[Hu Liena, Spirit: Charming Fox, Age: 23, spirit power: Level 60, Innate Aptitude Rating: S+.]
[Cultivation Guide: Possesses innate Charm, Charming Fox evolution can reach destiny. Current cultivation direction is slightly off—focused on slaughter… ]
On Xin's exquisitely handsome face, as several Cherry Blossom Branches fell, a panel flashed in his eyes, displaying Hu Liena's aptitude information.
The translucent interface lingered only for a moment before fading, yet the implications were clear to Xin. Hu Liena's foundation was indeed outstanding. In any ordinary sect, she would already be considered a genius beyond reach. But here, in Spirit Hall—the place where talent gathered like tides—her brilliance was only one among many competing flames.
What made her stand out was not just her spirit power, but her potential. The Charming Fox Spirit was rare even among beast-type spirits, and its evolutionary path was said to be one of allure, illusion, and destiny itself. However, what caught Xin's attention more was the deviation in her cultivation direction.
Slaughter.
A brutal, destructive path forcibly imposed upon a spirit that should have thrived in subtlety and control.
Xin's gaze deepened slightly.
Bibi Dong.
It was not difficult to guess the root of the problem. The Supreme Pontiff, powerful as she was, had walked a path soaked in blood and vengeance. Naturally, she would try to forge her disciple in the same image. But inheritance was not always compatibility. A spider devouring everything in its web did not mean a fox should learn to tear apart the forest.
If she continued down this road, Hu Liena might gain power—but lose the very essence of what made her spirit extraordinary.
"If I am not mistaken, your teacher, who is the Supreme Pontiff, values you greatly. What would your Supreme Pontiff teacher say if you were to study with me?"
Xin shook his head lightly, his tone calm but firm as he declined Hu Liena's request to become his disciple.
"If you are sincere in your studies and have a desire to improve, you can occasionally come to audit. As for becoming a disciple, wait until you have gained the Supreme Pontiff's approval and can make your own decisions."
His words were not rejection, but restraint. He understood her position too well—bound by authority, shaped by expectation, and yet still trying to carve out her own path in the cracks of someone else's will.
In Slaughter City, Hu Liena had once acted alongside Ling Xiaoqi and Ning Rongrong, learning the Punish Evil Edict. Xin had observed her then. She was not inherently lacking. In fact, her comprehension ability was quite high, and her instincts in combat were sharp.
The problem was simpler than most would expect.
She was a fox with charm, but no mastery of charm.
Other fox spirits dominated through illusion and mental suppression, bending opponents without direct confrontation. Hu Liena, however, leaned too heavily into aggression, as if trying to mimic a spider's lethality rather than a fox's elegance. It was like forcing a river to become a blade—it could work temporarily, but it would never flow naturally.
"Ah?"
Hu Liena blinked, momentarily stunned, before a faint trace of disappointment appeared on her face. But it quickly dissolved into determination, as if she had already reframed the refusal in a more hopeful light.
"Alright, Teacher Xin's words are enough for me. When I go back, I will definitely work hard to gain Supreme Pontiff's approval. I believe Supreme Pontiff will also support me in learning from Teacher Xin to become even stronger."
Her voice regained confidence midway, as though she had convinced herself that this was not rejection, but a delayed acceptance.
Xin did not respond immediately. Instead, his gaze shifted slightly toward the ruins around them.
The collapsed stone pillars, fractured ground, and lingering spiritual pressure all told of a battle that had not fully ended.
Then—
Buzz—
A sudden vibration echoed through the ruins.
A sharp, metallic clang rang out as something deep within the cracked earth responded violently. The ground trembled again, and a crimson light burst from a fissure like blood seeping through stone.
From within, a blood-red longsword slowly rose.
Dark golden demonic patterns twisted along its blade like living veins, exuding a cold, oppressive aura that distorted the surrounding air. It trembled once—then shot upward directly toward Xin.
The killing intent was unmistakable.
"Enemy attack!"
"Quick, protect Teacher!"
"Teacher, hug my waist! I'll take you out of here!"
"Hoo—Inch Punch!"
Ning Rongrong stepped forward despite her exhausted spirit power, her stance shaky but unwavering. Her small fist clenched tightly as she threw a desperate strike toward the incoming sword, more instinct than technique.
Xiao Wu and Ye Lingling also moved simultaneously, positioning themselves on either side of Xin, forming a defensive stance despite their depleted condition. Their breathing was uneven, but their eyes remained sharp.
At that moment, the Cloud Dream Wings behind Xin flickered softly.
His figure blurred.
In an instant, he vanished from his original position and reappeared directly in front of Ning Rongrong, intercepting the path of the demonic sword. A gentle but firm force radiated outward as three cherry blossom branches materialized in his hand.
With precise taps, he struck Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Ye Lingling lightly on their shoulders, dispersing the tension in their spirit veins.
"All of you, overestimating yourselves. Your spirit power is all dried up, yet you still try to act tough and protect Teacher."
His voice carried a faint trace of helplessness, though not anger.
The pressure in the air stabilized as the demonic sword halted mid-flight, trembling as if restrained by an unseen force.
Xin's expression remained calm as he produced several small pills from his sleeve, their surface glowing with a soft restorative light.
"These are Spirit Recovery Pills. After taking them, your spirit power will quickly recover to a certain level."