Once Qian Renxue arrived, she and Qian Ran took off in the direction of the Star Dou Forest, their figures quickly disappearing into the distance.
"You've improved quite a lot recently," Qian Renxue remarked, surprised by Qian Ran's rapid progress. His cultivation had skyrocketed from Soul Elder to Soul King with seemingly no pause. As soon as his soul power reserves were sufficient, his rank surged upward like a force of nature.
"Well, what can I say? I'm a genius. How have things been on your end in Star Luo City?"
"Are you asking about your two little girlfriends?" Qian Renxue teased. "Don't worry, I've treated them well. Their strength has improved significantly. As for Dai Hao, I've completely taken over his forces, including his military and the White Tiger Duke's estate. Zhu Ying has been very cooperative too." Her mood was bright, as things had gone far better than expected. Unlike her struggles in the Heaven Dou Empire, this was a walk in the park.
"Dai Hao cooperated that easily?" Qian Ran chuckled.
Who truly ruled the Dai family now—Dai Hao or him?
"Pfft, after the way you've humiliated him, how could he have any thoughts of rebellion? If he dares step out of line, we could ruin him in an instant. He has no way out now—not even death is an option for him." Qian Renxue cast Qian Ran an amused glance.
"True enough. Dai Hao is nothing more than a dog in my hands."
Qian Ran could easily control Dai Hao's life and reputation. If he sent word to the Dai family about the maids Dai Hao had offered up as compensation, their contempt alone would destroy him.
Some of the women sent to Qian Ran were daughters and granddaughters of prominent Dai family members. If they didn't return for an extended period, suspicion would inevitably arise.
Dai Hao's only option was to rely on Qian Ran to maintain his position as the illustrious White Tiger Duke.
Even if he wanted to die now, the fear of becoming a public disgrace, reviled for generations, would hold him back.
"Do you want to keep him alive, or should I find a chance to kill him?"
"Let him live. I said I'd spare his life as long as he doesn't step out of line. He's just an old dog now; he wouldn't dare rise against me." Qian Ran didn't hesitate.
Dai Hao's strong survival instinct made him more useful alive than dead. People like him, shameless and terrified of death, were the easiest to control.
Not only could Qian Ran end Dai Hao's life at any time, but he could also destroy him socially. Under such absolute power, rebellion was unthinkable for Dai Hao.
"You just want to keep him around so you can keep bullying him," Qian Renxue said with a smirk. Then, with a playful tone, she asked, "So, are the women Dai Hao sent you enough? Should I have Zhu Ying send a few more from the Zhu family? Maybe some royal princesses too?"
"More from the Zhu family wouldn't hurt. But princesses? What are you going to do, kidnap them?"
"You're incorrigible. How many women will it take to satisfy you?"
"Don't get the wrong idea. I don't plan to do anything to them. I'm building a personal force. They'll prove useful someday."
"I don't mind," Qian Renxue said, her tone suddenly serious. "But remember—they're only ever going to be servants. I can tolerate your indiscretions, but they'll never be anything more than that."
Qian Renxue had long come to terms with Qian Ran's nature. She couldn't even imagine him not being the way he was—it had become part of who he was.
She had thought deeply about Qian Ran's condition. His body was extraordinary, his physical and spiritual stamina far surpassing that of any ordinary man—or even the strongest males in nature.
Even when Qian Ran appeared calm and composed, his energy quickly rebounded in mere moments.
Qian Renxue believed Qian Ran's desires were directly tied to his unique constitution. If those needs weren't addressed, he might literally implode under the strain.
In fact, Qian Renxue's assessment wasn't far off. Qian Ran's heightened masculinity demanded more than what an ordinary man could endure. Unlike most men who quickly lost interest, his interest seemed boundless.
Qian Renxue's only concern was the growing number of women around him. She didn't mind the maids serving him but refused to let them rise to the status of wives or equals.
"I get it. I'm not reckless," Qian Ran assured her.
"Good. I'll keep an eye out for potential candidates with talent," Qian Renxue said, rewarding him with a kiss on the cheek.
Before long, they arrived at the Star Dou Forest.
"The overall strength of the Star Dou Forest has weakened significantly compared to ten thousand years ago," Qian Renxue observed, scanning the forest with her immense spiritual power.
"Many 100,000-year soul beasts have become soul rings for Titled Douluos. A decline in power is inevitable," Qian Ran replied, summoning Bing Di and Xue Di.
"Are we at the Star Dou Forest already? Let's call out Di Tian and the others," Bing Di said. Together, she and Xue Di released their fearsome auras.
As two of the Ten Great Savage Beasts, their presence immediately caused all nearby soul beasts to drop to the ground, trembling in submission. Even soul masters hunting for soul rings fled toward the forest's outskirts, their faces pale with fear.
Soul beasts were fiercely territorial, and this extended to their strongest members. The arrival of two top-tier savage beasts like Xue Di and Bing Di sent shockwaves through the forest, waking even the most dormant of the mighty predators.
Within moments, a massive crimson-gold beast, over five meters long, emerged. It resembled a lion but had three identical heads, each bearing terrifying fangs that gleamed with a fiery gold hue.
This was Chi Wang, the eighth-ranked member of the Ten Great Savage Beasts, with a cultivation level exceeding 300,000 years.
"Bing Di, Xue Di, what brings you to the Star Dou Forest instead of staying in the Extreme North?" Chi Wang asked, his three heads speaking in unison. His gaze shifted uneasily to Qian Ran and Qian Renxue.
"I'm here to discuss matters of life and death for soul beasts. But this isn't something you're qualified to hear. Summon Di Tian," Xue Di said coolly, her regal demeanor leaving Qian Ran inwardly captivated.
Xue Di's usual softness around him was enchanting, but this icy arrogance had its own allure.
(End of Chapter)