Chapter 283: Qian Renxue and the Ice Emperor

Qian Ran had long coveted Qian Renxue.

Her figure was slender yet curvaceous, with not an ounce of excess. The fullness of her curves and the taut elegance of her form radiated a seductive allure. Holding her was like holding a perfectly sculpted piece of art—firm yet soft in all the right places.

As if to assert his authority, Qian Ran chuckled mischievously and lightly smacked her round, enticing posterior.

After indulging for a while, Qian Ran turned his attention to the Ice Emperor.

If he ignored her, she'd undoubtedly be upset, and given her temper, she might sulk for days. The Ice Emperor required coaxing, her pride and personality making her less straightforward than Qian Renxue.

Pulling her delicate body into his arms, Qian Ran began his playful teasing anew. Although the Ice Emperor didn't have Qian Renxue's voluptuous curves, her petite yet perfectly proportioned frame offered a delightful elasticity that was incredibly satisfying to hold.

What captivated Qian Ran most, however, was her iconic twin ponytails. With her sitting childlike on his lap, Qian Ran couldn't resist grasping a ponytail in each hand, delighting in their silky softness as he played with them absentmindedly.

While teasing the Ice Emperor, Qian Ran's free hand mischievously wandered back to Qian Renxue, juggling the attention between the two.

One radiated a frosty, untouchable purity, while the other exuded a fiery, mature allure. Faced with these contrasting beauties, Qian Ran felt like he was being forced to make an impossible choice—a dilemma that, fortunately, he didn't actually have to resolve.

The intimate atmosphere softened the Ice Emperor's typically sharp gaze, her eyes growing misty as she leaned into Qian Ran's embrace. Her body, usually tense with pride, melted into his as she turned to plant a soft kiss on his cheek. The lingering sweetness of desserts she loved to eat clung to her lips, leaving a delightful aftertaste.

After indulging himself thoroughly, Qian Ran finally managed to steady his pounding heart. Qian Renxue and the Ice Emperor, both flushed with satisfaction, leaned against him, their usual assertiveness momentarily replaced by serene contentment.

"Welcome, esteemed guests, to the Star Glow Auction's premier event. Today, we will present nine exceptional items for your consideration, ranked and displayed in ascending order of value. We hope you enjoy the selection."

A melodious voice filled the hall as golden text shimmered across the soul display screen, marking the start of the event.

The display resolved into a live feed of the central stage, where Xu Jiujiu stood in an elegant golden gown.

"Distinguished guests, I am Jiujiu, your host for this exclusive auction. Let us not waste any time; the first item of the day will now be unveiled."

She offered a charming smile and executed an elaborate, graceful bow, gesturing toward the display screen, which now showcased the first item in intricate detail.

"Bold of you to act so recklessly in front of your fiancée," Qian Renxue quipped, her voice laced with feigned annoyance.

"Exactly," the Ice Emperor chimed in, her flushed face betraying her embarrassment. Though she leaned against Qian Ran, their recent shared moment seemed to have softened the tension between her and Qian Renxue.

Qian Ran shrugged nonchalantly. "Jiujiu wouldn't mind. She knows me well enough by now."

His response earned him twin glares, their wide, indignant eyes accusing him in unison.

"You shameless scoundrel," they snapped, though the faint smiles tugging at the corners of their lips suggested they weren't as angry as they pretended to be.

"Your human ingenuity is impressive," the Ice Emperor remarked as she observed the display of advanced soul devices being auctioned.

Her view of humanity had shifted considerably. Once dismissive of their creations, her foray into studying soul tools had revealed the staggering potential of these devices.

Though soul masters currently held the upper hand in direct combat, the relentless progress of soul tool technology would eventually tip the scales. Unlike the arduous, often nebulous process of refining one's martial soul, the development of soul tools offered a far more tangible path to power.

As someone with intelligence rivaling humanity's brightest, the Ice Emperor understood this better than most. Her deep dive into the field had unveiled a grim future for soul beasts, whose extinction loomed unless drastic measures were taken.

"With time, I'll secure advanced materials and tools from the Sun Moon Empire for you to experiment with," Qian Renxue offered, her gaze flickering to the Ice Emperor.

Her status within the Holy Spirit Cult granted her access to resources that few could imagine, including the cutting-edge designs of ninth-level soul engineers like Ye Xishui. With the right leverage, she could funnel these advantages toward the Wuhun Sect's goals.

Qian Ran's eyes gleamed at the prospect, appreciating the strategic value of Qian Renxue's connections.

The future of their shared ambitions seemed all the brighter.

(Chapter End)