Chapter 2 The Second Day
The next day, during their leisure time after lunch, at the same spot, with the same people, they entered the tea house again.
“Welcome.”
Seeing familiar faces, the shop owner’s smile grew even warmer.
But strangely, Tang Sui, who was waiting like Jiang Taigong fishing, did not see Qian Renxue arrive that day.
Casually paying and leaving, Tang Sui wandered around the city for a while before returning to the inn.
On the third day, like clocking in for work, Tang Sui precisely arrived at the shop at the same time as the previous day.
The seasoned shop owner considerately pointed Tang Sui to a more conspicuous seat from the outside. While wiping other decorations to pass the time, he also discreetly observed the figure Tang Sui was waiting for outside.
However, to the shop owner’s surprise, Qian Renxue did not come that day either.
Tang Sui’s expression remained unchanged, and she continued to check in at the shop on the fourth day.
Her diligence eased the shop owner’s slight worry that Tang Sui might not come again after her failed attempt to provoke.
Then on the fifth day, Tang Sui didn't come.
But Qian Renxue did.
Watching Qian Renxue casually survey the customers inside, then ask him nonchalantly if Tang Sui had been there these past two days, the shop owner was speechless.
He truly didn't understand these young people.
But he understood golden soul coins.
Without changing his expression, the shop owner accepted Qian Renxue's tip and truthfully told her Tang Sui's visiting times over the past few days.
Qian Renxue seemed thoughtful and said nothing. She ate as usual and then left.
On the sixth day, Qian Renxue came, but Tang Sui didn't.
On the seventh day, neither of them came.
On the eighth day, Tang Sui came, but Qian Renxue didn't.
The shop owner: "..."
Are you two playing a game of cat and mouse?
Who is the real fisherman here!
After a moment of speechlessness, the shop owner also began to pray for the two of them to meet soon.
Finally, this situation of missed encounters continued until the tenth day, when they finally met.
“We meet again.”
Qian Renxue spoke first.
Tang Sui smiled faintly, “What a coincidence.”
—Finally managed to corner her.
The two, who had carefully masked their true intentions, sat down at a table again.
When the desserts were served, to Qian Renxue's surprise, Tang Sui, who appeared quiet and cautious, spoke first: “It’s been a few days, and I feel like something has changed about you. Has your cultivation improved?”
Qian Renxue nodded, “For soul masters, most of our daily lives are related to cultivation.”
She paused, then looked straight at Tang Sui:
“Have you ever thought about embarking on the path of cultivation?”
Tang Sui was taken aback, “Becoming a soul master… Why would you suddenly say that?”
Qian Renxue’s gaze deepened, “Becoming a soul master will provide you with an extra layer of personal safety. Especially now that the Spirit Empire is facing a brutal war. I believe you know that even with powerful soul masters protecting Spirit City, ordinary people will still find it difficult to survive in war.”
Since she was unsure of the path to clearing the game, she decided to pursue the clues she wanted and advance them simultaneously, hoping one of them would lead to the correct answer.
Sensing that Qian Renxue seemed to have some intentions towards her, Tang Sui’s eyebrows twitched, and she fell silent.
Qian Renxue continued to take the initiative: “Although I don’t know why you can’t become a soul master, based on the two times we’ve met, I see you as a talent with potential. Even if you can’t become a powerful soul master, having an extra bit of strength in hand can be an extra trump card for survival.”
“If you are willing, I can become your mentor and help you onto the path of cultivation.”
In her last sentence, Qian Renxue laid her cards on the table.
Tang Sui looked at the solemn Qian Renxue and was left speechless, a figure from deep within her memory inexplicably flashing through her mind.
More than ten years ago, the people standing before him were just a group of brash children from unknown, impoverished villages, with an unknown future.
But that person treated every little one who hadn't awakened their martial soul with equal regard. They would decisively recruit promising talents. Even though Tang Sui had awakened a “waste martial soul” back then, the other party did not change their expression, but instead told her another path to make a living.
Corruption and ambition were within the Spirit Hall; aiding the poor and nurturing promising talents also came from them.
Although this "poverty alleviation" also had many hidden agendas for the Spirit Hall, it was undoubtedly the Spirit Hall itself that gave those soul masters with insufficient talent a glimmer of hope for a livelihood.
Even though in this world, everything depended on talent and strength, and those who were not strong enough were destined to be eliminated by history, yet…
Contradictory… so contradictory.
Tang Sui’s heart became somewhat unsettled.
Even in front of Qian Renxue, Tang Sui closed her eyes and said with an inexplicable tone:
“Logically, I should accept this precious opportunity. But…”
She opened her eyes, her deep, almost black pupils clearly reflecting Qian Renxue, who seemed to be glowing.
“You should be a high-ranking official of the Spirit Empire. Then… if the person you meticulously taught were to become a sharp sword that stabs you, would you still choose to teach me?”
Tang Sui’s voice was extremely soft.
The word "you" instantly widened the distance between them.
A hint of scrutiny flickered in Qian Renxue’s eyes, and her brows furrowed slightly, “Do you have a conflict with the Spirit Empire?”
This was her true test?
Tang Sui’s eyelashes drooped slightly, “A very dear elder of mine died in this war.”
—This war that had continued for two generations with the Spirit Hall.
“I see.” Qian Renxue showed no killing intent or other expression, merely nodding with understanding, her gaze unwavering, “Then I can answer you, I would.”
What?
Tang Sui thought she misheard and looked up in astonishment.
A trace of wantonness tinged Qian Renxue’s brows, her almost perfect profile bathed in a faint golden light, giving a sense of inexplicable warmth and security, as dazzling as the sun. Her voice was stern, “What kind of person one becomes is determined by that person themselves.”
“Isn’t there a saying that the master leads the way, and cultivation depends on the individual? I think this saying is very reasonable.”
“I am sorry and regretful for the death of your relative, but that will not create any ill feelings towards you or change my mind. Similarly, I will not stop you from seeking revenge on the person who killed your relative once you become strong enough.”
At this moment, Qian Renxue’s pale purple eyes seemed to carry a hint of inorganic golden light, blending with the scattered sunlight.
“After all, not the entire Spirit Hall is responsible for the death of your relative. If you want revenge, it is not impossible to seek it after you become strong.”
For the sake of ultimate success, there had to be some sacrifice or compromise.
Just like when she recruited the Tang San siblings, in Qian Renxue’s view, as long as the objective was achieved, the process was not that important.
This familiar statement made Tang Sui’s eyelids twitch. She stared at Qian Renxue and suddenly asked a question:
“Then, what do you think is the significance of this war?” Su Dan Novel Network
—Author’s notes—
Damn it, even I am starting to ship Mo Li herself.
But it’s okay, shipping makes you healthier, and it has nothing to do with the main couple, heh heh~