Chapter 26

Cai Wen took one last glance inside his essence tool, appreciating the incredible storage capacity that it offered. Almost everything he had prepared was safely tucked away within this remarkable device, a gift from his master, Bibi Dong.

Even though she had presented it to him somewhat belatedly, he cherished it deeply. This essence tool could store an amount equivalent to the size of three full-grown elephants, a testament to its astonishing capabilities.

As he traversed the serene palace corridors bathed in the gentle glow of the early morning sunlight, long shadows danced through the arches. His journey led him to the main entrance of the Supreme Pontiff Palace. He paused, drawing a deep breath, and mentally prepared himself for the day's ventures.

He found himself waiting for Chrysanthemums Douluo, an individual with whom he had formed a close bond over the past few months. Chrysanthemum Douluo had frequently gifted him books on various plant species, a gesture that sparked joy in Cai Wen.

The man, despite his feminine appearance and eccentric behaviour, he possessed unparalleled knowledge of flora within Spirit Hall. Among the people in Douluo Continent he is the only one to recognise the immortal herbs that the Shrek seven monster consumed, except for Tang San.

While Cai Wen was standing at the entrance, his gaze fell upon a somewhat familiar duo. The sight of a grandfather and his granddaughter stirred his curiosity. Upon closer inspection, he recognized them — it was Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue. Their presence took him by surprise.

What added to his astonishment was Qian Renxue, who was roughly his age. Seeing her in the Spirit Hall was evidence that she had not yet assumed her role as a prince in the Heaven Duo Empire. He wondered why he was only meeting her now.

Qian Daoliu, despite his actual age, looked to be in his 30s or 40s. His handsome features were adorned with a subtle smile, and his calm demeanor exuded a comforting aura. He was tall but not particularly muscular, dressed in a plain gray robe. His long black hair was neatly combed and cascading down his back. Even with his simplistic attire, he stood there radiating an aura of reverence.

Cai Wen could feel Qian Daoliu's gaze upon him. After a few moments, recognition dawned in the elder's eyes and he started to approach Cai Wen. His grandaughter, puzzled by the sudden redirection, followed his gaze.

She spotted a young boy of her age who bore a cute appearance, but it was his beautiful eyes, first focused on her grandfather and then on her, that truly caught her attention.

After a brief walk, they reached Cai Wen. He eyed them warily, doing his best to maintain a respectful demeanor.

Qian Daoliu initiated the conversation. "You are... Bibi Dong's new disciple?" he said, his deep voice echoing in the expansive entrance hall.

"Yes, may I know the name of the elder?" Cai Wen enquired in a respectful tone, feigning ignorance about their identities.

Upon hearing her grandfather mention her mother, Qian Renxue's gaze towards Cai Wen shifted dramatically. Initially driven by curiosity, her feelings towards him now simmered with jealousy and envy.

'Why can this boy and the other girl spend time with my mother, enjoy her companionship, and bask in her teachings, while I, her own daughter, am met with disdain?' She attempted to conceal her emotions, but both Qian Daoliu and Cai Wen noticed her struggle.

Qian Daoliu sighed, but introduced himself to Cai Wen with a warm smile, "I am Qian Daoliu, the Grand Worship of the Spirit Hall. I lead both the Elder Palace and Douluo Palace. This is my granddaughter, Qian Renxue." He gestured towards the girl standing behind him.

"It's an honour to meet you, um...-" Cai Wen began, cupping his hands in a respectful greeting. He hesitated, uncertain whether to address the elder as 'Grand Worship', 'Elder Qian', or 'Lord Qian Daoliu'.

Noticing the boy's difficulty, Qian Daoliu simply smiled. "You may call me Elder Qian or Grandpa Qian, as you are nearly the same age as my dear Xuer," he suggested.

"Ah, I mean, yes, it's an honour to meet you, Grandpa Qian." Cai Wen was taken aback by how he was now addressing one of the key figures behind the Spirit Hall as 'grandpa'.

Meanwhile, Qian Renxue, who had been silently observing the exchange, felt a growing distaste for Cai Wen. Her resentment was driven by his closeness to her mother, a bond she herself lacked. Her previous indifference towards him had now evolved into outright hostility.

'Not only have you monopolized my mother's attention, but now you're even trying to win over my grandpa!' Though she didn't vocalize her thoughts, her glare spoke volumes of her animosity towards Cai Wen.

Cai Wen looked back at her in confusion, unable to comprehend her apparent hatred.

Qian Daoliu sighed internally once again. He permitted Cai Wen to address him as 'grandpa' mainly because the boy was Bibi Dong's disciple. Given that Bibi Dong, being the mother of his granddaughter, was akin to a daughter to him, Cai Wen could be loosely considered his grandson.

As they say, a teacher often serves a role similar to a second parent. Therefore, in certain contexts, it's not entirely inaccurate to consider Cai Wen as a kind of grandson to Qian Daoliu.

Cai Wen's age being equivalent to Qian Renxue's, made Qian Daoliu did not mind being affectionately referred to as "grandpa" by Cai Wen.

Also although Cai Wen was adept at concealing much of his cultivation through his control over his spirit power, his cultivation was still apparent to the discerning eye of Qian Daoliu, an experienced Limit Douluo who had reached the 99th spirit rank and stood on the precipice of godhood.

'Despite his tender age of seven, he has already reached this level,' Qian Daoliu mused. 'His spirit power is remarkably solid, and his physique is nearly on par with someone at the 30th spirit rank. If he maintains this pace, he could potentially rival Xuer in the future.'

In Qian Daoliu's estimation, Cai Wen's talent ranked third highest that he met, surpassed only by his granddaughter—who boasted an innate spirit power rank of 20—and Bibi Dong, who was uniquely born with twin spirits.

Qian Daoliu had even contemplated the idea of pairing Cai Wen and Qian Renxue, given their identical age and his high regard for the boy. However, observing Qian Renxue's apparent distaste for Cai Wen, he could only sigh.

Despite this, Qian Daoliu still made an effort to hold small, friendly conversations with Cai Wen. Cai Wen is a person of spirit hall, and it might be good to make him a friend of his granddaughter.

Through these interactions, Qian Renxue discovered that Cai Wen planned to venture into the Star Dou Forest to acquire a spirit ring, just like her.

"Hmph, you're probably only going to get your first spirit ring. I can't fathom why mot-Pope accepted you as her disciple," she scoffed, nearly calling Bibi Dong 'mother' before stop and correcting herself.

"Actually, I am on the verge of securing my second spirit ring, Miss Renxue," Cai Wen replied courteously. He held no ill will towards her, understanding her resentment towards him to a certain extent and viewing her as just a child.

Qian Renxue's eyes widened in surprise. "But you're only seven years old!"

"You're also seven, Xuer, and you're about to get your third ring," Qian Daoliu interjected, chuckling lightly.

"But I'm different! I possess the Seraphim martial spirit, a god spirit, whereas his is just an ordinary one!" she responded incredulously to her grandfather.

"Many factors contribute to a person's growth, Xuer. Even if they initially possess less talent, they can still catch up or even surpass you. So, never be complacent, and always strive to work hard," Qian Daoliu replied, seizing the opportunity to caution his granddaughter against arrogance and encourage her constant diligence.