Chapter 2 Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
Homeless children, in order to survive, are bound to mature earlier than their peers.
Wang Fang didn't dwell on this issue.
Helping him awaken his martial soul, she was, in a sense, his mentor. With this kindness, he certainly wouldn't treat her unfairly in the future.
That night, Salas, after some disguise, secretly went to the Crown Prince's residence.
He was the only one in Heaven Dou City who knew Xue Qinghe's true identity.
After all, to coordinate the operation, the Spirit Hall's greatest power in the Heaven Dou Empire was Salas's Spirit Temple.
Xue Qinghe listened to his report, slightly surprised, "Oh? A genius actually offered himself up."
Salas explained, offering several flattering remarks.
Xue Qinghe's expression suddenly changed, and he scolded, "Children may not lie, but they can talk nonsense. Are you sure he's telling the truth?"
Salas's expression froze, showing hesitation.
Indeed, he had only heard Wu Qi's side of the story and hadn't investigated afterwards.
Xue Qinghe sneered, "A bird-type martial soul, and surnamed Wu, do you think he might be from the Earl's mansion?"
Earl Wu Qinan held considerable prestige in the court.
For someone from his mansion to go to the Spirit Hall, could there be some hidden reason, or was the Wu family secretly plotting to join the Spirit Hall?
"You report to me without investigating anything, Bishop Salas, this is dereliction of duty!"
Xue Qinghe's reprimand was brief.
Although Salas was from the Papal Palace, he was not content with the status quo and also had connections with the Hall of Offerings.
This kind of guy was always looking for a bargain; whoever offered the most benefits, he would do more for them.
Salas repeatedly admitted his mistake and then asked, "Young Master, should I report this matter to the Grand Elder?"
Xue Qinghe pondered for a moment and said, "Why not? The Azure Phoenix martial soul, Third Grandfather should be very interested. Send someone to send it back urgently; this matter should not be delayed. I need a definite answer within ten days."
After spending several days in the villa, the Wu family didn't send anyone out to search for him.
The last vestige of attachment Wu Qi felt to his family vanished completely.
"Little Wu, would you like to go for a stroll in the city today?" Wang Fang asked with a smile.
Wu Qi was merely placed here for rest, not under house arrest; his freedom was unrestricted.
He scratched his head, embarrassed, and said, "I'd like to go to the city for a meal of soul beast meat; I heard it's helpful for cultivation."
Wang Fang immediately agreed.
The temple would cover the expenses, and she could also enjoy a good meal; there was no reason to refuse.
As soon as the two stepped out of the mansion, a squad of soldiers in standard armor surrounded the residence; a small squad of soldiers stood on both sides of the road, as if waiting for someone to arrive.
Wang Fang frowned slightly, shielding Wu Qi behind her, and pressed, "This is temple territory; who ordered you to surround this place?"
The soldiers dared not speak on behalf of their master, remaining quietly on guard.
A short while later, a carriage arrived, surrounded by soldiers.
A refined and amiable young man alighted from the carriage.
Judging from the style of the vehicle, it was undoubtedly the Crown Prince's carriage.
"No need to be nervous. I have already discussed this with Bishop Salas. I'm just going here to see the young genius, that's all."
With that, Xue Qinghe handed Wang Fang a letter personally written by Salas.
Wu Qi quickly bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness."
He knew Xue Qinghe's true identity very well.
The Azure Phoenix Martial Soul was the same as the Martial Soul of the Third Elder Azure Phoenix Douluo. Xue Qinghe's visit at this time was most likely for the Azure Phoenix Douluo.
"Your Highness, Wu Qi is still young, this..." Wang Fang hesitated.
If Xue Qinghe were to steal Wu Qi away, it would be a huge loss for the Spirit Hall.
Xue Qinghe was not annoyed and replied with a faint smile, "Bishop Salas has already made it very clear. Does this lady still want to stop me?"
"I dare not."
Wang Fang retreated to the side, feeling embarrassed.
The Crown Prince's officials stood guard outside the door, while only Xue Qinghe and Wu Qi were inside.
"You don't seem nervous at all upon seeing me, truly a genius with innate full soul power,"
Wu Qi replied calmly. "Your Highness, I've already promised the Bishop I'd join the Spirit Hall. You're not here to recruit me, are you?"
Xue Qinghe suddenly smiled.
It seemed the person before him was even more interesting than he'd anticipated.
"I'm not here to recruit you, but to offer you an opportunity."
"Please enlighten me, Your Highness."
Over the past few days, Xue Qinghe had subtly learned about Wu Qi's situation from the Wu family.
A neglected member of a family, even after disappearing for several days, no one had inquired about him. Having confirmed that his actions didn't represent the Wu family's intentions, the Spirit Hall had no reason not to bring him into their fold.
As for Wu Qi's background, they could fabricate a false one later, and the Wu family would have no way of investigating, let alone knowing he was a member of the Wu family.
"If you join the Spirit Hall, two groups of people will likely approach you. I think you should choose someone whose spirit resonates with yours as your master, rather than someone with power or status."
"Spirit cultivation is all about suitability; do you understand how to choose?"
Wu Qi thought to himself.
Wasn't this just an implication that he should accept Qingluan Douluo's goodwill and abandon Bibi Dong?
However, Xue Qinghe's true identity was of great importance, and saying this was already his limit.
Any further words risked exposure.
Seeing Wu Qi's "half-understanding," Xue Qinghe got up and left.
His only purpose on this trip was to understand Wu Qi's personality; other matters were not a concern for the time being.
Afterwards, Wang Fang inquired about the conversation.
Wu Qi repeatedly brushed it off by saying he didn't understand.
After all, Xue Qinghe's words were indeed incomprehensible to a six-year-old child.
That very night, the news reached the Spirit Hall.
His innate full spirit power was even more monstrous than the Golden Generation envisioned by Pope Bibi Dong.
Such a person, once recruited, would undoubtedly be a valuable asset in the future.
Upon seeing Wu Qi's martial soul, Bibi Dong knew the Hall of Worship would take action, so she dispatched her capable subordinate—Ghost Douluo.
Ghost Douluo traveled swiftly to Heaven Dou City, bringing Wu Qi back immediately, where Bibi Dong took him as her disciple.
Once the deed was done, the Hall of Worship couldn't forcibly abduct him.
Of course, the Hall of Worship wouldn't sit idly by.
Seeing that Azure Phoenix Douluo had taken an interest in Wu Qi, Qian Daoliu sent him out as well.
Five days later, on the outskirts of Heaven Dou City.
Azure Phoenix Douluo and Ghost Douluo were both agility-type soul masters, and his strength had reached level ninety-seven, making him far faster than the latter.
When Ghost Douluo arrived, dusty and weary, he happened to bump into the languid Azure Phoenix Douluo.
"Ghost, go back, this is none of your business," Azure Phoenix Douluo said casually.
The aura of level ninety-seven was released imperceptibly.
Ghost Douluo's expression changed drastically, and he retreated rapidly, retreating two hundred meters, barely able to withstand the soul pressure.
"Azure Phoenix, this is His Holiness the Pope's death order, which I must fulfill. Please grant me this favor." Azure Phoenix Douluo snorted lightly. "I'll give you two choices: fight me, and if you win, you'll do as I say. Otherwise, go back. Bibi Dong can't order me around!"
"This..." Ghost Douluo's expression turned ugly.
In terms of strength and speed, he was no match for the other party, so how dare he resist?
He remained silent for a long time, unwilling to leave.
Azure Phoenix Douluo coldly snorted: "There's no point in continuing this stalemate, and don't test my patience. I'll give you three minutes. If you still don't leave, it will be considered that you've taken the initiative to attack me!"
Getting beaten up now would not only prevent him from completing the mission, but he would also be punished when he returned.
In that case, why bother getting beaten up for nothing?
With this thought in mind, Ghost Douluo left dejectedly.
(End of this chapter)