Chapter 28: Qian Xunji
In the end, Lin Beiya couldn't resist the little angel's pleading eyes.
Qian Renxue happily returned to her residence, satisfied and radiant, still wearing the Aries Gold Cloth.
When not in use, the Gold Cloth could be stored as a golden card—easy to carry and simple to summon at will.
A 20% boost in cultivation speed was no small benefit, and it only fueled Lin Beiya's enthusiasm for training even further.
The next day, at the Spirit Academy, Shi Nuo's eyes widened in surprise when he saw Lin Beiya already seated in class.
"Beiya! Did you get your second soul ring already?"
"That's right," Lin Beiya replied with a small smile. "But how'd you know?"
"You applied for leave from the academy, remember? The homeroom teacher even used your example to motivate the rest of us. A lot of people didn't believe it, though."
Lin Beiya nodded. So he had become that guy—the one everyone's parents talked about, the prodigy that made others sigh.
Not that he cared much. Inside the Spirit Hall's territory, his safety was guaranteed.
"There's nothing to be jealous of," Lin Beiya said with a smile. "Work hard, and you'll get your second ring soon, too."
"Easier said than done. I'm only Rank 15…"
Indeed, after a year and a half of relentless effort, the chubby Shi Nuo had reached rank 15. Though far from Lin Beiya's monstrous progress, among peers his talent was still exceptional—a rare gem in his age group.
The gap between them wasn't just due to innate talent but also the Gold Saint Cloth's cultivation boost, which gave Lin Beiya a massive advantage.
Still, seeing his childhood friend looking a little downcast, Lin Beiya couldn't help but feel sympathetic.
"From now on," he said, "shift your cultivation time to right after lunch."
"Huh? But I always cultivate at night…"
"You'll understand soon enough. For now, just focus on class."
"Oh… okay."
Though confused, Shi Nuo didn't complain. He trusted his brother completely—Lin Beiya had never spoken without reason.
---
After morning lessons ended, the two of them had lunch together and returned to their dorm.
"My martial soul gives me a 20% cultivation speed bonus after obtaining the second ring," Lin Beiya explained. "At night, I need the Gold Saint Cloth for my own training. So let's stagger our schedules. You use it in the afternoon; I'll use it at night. We'll keep it that way until I get my third soul ring."
"Really?"
Shi Nuo's eyes lit up. So their difference wasn't as hopeless as he'd thought! His fading motivation instantly reignited.
"Of course it's true," Lin Beiya said with a grin.
He summoned the Taurus Gold Card and handed it over. "Try injecting your soul power into it."
Shi Nuo nodded eagerly. The moment his energy flowed in, the Taurus Gold Cloth materialized, covering his entire body.
In an instant, the once-round and cheerful Shi Nuo transformed—the armor made him look solid, steady, and surprisingly heroic.
"Whoa! So I can wear it too!"
"Don't just stare at it," Lin Beiya chuckled. "Try cultivating and see how it feels."
"Alright!"
Shi Nuo immediately sat cross-legged on his bed and began focusing his energy.
Half an hour later, he opened his eyes, face glowing with excitement.
"It really works, Beiya! This is amazing—thank you so much!"
"No need for thanks. Since it's working, just keep training. I'll head back to the Douluo Hall for now. I can summon the Cloth back anytime, so you can keep it for today. I'll lend it to you again when we meet tomorrow."
Shi Nuo nodded eagerly, determination burning bright in his round face.
Watching his friend's renewed spirit, Lin Beiya couldn't help but smile faintly—perhaps, just perhaps, this was what true brotherhood felt like.
"I'll work hard and make sure you don't leave me too far behind!"
Lin Beiya smiled and nodded. He never doubted Shi Nuo's determination—after all, it was through hard work that his friend, despite having a weaker innate soul power, managed to keep pace with some of the class's most gifted students.
Satisfied, Lin Beiya left Shi Nuo to his cultivation and quietly closed the door behind him. He then made his way back toward Douluo Hall. Normally, he and the two girls—Qian Renxue and Lei Ying—would meet in the garden before heading to the training grounds together. Today, however, because of the time he'd spent helping Shi Nuo, he wasn't sure if he'd be scolded for being late.
But as it turned out, his worry was unnecessary.
The moment he arrived at the garden, he froze. From a distance, he could see the little angel—Qian Renxue—speaking to a handsome, golden-haired middle-aged man dressed in regal attire, wearing a crown upon his head.
That man could only be Qian Xunji, the current Pope of the Spirit Hall, and Qian Renxue's father.
Though Lin Beiya had been in the Douluo Hall for nearly two years, this was the first time he had seen the Pope in person. According to Qian Renxue, Qian Xunji rarely visited Douluo Hall because of his tense relationship with his father, Qian Daoliu. The two were at odds, and father and daughter typically met only within the Pope's Hall.
Their strained relationship wasn't hard to understand. As a man blessed with the Seraphim Martial Soul, a symbol of holiness and light, Qian Daoliu could barely stomach his son's behaviour.
So, for Qian Xunji to come here—despite that mutual disdain—there could only be one reason. Lin Beiya could easily guess what matter had brought him.
Not wanting to intrude on the father-daughter conversation, he turned to leave quietly for the training grounds.
But before he could take a second step, a deep, commanding voice called out behind him.
"Since you're here, come over."
Following her father's gaze, Qian Renxue noticed Lin Beiya and immediately brightened up. She waved cheerfully, beckoning him over.
Lin Beiya sighed inwardly. Of all people, this was the last man he wanted to deal with—an old schemer already half-buried in the ground. Still, since the Pope had spoken, ignoring him wasn't an option. He could only brace himself and step forward.
"Lin Beiya greets His Holiness, the Pope."
"Oh?" Qian Xunji raised an eyebrow, mildly intrigued. "You recognize me? We shouldn't have met before."
Lin Beiya bowed slightly. "Anyone who can freely move within the Douluo Hall and bears such a strong resemblance to the Grand Worship… I could only think of Your Holiness."
At that, Qian Renxue giggled softly, her curiosity satisfied. She stuck her tongue out playfully when she realized how he had figured it out.
Qian Xunji nodded approvingly. "Not bad. I've heard both Xue'er and the Grand Worship mention you. You've done well."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Holiness."
"Mm. Continue to cultivate diligently. In the future, you'll assist Xue'er in managing the Spirit Hall. That way, our efforts in nurturing you won't be in vain."
Lin Beiya's mind twitched slightly. He's already trying to recruit him? What's wrong, Pope? Is he scared off by that blond kid with half a rank of innate soul power outside?
"I understand. I'll work hard to live up to the Spirit Hall's expectations."
"Good." Qian Xunji smiled faintly. "You still have afternoon training, yes? I won't keep you, then."
He gently brushed his daughter's hair, but as he turned away, his eyes flickered with resentment. He cast a cold glare toward the distant Angel Shrine, snorted sharply, and left the Douluo Hall without another word.
Watching his departing figure, Lin Beiya frowned slightly and asked, "He looked pretty upset. Did he argue with the Grand Worship again?"
Qian Renxue shook her head. "I'm not sure. When I asked, Father wouldn't tell me. But judging from his expression… it didn't go well."
Lin Beiya fell silent for a moment, then the pieces clicked together in his mind.
So that's it…
Most likely, Qian Xunji had learned about the hundred-thousand-year soul beast who had taken human form—Ah Yin. He wanted to capture her so Bibi Dong could absorb her soul ring and thus ease the tension between them.
But since Ah Yin was under the protection of the Clear Sky Sect, the Pope's own forces probably weren't enough to deal with it. So he came here, hoping to borrow manpower from the Douluo Hall.
And judging by his face just now, Qian Daoliu must have refused.
End of Chapter