312. New Goal

Afternoon arrived.

In the Soul Hunting Forest, Zhu Zhuqing had already finished absorbing two soul rings, and her power had surged, reaching level 26. Her cultivation now matched her sister, Zhu Zhuyun.

At this moment, within the domain of the Evil God's Heart, Zhu Zhuqing was facing a century-old black gorilla soul beast, crouched low, her expression icy and focused, like a small wildcat ready to pounce.

She sprang forward, launching an attack.

Not far off, Qian Renjue observed, flanked by Ling Yuan and Ah Yin, each a stunning beauty.

Ah Yin held two other century-old soul beasts by the leash.

“Nether Spike!” Zhu Zhuqing’s voice rang out with surprising strength, her claw shining with a cold, transparent edge that extended sharply.

Qian Renjue withdrew his hand from where it rested against Ah Yin’s back, ignoring the faint, lingering fragrance on his fingers.

It seemed that the millennium soul ring had indeed enhanced Zhuqing’s attack power, adding a potent piercing effect.

Ah Yin pursed her lips, drawing his arm back into her embrace, while Ling Yuan, with fingers interlaced with Qian Renjue's, smiled at the close grip she shared with him.

Watching as the soul beast fell, Qian Renjue instructed Ah Yin, “Alright, Ah Yin, go heal that gorilla and release it. Then, give that century-old Cloud-Piercing Leopard to Zhuqing.”

Hearing Qian Renjue's words, Zhu Zhuqing, who had just relaxed, immediately readied herself for battle again.


---

Time flew by as Qian Renjue took Zhu Zhuqing through the forest, guiding her in practical combat exercises for over an hour. Finally, he led the two women back to the starting point.

Exhausted, Zhu Zhuqing clung tightly to Qian Renjue’s hand, beads of sweat on her brow and breath heavy, yet she wore a delighted smile, savoring his praise.

“Zhuqing, I’ll walk you to here,” he said, stopping at the corner under the Zhu family’s eaves.

“Alright. Goodbye, Teacher, goodbye, Sister Ling Yuan,” Zhu Zhuqing released his hand obediently, understanding that Qian Renjue likely needed to return home for dinner.

“This is for you; it’s still warm.” Qian Renjue handed her a delicately packed meal box.

“Thank you, Teacher,” her eyes sparkled. She’d grown fond of Bibi Dong and Hu Liena’s cooking, finding her family’s meals bland in comparison.

“It’s no problem; I brought extras so you won’t go hungry,” Qian Renjue said, brushing a stray lock of hair from her ear.

Then, slipping his arm around Ling Yuan’s waist, he turned to leave.

A dark vortex formed as the Evil God's Hook emitted a black glow, and the two vanished before Zhu Zhuqing’s eyes.

“See you tomorrow,” Zhu Zhuqing whispered with a smile, holding the meal box and taking a deep breath of its aroma.

Smiling with satisfaction, she made her way to her quiet corner of the Zhu family residence.

As she passed through an archway, lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice Zhu Zhuyun watching from under the eaves.

“Zhuqing?” Zhu Zhuyun murmured, frowning at her sister’s unusually cheerful demeanor.

Recently, Zhuqing’s behavior seemed off.

Though she was always resilient, she had never been so lighthearted.

Her hair ruffled in the warm breeze as she took a step forward, calling out.

“Zhuqing!”

Hearing the familiar voice, Zhu Zhuqing paused, suppressing her smile as she turned. “Sister, is something the matter?”

Zhu Zhuyun scrutinized her sister’s expression, trying to decipher the change. It didn’t make sense.

Ever since Zhuqing’s martial soul awakened, she had treated her harshly.

So why did Zhuqing seem so unaffected? And where was this newfound confidence coming from?

With forced kindness, Zhu Zhuyun asked, “Why didn’t you come to dinner again? Father and Mother have been asking about you.”

Zhu Zhuqing’s expression softened momentarily before she smiled. “I was just out training, Sister.” She held up the box.

“See, no need to worry about me going hungry.”

Zhu Zhuyun’s confusion grew. She knew her sister well, and this wasn’t the Zhuqing she recognized.

“If you’re done, Sister, I’ll go eat now.” Holding the box close, Zhu Zhuqing turned to leave.

“Zhuqing!” Zhu Zhuyun called, a brief look of concern flashing before she masked it.

For a moment, she almost felt pity. She realized that Zhuqing’s dedication was pointless.


After all, Zhuqing had been abandoned by that weakling prince. Leaving the Zhu family might be the best option.

Zhu Zhuqing turned back, calm and curious. “Sister, is there anything else?”

Zhu Zhuyun sneered, “My dear sister, don’t you remember your fiancé, the Third Prince?”

Zhu Zhuqing faltered for a moment, recalling her engagement and feeling a slight unease.

“Ah, I suppose you didn’t hear. After losing to Dai Weisi in public, he fled Star Luo City overnight.”

“He ran away?” Zhu Zhuqing’s eyes widened slightly.


She’d once met the Third Prince at the Royal Academy, but now he’d fled?

Zhu Zhuyun chuckled, “Yes, didn’t you know? You’ve been abandoned.”

Zhu Zhuqing was silent, a complex emotion stirring.

Once, he had been her only support, but now, she realized his absence didn’t matter.

She had her teacher now and was already stronger than her sister. Soon, she’d only grow more powerful.

“Thank you, Sister, for letting me know. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave,” Zhu Zhuqing replied, turning to go with renewed determination.

As she walked away, a relieved smile crossed her face. With her teacher by her side, she didn’t need anyone else.

The prince could go pursue his own life; she now had her own goals.

Zhu Zhuyun stood there, watching Zhuqing’s lightened steps, completely perplexed.

This was nothing like what she had expected.

“What’s gotten into her? Was I really too harsh? I only ever made her go hungry now and then.”