Chapter 2: Sisters and the Martial Soul Awakening
While the two elders inside the hall were busy comforting Qian Ningshuang over her sigh, Qian Renxue had already reached the gates of the Douluo Hall.
She quickly smoothed her hair, channeled a bit of soul power to flush her cheeks pink, and strode inside—breathing heavily, as if exhausted. Climbing a mountain shouldn't tire a Soul King like her, but she figured a sweaty, disheveled entrance wouldn't do. A little theatrical fatigue, however? That was perfect.
After all, as her little sister once said: "Occasional small tricks are good for maintaining affection."
"Xiao Shuang! It's been two years—have you missed your big sister?"
Her voice rang out before she even stepped fully into the hall.
The Douluo Hall was vast, yet Qian Ningshuang heard her instantly. Though they hadn't seen or spoken to each other in two years, that voice was unmistakable. Without thinking, she bolted toward the sound.
But before she could take more than a few steps, a golden-haired girl with brilliant blue eyes appeared right in front of her.
Qian Ningshuang's heart leapt—should she tackle her sister in tears? Or stand awkwardly, overwhelmed?
Then she saw Qian Renxue bent over, hands on her knees, panting dramatically.
She immediately turned her head away with an exasperated huff.
Tian E and Qian Daoliu exchanged glances, utterly unimpressed. They'd seen every bit of Qian Renxue's "performance" from the courtyard.
"My dear sister," Qian Ningshuang said dryly, "last letter you sent claimed you were nearly breaking through to Soul Emperor. So tell me—which nearly-Soul-Emperor gets winded from climbing a single mountain? Even the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect's support Soul Masters wouldn't collapse like that!"
At the familiar teasing, Qian Renxue dropped the act instantly. She straightened up, breathing perfectly normal, and sauntered over to pinch Qian Ningshuang's cheeks.
"But Xiao Shuang, you're the one who said little tricks help nurture bonds! What's wrong with a bit of acting? Couldn't you at least run over and hug me—pretend to be moved that I exhausted myself just to see you? Two years apart, and you've already stopped loving your sister! Though… I am happy my once-dopey little Shuang'er has grown so clever."
"Wah! Stahp! You're squishing my face! And don't rub your cheek on mine—Grandfather and Second Grandfather are watching! Have you no shame?!"
Qian Ningshuang swatted away the offending hands—only for Qian Renxue to scoop her up and nuzzle her face into her golden hair like an overenthusiastic cat owner.
After a deep inhale, Qian Renxue finally set her down, satisfied. "Ah… sister energy replenished."
She studied Qian Ningshuang's expression—the pout on her lips, the warmth in her eyes—and smiled. Ah, so this was what her sister called "tsundere."
Besides, hadn't Xiao Shuang also said that leaving little flaws in your act—so the other person can playfully call you out—was the best way to deepen affection?
This move? She was operating on another level entirely.
"Grandfather, Second Grandfather—long time no see," Qian Renxue said, straightening her posture and taking Qian Ningshuang's hand. She had much to discuss with her grandfather upon returning to Spirit Hall, but now wasn't the time.
Qian Daoliu looked at the tall, poised young woman beside the petite, bright-eyed girl—and smiled with quiet pride.
"Now that you're here, Xue'er, you'll perform Shuang'er's Awakening."
"Of course." Qian Renxue turned to her sister. "Come here, Xiao Shuang."
"Wait—you can do it?" Qian Ningshuang gaped. "Don't you need that black stone? A formation? Isn't this too casual? Where's the ceremony?!"
She'd resigned herself to having some random Soul Master like Su Yuntao handle it—after all, dragging him all the way from Nuo Ding City to Spirit Hall City was impractical.
She could've accepted a Limit Douluo or Super Douluo. But her airheaded sister? What if something went wrong?!
"Did you even read those library books?" Qian Renxue flicked her forehead. "Awakening is just guiding soul power into the body to trigger the martial soul. Only weak or unskilled Soul Masters need black obsidian and formations. I'm a 59th-level Soul King with an Angel martial soul—what could possibly go wrong? And doing it beneath the Angel Ancestor's statue isn't solemn enough for you? So many questions. Right hand—now!"
"Fine, fine," Qian Ningshuang grumbled, though she obediently held out her hand. "I was just testing you. You remembered well."
Qian Renxue ignored the sass, grasped her wrist, and activated her martial soul.
Behind her, six radiant wings unfurled—the Angel martial soul glowing with divine grace. Her entire presence softened, exuding serenity and holiness.
Qian Ningshuang stared, awestruck. She might mock Douluo Continent as "cultivation floor-tile fiction," but seeing martial souls in person never failed to amaze her.
Now, she wondered: which of her "cheat items" would manifest? The Genesis Key—Black Abyss White Bloom? The Saint Sword Youlan Dair? Or one of the signature lances?
"Focus," Qian Renxue chided gently. "Calm your mind. I'm starting."
Qian Ningshuang stilled.
Warmth flooded her body, soothing every nerve. Then, deep within, something shattered—and all that energy surged toward her palm.
The two elders froze.
Hovering above Qian Ningshuang's hand was a knightly lance: white shaft, black hilt, outer engravings intricate and glowing, inner core shimmering violet, tip sharp and obsidian-black.
And with it came an overwhelming wave of pure life energy.
Their old battle wounds—hidden scars from youth—began to heal. Not just "seem to." They were truly mending.
Stunned, Qian Daoliu and Tian E locked eyes. They'd expected a top-tier martial soul—maybe even divine-grade.
But this? When Qian Renxue awakened her divine Angel martial soul, it hadn't affected anyone else!
Qian Renxue, meanwhile, beamed with pure joy. She'd never cared about her sister's talent—her own 20-rank先天 soul power was enough to protect Xiao Shuang forever.
But now, feeling that life energy, she realized: her sister's potential surpassed even hers. And that filled her with nothing but happiness.
Qian Ningshuang glanced at their stunned, delighted faces, then firmly grasped the lance floating above her palm.
She exhaled in relief.
She'd known she had Bianca's template, but Douluo Continent was the kind of place where even a dump truck could kill a God Sovereign. Just getting Atagina or Heler would've been a miracle.
But Black Abyss White Bloom? Perfect.
And… she'd sensed something else within her, too.