Chapter 20: Tian Lin and Qian Renxue - The Bond of God-level Martial Spirits - Douluo's spirit bead sword

Chapter 20: Tian Lin and Qian Renxue - The Bond of God-level Martial Spirits Once Tian Lin's arrangements were confirmed, Xue Qinghe took his leave from Ning Fengzhi, promising to return the next morning to pick up Tian Lin. Watching Xue Qinghe's figure disappear beyond the great hall, Tian Lin finally asked, “Uncle Ning, do you really want me to attend Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?” “Yes, cultivation isn’t something that should be done in isolation,” Ning Fengzhi replied. “You’ve always trained with Rongrong, which limits your interactions with others. It's better for you to make more friends.” Ning Fengzhi’s intentions were genuine, though perhaps a bit misguided. Not entirely his fault, since he was unaware of Xue Qinghe's true nature. “Uncle Ning, I don’t think this Xue Qinghe is a good person,” Tian Lin made one last attempt to resist. “Oh? Why do you say that?” Ning Fengzhi's interest was piqued. “Because he became the crown prince,” Tian Lin explained. “From what I’ve heard, the second prince of the Heaven Dou Empire was a highly capable and favored candidate, with much support at court, and the third prince had great talent in cultivation, admired by the military. Suddenly, both died mysteriously. I suspect Xue Qinghe is involved.” “Simply because he became the crown prince? Little Tian, without evidence, you shouldn’t make such accusations,” Sword Douluo admonished, not wishing Tian Lin to make unnecessary enemies. “It's alright, Uncle Jian,” Ning Fengzhi interrupted, “Let him continue. I want to hear Tian Lin’s perspective.” “Alright, Uncle Ning, I'll go on. Although I have no evidence, I’ve always believed that in any murder case, the primary suspect isn’t usually the person who discovered it first, nor someone with an obvious motive. Instead, it's the person who benefits the most from the crime. Because Xue Qinghe became the crown prince, I can’t help but suspect him.” Tian Lin shared his theory. “Well said, very astute!” Ning Fengzhi was delighted. Initially, he thought Tian Lin was solely a genius in cultivating martial spirits; he hadn't expected him to possess such wisdom. Seeing through the essence of things at merely seven years old was impressive. With someone like him assisting his daughter in the future, Ning Fengzhi felt reassured. “Little Tian, I can tell you that your suspicion is correct. Xue Qinghe is indeed likely involved in the demise of the two princes. But what of it? In the royal family, there are no emotions. To ascend the throne, one must embrace any means necessary—such a person is a hero.” “When Emperor Xue Ye took the throne, it was through a similar bloody path. Many ministers, and even the current emperor, might suspect Xue Qinghe, but as long as he is exceptionally capable, no one will raise the issue,” Ning Fengzhi subtly reminded himself that someone in a high position must be both wise and, at times, ruthlessly hidden. When wisdom outshines ruthlessness, the world will gradually overlook the sinister aspects, thereby acknowledging you. Tian Lin sighed, realizing there was no saving himself from this predicament. Given the situation, he decided to accept it as it was, especially since Qian Renxue wasn’t likely to act against him at the moment. He could establish a friendly rapport with this façade of Xue Qinghe. After all, when one's position is hidden and the enemy's is exposed, leveraging his foreknowledge might allow him to glean valuable information from Xue Qinghe. The next morning, at the gates of Seven Treasure City, Ning Fengzhi, accompanied by Ning Rongrong and two Douluos, bid farewell to Tian Lin, a send-off accorded with significant honor. “Brother Jian, you must return often! If you forget Rongrong, I’ll bite you!” Ning Rongrong cried in Tian Lin’s embrace, tears streaming down her face. Little girls are sentimental, even though this wasn’t a permanent farewell. Seven Treasure City was not far from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, just half a day’s journey, allowing Tian Lin to visit anytime. “Little Tian, once you’re at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, train well. When you return, I’ll test your progress. If there’s no advancement in your Seven Kill Sword Technique or spirit power, don’t blame me for letting you experience the Seven Kill Domain!” Chen Xin sternly threatened. Tian Lin knew his master wasn’t merely bluffing. Though usually amiable, Chen Xin was exceedingly strict about cultivation. “Rest assured, Master, I won’t slack off,” Tian Lin immediately promised before looking at the four of them. “Master, Uncle Ning, Bone Grandpa, I’m leaving.” With those words, he followed Xue Qinghe into the carriage, departing from the Seven Treasure City he had called home for a year. In the carriage, Tian Lin felt a slight tension. Sensing this, Xue Qinghe smiled, “What’s wrong, Junior Brother Tian Lin? You seem not in high spirits. Is it because you’re leaving home?” It’s because of you, isn’t it? Tian Lin thought to himself but nodded on the surface. Xue Qinghe, or rather, Qian Renxue, understood well. She too had left home at a young age to come to the foreign Heaven Dou City, taking on a persona that wasn’t truly hers. “No worries, Little Brother Tian. I’ll take good care of you. No need to fret!” Unknowingly, Xue Qinghe’s way of addressing him had changed from “Junior Brother” to “Little Brother.” In Xue Qinghe’s (Qian Renxue’s) mind, someone who could merge spirits with her was bound to become her ally. Being older than Tian Lin, treating him as a little brother seemed natural; she had longed to experience being an elder sibling. What? You’re talking about Xue Beng and Xue Ke? Forget about them. To Qian Renxue, those two were merely obstacles she planned to eliminate—no need for affection there. “Thank you, Brother Xue!” Tian Lin responded with apparent sincerity. The two in the carriage, one a manipulative woman, the other a smiling schemer, made an oddly fitting pair. “By the way, Little Tian, I’m sure you sensed it yesterday—our martial spirits seemed to resonate. I heard your martial spirit is a sword, right? Would you show it to me?” Qian Renxue asked eagerly, wishing to confirm her previous feeling. “Alright.” Tian Lin didn’t hesitate and promptly summoned his demonic sword. Instantly, that peculiar feeling re-emerged. A gleam of delight flashed in Qian Renxue’s eyes; there was no mistake, this beautiful sword was indeed a god-level martial spirit. “Brother Xue, my sword is a top-tier martial spirit. If it's resonating with yours, does that mean you also have a top-tier martial spirit?” Tian Lin queried, feigning naivety. Top-tier martial spirit? Qian Renxue was momentarily puzzled but then realized that Tian Lin’s sword was a latent god-level spirit, lacking in some aspects. Once complete, its god-level martial spirit power would manifest. “It seems Little Brother Tian doesn't know he possesses a god-level martial spirit, which is fortunate. It saves me from explaining why I possess one,” Qian Renxue thought, quickly concocting a plausible excuse. “Yes, I am indeed a top-tier martial spirit holder. In me, the Heaven Dou royal family’s swan martial spirit underwent a positive mutation, acquiring a bit of holy attributes, thus becoming a top-tier martial spirit.” “So that’s how it is, Brother Xue. I’ve heard that those with compatible martial spirits can increase their cultivation efficiency by training together. Can I visit the palace to train with you sometime?” Tian Lin asked. Qian Renxue was overjoyed to hear this, as she had been looking for a reason to get closer to Tian Lin. “Of course, here is my crown prince token. With it, you can enter and leave the palace freely.” Tian Lin accepted the token with delight, understanding full well Qian Renxue’s intentions. However, it was still a question of who would ultimately influence whom.