Chapter 31

Zhu Zhuqing's head was hit directly by three big question marks.

But we need to translate faithfully, not add extra words. Let's translate each line.

Three big question marks smashed directly onto Zhu Zhuqing's head.

Literal: Zhu Zhuqing's head directly three big question marks smashed down.

We need natural English: "Three big question marks smashed directly onto Zhu Zhuqing's head." But we must keep meaning. Let's produce: "Three big question marks smashed directly onto Zhu Zhuqing's head."

Three big question marks smashed directly onto Zhu Zhuqing's head.

Ning Rongrong looked at Zhu Zhuqing with a faint smile and asked, "You still don't know what level Sect Master Yang's cultivation is at now?"

Translation: "Ning Rongrong looked at Zhu Zhuqing, somewhat amused, and asked: 'You still don't know what level Sect Master Yang's cultivation is now?'" Need to keep quotes. We'll output: "Ning Rongrong looked at Zhu Zhuqing, somewhat amused, and asked: 'You still don't know what level Sect Master Yang's cultivation is now?'"

Zhu Zhuqing also recalled that day when Yang Yun led his men to overpower and slay the assassins pursuing her; she felt only a slight warmth in her ears.

Translation: "In Zhu Zhuqing's mind also surfaced that day when Yang Yun led his subordinates to strongly suppress and kill the assassins chasing her; she only felt her ears getting a bit hot." We'll output: "In Zhu Zhuqing's mind also surfaced that day when Yang Yun led his subordinates to strongly suppress and kill the assassins chasing her; she only felt her ears getting a bit hot."

By then, the two had returned to the room and closed the door.

Translation: "At this moment, the two had already returned to the room and closed the door." Output: "At this moment, the two had already returned to the room and closed the door."

Zhu Zhuqing whispered: "That day, the sect master only told me that at eighteen he had cultivated to the Soul Warrior level, with combat power comparable to a Titled Douluo; he never specified the exact level."

Translation: "Zhu Zhuqing softly said: 'That day, the sect master only told me that at eighteen I cultivated to Soul Warrior, my combat power could match a Title Warrior; he didn't specify the exact level.'" Output: "Zhu Zhuqing softly said: 'That day, the sect master only told me that at eighteen I cultivated to Soul Warrior, my combat power could match a Title Warrior; he didn't specify the exact level.'"

Upon hearing that, Ning Rongrong's mind quickly turned, and she soon understood the crux of the problem.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong's mind turned, and she quickly figured out the problem." Output: "Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong's mind turned, and she quickly figured out the problem."

"Zhuqing, when did you meet Sect Master Yang?"

Translation: "'Zhu Zhuqing, when did you meet Sect Master Yang?'" Output: "'Zhu Zhuqing, when did you meet Sect Master Yang?'"

"About half a month before arriving at the academy," Zhu Zhuqing replied, confused as to why Ning Rongrong had suddenly become agitated.

Translation: "'About half a month before arriving at the academy, what's wrong?' Zhu Zhuqing didn't understand why Ning Rongrong suddenly became excited." Output: "'About half a month before arriving at the academy, what's wrong?' Zhu Zhuqing didn't understand why Ning Rongrong suddenly became excited."

Ning Rongrong raised her hand and carefully calculated, based on the information gathered by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Translation: "Ning Rongrong raised her palm and seriously calculated, based on the information investigated by the Seven Treasure Glazed Glass Sect." Output: "Ning Rongrong raised her palm and seriously calculated, based on the information investigated by the Seven Treasure Glazed Glass Sect."

Yang Yun's combat power and talent continue to rise.

Translation: "Yang Yun's combat power and the gold content of his talent were still continually rising." Output: "Yang Yun's combat power and the gold content of his talent were still continually rising."

It is astonishing that he could rise from Soul Warrior to Titled Douluo in such a short time, especially when combined with the news about the location of the immortal-grade herb Qi Luo Yun Jin Xiang.

It was actually possible to rise from Soul Warrior to Honored Warrior in an extremely short time, and then combined with the news of the location of the immortal-grade herb Qi Luo Yun Jin Xiang.

Given the instruction to translate meaning, we should translate each character meaningfully. However many proper nouns in fan fiction are kept as pinyin. But the rule says we must translate cultivation terms etc. For named items like herbs, we should translate meaning. So we will translate: "Beautiful Net Turmeric Immortal-grade Herb". Let's do that.

Thus line 11 translation: "It was actually possible to rise from Soul Warrior to Honored Warrior in an extremely short time, and then combined with the news of the location of the Beautiful Net Turmeric Immortal-grade Herb." Output: "It was actually possible to rise from Soul Warrior to Honored Warrior in an extremely short time, and then combined with the news of the location of the Beautiful Net Turmeric Immortal-grade Herb."

The worth of the Breaking Heaven Sect already far exceeds Tang San's hidden weapons in certain respects.

Translation: "The value of Breaking Heaven Sect had already far surpassed Tang San's hidden weapons on some level." Output: "The value of Breaking Heaven Sect had already far surpassed Tang San's hidden weapons on some level."

This is a continent where soul masters exist, and their rank is what this world values most; hidden weapons have their uses only in the early stages.

Translation: "This is a continent that has Soul Masters; the level of Soul Masters is what this world values most; hidden weapons have some use in the early stage." Output: "This is a continent that has Soul Masters; the level of Soul Masters is what this world values most; hidden weapons have some use in the early stage."

But what if I could quickly get through the early stage and reach the late stage?

Translation: "But what if I could quickly pass the early stage and reach the late stage?" Output: "But what if I could quickly pass the early stage and reach the late stage?"

Thinking of this, Ning Rongrong's eyes rolled, and she pulled Zhu Zhuqing aside to change the topic, bringing up the two Soul Saints of the Power Clan who had arrived today.

Translation: "Thinking of this, Ning Rongrong's eyes rolled, and she pulled Zhu Zhuqing to change the topic, chatting about the two Power Clan Soul Sages who arrived today." Output: "Thinking of this, Ning Rongrong's eyes rolled, and she pulled Zhu Zhuqing to change the topic, chatting about the two Power Clan Soul Sages who arrived today."

As well as Tang Hao behind them and the Haotian Sect.

Translation: "And behind them were Tang Hao and the Clear Sky Sect." Output: "And behind them were Tang Hao and the Clear Sky Sect."

Since Zhu Zhuqing doesn't know these things, Ning Rongrong doesn't intend to tell her, and the feelings between the two are still lacking.

Translation: "Since Zhu Zhuqing didn't know these things, Ning Rongrong didn't plan to say them; now the two's feelings still lacked somewhat." Output: "Since Zhu Zhuqing didn't know these things, Ning Rongrong didn't plan to say them; now the two's feelings still lacked somewhat."

They haven't reached the point of being completely open with each other.

Translation: "They hadn't yet reached the point of telling each other everything." Output: "They hadn't yet reached the point of telling each other everything."

Moreover, she hasn't been subjected to PUA, and Ning Rongrong's mind is ten thousand times clearer than before.

Translation: "Moreover, she hadn't been PUA-ed; Ning Rongrong's mind was ten thousand times clearer than before." Output: "Moreover, she hadn't been PUA-ed; Ning Rongrong's mind was ten thousand times clearer than before."

Zhu Zhuqing wasn't clear about the Haotian Sect and the Power Clan, and Ning Rongrong quickly steered the conversation away.

Translation: "Zhu Zhuqing wasn't clear about the Clear Sky Sect and the Power Clan's affairs, and was quickly led off-topic by Ning Rongrong." Output: "Zhu Zhuqing wasn't clear about the Clear Sky Sect and the Power Clan's affairs, and was quickly led off-topic by Ning Rongrong."

This is a cognitive disadvantage.

Translation: "This is a cognitive disadvantage." Output: "This is a cognitive disadvantage."

It's easy to be led astray by people with greater knowledge and experience, causing one to miss crucial opportunities without even realizing it.

Translation: "It's easy to be led away by people with higher and greater cognition, thus failing to notice that crucial moments for oneself quietly slip away." Output: "It's easy to be led away by people with higher and greater cognition, thus failing to notice that crucial moments for oneself quietly slip away."

Or perhaps the opportunity is indefinitely postponed.

Translation: "Or opportunities are indefinitely postponed." Output: "Or opportunities are indefinitely postponed."

Tian Dou Empire, the Crown Prince's residence.

Translation: "Tian Dou Empire, Crown Prince's Residence." Output: "Tian Dou Empire, Crown Prince's Residence."

Xue Qinghe was seated at the desk, examining the intelligence.

Translation: "Xue Qinghe sat upright at the desk, examining the information." Output: "Xue Qinghe sat upright at the desk, examining the information."

On the far left is the intelligence from half a month ago: the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect recently visited the Breaking Heaven Sect in the Star Luo Empire, bringing generous gifts along with Ning Rongrong.

Translation: "On the far left was the information from half a month ago; the Seven Treasure Glazed Glass Sect recently visited the Star Luo Empire's Breaking Heaven Sect, bringing generous gifts and accompanied by Ning Rongrong." Output: "On the far left was the information from half a month ago; the Seven Treasure Glazed Glass Sect recently visited the Star Luo Empire's Breaking Heaven Sect, bringing generous gifts and accompanied by Ning Rongrong."

Then there is earlier intelligence: the Star Luo Empire's Crown Prince Davis visited the Breaking Clan, after which the Breaking Heaven Sect was proclaimed established.

Translation: "Then came earlier information: the Star Luo Empire's Crown Prince, Davis, visited the Breaking Clan; after that, the Breaking Heaven Sect was proclaimed established." Output: "Then came earlier information: the Star Luo Empire's Crown Prince, Davis, visited the Breaking Clan; after that, the Breaking Heaven Sect was proclaimed established."

After that comes a detailed overview of the Breaking Heaven Sect, starting from Yang Yun's return to the Breaking Clan and his ascension to clan chief, all the way up to the present, when Yang Yun left the Breaking Heaven Sect.

Translation: "After that came a detailed introduction of the Breaking Heaven Sect, starting from Yang Yun returning to the Breaking Clan and assuming the position of clan chief; all the way up to now, Yang Yun has left the Breaking Heaven Sect." Output: "After that came a detailed introduction of the Breaking Heaven Sect, starting from Yang Yun returning to the Breaking Clan and assuming the position of clan chief; all the way up to now, Yang Yun has left the Breaking Heaven Sect."

After this period of investigation, the information on Xue Qinghe's desk is extensive, covering everything about the Breaking Clan's Yang Yun since his birth.

Translation: "After investigating this period, the information on Xue Qinghe's desk was so extensive that it covered everything about the Breaking Clan and Yang Yun's birth." Output: "After investigating this period, the information on Xue Qinghe's desk was so extensive that it covered everything about the Breaking Clan and Yang Yun's birth."

Prominently displayed on Xue Qinghe's desk is a portrait of Breaking Heaven Sect Master Yang Yun, along with his biography and current status.

Translation: "Placed on Xue Qinghe's desk was indeed the portrait of Breaking Heaven Sect's Sect Master Yang Yun, along with his biography and current status." Output: "Placed on Xue Qinghe's desk was indeed the portrait of Breaking Heaven Sect's Sect Master Yang Yun, along with his biography and current status."

At eighteen, he became a Titled Douluo; as chief of the Breaking Clan, he integrated the Agility and Wisdom Clans to found the Breaking Heaven Sect.

Translation: "Eighteen years old, Honored Warrior; the clan chief of the Breaking Clan integrated the Agility Clan and Control Clan to establish the Breaking Heaven Sect." Output: "Eighteen years old, Honored Warrior; the clan chief of the Breaking Clan integrated the Agility Clan and Control Clan to establish the Breaking Heaven Sect."

One yellow, one purple, five black, and one red—a hundred-thousand-year eighth spirit ring.

Translation: "One yellow, one purple, five black, one red, the eighth ring of a hundred thousand years." Output: "One yellow, one purple, five black, one red, the eighth ring of a hundred thousand years."

"Finally, I found you," Xue Qinghe said, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

Translation: "\"Finally, I found you. \" Xue Qinghe's face showed a gentle smile." Output: "\"Finally, I found you. \" Xue Qinghe's face showed a gentle smile."

In the depths of his eyes lay a strong, obsessive, almost yandere-like possessiveness and an excitement he couldn't resist.

Translation: "Deep in her eyes was a strong sense of possessiveness and irresistible excitement, filled with a yandere vibe." Output: "Deep in her eyes was a strong sense of possessiveness and irresistible excitement, filled with a yandere vibe."

Like a hunter who enjoys toying with his prey. At that moment, the hidden She Long and Ci Xue (the Spirit Douluo of the Spine Pig) trembled all over, daring not to make a sound.

Translation: "Like a hunter who enjoys toying with prey. At this moment, the lurking She Long and Ci Xue (Ci Tun Douluo) trembled all over, not daring to make a sound." Output: "Like a hunter who enjoys toying with prey. At this moment, the lurking She Long and Ci Xue (Ci Tun Douluo) trembled all over, not daring to make a sound."

After flying for a day, A Li finally arrived at a small village that made its living from mining.

Translation: "After flying for a day, A Li finally arrived at a small village that made a living from mining." Output: "After flying for a day, A Li finally arrived at a small village that made a living from mining."

At the village entrance, he encountered a girl holding a sickle made of glued-together teeth, her black hair fading to purple at the back; the village was in the midst of a conflict, with noisy clamor filling the air.

Translation: "At the village entrance, he encountered a girl holding a sickle made of glued teeth, her black hair on top gradually turning purple toward the back; the village was in the midst of a conflict, with noisy clamor." Output: "At the village entrance, he encountered a girl holding a sickle made of glued teeth, her black hair on top gradually turning purple toward the back; the village was in the midst of a conflict, with noisy clamor."

"Hello, little girl, what's your name? How old are you?" A Li rubbed the girl's nice hair, took out a piece of candy; her hair was only a bit sticky, not very dirty.

Translation: "\"Hello little girl, what's your name? How old are you? \" A Li rubbed the girl's nice hair, took out a piece of candy; her hair was only a bit sticky, not very dirty." Output: "\"Hello little girl, what's your name? How old are you? \" A Li rubbed the girl's nice hair, took out a piece of candy; her hair was only a bit sticky, not very dirty."

The girl holding the sickle glanced at the candy in A Li's palm but remained unmoved.

Translation: "The girl holding the sickle glanced at the candy in A Li's palm, unmoved." Output: "The girl holding the sickle glanced at the candy in A Li's palm, unmoved."

Her gaze was firmly resolute, almost to an absurd degree.

Translation: "Her gaze was firmly determined to an absurd degree." Output: "Her gaze was firmly determined to an absurd degree."

"My name is Xi Er; I'm already six years old. Are you from out here? What brings you to our mining village?" Xi Er curiously sized up A Li.

Translation: "\"My name is Xi Er, I'm already six years old; you're an outsider, what are you doing in our Ground Mine Village? \" Xi Er curiously sized up A Li." Output: "\"My name is Xi Er, I'm already six years old; you're an outsider, what are you doing in our Ground Mine Village? \" Xi Er curiously sized up A Li."

A Li smiled, slipped the candy into Xi Er's hand, sensed that she had no soul power yet, and smilingly asked, "You're six—have you awakened your martial soul?"

Translation: "A Li smiled, stuffed the candy into Xi Er's hand, sensed that she had no soul power yet, smiled again and asked: 'You're six years old, have you awakened your martial soul?'" Output: "A Li smiled, stuffed the candy into Xi Er's hand, sensed that she had no soul power yet, smiled again and asked: 'You're six years old, have you awakened your martial soul?'"

Xi Er's eyes dimmed as she whispered, "I'm an orphan with no home; I don't know when my martial soul will awaken—back then I was scavenging trash in the neighboring village just to eat."

Translation: "Xi Er's eyes dimmed, she said in a low voice: 'I'm an orphan, have no home; I don't know when my martial soul awakened; back then I was picking up trash to eat in the neighboring village.'" Output: "Xi Er's eyes dimmed, she said in a low voice: 'I'm an orphan, have no home; I don't know when my martial soul awakened; back then I was picking up trash to eat in the neighboring village.'"

A Li fell silent.

Translation: "A Li fell silent." Output: "A Li fell silent."

He gave a gentle smile and said, "How about you come with me? I'll awaken your martial soul, and later I'll establish an organization so that people like you can have enough to eat and a home."

Translation: "He showed a gentle smile: 'How about you follow me from now on? I'll awaken your martial soul, and later I'll also create an organization so that people like you can have the chance to eat their fill and have a home.'" Output: "He showed a gentle smile: 'How about you follow me from now on? I'll awaken your martial soul, and later I'll also create an organization so that people like you can have the chance to eat their fill and have a home.'"

A flicker of wariness appeared in Xi Er's eyes as she looked at A Li: "Are you telling the truth? Or are you just a kidnapper trying to trick me?"

Translation: "A hint of wariness appeared in Xi Er's eyes as she looked at A Li: 'Are you telling the truth? Or are you trying to trick me into being a human trafficker?'" Output: "A hint of wariness appeared in Xi Er's eyes as she looked at A Li: 'Are you telling the truth? Or are you trying to trick me into being a human trafficker?'"

Only then did A Li notice that Xi Er had kept a distance of over a meter from him the whole time.

Translation: "Only then did A Li notice that Xi Er had always kept a distance of over one meter from him." Output: "Only then did A Li notice that Xi Er had always kept a distance of over one meter from him."

She is a very cautious child; perhaps that's why she has survived until now.

Translation: "She is a child with a strong sense of vigilance; perhaps that's why she has survived until now." Output: "She is a child with a strong sense of vigilance; perhaps that's why she has survived until now."

"No way—I'm far stronger than an ordinary Titled Douluo; catching you would be as easy as moving a finger."

Translation: "\"No, I am much stronger than an ordinary Honored Warrior; catching you is just a matter of moving a finger. \"" Output: "\"No, I am much stronger than an ordinary Honored Warrior; catching you is just a matter of moving a finger. \""

Xi Er's wary gaze remained unchanged, her face serious as she asked, "What is a Titled Douluo? Is it very strong?"

Translation: "Xi Er's wary gaze remained unchanged, she asked solemnly: 'What is an Honored Warrior; is it very strong?'" Output: "Xi Er's wary gaze remained unchanged, she asked solemnly: 'What is an Honored Warrior; is it very strong?'"

A Li chuckled.

Translation: "A Li chuckled." Output: "A Li chuckled."

His tone softened: "A Titled Douluo is a rank that very few soul masters can reach; do you know what the soul master ranks are?"

Translation: "His tone also softened: 'Honored Warrior, ah, is a level that very few Soul Masters can cultivate to; do you know what the levels of Soul Masters are?'" Output: "His tone also softened: 'Honored Warrior, ah, is a level that very few Soul Masters can cultivate to; do you know what the levels of Soul Masters are?'"

"If you don't believe me, I can awaken your martial soul right now."

Translation: "\"If you don't believe me, I can awaken your martial soul right now. \"" Output: "\"If you don't believe me, I can awaken your martial soul right now. \""

Saying this, A Li tossed out some stones to form a pattern, took out two crystal balls, and said, "Step into the circle, and I'll awaken your martial soul right now."

Translation: "Saying this, A Li threw out some stones to arrange a formation, took out two crystal balls, and said: 'Step into the circle, I will awaken your martial soul now.'" Output: "Saying this, A Li threw out some stones to arrange a formation, took out two crystal balls, and said: 'Step into the circle, I will awaken your martial soul now.'"

Xi Er saw that there was still over a meter between her and A Li inside the circle, half-believing, she stepped in.

Translation: "Xi Er saw that inside the circle there was still a distance of over one meter from A Li, and she entered half-believing, half-doubting." Output: "Xi Er saw that inside the circle there was still a distance of over one meter from A Li, and she entered half-believing, half-doubting."

Soon Xi Er felt as if something were about to burst out of her right hand, and the tooth‑glued sickle she had been holding dropped to the ground.

Translation: "Soon Xi Er felt as if something were about to drill out of her right hand; the sickle made of glued teeth she had been holding fell to the ground." Output: "Soon Xi Er felt as if something were about to drill out of her right hand; the sickle made of glued teeth she had been holding fell to the ground."

"Huh? This sickle looks a bit familiar," A Li thought, looking at the sickle in Xi Er's hand.

Translation: "\"Huh? This sickle looks a bit familiar. \" A Li looked at the sickle in Xi Er's hand and thought to himself." Output: "\"Huh? This sickle looks a bit familiar. \" A Li looked at the sickle in Xi Er's hand and thought to himself."

This isn't Yang.

Ning Rongrong looked at Zhu Zhuqing with a faint smile and asked, "You still don't know what level Sect Master Yang's cultivation is at?"

Zhu Zhuqing also recalled that day when Yang Yun led his subordinates to overwhelmingly suppress and kill the assassins hunting her; she only felt her ears grow hot.

By then, the two had returned to the room and closed the door.

Zhu Zhuqing said softly, "That day, the sect master only told me that at eighteen he had cultivated to Soul Douluo, with battle strength comparable to a Title Douluo; he didn't specify the exact level."

Upon hearing that, Ning Rongrong's mind turned, and she quickly understood the crux of the matter.

"Zhuqing, when did you meet Sect Master Yang?"

"About half a month before arriving at the academy, why?" Zhu Zhuqing said, somewhat puzzled as to why Ning Rongrong had suddenly become agitated.

Ning Rongrong raised her palm and carefully calculated, based on the information uncovered by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's investigation.

Yang Yun's combat power and the value of his talent continue to rise.

It is astonishing that he could rise from Soul Douluo to Title Douluo in such a short time, especially when combined with the news about the location of the immortal-grade herb, Lilac Osmanthus.

The worth of the Breaking Heaven Sect has, in certain respects, far surpassed the hidden weapons in Tang San's hands.

This is a continent where soul masters exist, and the rank of a soul master is what this world values most; hidden weapons have their uses only in the early stages.

But what if I could swiftly pass the early stage and reach the later stage directly?

Thinking of this, Ning Rongrong's eyes darted about, and she pulled Zhu Zhuqing aside to change the subject, bringing up the two Soul Saints of the Strength Clan who had arrived today.

as well as Tang Hao and the Clear Sky Sect behind them.

Since Zhu Zhuqing doesn't know these matters, Ning Rongrong doesn't intend to tell her; for now, the two still lack closeness.

They haven't reached the point of sharing everything.

Moreover, she hasn't been subjected to PUA; Ning Rongrong's mind is ten thousand times clearer than before.

Zhu Zhuqing is unaware of the affairs of the Clear Sky Sect and the Strength Clan, and Ning Rongrong quickly steered the conversation away.

This is a cognitive disadvantage.

It makes one easily led astray by those with higher and broader cognition, causing one to miss crucial opportunities for oneself without even realizing it.

Or it may result in opportunities being indefinitely postponed.

Heaven Dou Empire, the Crown Prince's residence.

Xue Qinghe sat upright at his desk, examining the intelligence.

On the far left is the intelligence from half a month ago: the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect recently visited the Breaking Heaven Sect in the Star Luo Empire, bringing generous gifts along with Ning Rongrong.

Then comes earlier intelligence: the Star Luo Empire's Crown Prince, Davis, visited the Strength Clan; after that, the Breaking Heaven Sect was proclaimed.

After that follows a detailed introduction of the Breaking Heaven Sect, beginning with Yang Yun's return to the Strength Clan and his ascension to clan chief, continuing up to the present when Yang Yun left the Breaking Heaven Sect.

After this period of scrutiny, the intelligence on Xue Qinghe's desk is so extensive that it covers everything about the Strength Clan's Yang Yun since his birth.

Prominently placed on Xue Qinghe's desk is a portrait of Breaking Heaven Sect's master Yang Yun, together with a biographical introduction and his current status.

Eighteen years old, a Title Douluo; the chief of the Strength Clan unified the Agility Clan and the Defense Clan to found the Breaking Heaven Sect.

One yellow, one purple, five black, one red—the eighth spirit ring of a hundred-thousand-year age.

"Finally, I've found you." Xue Qinghe's face broke into a gentle smile.

In the depths of his eyes lay an intense, almost yandere-like possessive desire and an excitement that could not be restrained.

Like a hunter who enjoys toying with prey. At this moment, the lurking She Long and Ci Xue (the Ci Tun Douluo) trembled all over, not daring to make the slightest movement.

After flying for a day, A Li finally arrived at a small village whose livelihood was mining.

At the village entrance he encountered a girl holding a sickle made of glued-together teeth, her black hair flowing down and gradually turning purple at the ends; the village was in the midst of a conflict, with noisy clamor rising.

"Hello, little girl, what's your name? How old are you?" A Li ruffled the girl's lovely hair, took out a piece of candy, and though her hair was a bit sticky, it wasn't very dirty.

The girl with the sickle glanced at the candy in A Li's palm but remained unmoved.

Her gaze was firmly resolute to an almost absurd degree.

"My name is Xi Er; I'm already six years old. You're from out of town, aren't you? What brings you to our mining village?" Xi Er curiously sized up A Li.

A Li smiled, slipped the candy into Xi Er's hand, sensed that she had no soul power yet, and smilingly asked, "You're six—have you awakened your martial soul?"

Xi Er's eyes dimmed, and she said in a low voice, "I'm an orphan with no home; I don't know when my martial soul would awaken—back then I was scavenging trash in the neighboring village to eat."

A Li fell silent.

He broke into a gentle smile: "How would you like to follow me? I'll awaken your martial soul, and later I will establish an organization so that people like you can have enough to eat and a home."

A flicker of wariness appeared in Xi Er's eyes as she looked at A Li: "Are you telling the truth? Or are you just a kidnapper trying to trick me?"

Only then did A Li notice that Xi Er had kept a distance of over a meter from him the whole time.

She is a child with a strong sense of vigilance—perhaps that is why she has survived until now.

"No way—I'm far stronger than an ordinary Title Douluo; catching you would be as easy as moving a finger."

Xi Er's wary gaze remained unchanged; she put on a serious face and asked, "What is a Title Douluo? Is it very strong?"

A Li chuckled.

His tone softened: "A Title Douluo, ah, is a rank that very few soul masters can cultivate to; do you know what the soul master ranks are?"

"If you don't believe me, I can awaken your martial soul right now."

Saying this, A Li tossed out some stones to arrange a formation, took out two crystal balls, and said, "Step into the circle; I'll awaken your martial soul right now."

Seeing that there was still over a meter between her and A Li inside the circle, Xi Er entered half-believing, half-doubting.

Soon Xi Er felt as if something were about to burst forth from her right hand, and the tooth-glued sickle she had been holding fell to the ground.

"Huh? This sickle looks a bit familiar." A Li glanced at the sickle in Xi Er's hand and thought to himself.

"Isn't this the weapon that Yang Yun drew in a girl's hand? Die Li Feng E."

Xi Er looked at the large sickle in her hand with some surprise, her face showing undisguised delight; she seemed to really like this weapon.

A Li placed the soul-power-testing bead into Xi Er's hand, and a dazzling light flared.

Ah Li thought silently, "Innate soul power actually has nine levels, tsk tsk tsk, it seems I just came out and already encountered a good treasure!"

He rubbed Xier's head: "Innate soul power level nine talent is very strong, Xier, what is the name of the martial soul in your hand?"

Xier gazed blankly at the sickle in her hand, revealing a brilliant smile: "Die Li Feng E!"

Ah Li's heart startled, he naturally took Xier's hand and walked toward the village.

"Tell me your story, how have you lived these years? And also about this village."

"Forget it, let's find a place to wash up, eat something, and talk slowly; we still have plenty of time."

(End of chapter)