Chapter 9 – Battle Soul Duel with Qian Renxue
Reaching out with both hands, Qian Daoliu easily caught the two streaks of starlight and crushed them after testing their strength.
Watching this, Lin Beiya felt no disappointment. After all, the old man before him was one of the continent's supreme experts.
"Not bad at all. This attack possesses the strength of a Soul Grandmaster."
"Moreover, when you wear that golden armor, your physique seems to be enhanced in every aspect, doesn't it?"
"Yes, just as the Grand Worship says."
Lin Beiya couldn't help but admire him inwardly. As expected of the strongest man in the Spirit Hall, he saw through the secrets of the Gold Cloth at a single glance.
Qian Daoliu stroked his white beard and smiled gently once again.
"Since you have talent, don't let it go to waste. From now on, cultivate diligently and turn that talent into real strength."
"Yes, thank you for your guidance, Grand Worship."
"Good. This is a storage ring. It holds twenty cubic meters of space for storing items. Now that you have soul power, you can use it. Take it as a gift."
Lin Beiya accepted the sapphire-blue ring that Qian Daoliu tossed over, his expression full of surprise and gratitude. Yet inwardly, he muttered cynically—this old fox sure doesn't make a move without profit.
He'd had soul power for quite some time now. Clearly, only after obtaining his first soul ring and proving himself worthy of investment did the old man decide to reward him.
Of course, he wouldn't say that out loud.
"Many thanks, Grand Worship. I'll work hard to cultivate and repay the Spirit Hall."
"Good. Go now. You must be tired after such a long journey—rest for the day."
Leaving those words, Qian Daoliu vanished from the garden in an instant, leaving Lin Beiya full of admiration. He couldn't help but wonder—when would he be able to move with such effortless grace?
After that sparring test, Lin Beiya roughly understood his current strength—it was around the level of a Soul Grandmaster. His main weakness, however, was his soul power: only Rank 12. It wasn't enough to support multiple uses of his combat techniques. Still, that problem would naturally fade as his cultivation advanced.
What truly bothered him was that he couldn't use Aries' ultimate technique—Starlight Annihilation. The move was likely too powerful, demanding soul power far beyond what he currently possessed. He would have to improve steadily before attempting it.
That night passed quietly. Having finally understood the mysteries of his Gold Cloth, Lin Beiya slept soundly until late morning—only to be jolted awake by a series of urgent knocks at his door.
Before he could even open his eyes, an indignant yet sweet voice shouted from outside.
"Hmph! I worried about you for days, and you came back yesterday without even saying hello?"
"And now you're still sleeping in? Do you want me to beat you up again?"
"Get up already! Open the door if you dare!"
Stretching lazily, Lin Beiya dressed himself and strolled toward the door at an unhurried pace. The impatient knocking continued the entire time.
"I'm coming, I'm coming! Stop knocking already!"
As he opened the door, Qian Renxue's lovely face, flushed with anger, filled his vision. He sighed inwardly—it seems that women being unreasonable really transcends age. Outwardly, however, he wore his most polite smile.
"Why, if it isn't the young lady herself. To what do I owe this early morning visit?"
"Early? It's almost noon!" she snapped. "I heard you returned yesterday and waited for you all morning in the central garden!"
Ah, so she'd been waiting and got angry when he didn't show up. Even though they hadn't made any appointment, Lin Beiya decided to play it safe—after all, he still needed her grandfather's favor.
"My apologies, truly. I was too excited after obtaining my first soul ring and couldn't sleep last night."
"Hmph. Fine, I'll forgive you this time. But if it happens again, I'll show you what it means to face the majesty of a Soul Grandmaster!"
Apparently satisfied with his excuse, Qian Renxue puffed out her chest, looking adorably fierce. Then, with curiosity sparkling in her golden eyes, she leaned forward.
"Come on then, tell me—what's your first soul skill? Need me to give you a few pointers?"
"Uh… that won't be necessary, right?"
Even though Qian Renxue possessed the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul, she was still only a Soul Grandmaster. Without any reflection attacks, his Crystal Wall could probably keep that golden-haired little princess occupied for a whole year. He really didn't want to offend this fiery little ancestor.
Unfortunately, the little angel didn't appreciate his modesty. Instead, her expression turned from surprise to indignation.
"What, you think this young lady's strength isn't good enough to instruct you? Are you looking down on me? Come on, we're going to the training grounds!"
Before Lin Beiya could refuse, Qian Renxue grabbed his hand and began dragging him along.
Helpless, Lin Beiya sighed as he was pulled away, his stomach grumbling for the lunch he didn't get to eat. Watching her golden ponytail bounce ahead of him, he couldn't help but think wryly, 'I'd better hold back later. Who knows if Qian Daoliu might spoil his granddaughter and beat me senseless for scratching her. He wouldn't kill me—but turning me into a practice dummy? Very possible.'
The training ground was located on the southern side of the garden, an expansive and enclosed space reserved exclusively for the descendants of the Douluo Hall's high elders.
Standing face-to-face in the center, Qian Renxue folded her arms confidently and declared,
"I won't bully you. This young lady will only use my first soul skill to duel you. Use whatever moves you've got!"
Lin Beiya wanted to shout Please don't, but he kept a calm smile. With a deep breath, he summoned Athena's stone statue—his yellow first soul ring shining brightly as a golden beam shot skyward.
The Aries Gold Cloth descended, shimmering with sacred light.
Qian Renxue's crimson lips parted in astonishment, her blue eyes widening.
"What is that? A golden… goat?"
He didn't bother explaining. The armor pieces separated and attached themselves to his body, forming the complete set of the Aries Gold Saint Cloth.
"Wow! That's so cool!"
Children always loved flashy things, and seeing Lin Beiya's dazzling armor, Qian Renxue completely forgot they were supposed to be dueling. She hurried closer, eyes sparkling, and began touching the armor curiously.
"So this armor is your soul skill? That's amazing! Can you take it off and let me wear it?"
"Uh… Young Miss, weren't we supposed to be dueling?"
"Ah…"
Qian Renxue froze, her cheeks flushing slightly. She quickly stepped back, pretending nothing had happened, and coughed twice to hide her embarrassment.
"Ahem… you're right. I came here today to instruct you in combat. Come at me."
She gestured for him to attack, though her blue eyes were still glued to the golden armor, clearly more fascinated by it than the fight itself.
Time passed. Seeing Lin Beiya still motionless, Qian Renxue tilted her head in confusion.
"What are you waiting for? Aren't you going to attack?"
"Well… my first soul skill is a defensive type, so…"
"I see. Then I'll take the offensive. Activate your soul skill!"
Lin Beiya nodded, raising his hand as a transparent barrier materialized before him.
"Crystal Wall!"
The wall gleamed with rippling waves of light, exuding powerful soul power. Qian Renxue's gaze softened with appreciation—clearly, it was a wide-range, high-strength defensive skill.
"I'll test its durability then. Be careful!"
"I will," Lin Beiya said with a serious expression—though inwardly, he was utterly calm, even a little bored.
Be careful? Yeah right, little missy. Why don't you try breaking through it first, then we'll talk about being careful.
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End of Chapter