Hu Liena's offensive power was still relatively modest, but her mental strength had increased dramatically.
Qian Gu Yun Ying was a Soul Saint with a weapon-type martial soul, naturally possessing formidable attack power. Yuan Qiqi, meanwhile, was a Title Douluo—a level ninety-two power-attack–type—so her strength needed no elaboration.
[Host selection confirmed. "Flame Dividing Wave Ruler" has been converted into a "Flame Dividing Wave Ruler Usage Card" and stored in the system inventory. You may view it through your personal attributes.]
[Inventory]: Xuanwu Pearl; 100,000-Year Soul Beast Detection Bracelet; Soul Ring Collection Bottle (100,000-Year Soft Bone Rabbit Soul Ring); Flame Dividing Wave Ruler Usage Card.
Yin Zhang glanced at the nine-grid interface before him. The pattern representing the Flame Dividing Wave Ruler shimmered faintly, and he nodded in satisfaction. He then turned his gaze back to Tang Yuehua.
While Yin Zhang's attention had briefly shifted to the system, Tang Yuehua had assumed he was deciding how to deal with her next. Her nerves tightened unconsciously, and beads of sweat appeared on her fair forehead. Seeing her reaction, Yin Zhang was mildly surprised.
Judging by this response, his visit had yielded more than expected. Perhaps there truly was a considerable amount of information exchanged between her and the Haotian Sect—or at least intelligence of great importance to them.
"All right," Yin Zhang said with a faint smile. "I came mainly to make your acquaintance, Master Tang. That's all."
As he stood, seven jet-black spirit rings rose around his body. Tang Yuehua's eyes widened in shock. Seven ten-thousand-year spirit rings—how could that even be possible? Was this really something a human could achieve?
Seeing that the intended deterrent had taken effect, Yin Zhang departed Yuexuan and returned to the Spirit Hall branch in Tiandou City.
The moment he entered, Salas hurried over, his face full of ingratiating smiles.
"Your Highness, did your visit with Tang Yuehua yield anything?" Salas asked eagerly.
Yin Zhang sat down, looking relaxed, and replied calmly, "I did gain something. There may be important contact between Tang Yuehua and the Haotian Sect, possibly in the near future. Increase surveillance on Yuexuan and Tang Yuehua—but make sure it remains undetected. If she notices, she'll become far more cautious, which would hinder our plans. Do you understand?"
Salas nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Your Highness! I'll arrange for more discreet monitoring immediately."
Yin Zhang gave a slight nod. If anyone was best suited to quietly keep an eye on Tang Yuehua, it would be Qian Renxue.
With Xue Ye gravely ill, it was clear that Qian Renxue—under the identity of Xue Qinghe—would soon inherit the throne of the Heaven Dou Empire. Over the past decade, she had thoroughly ingratiated herself with Tiandou City's nobility, and she and Tang Yuehua were already well acquainted. If Qian Renxue approached Tang Yuehua personally, she might be able to extract valuable information.
"Carry out your instructions," Yin Zhang said. "I'll be leaving."
He departed the branch hall and soon found Hu Liena. At the moment, she was sparring with Dugu Xin—a friendly match more than a real fight.
Yuan Qiqi had left early that morning, heading out to deal with a small sect that refused to submit to Spirit Hall authority. The sect's strongest expert was merely a Soul Saint, utterly outmatched by her.
Years earlier, Yin Zhang, Qian Gu Yun Ying, and Dugu Bo had taken Dugu Xin to the Sunset Forest to hunt soul rings. Back then, Dugu Xin had just broken through to Soul Saint. Now, his soul power had reached level seventy-seven, placing him close to the Soul Douluo realm.
Hu Liena, though still only a Soul Master, had progressed quickly and was approaching level thirty-nine. Her greatest strength lay in her enhanced mental power, especially after her Foxfire Charm had been strengthened. Sparring against a Soul Saint like Dugu Xin was the perfect way to test herself.
When Hu Liena spotted Yin Zhang returning, she quickly ended the match and hurried to his side.
"Brother Zhang! You're finally back!" she called sweetly.
To outsiders, the two seemed perpetually immersed in a honeymoon phase. Much of it stemmed from Hu Liena's infatuated nature—her affection for Yin Zhang had only grown stronger with time.
Yin Zhang smiled, gently ruffling her hair. Hu Liena's expression immediately softened in enjoyment.
"Nana," he said, "I brought you something special this time—a soul skill that will greatly enhance your strength."
"Huh?" Hu Liena blinked in confusion.
Yin Zhang opened his personal panel and selected the Flame Dividing Wave Ruler Usage Card.
"Give it to Hu Liena," he instructed silently.
[Acknowledged.]
In the next instant, the Flame Dividing Wave Ruler transformed into a streak of light and merged directly into Hu Liena's body.
She froze, eyes wide. A powerful new soul skill—on par with a hundred-thousand-year soul bone ability—appeared clearly in her mind.
"Brother Zhang… what just happened?" she asked, startled.
Yin Zhang smiled. "That's the surprise I mentioned. With this soul skill, your combat power will rise sharply. Even against a Soul Master or Soul King, you'll be able to fight above your level."
Hu Liena was overwhelmed with excitement and emotion. She threw her arms around him, holding him tightly. The two shared a tender moment together.
Later, Hu Liena pulled Yin Zhang back to their room, and the rest of the afternoon passed quietly.
As evening approached, an unexpected distinguished guest arrived at the Dugu family residence.
"Qian Renxue?" Yin Zhang was visibly surprised upon hearing the report.
He hadn't expected her to come knocking so soon.