Soul Land: Raiden Shogun Is My Martial Soul

Chapter 190: Only the Most Fearsome Thunder Can Shatter the Heaviest...

A decade of meticulous planning—how could she easily give it up or allow it to fail?

To seize power in the Heaven Dou Empire, she had even sacrificed the prime years for cultivation. Even knowing Kong's strength far surpassed hers, she never entertained the thought of giving up.

"I believe in you. You will create a new Heaven Dou Empire. As for the Star Luo Empire, when the time comes, with an army pressing down and the support of Spirit Hall, the Douluo Continent will inevitably unify."

With Heaven Dou's military might and Spirit Hall's backing, even a powerful Star Luo Empire would crumble.

The top-tier combatants couldn't win, and there was no shortage of lower-tier forces. As long as Qian Renxue's strategy succeeded, the Douluo Continent would witness unification.

Whether it would go that smoothly, Kong couldn't say. It would depend on whether the gods above or the world consciousness of the Douluo Continent decided to meddle.

In the original story, Qian Renxue was on the verge of victory, yet her plans were thwarted by Tang San, Yang Wudi, and others.

Without the influence of world consciousness or the guidance of some god, Kong wouldn't believe such outcomes were mere coincidence.

"You've changed a lot," Qian Renxue observed.

"You used to seem indifferent about these things."

Qian Renxue's expression was serious. She felt Kong had changed in ways she couldn't quite pinpoint.

"A wise Thunder King once said something insightful: 'In one's life, it's inevitable to be tainted by dust. Believing in the goodness of humanity is too far-fetched in a world like ours.'

'Compassion is the greatest luxury in this world.'

'The road to light is destined to be riddled with thorns.'

'Weakness itself isn't terrifying; what's terrifying is cowardice.'

'Only the most fearsome thunder can shatter the deepest darkness.'

"The foundation of the Heaven Dou Empire is completely rotten. If you can't destroy it and reignite the light of hope, then I will!"

Kong spoke without emotion, then reflected briefly on Shi Mian, the catwoman, and those royal knights.

What pitiful fates they had!

Qian Renxue: "???"

For some reason, Qian Renxue felt that Kong resembled the ultimate villain in those fictional stories. But then again, how could someone who spoke such words possibly be a villain?

Shaking her head, she dismissed her doubts. Since she had chosen Kong, she didn't care what kind of person he became. Even if it meant falling into the abyss together, so be it.

"These lines… you came up with them, didn't you? What Thunder King are you talking about?"

Qian Renxue pouted, refusing to be fooled.

Truth be told, given Kong's thunder-based abilities, it wasn't far-fetched for people like She Long and Ci Xue to call him the Thunder King.

Kong: "If you say so, then sure."

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Kong's eyes lit up. Instead of arguing about the origin of the quote, he changed the subject.

"Xiaoxue, what I'm about to say next is very important. Let's leave the city first and have those two return for now."

The "two" he referred to were She Long and Ci Xue.

Hearing this, Qian Renxue furrowed her brows, a trace of doubt flashing through her eyes. What was so important that it required She Long and Ci Xue to leave?

After all, Kong hadn't bothered to exclude them when he made such bold, defiant statements earlier.

Of course, Qian Renxue wasn't angry about Kong's decision. She was merely curious about what could necessitate such secrecy.

"This…"

She Long and Ci Xue were momentarily stunned, their expressions twitching as they exchanged uncertain glances.

"You two uncles can leave first. If Kong intends to attack me, you won't be able to stop him. And if it's an enemy Kong can't handle, you two wouldn't stand a chance either."

Qian Renxue wasn't joking—her statement was a matter of fact.

She Long and Ci Xue were momentarily speechless. Her words were painfully honest. With no other option, the two exchanged a glance and silently nodded before leaving.

If Kong truly intended to attack Qian Renxue, her chances of survival would be higher without their interference. If they stayed and were caught in a single sweep, it could spell disaster.

Besides, the relationship between Kong and Qian Renxue was as clear as day—just shy of being openly acknowledged. Qian Renxue had been direct about it before.

Kong attacking Qian Renxue was almost impossible. With Kong around to protect her, what was there to fear?

Before long, Kong and Qian Renxue walked side by side to the outskirts of Heaven Dou City, an isolated area with no one around for kilometers.

"Are you really so confident in me?" Kong asked with a slight smile.

"If you wanted to, all of me is yours. What do I have to be afraid of?" Qian Renxue replied, casting him a sidelong glance as she rolled her eyes.

Kong: "…"

"Alright, let's not joke around."

"I wasn't joking!"

"…"

After a brief silence, Kong continued, "This is a matter of great importance. Only you can know about it. Even your grandfather, Qian Daoliu, shouldn't be told."

Hearing this, the playful expression on Qian Renxue's face turned serious. What could be so significant that even her grandfather must be kept in the dark?

After a moment's thought, Qian Renxue nodded and said, "I won't tell Grandfather. Go ahead."

Satisfied with her response, Kong nodded. His words were meant to stress the gravity of the situation.

Even if Qian Daoliu learned that the Seagod's Heart was the key to the Seagod's inheritance, how could he possibly send someone to complete the Seagod's trials? That would be tantamount to sending his cherished one to their death.

"The national treasure housed and worshipped by the Heaven Dou royal family, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud—you're aware of it, right?" Kong asked.

Qian Renxue was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected Kong to mention that artifact. It was nothing more than an ancient soul tool left behind from long ago.

The artifact was a relic that seemed both useless and irreplaceable. Her "teacher," the one masquerading as Xue Qinghe, had repeatedly asked Emperor Xue Ye to trade for it, only to be refused each time.

The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud contained soul abilities. Both its defensive and offensive abilities were ones that auxiliary-type soul masters typically lacked, which was why Ning Fengzhi had sought to trade for it repeatedly.

Unfortunately, the Heaven Dou Empire wasn't lacking in gold soul coins or other valuable items. Even soul bones held little appeal—what use were they to a royal family with swan martial souls? Having the swan martial soul absorb soul bones would be a waste!

Since there was no point in trading it, they had opted to enshrine the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud as a symbol of remembrance.

"Yes, Ning Fengzhi has repeatedly requested that treasure, but Emperor Xue Ye always refused. I've seen it myself. It's merely a special ancient soul tool. Does it hold some deeper significance?" Qian Renxue asked, maintaining her composure. If Kong brought it up, it must hold some secret unknown to others.

"You're right that it's an ancient soul tool, but it's far more than that."

"It's also the core of a divine artifact. Without it, inheriting a certain deity's legacy is impossible."

The moment he said this, Qian Renxue's body trembled, her eyes widening in shock as she stared at Kong.

"A divine artifact's core…"

(End of Chapter)

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