Chapter 26: Intent
"Sister,
It's been three months since my last letter, and three years, one month, and three days since we last saw each other.
Life in Spirit City remains the same—library, training ground, nothing new. If I had to mention something special, I've reached level 24, and with Sister Gu Yue Na and Ancestor's help, I can now fully conceal Bai Hua's life energy.
Nothing major's happened in the city. Grandfather still spends all day in Douluo Hall. Second Grandfather Tian E is still bickering with the Pope's Palace about the Holy Maiden issue—I'm convinced he's just bored and stirring up trouble for fun.
Speaking of Second Grandfather, thanks to Ancestor refining that 'soul core' method I mentioned, he's broken through to level 99. The very day he ascended, he dragged Grandfather Walter out to drink with the other Hall Elders. The next day, Grandfather Walter came back muttering that he couldn't wait to hit level 95 himself.
Uncle Di Tian's wounds are fully healed now. Every time he sees me, his eyes light up with such fanatical devotion it makes me uncomfortable.
Last week, Sister Tian Yue led a group of friends to cause trouble at Spirit Hall Academy—only to get dragged back and thrashed by Uncle Tian Chen. I'm sure she hasn't learned her lesson; she'll probably stir up something again in half a month.
About that Snow崩 impersonator you mentioned—his disguise is laughable. My advice? Don't waste time judging how fake it is. Just eliminate him as soon as possible.
Regarding the drought in northern Tian Dou—Sister, send trusted agents to oversee the relief efforts. Knowing that nest of corrupt officials, I can already guess what they'll do to the aid supplies.
Lastly, in a few months, you'll receive a surprise from me. What is it? Forgive me for keeping it secret for now."
Qian Ningshuang set down her brush, folded the letter, and watched the messenger pigeon soar toward Tian Dou City. Qian Ren Xue should receive it in a few days.
The letter was full of trivialities—rambling, disjointed thoughts. But that was how their correspondence always was.
"Shuang'er, dinner's ready."
Walter's voice called from outside. Before Qian Ren Xue left for Tian Dou, he'd handled all domestic matters for the sisters. Qian DaoLiu, a reclusive elder who never left Douluo Hall, certainly couldn't be trusted with cooking.
Qian Ningshuang stepped out of the shared bedroom she and Qian Ren Xue once occupied and sat at the table, digging into her meal without ceremony.
The food was unremarkable—just simple home-style dishes from her past life. She'd taught Walter the recipes because Douluo's feudal-era cuisine was barely palatable.
She couldn't cook herself—she only knew the methods.
After finishing, she set down her bowl and looked at Walter, who was still eating slowly. Though officially the Qian family's steward, no one treated a Titled Douluo like a servant. Having grown up alongside Qian DaoLiu, Walter was family.
"Grandfather Walter… I want to leave Spirit City and go to Tian Dou."
This was the "surprise" hinted at in her letter.
"Must you rush, Shuang'er? Why not wait until you break through to Spirit Elder?"
Walter wasn't surprised. Given the sisters' bond, keeping Qian Ningshuang in Spirit City forever was impossible.
As for danger—Tian Dou's handful of Titled Douluos were no threat. Walter himself could defeat all but the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect's Seven Sword Bones. And with Spirit Hall's army of Super Douluos, Qian Ningshuang would certainly have one secretly guarding her.
Her identity was also tightly controlled. Outside Spirit City's inner circle, no other faction knew her appearance—only that the Qian family had a "Second Young Miss," with no name or face to go by.
And since her martial soul wasn't the Qian family's signature Angel, there was no risk of recognition in Tian Dou.
"No, I want to go sooner."
Her urgency stemmed partly from missing Qian Ren Xue—but more so from knowing the truth: the God Realm was the mastermind behind Spirit Hall's downfall, and Tang San was their chosen pawn. She couldn't ignore him.
She was confident she'd outpace him no matter what—but why not cripple his growth early?
Yet she couldn't openly warn Spirit Hall's leadership about a "future threat." She'd have to act herself.
Just as Walter opened his mouth to respond, a loud voice interrupted.
"Ah! I'm late—did you save any for me?!"
Tian Yue burst into the house. She came daily for meals unless something prevented her.
"I haven't had Grandfather Walter's cooking in a week! Let me eat!"
Watching Tian Yue devour her food like a starving ghost, Qian Ningshuang set aside her Tian Dou plans for now. "Are you healed? Did Uncle Tian Chen go easy on you this time?"
"What are you talking about, Xiao Shuang? When has Dad ever hit me hard? Those 'injuries' were gone by the next day—I was just grounded."
Somehow, Tian Yue managed to speak clearly even while shoveling food.
Walter ignored their chatter and resumed his earlier point—Tian Yue wasn't an outsider, after all.
"If you're set on going to Tian Dou, Shuang'er, we'll need Elder Brother and Old Croc to decide who'll guard you. Logistics must be arranged too."
"Understood," Qian Ningshuang nodded. Her letter's "few months" referred to this very process. Spirit Hall would never let her go alone.
"What? Xiao Shuang, you're going to Tian Dou?!"
Tian Yue dropped her bowl.
"Is that so strange?"
"Well… I guess not. With Sister Xue there, you'd go eventually. Stuck in Spirit City is boring anyway—I'm coming with you!"
Qian Ningshuang stared at her like she'd grown a second head. Walter just sighed.
*Miss, your Golden Crocodile King martial soul is practically Spirit Hall's second emblem—right after the Angel! What are you thinking?!*
Tian Yue caught their looks and sheepishly scratched her golden hair. "I really want to go… It's already dull here. Without you, it'll be unbearable."
Her disappointed expression showed she knew it was hopeless. She wasn't foolish—tagging along would risk exposure. They might survive, but Spirit Hall's plans would be ruined.
"Sigh… I'll ask Ancestor if there's a way."
Qian Ningshuang relented. Leaving Tian Yue behind alone did feel a little cruel.