Not far ahead lay the spectator stands.
It looked like a VIP section—softer seats, cushioned chairs, and individual booths offering privacy.
Inside one of the double booths sat a tall man in the center.
He had broad shoulders, a handsome face, and long golden hair flowing down his back.
But the most eye-catching feature was his eyes—naturally possessing double pupils, giving him a uniquely striking appearance.
On either side of him sat two girls, around seventeen or eighteen years old.
They were tall, dressed provocatively, and clung tightly to his arms.
What was more surprising—
They looked exactly the same.
They were twins.
Just as Lin Xian finished speaking, he saw the man casually pull both girls into his arms.
The twins eagerly leaned in, offering their kisses one after another.
The surrounding crowd watched with envy.
Even Lin Xian was momentarily stunned.
Good grief… as expected of the owner of the Evil Eye White Tiger—he really knew how to enjoy himself.
The man seemed quite perceptive. Sensing someone watching him, he was about to turn his head.
Lin Xian quickly stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Zhu Zhuqing and blocking the line of sight.
The man didn't think much of it and went right back to indulging himself.
---
Behind Lin Xian, Zhu Zhuqing let out a bitter smile.
A misunderstanding?
How could this possibly be a misunderstanding?
A coward would always be a coward.
Unable to face his elder brother, he had chosen to indulge himself instead—spending his days in pleasure and excess.
A man like that…
Wasn't worth anything.
Once, she had still harbored a trace of hope—that after leaving the Star Luo Empire, he would change… would strive to become stronger.
But now—
That illusion shattered completely.
All that remained was disappointment.
Or perhaps… despair.
At that moment, it felt as though all the strength in her body had drained away.
She collapsed forward into Lin Xian's arms.
---
Seeing her like this, Lin Xian said nothing.
He simply patted her back gently.
"Let's not fight today. Come walk with me instead—clear your head."
"…Okay."
Ignoring the stares around them, Lin Xian led her out of the Soto City Great Spirit Arena.
---
They arrived at a quiet garden nearby.
There were no proper benches—only low, circular flower beds.
Fortunately, they were comfortable enough to sit on.
"Take off the mask. You'll scare people like this."
Zhu Zhuqing didn't respond.
Lin Xian reached out, brushed her cheek lightly, and removed the Stellar Mask, storing it away.
Their hands were still clasped together.
Yet she didn't react at all.
It was as if she had completely lost herself.
Perhaps that scene earlier had been too much.
Or perhaps—
The final bit of hope she held had just been destroyed.
---
Lin Xian patted the spot beside him.
"Come, sit."
"Since it's already happened, there's no point dwelling on it. Think of it this way—you avoided being hurt even worse by someone like that."
Zhu Zhuqing sat quietly, head lowered, saying nothing.
No one could tell what she was thinking.
"There's also a simpler way," Lin Xian continued.
"Didn't you want to become stronger? If you're strong enough, you can beat him down and take control of your own fate."
Those words struck directly into her heart.
That's right.
She couldn't rely on Dai Mubai anymore.
Was she supposed to just accept her fate?
No.
She had to become stronger.
Strong enough to break free from her clan.
Strong enough to control her own destiny.
But…
How?
With what?
Her Innate Rank 7 spirit power?
Was that enough?
---
Suddenly, she remembered something.
Lin Xian's cultivation method.
That strange power he used.
He had said it could be taught—
But it required paying a price.
In her current situation…
What other choice did she have?
Follow that coward?
No.
---
Another scene flashed through her mind.
A cave.
A pack of wolves outside.
And that seemingly thin figure standing at the entrance, protecting her.
"This move will be very cool!"
---
At that moment—
She made her decision.
"Can you make me stronger?"
She looked up at Lin Xian.
Under the moonlight, her eyes were red and swollen.
Tear tracks were still visible on her cheeks.
Yet those eyes—
Were incredibly captivating.
Fifty percent determination.
Thirty percent hope.
Ten percent resolve.
And ten percent… sorrow.
Lin Xian had never imagined that a pair of eyes could convey so much.
But he knew one thing for certain—
He would never forget this moment.
Never forget this night.
Never forget those eyes.
---
"I…"
"I'm willing to pay any price."
"Please… make me stronger."
Seeing that he didn't respond immediately, she repeated herself.
---
"I agree."
Lin Xian finally spoke.
"But I can't teach you that technique yet."
"You've seen my Spirit. It's special. Only after my spirit power recovers and I form a bond with your Spirit will you be able to use Stellar Power."
"Only then can I teach you the technique."
"So you'll need to wait a few days. It'll also give you time to stabilize your emotions."
---
Zhu Zhuqing nodded.
Only then did she realize—
Her hand was still in his.
But she didn't pull away.
A price had to be paid, after all.
If it was Lin Xian…
Then she would accept it.
No matter what—
It was better than that weak, womanizing Second Prince of the Star Luo Empire.
---
"Let's head back and rest," Lin Xian said. "I need to recover my spirit power as soon as possible."
"No."
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head.
"Let's go back to the arena."
"…Huh?"
"I want to become stronger."
Her fists clenched tightly.
She had never been someone who hesitated.
Otherwise, she would never have escaped her clan alone.
What she needed now—
Was real combat.
---
At that moment, a purple card quietly appeared beside her.
Lin Xian noticed it instantly.
The glow was too eye-catching.
[Spirit Ring Age Upgrade Card (Primary)]
Effect: Usable by Spirit Elders and below. Upgrades a spirit ring to the thousand-year level. Requires sufficient physical strength—failure to withstand it results in bodily explosion.
…