After finalizing the time with Tang San, Gu Xuan returned to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy with Ye Lingling, while Tang San took Meng Yiran to the metal market to purchase fine iron.
On the way, Ye Lingling linked her arm with Gu Xuan's, asking as they walked, "What transformed soul beast? Since when did you catch a transformed rabbit? That's a hundred-thousand-year soul beast!"
Gu Xuan smiled and patted Ye Lingling's head, speaking softly. "It was back when I went to get my fourth soul ring. It's been four months since then. I didn't exactly 'catch' it; I just stumbled upon it by sheer luck."
Saying this, Gu Xuan tilted Ye Lingling's chin up. "What? Are you starting to have thoughts about a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone?"
Any ordinary person might have been hesitant to admit it, but Ye Lingling was different. Having established her relationship and engagement with Gu Xuan, and with the curse of the Nine-Hearted Begonia lifted, her heavy heart had cleared. She had largely regained the liveliness a young girl should have.
"Of course. A hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone are the ultimate treasures of the soul master world—well, maybe second, since Immortal Herbs are first."
"But even so, who wouldn't want to possess a hundred-thousand-year ring and bone?" Ye Lingling paused, looking at Gu Xuan slyly. "Besides, I'm your fiancée now. Aren't you planning on finding a hundred-thousand-year ring for me in the future?"
Gu Xuan shook his head and laughed, pinching her cheek affectionately. "You little clever ghost. I'll definitely get one for you eventually."
However, hearing Gu Xuan's words, Ye Lingling waved her hand. "Forget it. Hundred-thousand-year soul beasts are too rare. If the opportunity actually arises, it's better for you to take it. Otherwise, if your strength isn't high enough, how will you protect Sister Yan and me?"
Gu Xuan smiled helplessly. This girl was truly sensible!
Returning to the academy, Gu Xuan and Ye Lingling went straight back to the villa. Yu Tianheng and the others were still training at the gym, and the Cat Girl had already been delivered to Ye Lingling's room. She was no longer in a cage, as Gu Xuan had instructed, but to prevent her from escaping, a metal chain was fastened around her neck, with the other end tied to a pillar.
When Ye Lingling entered the room and saw this scene, she felt a sharp pang in her heart. She turned her gaze toward Gu Xuan. He nodded slightly, patted her head, and stepped forward.
The Cat Girl had been on high alert from the moment the two entered the room, her body trembling uncontrollably—a reaction born of a fear of the unknown. As Gu Xuan approached, he spoke gently. "Don't be afraid. We won't hurt you."
Gu Xuan's voice carried the warmth of a spring breeze, but to the Cat Girl, it brought no comfort. She continued to shrink back, her trembling growing more violent. "Don't... don't come over..." Her voice was as thin as a mosquito's buzz.
Gu Xuan sighed at her state. Ignoring her resistance, he pulled her directly toward him. The Cat Girl lowered her head, not daring to move an inch. Since the awakening of her Martial Soul, she had been treated as a pet; her fear of humans was ingrained in her very nature. Seeing Gu Xuan use force, she didn't even dare to resist, standing there shivering piteously.
Gu Xuan's hands transformed into silver-white bone claws, and he snapped the chain around her neck with a sharp tug. Feeling the restriction vanish, the Cat Girl looked up fearfully, staring at him in confusion.
"I know you've received professional training and can understand me," Gu Xuan said. "You don't need to worry; I have no designs on you. From now on, you are Lingling's maid, responsible for her daily life and protection."
The Cat Girl's eyes flashed with disbelief. Her entire upbringing had been focused on how to serve nobles and become a bird in a gilded cage. She couldn't understand this man's game. Compared to the disgusting men she had seen before, the youth in front of her was the most handsome person she had ever encountered; serving such a man would have been far better than most.
But... a maid? She looked at Ye Lingling. She could sense the genuine kindness radiating from the girl. Not daring to disobey Gu Xuan, she folded her hands over her stomach and bowed deeply. "Yes, Master."
Gu Xuan wasn't surprised by the title; it was standard practice in the Douluo Continent. He reached out and grabbed her wrist. The Cat Girl flinched instinctively, but she belonged to him now, so she didn't pull away. Gu Xuan held her wrist for three seconds before letting go.
"Twelve years old, Rank 18 soul power. Your talent isn't low," Gu Xuan remarked. "What was your innate soul power?"
The Cat Girl was stunned. That was it? She didn't dare hesitate, her voice full of humility and fear. "Rank 7."
Gu Xuan nodded. Rank 7 innate soul power was quite high. However, the noble class of the Douluo Continent was corrupt; in their eyes, humans who mutated during awakening were no longer people, but novel toys. This was why she had been reduced to a plaything despite her talent.
"Do you have a name?"
"Xiao Qi."
Gu Xuan nodded. "Forget that name. Forget everything that happened before this. From now on, your life will be far from the suffering of your past. Your Martial Soul is a cat, so you shall be called Gu Miao."
"This servant thanks Master for the name," Gu Miao said, curtsying. She was still in a state of disbelief, even worrying that this was simply a new way for someone to "play" with her.
Gu Xuan turned to Ye Lingling. "Lingling, keep her with you and show her the ropes for a while."
Ye Lingling didn't refuse. Now that Dugu Yan was gone, she lacked a close female companion at the academy; Gu Miao could fill that void. "I'll head out first. Help her change into some proper clothes," Gu Xuan said before leaving the room. Gu Miao was quite beautiful with a fine figure, and her current attire was a bit too much for a casual setting.
Stepping out, Gu Xuan thought about taking Tang San to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan the next day. He wasn't sure if Tang Hao was currently guarding Tang San; if not, he could try to find the Blue Silver Emperor's right leg bone hidden near Holy Spirit Village.
As for killing Tang San, Gu Xuan had considered it before but decided against it for now. Tang San's presence as a twin Martial Soul user would attract the attention of the Spirit Hall. More importantly, Tang San's current foundations were largely ruined. He posed no threat to Gu Xuan's immediate plans.
In Tang San's eyes, Gu Xuan was a great benefactor—someone who could be utilized in the future. If possible, tricking him out of the Tang Sect's internal cultivation techniques and the Encyclopedia of Hidden Weapons would be ideal. For now, keeping Tang San as "free labor" to manufacture weapons for the Clan was a win-win situation.
(End of Chapter)
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