In a picturesque and tranquil mountain forest, Qian Daoliu, the Grand Worshipper of the Spirit Hall, was sitting silently before the gravestone of Qian Xunji, his gaze quietly fixed upon the stone.
"I know who the real murderer is."
"But I can't take revenge for you—because she is Xue'er's biological mother, and the Spirit Hall also needs a capable Pope."
Qian Daoliu slowly lifted his head, his eyes turning toward the brilliant starry sky. Memories surged in his mind, scenes from the past replaying vividly.
His heart was filled with countless words, but in the end, they all became a long sigh.
"What you did back then… was a mistake."
"There were many ways to make someone stay, but you chose the most extreme one."
Qian Daoliu gently closed his eyes and softly stroked the gravestone.
"For the sake of Spirit Hall's future, Xue'er has already gone to the Heaven Dou Empire. If our plan succeeds, Spirit Hall will reach unprecedented heights—but it will require many years of effort from Xue'er."
"Maybe ten years, maybe twenty… she'll bury the best years of her youth in that empire."
His voice was filled with helplessness and deep emotion.
After a moment of silence, Qian Daoliu slowly stood up, brushed the dust from his clothes, and prepared to leave.
But at that very moment, a crimson light bathed the earth, making him halt in his tracks.
Looking up, Qian Daoliu saw a blood-red moon hanging high in the sky, casting a blood-colored glow that stained the heavens scarlet.
"A blood moon in the sky?"
"What a strange and ominous phenomenon."
His gaze remained locked on the sky.
Even at over a hundred years old, this was the first time he had ever witnessed something so bizarre.
Suddenly, a beam of light shot down from the heavens, landing directly before Qian Xunji's gravestone. The light was so intense that Qian Daoliu involuntarily closed his eyes.
When the light faded, the sky returned to calm—as if nothing had ever happened.
But Qian Daoliu stood frozen, staring in astonishment—not at the gravestone, but at the infant now lying in front of it.
He gently picked up the child, first glancing at the now-quiet sky, then at the gravestone.
"This child appeared in front of your grave… that must mean she's fated to be part of the Qian family."
"She carries a leaf with her… so her surname shall be Ye. And since the sun is just beginning to rise, symbolizing hope, let her given name be Xi."
"From now on, your name is Ye Xi."
Qian Daoliu's voice was gentle and kind, his eyes studying the infant with care and affection.
Though he didn't know why the child had descended from the sky, the celestial anomaly made it clear to him—this girl was destined for greatness.
After casting one final glance at Qian Xunji's grave, Qian Daoliu turned and carried Ye Xi toward Spirit City.
His pace was unhurried, but in the blink of an eye, his figure flickered and vanished—like he had never been there at all.
Time flies, and the years flow like water.
Six years later.
Spirit City, Worship Hall.
In a traditionally styled room filled with classical elegance, Ye Xi sat quietly at her desk, flipping through a book. She wore a long silver palace gown, her silvery hair cascading down her back. With porcelain skin and delicate features, she resembled a life-sized porcelain doll.
"I've finished this book. Please return it to the library," she said, handing the book to the maid beside her.
"Yes, Second Young Miss," the maid replied respectfully, taking the book and leaving the room.
Once alone, Ye Xi gazed out the window, her deep blue eyes filled with thoughtful contemplation.
"I'm already six years old… I should be awakening my spirit soon."
"I just wonder what kind of spirit I'll awaken. If it turns out to be something weak, I'll need to be prepared."
Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk.
As someone reborn from a blue planet, Ye Xi knew very well how crucial spirit awakening was.
On the continent of Douluo, a person's spirit was typically inherited from the stronger of their parents, and the innate spirit power revealed at awakening essentially determined their potential.
But Ye Xi's situation was unusual. She had been picked up by Qian Daoliu, and her soul didn't belong to this world. So no one could predict what kind of spirit she would awaken.
However, her greatest advantage as a reincarnator was her knowledge of the plot—she knew exactly where the powerful treasures were hidden.
Her so-called "backup plan" was naturally the Immortal Herbs in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
"Looks like I'll need Grandpa's help."
Having made up her mind, Ye Xi stood up and headed toward the main hall of the Worship Hall.
Walking along a stone-paved path, all the palace maids she passed bowed respectfully to her.
Upon arriving at the main hall, she saw Qian Daoliu playing chess with the Second Worshipper, Golden Crocodile Douluo. The two were chatting and laughing happily.
"Xiao Xi, what brings you here?" Qian Daoliu greeted her with a warm smile.
"Grandpa, I have a small favor to ask," Ye Xi said as she ran toward him.
"What is it? Tell me," he asked, picking her up and gently stroking her silver hair.
Golden Crocodile Douluo, intrigued, also turned his gaze toward Ye Xi.
"Grandpa, I've recently become very interested in medicinal herbs."
"Elder Chrysanthemum's spirit is the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum, and he's very knowledgeable about herbs. I'd like to learn from him. But since our Worship Hall doesn't have the best relationship with the Pope's Hall, I'm afraid going directly might cause trouble."
Ye Xi looked at Qian Daoliu, a faint smile on her lips.
"Oh, that's all?"
"I'll go with you."
Qian Daoliu waved it off with a chuckle, clearly unconcerned.
"Old brother Golden Crocodile, please prepare the materials needed for spirit awakening. Once I return with Xiao Xi, we'll begin her awakening."
"Understood, big brother," Golden Crocodile replied and got up to make the necessary preparations.
As they walked down the stone path, Ye Xi seemed distracted. Even though she had prepared herself mentally, knowing that her spirit awakening was imminent still made her nervous.
Sensing this, Qian Daoliu looked at her kindly.
(End of Chapter)
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