Chapter 42: Many Choices, No Hurry

Watching the fake Xue Qinghe, who was actually Qian Renxue, leave, Cheng Xiao's eyes carried an indiscernible meaning, and various thoughts flashed through his mind.

Originally, he intended to gradually approach and make connections with Qian Renxue within the Moon Pavilion, using the street line of Xue Ke as a bridge. However, he hadn't expected to meet in such a situation due to a coincidence.

Well, this might be better. Now that he has an impression, subsequent contacts will be simpler, and he can adjust his various plans without strictly following the original schedule.

Cheng Xiao wasn't in a hurry to make decisions. This world isn't as straightforward as imagined, where you can simply choose to align yourself with someone.

Based on his experiences over the past decade, the people on this continent have a strong sense of hierarchy. You can't just decide to attach yourself to a noble or a power; finding the right opportunity is not so straightforward! It's not like showing off a thousand-year soul ring will make people come bowing down, begging him to join their sect. Similarly, spreading the news about his twin martial souls won't guarantee admission into the Martial Soul Hall as a disciple of Bibi Dong.

Anyone who can become a force is not a simple character. Others are more likely to force out the secrets of a second-rank thousand-year soul ring, or when news of his twin martial souls spreads, they might interrogate him to reveal more information.

The Martial Soul Hall isn't a monolithic entity. Just because they serve the same higher power doesn't mean they all agree with each other. After all, Bibi Dong has been the Supreme Pontiff for so long; will they easily accept his interference and disrupt the existing order?

Even disregarding all this, will Bibi Dong really accept male disciples?

Besides Hu Liena, both Tang San and Xiao Wu were not accepted as disciples. Why? Perhaps linking it to the secret room incident could provide some clues.

She chose a male mentor and ended up with a beast. If she takes on another male disciple, will it also be a beast? Perhaps Cheng Xiao was overthinking, but he couldn't afford to gamble.

No one reveals all their cards from the beginning, completely exposed to someone unfamiliar. Doing so would mean having no room for retreat!

If he had to attach himself to a force, Cheng Xiao needed to be cautious. It wasn't about approaching recklessly and revealing everything. He couldn't afford to be too impulsive. The game plan needed to be adjusted until he thoroughly understood their conduct and approach.

Otherwise, the outcome might be as miserable as the fate of the Four Beast Clans' slaves – used and then discarded.

Some forces have no shame at all.

Entering Moon Pavilion makes it easiest to get in touch with Qian Renxue; that's one of his temporary goals. Following closely are Seven Treasure Glass Sect and Martial Soul Hall, with other forces ranking subsequently. Encountering Ye Renxin by coincidence makes him a potential candidate for observation.

As for whether to choose Qian Renxue in the end, he needs to make that decision after further interaction. He wonders if this woman has any issues other than being infatuated.

If it's just being lovestruck, there might be hope for her, but if she's a lost cause... then he'll have to consider alternatives.

There are plenty of choices available, no need to rush.

Returning to his senses, Cheng Xiao is ready to continue his meal, but Ye Renxin puts down his chopsticks with a sigh.

Cheng Xiao is momentarily surprised, glancing around, only to notice the diners whispering and casting occasional glances towards their table.

Soon, Cheng Xiao understands that every move he makes is under scrutiny. Dining peacefully is out of the question.

"Old sir, if you're not enjoying the meal here, how about changing the venue?" Cheng Xiao suggests, using a bit of conversational finesse. "I remember a nice place with fewer people; it won't disturb us."

Cheng Xiao employs a slight rhetorical trick with the word "us."

Ye Renxin strokes his beard, ponders for a moment, and then nods. Staying here for too long could lead to complications once his identity is exposed.

"Why? The food here is delicious." Ye Lingling lifts her head, blinks her eyes, and her beautiful eyes show a hint of confusion.

"I'll take you to eat something even more delicious." Cheng Xiao stands up, firmly holding Ye Lingling's soft little hand without hesitation, and leads him out of the restaurant. "Let's go!"

The small hand is ice-cold, with a unique and gentle touch, making it irresistible to play with.

Ye Lingling's mind buzzes; her whole body stiffens. Her mind is filled with just a few words: "He's holding my hand." Her ears turn slightly red, and she follows Cheng Xiao, both excited and shy, like a little follower being led away.

Ye Renxin follows behind, smiling silently. He doesn't worry too much; the two are still young, far from the age of love and affection. His granddaughter hasn't had many friends since childhood, so having someone accompany her around Tian Dou City is good for her.

What he doesn't know is that Ye Lingling might not have any particular thoughts, just shyness due to being timid. However, the little fox within her, harboring the soul of an adult, will sooner or later consume Ye Lingling once she falls into its hands.

As the golden light dissipated, Xue Qinghe unexpectedly transformed into a breathtaking woman. The woman appeared to be around twenty years old, with skin fairer than snow, a straight nose, and slightly slender phoenix-like eyes. Her mesmerizing beauty carried a blend of dignity and purity, preventing any impure thoughts from arising.

"Young Master," the two individuals bowed, placing their hands over their chests.

"Ye Renxin has come to Tian Dou!" Qian Renxue opened her eyes, and her beautiful gaze filled with seriousness.

"Ye Renxin?! Why did he come to Tian Dou City?" Both of them changed their expressions simultaneously.

They had just prepared to execute their plan. If anything went wrong with the Emperor Xue Ye, Ye Renxin would likely be called upon to intervene. This might expose their conspiracy!

"How about I go and kill him?" One person's face revealed a fierce determination.

No matter how potent the Nine-Hearted Sea Begonia was in healing, it would be challenging to withstand the attack of a Title Douluo without the protection of other soul masters.

He was confident he could kill with one blow.