Chapter 21: Journey to the North

Even though Qian Renxue had made her decision, doubts lingered in her chest.

The Extreme North was vast, frigid, and full of death.

'Where exactly is Tianmeng Ice Silkworm?'

The knowledge of novel in her memories had offered general clues, but it didn't give a map. According to her memory, Tianmeng should still be in a dormant state, absorbing the ancient ice essence buried deep beneath the frozen lands. He hadn't yet been discovered by the fierce beasts of Star Dou forest , because he has not left the North in this era. But that only narrowed things down so much.

Sharing her concerns in the spirit sea, Qian Renxue gazed at Electrolux, who stood calm and thoughtful.

"You're right. The North is enormous," he said. "Fortunately, I do have a method. Even if he's sleeping, a being with a million years of cultivation won't have a weak soul. That level of spiritual strength naturally warps the surrounding area. My method can find beings with strong soul."

He raised a hand, and strange soul lines appeared in the air, ghostly, faintly glowing, and arranged in a star-like array.

"This is a Necro Array. Originally designed to track powerful lingering souls of the dead for soul research, but it can be adapted. I can modify it to scan for any powerful soul presence within a hundred-mile radius. If the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm is within range, we'll know."

Qian Renxue's eyes lit up. "That solves one problem. But , is there any requirement for setting it?"

"Yes, I need bones" Electrolux replied. "Bones of strong creatures.Stronger the creature before death. Also, Some precious metal to make a compass to be used with the array"

She nodded in understanding. "Then I think we can use soul bones."

Qian Renxue recalled that she had run away just after she had awakened her martial soul, leaving her grandpa standing.

Thinking of an excuse she could use, to go to north and take some soul bones from the treasury she opened the door of her chambers.

Just as Qian Renxue opened the heavy door of her chambers, her breath hitched there, standing right in front of her, was Qian Daoliu.

His tall figure seemed to fill the entire corridor, arms folded behind his back, expression unreadable, golden eyes sharp with concern… and suspicion.

"Renxue," he said softly, his voice calm yet firm, "you ran off right after awakening your martial soul. Are you alright?"

Qian Renxue blinked, then offered the sweetest smile she could muster, like a child about to ask for candy. "Grandpa, I'm okay now. I just felt a little dizzy from the awakening, that's all."

His gaze lingered on her for a long second, sweeping over her changed appearance—platinum-gold hair, purple-gold eyes. She looked like a divine being already.

"Is that so…" he murmured.

Then, before he could probe further, Qian Renxue clasped his sleeve lightly and tilted her head. "Actually, Grandpa, I came out because I need something."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"I want some… thousand-year soul bones," she said sweetly.

Qian Daoliu narrowed his eyes. "And why would you need those?

Qian Daoliu's sharp gaze remained fixed on Qian Renxue's bright smile, but inwardly… he sighed.

The expression was pure innocence, but he wasn't fooled.

He didn't respond immediately, merely narrowing his golden eyes. 'Again… she's planning something. This child, she's far more intelligent and mysterious than she should be at her age.'

Qian Renxue, sensing his silence, added calmly, "This is… an oracle from the Angel God."

That line made Qian Daoliu twitch visibly. "...An oracle? Why is it that you keep receiving divine revelations, and I, the Grand Worship, High Priest of Spirit Hall, never hear a word?"

Qian Renxue blinked innocently, but said nothing.

Memories flashed through his mind. One year ago, at the tender age of five, she had guided him to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. It was she who had chosen and harvested the immortal herbs. Dugu Bo, the Poison Douluo, had been awed by her and willingly bent the knee, swearing loyalty.

Later, Yue Guan—Chrysanthemum Douluo, his personality as flamboyant as ever, had quietly submitted to her will, abandoning his long-time political caution. Ghost Douluo, loyal only to Yue Guan, followed suit shortly after receiving an immortal herb that strengthened his martial soul to a new level.

All of them had grown stronger. And all of them had pledged their loyalty to her, not the Pope, Qian Xunji, who is his son.

He let her be willfull, because as a father Qian Xunji had really let her down.

And then… nothing. She had consumed only the spiritual herbs found herself and nothing else was used. She had not used those immortal herbs and her connections to build a faction, nor did she boast. Instead, she quietly returned to the Spirit Hall Library and studied day after day, just like a normal child.

But this child wasn't normal.

And now she stood before him, asking for powerful materials with that same hidden glint in her eyes. A glint he could not read.

"Renxue…" he finally said, voice calm, "Is this going to be like last time?"

Qian Renxue tilted her head again, suppressing a smirk. "Last time? What do you mean, Grandpa?"

"…Hmph. Never mind. If it's truly an oracle, then I won't stop you." Qian Daoliu turned. "Come with me."

He led her through the labyrinth in the halls of the temple, finally arriving at one of the sealed treasuries of Spirit Hall. After entering his spiritual code, the reinforced gate opened with a low hum.

Inside were rows of jade caskets, golden shelves, and stasis fields containing rare resources from across the continent.

Qian Renxue's eyes swept across the room, stopping at a stack of spirit bones housed in starlight-glass. The thousand-year-old ones were easily identified by their lighter hue and less oppressive aura.

After consulting with Electrolux inside her head she selected some 1000 year soul bones. She did not want to waste higher level soul bones, as the soul bones used for the array will be consumed.

Qian Renxue bowed gently. "Thank you, Grandpa."