448. Judgement

"Teacher, how does this weapon work? Can I learn to make one too?"

Zhu Zhuqing blushed, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Of course, no problem. I'll give you Lou Gao's compiled notes later," Qian Renjue replied with a smile, nodding.

Holding the steel tube-like weapon in his hands, he explained,
"It's still quite crude at the moment. It relies on a lever to strike the Energy-Converging Formation, forcing it to release its stored soul power. However, after three uses, it needs to be recharged."

As he spoke, Qian Renjue pulled the trigger, and a silver arrow streaked out, piercing through three trees in the blink of an eye.

"Even as a prototype, it’s far more powerful than the fully mechanical Zhuge Divine Crossbow. It can even kill a Soul King head-on!"

After saying this, Qian Renjue smiled and tossed the soul tool crossbow to Zhu Zhuqing, his tone gentle.
"This one is a gift for you."

"Thank you, Teacher!"

Zhu Zhuqing held the crossbow in her hands, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

The unique design of the crossbow was the result of Qian Renjue’s guidance to Lou Gao.

"By the way, the arrows for this crossbow come in two types. There's also a high-explosive arrow. Even a Soul Emperor might fall to it," Qian Renjue added with a smile, taking out another crossbow loaded with a different type of arrow.

This arrow appeared bulkier than the previous ones, with a noticeably larger arrowhead.

"High-explosive arrows?"

Zhu Zhuqing was visibly shocked, and even Ling Yuan looked intrigued.

"Yes, the arrowhead is packed with the highly volatile gunpowder used in creating the Buddha Fury Tang Lotus," Qian Renjue explained as the sinister purple-black glow of the Evil God’s Heart emerged, spreading across the area.

He aimed the high-explosive arrow at the root of a distant tree and fired.

Thud!

The arrow embedded itself into the tree root.

Boom!

The explosion was deafening. Flames erupted, and the ground trembled violently. The massive tree slowly toppled, leaving behind a charred crater where its roots once stood.

"What do you think? Impressive, isn’t it?" Qian Renjue turned to Zhu Zhuqing with a teasing smile.

"Teacher, what did you say?"

Zhu Zhuqing, clinging to Qian Renjue’s arm, tiptoed and leaned in closer, her expression confused.

"Haha! I forgot to remind you to cover your ears," Qian Renjue said, laughing.

Ling Yuan stood stunned, her heart pounding at the sheer destructive power she had just witnessed.

Zhu Zhuqing, however, cheered with excitement,
"Teacher, this high-explosive arrow is amazing!"

"..."

Qian Renjue couldn’t help but chuckle. He reached out and playfully pinched Zhu Zhuqing’s cat ears.

"Ah~"

Zhu Zhuqing’s face flushed red as she lowered her head, finally settling down.

"This high-explosive arrow is in limited supply. I only have three left, and I’m giving them all to you," Qian Renjue said with a smile.

The power of the arrow was undeniable, but due to current production limitations and material constraints, mass production wasn’t feasible.

"Thank you, Teacher," Zhu Zhuqing replied sincerely, carefully putting away the arrows. She knew Qian Renjue didn’t need them for himself.

"And here are the notes. Study them well; they might inspire you with new ideas. But remember, your primary focus should still be on cultivating your soul power."

"When you’re out in the world, only rely on external tools like this if absolutely necessary."



"As soul masters, the foundation always lies in soul power. Do you understand?"

Qian Renjue spoke with heartfelt guidance.

Zhu Zhuqing obediently nodded.
"Mm, I understand. I’ll always keep this in mind."

"Hmm?"

Before the conversation could continue, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly sensed something unusual. She raised her gaze to Qian Renjue, puzzled.
"Teacher, where do you want me to go?"

"Heh, so perceptive," Qian Renjue said with a smile, placing a hand over her youthful face and gently stroking it.

Softly, he continued, "I want you to go out and gain experience while helping me take care of some matters. Are you willing?"

"Really, Teacher?!"

Zhu Zhuqing's shy eyes suddenly lit up with excitement. She nodded enthusiastically, her voice eager.
"Of course! I’m willing! Zhuqing will do anything for Teacher!"

Under Qian Renjue’s guidance, she had long escaped the pit of sibling rivalry for survival.

In the past, she cultivated to stay alive.
Now, she cultivated for her teacher.

After so many years, her teacher finally needed her for something—how could she refuse?

"Don’t get too excited," Qian Renjue said helplessly, poking her forehead.

"Ah!"

Zhu Zhuqing covered her forehead in pain as Qian Renjue calmly withdrew his hand, which had been repeatedly patting her cat ears.

Ling Yuan stifled a laugh, watching the scene. It seemed the master had successfully nurtured this disciple.

"So, what does Teacher need Zhuqing to do?"

Blushing, Zhu Zhuqing asked while her cat ears twitched slightly.

Qian Renjue crossed his arms behind his back, staying wary of the little feline’s antics. Slowly, he explained:
"I want you to go to Shrek Academy in Soto City. Find the person skilled in using hidden weapons and... Punish them."

"Shrek Academy in Soto City? Hidden weapons... punishment?"

Zhu Zhuqing murmured, sensing the cold expression on Qian Renjue's face. She quickly restrained her playful demeanor.
"Teacher, what should I do?"

She didn’t ask for reasons, only her role.

Her teacher's enemies were her enemies. It was her duty to eliminate this person!

"I’ve written the details here," Qian Renjue said meaningfully, pulling out a notebook and a Tang Sect Elder’s Token from his system space.

"The target is from the Tang Sect and stole the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record. They faked their death to escape punishment. This token is a Tang Sect Elder’s Token—how you use it is up to you."

Zhu Zhuqing was slightly confused.

If she remembered correctly, wasn’t the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record her teacher’s possession? What exactly was this Tang Sect?

However, considering the vastness of the soul master world, she didn’t dwell on it too much. Perhaps her teacher had acquired it from somewhere.

She extended her hands and received both items from Qian Renjue.
"Rest assured, Teacher. Zhuqing will remember everything."

"Good," Qian Renjue nodded, adding,
"I’ve also written additional phrases to use in your conversations. Study them carefully when you return."

"Yes, Teacher, I will." Zhu Zhuqing nodded solemnly.

"This is the only task I have for you. Other matters are up to your discretion," Qian Renjue said, gently ruffling her hair.

"Understood," Zhu Zhuqing murmured, nodding slightly.

She had heard of Soto City and Shrek Academy before. This would also be a good opportunity to sever any lingering ties from her past. She only wished to remain by her teacher’s side.

"Oh, one more thing—if you encounter the rabbit next to that person, don’t harm her," Qian Renjue reminded.

"A rabbit?"

Zhu Zhuqing looked confused, noticing the gentle smile on Qian Renjue's face. Her heart felt a subtle discomfort, but she nodded and silently committed the instruction to memory.

"That concludes today’s training. Go prepare and get some rest. You’ll depart tomorrow morning," Qian Renjue instructed, pinching Zhu Zhuqing’s cheek as he dismissed the Evil God’s Heart.

"If I have time, I might come by and visit," he added with a faint smile.