Chapter 31: The Golden Pearl of Destiny

“Go!”

Qin Shu seized Lu Yixi’s hand, taking advantage of the momentary confusion among the two third-rank banesoldiers within the array to make their escape from the Five Elements Formation.

“What do you intend to do?” Lu Yixi asked, his voice tinged with fear as they left the protective barrier.

“Protect yourself at all costs,” Qin Shu instructed succinctly. With a swift wave of both hands, he commanded, “Five Elements reverse—erupt!”

In that instant, a cataclysmic display unfolded within the Great Array of Five Elements: raging infernos melted metal; profound waters extinguished flames; thick earth swallowed water whole; azure wood pierced through soil; sharp metal severed living timber—the very principles of the Five Elements clashed in a dance of destruction.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The deafening explosions shook the heavens. Yet every iota of this destructive force was meticulously contained by the Five Elements Formation, not allowing even a single thread to escape into the wider Abyss.

The two third-rank banesoldiers trapped within the formation naturally bore the brunt of this devastating assault. Isolated from the abyssal environment by the formation, they were blasted beyond recognition, limbs torn off and bodies shattered. Deprived of any bane qi replenishment, they disintegrated completely in less than twenty minutes, dissipating like ash on the wind.

“One final strike!” Qin Shu sensed that the fire dragon had sent the battered third-rank Banesoldier Warlord hurtling back towards them, leading hundreds of second-rank banesoldiers in a desperate charge.

At this crucial moment, the formation continued its relentless eruption of destructive power—an opportune moment for unleashing such fury upon their enemies.

“Open the formation!”

With precise control over the five directional flags, Qin Shu created an opening directly facing the advancing horde of banesoldiers.

In that instant, a torrent of destructive power surged forth from the ruptured formation like a raging river—endless and relentless as the Yellow River in flood, unstoppable once unleashed.

Wherever this energy tide swept across, not even a blade of grass remained; all life was utterly annihilated.

Only the third-rank Banesoldier Warlord managed to survive, its formidable physique barely holding on amidst countless wounds inflicted by the onslaught.

Qin Shu slowly exhaled, his expression betraying the strain of such extreme manipulation. He turned to Lu Yixi with a hint of fatigue in his voice. “It’s about time we leave.”

“Agreed!” Lu Yixi nodded, somewhat dazed. The spectacle had left her deeply shaken—a second-rank Foundation Establishment cultivator defying a third-rank monster within the vast Abyss itself, facing down an army thousands strong single-handedly.

An inexplicable feeling stirred in her heart at that moment—a profound reverence for those unparalleled beings known as powerhouses.

Qin Shu packed away the five directional flags and spat out the Qingping Sword Pill.

With the first form of the Cyan Lotus Sword Art—“Lotus Bloom”—a lotus blossomed above the third-rank banesoldier. Its fine sword qi dissolved the already ravaged body riddled with holes.

“Let’s go,” Qin Shu said mildly, exhaustion weighing heavily upon him.

A golden light flashed, and in an instant, both figures vanished from their spot, reappearing inside the Money God Shopping Mall through teleportation.

At their original location, another flash of gold brought them abruptly back into view before Zhao Gongqian and Madame Lu.

“Back already?” Madame Lu said with evident excitement, rising to greet them warmly.

Zhao Gongqian maintained his usual composed demeanor as he remarked, “I told you not to worry, Madam.”

“Grandma!” Lu Yixi rushed forward and embraced Madame Lu tightly, as if they had been separated for ages.

“My dear child, it’s alright now,” Madame Lu comforted him gently, patting his back. “Let us first see what blessings the World Will has bestowed upon us.”

Two beams of golden light materialized out of thin air, hovering before Qin Shu and Lu Yixi respectively.

As the radiance dissipated, a bead no larger than a thumb appeared before Lu Yixi—a luminous orb shimmering in a rich amber hue.

“It’s a Destiny Gold Pearl,” Madame Lu exclaimed promptly. “Quickly, release your spiritual soul to consume it!”

Lu Yixi instinctively unleashed his Destiny Carp Spiritual Soul.

Upon sight of the Destiny Gold Pearl, the carp hesitated not at all, swiftly engulfing it within its mouth.

After swallowing the pearl, the carp’s body elongated slightly, and two scales protruded from the top of its head like horns.

“Hahaha!” Madame Lu burst into delighted laughter. “Indeed, our Lu Family is truly blessed.” She then turned towards Qin Shu, her voice taking on a cautious tone. “Qin-gongzi, I must request that you keep this matter secret when we return home.”

Qin Shu had discreetly retrieved his own prize while the golden light still lingered. With a serious expression, he assured her, “Madame Lu, rest assured—I am not one to speak out of turn.” His eyes conveyed his commitment to silence on the matter.

“Many thanks!” Madam Lu nodded towards Qin Shu and said, “The previous agreed price is nullified. Since our dear daughter has obtained the Destiny Golden Pearl, it is only fitting that my Lu family offers a more substantial reward.” She produced a golden spiritual soul card and continued, “This contains eight million Spiritual Soul Coins. Please accept it.”

Qin Shu mentally tallied his kills—tens of thousands of first-rank banesoldiers, hundreds of second-rank ones, and three third-rank banesoldiers.

At the original rates, he would have earned between three to four million Spiritual Soul Coins at most. This offer was double that amount—a generous recompense indeed, not unlike a hush fee.

Without further ado, Qin Shu accepted the spiritual soul card and replied, “I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Madame Lu.”

Buoyed by this auspicious encounter, Madam Lu found herself increasingly charmed by Qin Shu’s presence. “No need for such formality,” she said warmly. “It’s what you deserve.” A thought crossed her mind, stirring her curiosity. “Might I inquire how old Young Master Qin might be?”

Qin Shu instinctively glanced at Lu Yixi; why did this feel like they were about to discuss marriage arrangements?

“I’m eighteen,” he answered simply.

“Oh, also eighteen!” Madam Lu exclaimed with surprise. “Then you too must have awakened your Spiritual Soul recently?”

“Yes,” Qin Shu affirmed with a nod.

Madam Lu could discern that Qin Shu’s cultivation had already reached Mid Foundation Establishment stage, nearing Late Foundation Establishment—a remarkable achievement. In contrast, despite being blessed with a Sunlit Spiritual Soul, Lu Yixi had just barely attained Foundation Establishment—with significant assistance from their clan resources.

Qin Shu’s cultivation progress was even more rapid than hers, implying that his spiritual soul must at least be of the Five-Colored Divine Spirit level—a remarkable achievement.

Madame Lu couldn’t help but entertain certain thoughts as she asked, “Have you formed any attachments yet?”

Wait, he actually came?

Qin Shu made it clear he had no interest in matters of romance just now; all he wanted was to make money. With a slight shake of his head, he replied mildly, “No, I have not. Why do you ask, Madame Lu?”

She drew Lu Yixi closer and posed her question directly to Qin Shu, “What does Young Master Qin think about our Yixi here?”

“Grandmother!” Before Qin Shu could respond, Lu Yixi blushed bashfully.

Madame Lu smiled warmly, “In this day and age, what is there to be shy about?”

Feeling somewhat awkward, Qin Shu turned towards Zhao Gongqian for guidance.

Zhao Gongqian spun around, shifting his gaze to a corner of the ceiling as he muttered softly, “There seems to be a minor flaw up there. We should arrange for someone to come take a look sometime soon.”

The smile on Madame Lu’s face faltered slightly as she pressed further, “Could it be that Young Master Qin finds our Yixi unworthy?” Her tone carried a hint of uncertainty.

“Of course not,” Qin Shu shook his head gently. “Miss Lu is undoubtedly exceptional. However, my heart now belongs solely to the path of cultivation; I have no inclination for romantic entanglements. Please forgive me, Madame Lu.”

Upon hearing this, the blush that had graced Lu Yixi’s cheeks gradually faded away, leaving her feeling somewhat disappointed—though thankfully, it wasn’t a devastating blow.

Madame Lu observed her daughter’s expression and understood there was indeed a spark between them. She then glanced at Qin Shu, noting his composed demeanor, which made clear their attachment would bear no fruit.

With a sigh, she said, “If that is your choice, then allow us to wish you success on your great path, Young Master Qin.”

“I am deeply grateful for your understanding, Madame Lu.” Relieved internally, Qin Shu let out a silent breath of ease.

Wasn’t Lu Yixi suitable? Of course she was—exceptionally so. With her innocent nature and gullibility, coupled with possessing a spiritual soul akin to a koi fish—one known to bring immense fortune to those around her—she would make an ideal cultivational partner. Such individuals were rare indeed.

But marriage by joining the family? That he most certainly did not want.

How could the Lu Family possibly consider marrying off someone blessed with such a spiritually auspicious presence—one who brought benefit to the entire clan? The only logical option was to accept a son-in-law through marriage alliance.

Yet how could Qin Shu ever agree to become a son-in-law? Throughout history, how many sons-in-law had managed to escape unscathed from their in-laws’ expectations? It was a perilous path fraught with challenges.