The Frostweaver

Because they always used her and abused her, just like the past self of Ling Yu. Being within the Imperial Castle, her life was no better than a sewer rat living in the gutter.

Is it because they had a similar experience that she can sympathize with Ye Qingxue?

Of course, she didn't know. But the idea of gathering power does go along with her plan, so Ling Yu decided to take her away anyway.

Without hesitation, Ling Yu turned towards Butler Song as she said calmly, "In that case, I guess you would know what to do more than anyone, am I right about that? Song." 

"You can rest assured, Master. I'll handle the rest of the matter." Butler Song bowed to her slightly as he turned around towards Ye Qingxue. Then, grabbing the girl by her collar, he took her off the floor like a dangling kitten and walked inside the manager's office to take care of the paperwork.

Ling Yu stared at them until they disappeared through the door, before she heard a voice approach her.

"Young Miss, that little girl isn't worth wasting your time and effort. She is just an orphan who used to steal in the back alley! I'm afraid she would extend her hands to places or things she shouldn't! If you truly wish to get a bodyguard, why not pick a more capable and a good character among us?"

Ling Yu turned around as she swept her eyes across the room, taking in each of their expressions with a pair of cold, unfeeling eyes.

"Is that so? You think you can do better than her?"

"Yes! Yes! Miss! Please give us a chance! We'll definitely show you our talents through hard work!" 

Ling Yu could see the eager eyes devouring her with hunger, clawing right at her soul. She was reminded of the past when those hyenas with a mask of creatures called people clawed her the same way, devouring until her ashes remained.

A skeptical smirk flashed across her cold, emotionless face, which terrified the people surrounding her, as if an invisible power was forcing them to stay away from her. "Whether she has good character or not, now that I'm her master, I'll be the judge of that. And if needed, I'll teach her how to be a proper human, too. No one needs to worry about that."

A loser?

Yeah, as if.

Ling Yu thought as she mocked those belated criticisms that flooded the area. She wondered how they would feel if they were to catch a glimpse of that dazzlingly shining golden window above Ye Qingxue's head.

Would they still dare to make such claims?

Yes. All the natural S-class awakeners held this golden screen as their status window, as if to confirm their might and power nobler than anyone, matching and even above the royalty.

Ling Yu was also drawn to this golden window from afar, which drew her to meet this child. 

Even though Ye Qingxue was still unawakened, her status window was already hanging above her head proudly; Ling Yu saw her stat as a whole using her appraisal skills.

[System Status Window

Name: Ye Qingxue

Class: None (Unawakened)

Title: None 

Bloodline Type: Unknown Variant— Frostweaver Lineage (Dormant)

Potential Rank: S-Class (Natural Born)

Warning: Core Awakening Delayed due to emotional suppression and traumatic blockage.

Current Combat Power:

Level: 1

Power Output: Negligible

Class Tier: Unclassified

Threat Rating: N/A

Awakened Skill Tree: Locked

Awakening Probability (Passive Surge Events): 84.1%

Innate Abilities Detected: Sealed

Innate Buffs: Dormant

Cold Immunity: Nullifies cold-based attacks and environments.

Mana Conduction Efficiency +50% (Passive; Sealed)

Pain Suppression (Advanced): Auto-triggers under mortal wounds.

Frost Resonance: Will sync with any ice-type artifact or core at +150% compatibility.

Compatibility Traits:

Ice Affinity: 98%

Magic Resistance Potential: High

Weapon Synchronization (Swords/Blades): Very High

Support Skill Affinity: Low

Summoning/Beast-type: Rejected]

Even though she still hasn't awakened, Ling Yu couldn't help but roll her eyes after seeing Ye Qingxue's rich status window.

Ling Yu's sharp voice and criticism made the other employees back off as they didn't dare to speak any further. Even though this girl was younger than them, she had that strong aura of a leader that could suppress and command an army of a million, or even ten million. 

With an aura so intimidating like that, there is no way she is some commoner. Even if she turned out to be a high-ranking noble lady, they wouldn't be surprised. They wouldn't dare to offend such an important person to destroy their career, so they became mindful of their conduct around Ling Yu.

It didn't take longer than Ling Yuu thought as she saw Butler Song come out of the manager's office with a bunch of papers in his arms, and Ye Qingxue, who was holding a silly smile on her face as she followed him out, walking quickly to match his pace.

"Is it all done?" Ling Yu asked Butler Song.

"Yes, Master. All the papers have been processed. From now on, I'll be her legal guardian until she reaches adulthood." Butler Song was calm as he nodded his head, putting the papers back in his bag as he prepared to follow Ling Yu.

"Good, then let's go now. We have to buy some suitable clothes and other necessary things for her." Ling Yu had money to spare, so she chose to spend the resources generously to help Ye Qingxue grow well.

And as they walked out together, shoulder to shoulder, a silent Butler Song behind them, the receptionist whispered to a colleague behind the desk:

"Who was that girl?"

"That's a Young Miss of some big family, don't be disrespectful. I heard she came to hire a bodyguard for herself in the company and ended up taking over the guardianship of that girl!"

"Really?! You are telling me that she spent a fortune just to take over the guardianship of a girl who isn't even fully trained? Must be good being so rich!"