"Xiao Xi, are you nervous?"
Qian Daoliu looked at Ye Xi and asked softly.
Ye Xi nodded gently and met his gaze.
"There's nothing to worry about."
Qian Daoliu stroked her hair gently and said, "Xiao Xi, even if you awaken a useless spirit, you're still my granddaughter—and the Second Young Lady of the Worship Hall."
"Besides, I believe in you. I'm sure you'll awaken an exceptional spirit."
His voice was filled with sincerity.
"Grandpa, you're the best."
Ye Xi reached out and hugged him, a warm smile appearing on her delicate face.
"Come on then, let's go find Yue Guan."
Qian Daoliu picked her up and walked straight toward the courtyard where Yue Guan resided.
Before long, the two arrived at a garden courtyard brimming with flowers and herbs. As they stepped inside, they saw Yue Guan sitting leisurely at a stone table, sipping tea.
"Grand Worshipper. Second Young Miss."
Upon seeing them, Yue Guan immediately stood and bowed respectfully to Qian Daoliu.
"Yue Guan, Xiao Xi has recently taken an interest in medicinal herbs. Since you're quite knowledgeable in this area, she'd like to ask you a few questions."
Qian Daoliu waved a hand to signal Yue Guan to rise, then sat casually at a spot in the courtyard.
"If the Second Miss wanted to ask me something, she only needed to send word. No need for the Grand Worshipper to come in person."
Yue Guan's voice, slightly soft and androgynous, carried a subtle smile as he turned to Ye Xi.
"So, Second Miss, what would you like to ask?"
"I can't claim to know everything, but when it comes to herbs and immortal plants, I'm quite well-versed. I even have a family heirloom—an ancient Record of Immortal Herbs—that documents everything in great detail."
His tone was filled with confidence.
Ye Xi's sapphire-blue eyes sparkled, and a subtle smile touched her lips.
"Elder Chrysanthemum, would you be willing to lend me that heirloom herb record for a few days?"
"You have my word—I'll return it in perfect condition when I'm finished."
Her gaze was full of hopeful anticipation.
Qian Daoliu looked silently at Yue Guan, but said nothing—only watching calmly.
"Of course, it's no problem at all."
"Second Miss, please wait a moment. I'll fetch it for you now."
Yue Guan turned and walked back into his room.
Meanwhile, Ye Xi began looking around at the herbs and flowers planted throughout the courtyard.
Soon, Yue Guan emerged holding an ancient, timeworn book.
"Second Miss, this is the Record of Immortal Herbs. Please feel free to read it."
He handed the book to Ye Xi, still smiling.
"Thank you very much, Elder Chrysanthemum."
Ye Xi accepted the book with gratitude.
"Yue Guan, once Xiao Xi is done reading, I'll have someone return the book to you."
"I'll be taking her back now."
Qian Daoliu rose and prepared to leave with Ye Xi.
"Safe journey, Grand Worshipper."
"Farewell, Second Miss."
Yue Guan once again bowed respectfully as they departed.
On the way back, Ye Xi walked slowly, flipping through the pages of the Record of Immortal Herbs. A gentle curve lifted the corners of her lips.
"This is incredibly detailed," she thought.
"It not only explains each herb's properties, but also outlines the precise techniques needed for harvesting."
Her deep blue eyes sparkled with excitement.
With this book in hand, all she needed was to awaken a spirit capable of cultivating—even if her talent turned out to be mediocre. She could always enhance her potential later by using a suitable immortal herb.
Of course, awakening a powerful spirit from the start would be the best outcome.
Back at the Worship Hall, they found Golden Crocodile Douluo already waiting in the main hall.
"Big Brother, all the tools for spirit awakening are ready. We can begin at any time."
He stood up, holding several jet-black stones in his hand.
"Xiao Xi, go to your Grandpa Golden Crocodile," Qian Daoliu said with a smile.
"He'll awaken your spirit."
Qian Daoliu sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and waited calmly.
"Alright, Grandpa."
Ye Xi nodded and walked over to Golden Crocodile, stopping a short distance in front of him.
Golden Crocodile tossed the black stones toward her. With the aid of spirit power, they began to orbit her, forming a faint golden barrier of light that enveloped her entirely.
Inside the light, Ye Xi felt an intense heat surge through her body—but it wasn't uncomfortable. In fact, it was pleasantly warm, as if some dormant, terrifying power was gradually awakening.
Gradually, a crimson light emerged behind her, accompanied by a chilling aura of slaughter and despair.
Sensing this, Qian Daoliu put down his teacup and fixed his gaze on Ye Xi.
Behind her, a spirit slowly took form—an angelic figure with three pairs of black wings.
"Big Brother… what kind of spirit is this?"
"It looks so much like the Six-Winged Angel Spirit."
Golden Crocodile stepped beside Qian Daoliu, watching closely.
Indeed, the spirit resembled the Six-Winged Angel Spirit almost exactly—except for the color of its wings.
The wings of the traditional Six-Winged Angel Spirit were a pure, holy white.
Ye Xi's wings were pitch black.
And the aura was drastically different: the Six-Winged Angel exuded divinity and nobility, while Ye Xi's spirit radiated slaughter… and despair.
"It's a variant of the Angel Spirit," Qian Daoliu said thoughtfully.
"It still belongs to the angelic lineage."
Then he paused. A Fallen Angel is still an angel, after all. And this was his granddaughter, whom he'd raised since infancy—there was no need to be alarmed.
In the end, a spirit is just a spirit.
It is neither good nor evil—only the user determines that.
With that thought, a warm smile appeared on his face, and he looked at Ye Xi kindly.
"Xiao Xi, withdraw your spirit. Let's test your innate spirit power."
He pulled out a blue crystal sphere and walked up to her.
Ye Xi nodded, glanced at her spirit, and then retracted it. She placed her hand on the crystal ball.
As she did, the orb began to glow with a soft, radiant light.
"Innate full spirit power!"
"Xiao Xi, your talent is excellent. If you train hard, you'll become one of the top Spirit Masters on the entire continent."
Qian Daoliu nodded in satisfaction as he watched the crystal sphere shine brightly.
(End of Chapter)
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