NOVEL WEB Chapter 171: 167. 5 Years
Time passed
Over the next two years
Qian Renjue's life is still confined to Spirit City.
However, unlike before, as the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, he now had other responsibilities.
After training a small batch of alchemists, with his vast knowledge, mysterious strength, remarkable appearance, and gentle temperament, he gained many supporters within the Spirit Academy.
As his junior, Hu Liena naturally led Xie Yue and Yan to become the head of the Holy Son's fan group, clearing out any female students gathering around Qian Renjue.
At the age of thirteen, Qian Renjue began to show his potential during the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament, held every five years.
Although he didn't participate, he became the team leader of the Spirit Hall team through Bibi Dong's order.
He display his strength and presenting himself to the public.
After the tournament, a decision was made by the Worship Hall and the Pope's Hall to establish the Alchemy Hall, with Qian Renjue as the Hall Master and Ling Yuan as the Vice Hall Master, managing all matters related to alchemy.
During this time, a small amount of low-cost pills were sold at high prices, boosting Qian Renjue's status among the major powers.
In the following years, Qian Renjue faded from the scene, like a flickering shadow.
Aside from a few expensive and low-quality pills occasionally reminding people of him, he was mainly remembered by the upper echelons of various forces.
As for regarding Ye Lingling, after listening to Bibi Dong's advice, Qian Renjue continued to monitor her situation through Dugu Yan and Qian Renxue.
Even if he wanted to meet her, Bibi Dong would not easily let him leave.
According to Dugu Yan's letters, Ye Lingling already knew that Dugu Yan had been sent by Qian Renjue.
She even inquired about him, and Dugu Yan obediently shared Ye Lingling's preferences with Qian Renjue, though many of the details were repetitive.
---
In an empty classroom at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, two young girls were leaning on their seats.
Dugu Yan, playing with her green purple hair and blinking her green eyes, rested her head on Ye Lingling's thin shoulder. She softly asked, "Lingling, what should we write to the Holy Son this time?"
"..." Ye Lingling, still wearing her veil, fluttered her long eyelashes, her lonely blue eyes showing a faint light of confusion as she gently shook her head.
Her voice, soft like a songbird, responded, "This time, it seems there's nothing to write."
"Ah!" Dugu Yan sighed in frustration. "It's been so long since we've seen the Holy Son; I don't even know what to say to him. Should we tell him about our cultivation progress?"
Ye Lingling softly suggested, "But, we already did that when I broke through to Spirit Elder."
Dugu Yan sighed again, exasperated.
She was now twelve years old and had reached the level 36 as a Spirit Elder.
Ye Lingling, though slightly behind, was also extraordinarily talented as an auxiliary spirit master, having reached the level 32 at the age of eleven.
"How about you write the letter this time, Lingling?" Dugu Yan pushed the empty paper toward Ye Lingling.
Almost every month, the two of them would come up with either a brief or lengthy letter to send to the Spirit Hall through Qian Renxue.
"I won't," Ye Lingling shook her head, her delicate voice carrying a hint of stubbornness.
The letter she sent two years ago, which had felt like offering herself to him, had drained her of her impulsiveness.
She had received no reply for so long, and it tormented her.
Did Qian Renjue want her or not? She could only guess and wallow in self-pity.
Thinking of this, Ye Lingling felt a little sorrowful, but her thoughts remained unchanged.
She would wait to see if Qian Renjue wanted her.
If he did, she would willingly give herself to him, however he wished.
Her face flushed with embarrassment under her veil, and she lowered her head, biting her lip softly.
If he didn't want her, she was still willing to pursue him, or, if that failed, she would atleast ensure the legacy of her Nine Heart Begonia continued.
"Alright," Dugu Yan pouted, nodding as she was already used to this.
She was at a loss for words, while Ye Lingling had plenty to say but refused to write.
"Are you feeling unwell, Lingling?" Dugu Yan suddenly noticed some heat when her forehead touched Ye Lingling's.
"No, I'm fine," Ye Lingling quickly shook her head, gripping her soft pink dress, trying to conceal her feelings.
"Oh, right!" Dugu Yan exclaimed, her excitement interrupting her previous concern, "Lingling, do you remember the self-portrait the Holy Son gave me?"
"Self-portrait?" Ye Lingling was momentarily stunned but quickly understood, her eyes brightening slightly.
"Yanyan, do you mean…?"
Before Ye Lingling could finish, Dugu Yan excitedly chimed in, "Yes! Let's send our own portraits to the Holy Son!"
"That's a good idea," Ye Lingling nodded softly, pressing her lips together.
"Then let's go, find a good place, and take off your veil," Dugu Yan exclaimed excitedly, pulling Ye Lingling out of the classroom.
"Yanyan, slow down," Ye Lingling said as her usual expressionless eyes returned.
As the breeze lifted her veil, she thought of Qian Renjue, her face showing a hint of color as she softly said, "Yanyan, I don't want to take off my veil right now."
"Why not?" Dugu Yan asked, puzzled.
"..." Ye Lingling didn't answer, feeling that revealing her face through a portrait didn't seem right.
---
In Spirit City, in front of the temple atop the mountain, a small pink figure hopped around joyfully, chasing flowers and butterflies, occasionally letting out happy squeals.
"Stupid rabbit, come here," a clear voice called out.
The sunlight seemed to gather at the entrance of the Worship Hall as a golden figure approached, his long golden hair flowing loosely over his shoulders.
His tall, well-built figure, clothed in fine robes, perfectly complemented his refined and balanced frame.
Hearing Qian Renjue's call, the Soft Bone Rabbit immediately stopped and rolled on the ground twice before hopping up, excitedly running toward Qian Renjue
"Haha," Qian Renjue chuckled softly, catching the leaping rabbit in his hand.
His handsome face was gentle yet commanding.
The Soft Bone Rabbit nestled against Qian Renjue's shoulder, her large, lively pink eyes full of affection as she playfully licked his hair.
"Silly rabbit, it seems like the five years are almost up," Qian Renjue said with a smile, walking down the mountain.
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