowing down,' she thought. 'Ever since I broke through to Soul Ancestor, Level 42, the growth has dulled.'
As someone born with the rare gift of level 20 innate full spirit power, she had always felt the surge of soul energy whenever she entered meditation. It was as if her cultivation had once been a flowing stream.
But now, the stream had narrowed into a trickle.
'At this pace... it would take me at least three years to reach Level 50.'
Her brow furrowed slightly, but there was no panic. The road ahead was long, and time waited for no one. Still, she could not shake the sense that every wasted day was a day stolen from the future she needed to shape.
She clenched her fists softly in her lap.
'Three years is too long.'
Qian Renxue couldn't allow that. As if deep in thought, she made a decision.
With a flash of light, a jade box appeared in front of her from her space soul guide.
She opened it, revealing an eight-petal orchid. The petals trembled slightly, entirely lustrous snow-white, exuding a noble and virtuous aura. A strong orchid fragrance wafted out, clearing the heart and brightening the soul, the scent penetrating deep into one's spirit and invigorating the senses.
This was an immortal herb known as the -Eight Petal Immortal Orchid.
To preserve its potency, it must be picked using gold and stored in a jade box. Its long-lasting medicinal effects strengthened the user's foundation and expelled impurities. It was chosen specifically to complement the slow cultivation speed of a food system auxiliary spirit master, with effects lasting until the consumer reached the seventieth rank.
Originally in the story of Douluo Dalu 1, this herb had been consumed by Oscar to stabilize and enhance his foundation. It had also helped him leap forward by five levels. He was a weak food type soul master who could only dream to catch up with his other teammates , this herb had actually made his dream come true.
Then, with another flash of light, a second box appeared. Inside was a white flower, glowing with a gem-like luster, spotless and pure, like a blue lotus with white roots.
It was another immortal herb: Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone.
To properly absorb this herb only the petals should be consumed, followed by sucking the stamen. Its function was to soften the muscles and mend bones, clearing the eight extraordinary meridians.
This herb was originally taken by Zhu Zhuqing, and it had helped her rise by seven levels. She who had been fighting for her fate in the original storyline improved her talent by taking this Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone. But in the end she still came together with Dai Mubai, who had actually run away and left her alone to fend for herself.
Qian Renxue gazed at the two herbs resting before her. Their auras pulsed faintly in the dim room, each radiating a quiet, sacred presence. The Eight Petal Immortal Orchid's pristine fragrance cleansed the very air around her, while the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone shimmered with a serene inner light, as though its purity rejected the worldly filth.
She had kept them hidden for a long time.
-----
Author notes: Rejoice, because Arc 2 will end tomorrow.