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Wait—what did he mean by "fate unknown"?
Those two blood-red rings floating in the air were proof enough—there was no "unknown" about it.
Where the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python had once stood, the emergence of the two 100,000-year soul rings confirmed one thing:
The two beast kings had been instantly annihilated by Zhongli.
Qian Renxue and Ci Xue's pupils contracted, their mouths slightly agape, yet no words came out.
This… was beyond terrifying.
Two 100,000-year spirit beasts—obliterated in an instant?
Zhongli paid no heed to their stunned expressions, speaking calmly:
"Qinghe, absorb the soul ring and complete your breakthrough. We'll guard you."
The deaths of the two beasts were expected.
By the time the second stone spear had struck, they were already on the verge of collapse—let alone the remaining dozen that followed.
Since they refused to listen to reason, burying them here was the only option.
Besides, their fate was always to be sacrificed anyway.
Sending them to their next lives early could be considered a mercy.
Sky Azure Bull Python & Titan Giant Ape: "Excuse me?! Are you even hearing yourself?!"
"Lord Zhongli, this…"
Qian Renxue hesitated, glancing between Zhongli, Paimon, and the two 100,000-year soul rings, unsure of what to say.
Should she really absorb her soul ring first?
Noticing her hesitation, Ci Xue quickly interjected:
"Ah, Lord Zhongli, perhaps you should absorb the soul rings first?"
"Soul rings only last for one hour. If we wait for the young lady to finish absorbing the Radiant Tiger King's ring, there might not be enough time for you to take these two."
His tone was earnest.
Qian Renxue could always find another spirit beast for her soul ring—but two 100,000-year soul rings?
Letting them go to waste would be unforgivable!
These were 100,000-year soul rings!
The ultimate dream of any soul master—even more coveted than 100,000-year soul bones!
And not just one—two!
Zhongli paused, then realized something.
Paimon, as his "martial soul," currently had no soul rings.
Wasn't this the perfect opportunity?
But Paimon wasn't a real martial soul—how could she absorb a soul ring?
"No need. Paimon has… better options."
He lied effortlessly, as naturally as breathing.
"Better options?!"
Ci Xue felt his brain short-circuiting.
These were 100,000-year soul rings!
And this lord was still being picky?!
…It must be an elemental mismatch.
But even then, the sheer quality of a 100,000-year ring could compensate for any incompatibility!
Watching Zhongli dismiss two such treasures felt like a knife twisting in his heart.
As a Title Douluo, even he didn't have a perfect soul ring configuration—his fifth ring was only a thousand years!
Paimon blinked at Zhongli in confusion but stayed silent.
What was with Qinghe and Ci Xue's expressions?
With a wave of his hand, Zhongli dispersed the two soul rings, their energy returning to the world.
Absorb soul rings?
Don't be ridiculous.
His casual dismissal left Qian Renxue and Ci Xue dumbfounded.
Not even a second thought?
Two 100,000-year soul rings—gone!
Well… it was too late now.
Suddenly, Zhongli seemed to remember something. Another gesture, and two glowing gemstones wrapped in amber light flew into his palm.
One was earthen-yellow, shaped like a human right arm.
The other was azure, resembling a left arm.
These were the 100,000-year soul bones dropped by the two beast kings.
For Zhongli, they were nothing more than decent collectibles.
Ci Xue and Qian Renxue's eyes bulged.
Even as the heiress of the Spirit Hall, Qian Renxue had never seen a 100,000-year soul bone.
The soul bones she possessed were inherited from the Angel God—each 99,999 years in age.
Only when fused into divine armor could they unleash 100,000-year power.
"A worthwhile trip."
Zhongli murmured, storing the two soul bones.
They'd make fine mementos.
"Young lady, since it's come to this, please absorb your soul ring and break through."
Ci Xue wasn't unaffected—envy gnawed at him.
Two 100,000-year soul bones!
But they were far beyond his reach.
Right now, ensuring Qian Renxue's safe breakthrough and leaving this cursed forest was priority.
Who'd have thought hunting at the edge of the core region would attract two beast kings?
Had Zhongli not been here… they'd have died today.
"Lord Zhongli, Paimon, Uncle Ci Xue—thank you. I'll begin absorbing the soul ring now."
With that, Qian Renxue released her martial soul, sitting cross-legged to guide the Radiant Tiger King's soul ring.
Its offensive, light-aligned attributes were a perfect match for her.
Time passed—an hour and a half later, a Spirit Emperor's aura erupted from Qian Renxue.
She had succeeded!
Her eyes opened, shimmering with joy.
Not just from the breakthrough—this was the first time she'd absorbed a soul ring without distractions!
"Qinghe, did you break through?"
Paimon fluttered over, curious.
"Yes, I did."
"Paimon… perhaps you shouldn't call me Qinghe anymore."
"My real name is Qian Renxue. Daughter of the former Spirit Hall Pope, currently undercover in the Heaven Dou Empire."
She spoke without hesitation.
Between people, distrust was the most dangerous thing.
Zhongli had saved her life, slain two beast kings for her—this debt could never be repaid.
"Eh?!"
Paimon froze, stunned.
"The Crown Prince of Heaven Dou was a fake?!"
"Zhongli and I just thought you liked cross-dressing!"
She scratched her head, baffled.
Qian Renxue, Ci Xue: "…"
That was their reaction to learning the Crown Prince was an imposter?!
Where was the shock? The drama?
"So… should I call you Qinghe or Qian Renxue now?"
"Qinghe when I'm disguised, Qian Renxue when I'm like this."
"Paimon, don't mix them up—it could cost me my life."
Her tone was dead serious.
She finally understood—they didn't care about her identity, only her kindness to them.
That was why they'd helped.
"Lord Zhongli… you may call me 'Xiao Xue.'"
A sweet smile graced her lips—like a maiden falling in love.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 65 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 40 power stones I will publish the next chapter.