Chapter 52: If Only Life Were as It Was at First Sight

Saint King Barrier: Strengthens self-defense, forming a golden protective shield. The defensive power increased from 50% to 100%.

Unlike the White Tiger Barrier, this new shield wasn't white but gold, and its strength doubled.

With his spirit skill activated, Dai Mubai's figure swelled slightly, becoming even more robust and imposing.

The Golden Lion: "…"

If it could speak, it would have cursed loudly and very creatively.

This Golden Lion, despite only being a few thousand years older than the Radiant Unicorn, was far stronger in raw power.

Facing Dai Mubai and Qian Renxue, however, it had no chance.

A quarter of an hour later, the Golden Lion fell with a reluctant roar.

These two humans not only outnumbered it, but they also had domain abilities!

What chance did it ever have?

Unfortunately for the lion, it didn't leave behind a soul bone, despite its strength.

But this was normal. Soul bones were precious treasures, never easily obtained.

Dai Mubai glanced at Qian Renxue and then at the soul ring hovering above the Golden Lion's corpse.

If Qian Renxue weren't here, he would have immediately begun absorbing the soul ring.

But now, he hesitated.

What if she attacked him while he was defenseless during the absorption?

He had no one watching his back. There weren't two Title Douluo secretly protecting him like she had.

Qian Renxue noticed his hesitation, and a flicker of annoyance flashed across her face.

Does this guy think I'm that kind of person?

"Qian Xue, can you help me keep watch? I'll give this soul bone back to you…"

In the end, Dai Mubai decided to trust her.

If she truly intended harm, she could have attacked at any time.

He took out the head spirit bone he had obtained earlier, holding it out as a gesture of trust.

"No need."

Qian Renxue waved her hand dismissively.

"The soul bone is yours. You've already helped me twice; consider this me returning the favor."

She was slightly surprised by his sudden change of heart.

After all, their soul power compatibility was over 95%. What did this mean?

It meant that they were born for each other!

At least, from a martial spirit compatibility standpoint, their synergy was unparalleled.

However, Qian Renxue's greatest concern remained:

"Who exactly is 'Lin Fan'?"

She didn't believe for a second that he wasn't connected to the Star Luo Royal Family.

"Wait… if I can win him over, he might be the key to taking Star Luo Empire from within once I'm done with Heaven Dou Empire!"

A spark of excitement lit up her eyes.

Dai Mubai's talent and strength were undeniable.

In the Star Luo Imperial Family, there was no way someone like him would have a low status.

If she could convince him to join her, conquering Star Luo would be effortless!

"I need to investigate him further…"

She already had his age and general appearance. A bit of digging into Star Luo's records would reveal his true identity.

Of course, it would be even better if he confessed willingly.

After all, she'd also used a fake name. But at least her alias wasn't that far-fetched.

This "Lin Fan," though?

He'd even changed his surname!

How infuriating…

Dai Mubai saw Qian Renxue's thoughtful expression shift several times.

He wondered what in the world she was plotting now.

Whatever. Just focus on absorbing the soul ring first.

This was a 32,000-year-old soul ring. Even for Dai Mubai, it posed a challenge.

He released his martial spirit, sat cross-legged, and began pulling the soul ring toward him.

Qian Renxue smiled faintly as she sat five meters away, keeping watch.

Her gaze drifted toward Dai Mubai's face.

In that moment, time seemed to freeze.

He was absorbing the soul ring.

She was watching him.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, Blood Douluo and She Long were silently observing.

"…Does the Young Mistress… really…?"

Blood Douluo's voice wavered uncertainly.

"Cough… Blood, this isn't our business."

She Long shook his head, cutting him off.

"Should we… report this to the Grand Priest?"

Blood Douluo hesitated.

She Long's face paled immediately.

"Are you out of your mind? If the Grand Priest gets angry, the first person he'll punish is you!"

"Blood, use your head for once. We just pretend we didn't see anything."

"Are you saying I don't have a brain?"

She Long sighed deeply, shaking his head.

His partner was a Title Douluo, yet somehow still lacked common sense.

While they bickered in hushed tones, Dai Mubai's consciousness stirred.

He frowned slightly as he absorbed the soul ring.

Suddenly, a shadow of the Golden Lion appeared within his spiritual sea, roaring furiously.

It was the lion's final act of defiance—its refusal to accept death.

But before it could do anything, a dark figure materialized within Dai Mubai's spiritual sea.

The Grim Reaper.

Wielding its scythe, it struck the Golden Lion down effortlessly.

The lion's soul was severed and absorbed without resistance.

Dai Mubai's eyes snapped open in surprise.

The Grim Reaper really is terrifying…

Its presence completely nullified the usual soul impact caused when absorbing a high-level spirit ring.

With that obstacle gone, Dai Mubai's absorption proceeded smoothly.

His Golden Body Technique circulated rapidly, refining and assimilating the massive soul power.

After a while, Dai Mubai's eyes slowly opened.

The first thing he saw was Qian Renxue's face, her stunning features inches away.

For a moment, their gazes locked, and neither of them knew what to say.

Dai Mubai recovered first.

After all, he was "experienced."

Qian Renxue, however, had never been in such a situation before.

"I'm Qian Renxue."

She broke the silence with a soft voice.

"What's your real name?"

Dai Mubai paused for a moment before replying.

"Dai Mubai."

"Dai Mubai?"

Qian Renxue's brows furrowed as she searched her memory.

Wasn't he the rumored "useless Third Prince" of the Star Luo Empire who abandoned his fiancée and fled?

This is the so-called waste?

A 15-year-old Soul King with such monstrous strength?

If he's a waste, then there are no geniuses left on this continent!

She frowned slightly.

Was it because of his martial spirit mutation? Did he leave because he could no longer perform the Martial Spirit Fusion Skill with his fiancée?

Life is full of irony…

If only things could have stayed simple—if only life were as it was at first sight.

Her thoughts were interrupted.

But wait… didn't he already have a fiancée?

(End of Chapter)