A homeless child, struggling to survive, inevitably matures earlier than peers of the same age.
Wang Fang did not dwell further on the matter.
By helping him awaken his martial spirit, she could be considered his first mentor. With that bond in place, he would surely not forget her kindness in the future.
That night.
After some disguise, Salas secretly made his way to the Crown Prince's residence.
Within Heaven Dou City, he was the only one who knew Xue Qinghe's true identity.
After all, coordination was required. Spirit Hall's greatest force within the Heaven Dou Empire was Salas's Spirit Temple.
Xue Qinghe listened to his report, slightly surprised. "Oh? A genius delivered himself to our door?"
As Salas explained, he added several flattering remarks.
Xue Qinghe's expression suddenly shifted. "A child may not lie deliberately, but they can speak nonsense. Are you certain everything he said is true?"
Salas froze, hesitation appearing on his face.
Indeed, he had only heard Wu Qi's side of the story and had not conducted any investigation afterward.
Xue Qinghe snorted lightly. "An avian-type martial spirit, and the surname Wu. Do you think he could be from the Earl Wu's household?"
Earl Wu Qinan held considerable prestige at court.
If someone from his residence had gone to Spirit Hall, was there some hidden meaning? Or was the Wu family attempting to align themselves with Spirit Hall in secret?
"You conducted no investigation and reported directly to me?"
The reprimand was brief but pointed.
Although Salas belonged to the Pope's Palace, he was dissatisfied with his current position and also maintained contact with the Worship Hall.
Such a person simply waited for the highest bidder, whoever offered greater benefits received more of his effort.
Salas repeatedly admitted fault, then asked, "Young Master, should I still report this matter to the Grand Worship?"
After a moment's thought, Xue Qinghe replied, "Why not? An Azure Luan martial spirit, Third Grandpa should be very interested. Send word back with urgency. The sooner, the better. Within ten days, I want a definite reply."
After staying in the annex residence for several days, no one from the Wu family came searching for him.
The last trace of attachment Wu Qi felt toward the clan completely vanished.
"Little Brother Wu, shall we stroll around the city again today?" Wang Fang asked with a smile.
Wu Qi was only arranged to stay here temporarily; he was not confined and retained his freedom.
Scratching his head shyly, he said, "I'd like to eat some soul beast meat in the city. I heard it helps with cultivation."
Wang Fang immediately agreed.
The expenses would be covered by the Spirit Temple, and she could enjoy a good meal as well, there was no reason to refuse.
Just as they stepped out of the residence, a squad of soldiers in standard armor surrounded the courtyard. A smaller unit stood on both sides of the road, as if awaiting someone's arrival.
Wang Fang frowned slightly and pulled Wu Qi behind her. "This is territory under the Spirit Temple. Who ordered you to surround this place?"
The soldiers did not dare answer and simply stood at attention.
Soon, a carriage arrived, escorted by the soldiers.
A refined and gentle-looking young man stepped down.
From the design of the carriage alone, it was clear, it belonged to the Crown Prince.
"There is no need for tension. I have already discussed this with Bishop Salas. I have only come to meet the young genius, nothing more."
As he spoke, Xue Qinghe handed Salas's handwritten letter to Wang Fang.
Wu Qi quickly bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
He was well aware of Xue Qinghe's true identity.
Since his Azure Luan martial spirit was identical to that of Azure Luan Douluo, the prince's visit was most likely related to Azure Luan Douluo.
"Your Highness, Wu Qi is still young. This—" Wang Fang hesitated.
If Xue Qinghe took Wu Qi away, it would be a significant loss for Spirit Hall.
Xue Qinghe did not take offense and responded with a faint smile. "Bishop Salas has made the matter very clear. Do you still intend to obstruct me?"
"I wouldn't dare."
Wang Fang stepped aside reluctantly.
The prince's attendants remained outside. Inside the room were only Xue Qinghe and Wu Qi.
"You do not seem nervous upon meeting me. As expected of a genius with full innate spirit power."
Wu Qi replied calmly, "Your Highness, I have already agreed to join Spirit Hall. You have not come to recruit me, have you?"
Xue Qinghe suddenly smiled.
It seemed the boy before him was even more interesting than he had anticipated.
"I have not come to recruit you, but to offer you an opportunity."
"Please enlighten me, Your Highness."
Over the past few days, through indirect inquiries, Xue Qinghe had learned of Wu Qi's situation from the Wu family.
A marginal member of the clan, ignored by all even after several days missing, no one cared.
Having confirmed that his actions did not represent the Wu family's intentions, Spirit Hall had no reason not to take him in.
As for his background, they could fabricate a false origin story in the future. The Wu family would have no way to trace it and would never know he was one of their own.
"After you join Spirit Hall, there will likely be two factions seeking you out. I believe you should choose as your teacher someone whose martial spirit resonates with yours, rather than someone chosen for power or status."
"Martial spirit cultivation values compatibility above all else. You understand how to choose, don't you?"
Wu Qi complained inwardly.
Wasn't this simply hinting that he should accept the goodwill of Azure Luan Douluo and give up on Bibi Dong?
However, Xue Qinghe's true identity was of great importance. Being able to say this much was already the limit. If he said any more, he risked exposing himself.
Seeing that Wu Qi appeared only half-understanding, Xue Qinghe stood and left.
This visit was merely to gauge Wu Qi's temperament. Other matters could wait.
Afterward, Wang Fang asked about their conversation.
Wu Qi brushed it off, claiming he did not understand.
After all, for a six-year-old child, such words would indeed be difficult to comprehend.
That very night, the news reached Spirit Hall.
Full innate spirit power surpassed even the "Golden Generation" defined by Pope Bibi Dong in terms of raw talent.
Bringing such a person under her command would ensure a powerful subordinate in the future.
Upon seeing Wu Qi's martial spirit, Bibi Dong naturally knew the Worship Hall would take action, so she dispatched one of her trusted subordinates, Ghost Douluo.
Ghost Douluo traveled swiftly. His plan was to head to Heaven Dou City at once, bring Wu Qi back immediately, and have Bibi Dong accept him as her disciple.
Once the matter was settled, the Worship Hall would have no easy way to take him.
Of course, the Worship Hall would not sit idle.
When Azure Luan Douluo expressed interest in Wu Qi, Qian Daoliu dispatched him personally.
Five days later, on the outskirts of Heaven Dou City.
Azure Luan Douluo and Ghost Douluo were both agility-attack system spirit masters. However, with his strength at rank ninety-seven, Azure Luan Douluo far surpassed the latter in speed.
When Ghost Douluo arrived in haste, he happened to encounter Azure Luan Douluo, who stood there with a relaxed expression.
"Gui Mei, go back. This matter does not concern you," Azure Luan Douluo said casually.
The imposing aura of a Level 97 Super Douluo radiated invisibly.
Ghost Douluo's expression changed drastically. He retreated two hundred meters before barely managing to withstand the oppressive spirit pressure.
"Worship Azure Luan, this is a direct order from Her Holiness the Pope. I must complete it. Please grant some accommodation."
Azure Luan Douluo gave a faint snort. "I'll give you two choices. Fight me. If you win, we'll do as you say. Otherwise, go back. Bibi Dong does not command me."
Ghost Douluo's face darkened.
In both strength and speed, he was no match for the other. How could he dare resist?
After a long silence, he still hesitated to leave.
Azure Luan Douluo's expression cooled. "There is no point in dragging this out. Do not test my patience. I will give you three seconds. If you do not leave, I will consider it a challenge."
If he took a beating now, he would not only fail the mission but also face punishment upon returning. Since that was the case, why suffer needlessly?
With that thought, Ghost Douluo withdrew reluctantly.