Chapter 36: The Grand Entrance

“Hmph, you’re in the late stages of Foundation Establishment cultivation, while I’m only at the early stage. Without relying on my equipment, how could I possibly best you?” Wang Yuanze may have been unscrupulous, but he wasn’t foolish.

“If you’re too afraid to face me, then step aside and make way,” Qin Shu said with not a trace of politeness in his voice. His gaze remained unwavering as he looked directly at Wang Shuangjiang, betraying no hint of fear.

“Young man, don’t be so arrogant.” Wang Shuangjiang let out a cold snort.

“Arrogant, am I? Is this what you call arrogance? And yet intercepting someone on the street isn’t considered audacious by your standards? How truly laughable.” Qin Shu fired back retort for retort.

Luo Qingning noticed that Qin Shu’s demeanor was now utterly different from when they had first met at the Money God Shopping Mall. She found it peculiar and whispered through their communication link, “Dear child, has something happened to Young Master Qin? He seems completely transformed.”

“I’m just as puzzled!” Lu Yixi replied. The previous Qin Shu had been all about maintaining a low profile; never would she have expected him to display such overt sharpness now.

However, the more Qin Shu revealed his prowess, the more intimidated Wang Shuangjiang became. He couldn’t gauge Qin Shu’s true capabilities—it was as if the young man had materialized out of thin air.

“Ah, ah… My dear son Yuanze merely wishes to make friends here,” Wang Shuangjiang said, lowering his tone considerably. “There’s no need for our young friend to remain quite so confrontational, is there?”

Even Luo Qingning was wondering if Qin Shu truly hailed from some prestigious clan.

Of course, she thought, with a spiritual soul possessing god-tier potential, even if he isn’t from a renowned family, he would undoubtedly have been taken in by one of the immortals as an apprentice. Naturally, he has nothing to fear. She concluded that his presence here must be accidental—a mere fluke—yet he likely carried secret treasures for self-defense. No wonder he refused to bow down to old Wang Shuangjiang.

“Chortle!” Qin Shu offered not even a shred of courtesy. “I don’t have a habit of befriending beasts.” He then turned to look at Lu Yixi. “Yixi, do you?”

Lu Yixi’s gaze brimmed with loathing as it fell on Wang Yuanze. “A beast’s friend is but another beast,” she declared. “How could such creatures ever call themselves friends with humans?” Her words cast a shadow over several others standing near Wang Yuanze as well.

“You!” Wang Yuanze began to raise his finger towards Lu Yixi.

“Oh? Are you planning to lose that finger?” Luo Qingning interjected sharply, protective instincts kicking in immediately.

The Lu and Wang Families had long been at odds, their conflict fueled by irreconcilable differences in interests—a rivalry deep-seated enough to explain why the Wangs had moved first to test the waters, sending Wang Yuanze to intercept Qin Shu and Lu Yixi.

Every influential family in Nine Yong City coveted Lu Yixi’s extraordinary spiritual soul—including the Wangs themselves.

Even if the Lu Family had no intention of letting Lu Yixi marry out, they would still consider taking in a son-in-law from another clan—provided he was sufficiently exceptional. This way, they could capitalize on his fortune without compromising their dignity.

The Wang Family harbored similar thoughts; they were even willing to concede some benefits to ease tensions with the Lu Family. In this manner, should the opportunity arise, they might yet spirit away Lu Yixi through marriage alliance.

Naturally, the Lu Family anticipated such schemes. Consequently, when seeking a son-in-law, they wouldn’t entertain candidates from prominent clans.

As Luo Qingning observed Qin Shu now, her confidence wavered. She realized that this choice for a son-in-law may not have been ideal after all. Nevertheless, she knew they must make use of him while they could—a God-tier Spiritual Soul capable of guiding Lu Yixi safely through the Abyss of Core Formation was invaluable.

There was no need to rush into finding a suitable son-in-law either, as Lu Yixi was still young.

“Luo Qingning,” interjected one voice, “don’t you think your junior is being rather harsh? After all, it’s consensual between both parties. The Wang Family has offered compensation—it’s just that she chose not to accept.”

“Shameless!” Luo Qingning retorted instantly. “Using despicable means to seduce women and then employing enchantment spells to steal their virtue? I’m astounded you feel no remorse over such selfish acts at others’ expense. Let me tell you, throughout Nine Yong City’s Immortal District, every single clan scorns the very name ‘Wang.’ A rotten tree starts with its roots.”

Qin Shu couldn’t help but ask, “Surely not every member of the Wang Clan is a Long-Eared Desire Rabbit?”

“Pfft!” Lu Yixi stifled a giggle, well aware of what the term implied. “There are indeed a few such cases—it is their ancestral spiritual soul after all.”

Unfazed by the potential offense to the Wang Clan, Qin Shu’s gaze carried a hint of disdain as he looked at Wang Shuangjiang—much like how he had regarded Wang Yuanze earlier.

“Young man,” Wang Shuangjiang roared, “don’t look at me with that scornful expression! I awakened as a Thunder Flame Tiger.” As if to prove his words, he manifested his Thunder Flame Tiger spiritual soul—a massive blue flame giant tiger appeared behind him.

His thunderous bellow sent both Qin Shu and Lu Yixi reeling backward repeatedly.

What’s wrong with this old fool? Qin Shu thought incredulously. Isn’t it obvious you also hold contempt for the Long-Eared Desire Rabbit spiritual soul, given your display just now?!

Wang Yuanze’s face darkened further still, its displeasure plain to see.

The Long-Eared Desire Rabbit was indeed a Moonshadow Rank spiritual soul, while the Thunder Flame Tiger unequivocally belonged to the Sunlight Rank. However, the Long-Eared Desire Rabbit had the potential to undergo metamorphosis—a transformation that could elevate its power even higher than that of the Thunder Flame Tiger.

Throughout the God Soul Continent, there were numerous recorded instances of individuals awakening with the Long-Eared Desire Rabbit spiritual soul. Some ancient texts even detailed various paths through which the Long-Eared Desire Rabbit could evolve.

The Sunlight Rank spiritual soul manifested as a Long-Eared Dingguang Rabbit; the Mythical Rank five-colored version became a Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal; and the seven-colored supreme form was known as the Dingguang Huanxi Buddha.

Such potential was truly immense.

Of course, even transforming from Moon Shadow to Sunlight rank required a cost beyond what any family within an Immortal Court state could bear—it remained solely dependent on one’s destiny.

However, no matter how fortuitous one might be, reaching the pinnacle of Long-Eared Dingguang Immortal was the absolute limit.

The Dingguang Huanxi Buddha belonged to the core echelon of the Western Heaven Buddha Kingdom, a superpower in the God Soul Continent. There existed only one such being throughout the entire continent, with its ceiling firmly locked.

As for those awakening as Long-Eared Desire Rabbits, they were relatively common across the land. In fact, many who possessed this spiritual soul may well have been descendants of that very same Dingguang Huanxi Buddha.

“Enough already,” Luo Qingning interjected sharply. “Wang Shuangjiang, there’s no need for you to display your spiritual soul anymore. Let me make this clear: if you want to fight, bring it on. If not, step aside and let us pass. A good dog doesn’t block the path.”

His tone and words cut like razors through the air.

“We’ll engage—but I ask you, do you dare face me alone?” Wang Shuangjiang stared at Luo Qingning, his judgment clouded by anger.

“What, do you think I’m dead weight? Are you trying to bully my wife?” An overwhelming pressure descended from above just then, followed by a burly figure crashing onto the ground with such force that a powerful shockwave sent everyone reeling backward.

“Lu Kaijiang!” Wang Shuangjiang glared at the newcomer, his expression darkening visibly.

Qin Shu gazed at that imposing figure from behind—his aura as formidable as a mountain.

The spiritual soul had merged with his true self, becoming an colossal peak that bore down on Wang Shuangjiang relentlessly, forcing him back step by step.

“How about I take you on instead?” Lu Kaijiang’s voice was rough yet magnetic. “Enough already, everyone,” interjected another presence. “Haven’t you caused enough commotion outside the God of Food Restaurant? Get back to your business; don’t disrupt my trade.”

A golden light appeared between Lu Kaijiang and Wang Shuangjiang. With a subtle display of power, it sent both men reeling backward.

“Greetings, Lord Zhu!” Upon seeing this newcomer, even someone like Lu Kaijiang or Wang Shuangjiang bowed deferentially, their demeanor as docile as infants’, hands cupped respectfully before them.

“You’re well over a hundred years old now,” admonished Lord Zhu, whose full name was Zhu Yi. Known for his exceptional culinary skills and unfathomable cultivation depth, he continued, “Don’t embarrass yourselves in front of your juniors.” He waved dismissively. “Return whence you came. If you still feel restless, venture into the Abyss—it might be just what you need. Even if you perish there, consider it contributing to the welfare of the God Soul Continent.”

Wang Shuangjiang seized the opportunity to extricate himself from the situation. “Yes, Lord Zhu,” he said hastily. “This junior will depart immediately.” He then turned to Wang Yuanze with a scowl. “Are we not leaving yet? How utterly humiliating!”

Wang Yuanze’s expression darkened, resentment simmering within him. It’s all because your Thunder Flame Tiger Spiritual Soul failed to awaken, he thought bitterly. But look at how you act—as if I’m some distant relative! His sense of equilibrium was deeply disturbed; he felt used when convenient but cast aside when no longer needed.

His eyes flickered towards Qin Shu, a spark of intrigue igniting within—a plan beginning to form, though its nature remained unclear even to himself.

Noticing this glance, Qin Shu inwardly chuckled: Seems things aren’t quite settled yet.