Chapter 91: Qian Renxue Awakens Her Cosmo
"This new ability of yours is just dragging people to this desolate, ghost-infested place?"
"And why… Do I feel so strange like this?"
Because the Cancer Gold Cloth allowed Lin Beiya to touch soul bodies, Qian Renxue still hadn't realized exactly what was wrong about her current state.
Lin Beiya chuckled and explained:
"The reason you feel strange is because you entered this Yomotsu Hirasaka in soul form."
"Yomotsu Hirasaka?"
"You can think of it as the underworld—the place where souls go after death."
Understanding at last how terrifying this technique really was, the little angel secretly clicked her tongue.
"This… this is the power of your new Gold Cloth? Free access to the underworld?"
"That's right. And that's far from all. Any soul dragged in here can't find the exit to the outside world. Over time, their physical body in the human world will rot away, and they'll truly die in every sense."
As he patiently explained just how frightening the Praesepe Underworld Waves really were, Lin Beiya summoned the Cancer Gold Cloth and casually showed off his new Gold Cloth.
"This is… a crab?"
"Uh… it is, yeah."
Looking at Lin Beiya clad in the gold armor, the little angel pursed her lips.
"Well, the Aries Gold Cloth still looks better."
Lin Beiya glared at her, speechless. 'I rushed all the way here, and this is what you're focused on? Whether the Gold Cloth looks good or not?'
After so long apart, the two of them missed each other deeply. However, the bone-chilling aura of the Underworld still made Qian Renxue uncomfortable.
Seeing this, Lin Beiya directly brought her soul back to the prince's bedroom.
Returning to her body, Qian Renxue instantly felt relieved. After lighting the lamp, the two of them began chatting about everything that had happened in their lives over the past two years.
"Oh? The second and third princes are already dead?"
"That's right. I've been undercover for this long and have managed to gather a faction of supporters—but it's still not enough."
"Only when all direct competitors are gone can I be sure the throne will fall into my hands."
In the original story, the Heaven Dou Empire's second and third princes never appeared, only mentioned briefly by Xue Xing.
According to him, both princes had their own strengths. The second prince was especially adept at winning people over, while the third had exceptional cultivation talent. They were close in age to Xue Qinghe, making them direct rivals for the throne.
Though such an outcome would make Xue Qinghe the prime suspect, once all contenders vanished, Emperor Xue Ye would have no choice but to pass the throne to his only remaining son.
Lin Beiya's role was simple—he just had to prevent Tang San from meddling.
"As long as you've made your decision. Just be careful," Lin Beiya said quietly.
"I understand. Your cultivation speed is what's truly outrageous. Even with the Aries Gold Cloth, I'm only at rank 47."
"That's already good. Once I reach the Soul Ancestor realm, my pace will slow down too."
It seemed the two of them had endless topics to talk about. Time slipped by quickly, and before they knew it, dawn's first light was spilling into the room.
Glancing at the sunlight seeping in, the little angel pressed her lips together and asked softly:
"This time… can you stay a few more days?"
"Probably not. Bibi Dong's suspicion toward me has never really faded. Using the soul hunt as an excuse to visit you is already pushing it. Besides, I still have things to do here in Heaven Dou Empire."
"What is it? Do you need me to send Uncle Porcupinefish and the others to help?"
"No. That might expose Elder Porcupinefish. I've already made thorough preparations—no need to worry."
"Fine… Then after this, it'll be a long time again before we can see each other."
Thinking about another long separation, Qian Renxue felt her chest tighten. She even began to secretly regret accepting the Heaven Dou Empire infiltration mission. But the bow was already drawn—there was no turning back now. If she quit halfway, all her years of effort would be wasted.
"It actually won't be that long. Isn't the next Continental Soul Master Tournament hosted by the Heaven Dou Empire?"
"Huh? You mean…"
Her eyes lit up instantly, though doubt flickered faintly on her beautiful face.
"There's less than two years before the next tournament. Are you sure you want to compete?"
Lin Beiya shook his head, his expression full of confidence.
"It's not that I'm still thinking about it—I've already decided. Bibi Dong gave me full authority over the Spirit Hall team. I've already chosen the members."
"Isn't that a bit early…"
Qian Renxue had wanted to say that participating at thirteen was too soon for him, but when she thought about his strength, her heart eased.
Back when he was only at soul master rank, Lin Beiya could already beat her, a soul grandmaster. Now that he was a soul ancestor, his strength could easily be imagined. Winning the championship shouldn't be a problem at all.
"Alright then. I'll try to get Xue Ye to assign me some responsibilities during the tournament. That way, we can spend more time together."
"Good. And when that time comes, watch how I crush all the so-called geniuses under my feet."
"Ugh, listen to you brag. Just don't end up capsizing in a gutter."
"A gutter? I'd have to capsize all the way to the Underworlds first."
"Uh…"
Thinking of that eerie Yomotsu Hirasaka, the little angel fell silent. She truly couldn't imagine anyone ever returning to the living world once dragged there in soul form.
"Fine, fine. You win."
Seeing his smug expression, Qian Renxue suddenly felt her annoyance rising for no reason. Her bright eyes flickered mischievously; with a gentle motion of her finger, she sent the teacup on the table flying toward Lin Beiya's head.
The cup shot forward at high speed—but such a trick could never escape Lin Beiya's monstrous senses.
He tilted his head slightly, dodging it, then stared at her in shock.
"Xue'er, you awakened your Cosmo?"
"Hmph. Did you think you were the only genius? This young lady is one too."
Seriously? That's amazing.
Lin Beiya stepped forward and lifted Qian Renxue into his arms, spinning her in excitement. The little angel flushed, embarrassed and angry.
"What are you doing? Put me down!"
He did set her down—but her lovely face was soon ambushed instead. A warm sensation brushed against her, and Qian Renxue's cheeks instantly turned crimson.
"You… you…"
"Hahaha, Xue'er, since you've awakened your Cosmo, you should be able to use Crystal Wall and Starlight Extinction without relying on the Gold Cloth now, right?"
"That's right. The power isn't as strong as when I'm wearing the Gold Cloth, but I can indeed use them without it."
As she watched the excitement on his face, Qian Renxue forcibly suppressed the shyness in her heart and asked:
"Is that… really something worth getting this happy over?"
"How is it not? Did you forget my Cancer Gold Cloth can open a path to the Underworld?"
"Huh? And what does that have to do with—"
She had barely started her question when her sharp mind connected the dots. She instantly understood the deeper meaning, and her mood soared.
"In other words, once I master this ability to enter the Underworld, we'll be able to meet often in that space, right?"
"Exactly. Once I'm done here and head back to Spirit Hall, I'll leave the Cancer Gold Cloth with you for a while. Then you can try to grasp the Praesepe Underworld Wave."
"Alright. I'll do my best to comprehend it."
Seeing the serious resolve in her eyes, Lin Beiya once again closed the distance between them, and soon, soft whimpers echoed through the room.
—
End of Chapter