Chapter Seventeen: Martial Soul, Celestial Fox

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The very first impression that crossed Xu Sheng’s mind upon seeing the girl was of Qian Renxue...
Simply because the elegant, aloof little girl before him lacked the subsequent alluring charm!
Beside her, Bibi Dong’s icy gaze softened slightly as she looked at Huliena, gently saying, “Since you’re here, come over first, won’t you?”
“Yes, Teacher.”
“Do you know what the teacher wants to see me for today?” Huliena gracefully stepped beside Bibi Dong and respectfully inquired.
Though she was speaking with Bibi Dong, her curious eyes inadvertently glanced over at Xu Sheng...
When she clearly saw Xu Sheng’s captivating and handsome face, her cheeks flushed faintly as she murmured quietly, “Who is this boy? He’s so handsome...”
Huliena would dare to say that among all the boys she had ever met, none possessed a temperament or appearance comparable to Xu Sheng’s. Especially the subtle aura of laziness about him that caused her heart to race slightly...
She usually held herself in high regard, never expecting anyone to make her heart pound so wildly at first sight...
Bibi Dong nodded slightly, her gaze turning to Xu Sheng as she quietly explained to Huliena, “Liena, this is Xu Sheng. He is the disciple I just accepted...”
Huliena nodded slightly, a touch of surprise in her heart, “So this is the Sacred Son everyone was talking about yesterday. No wonder the teacher chose him—he must be extraordinary...”
“I’m Huliena, eleven years old. And you?” Huliena extended her hand with a gentle smile.
“Eleven? He’s actually older than me...”
It made sense—Tang San was nine, and Xu Sheng was only a year older than Tang San. By this reckoning, he was indeed younger than most of the younger generation in the Spirit Hall...
Xu Sheng politely extended his hand, shook briefly, then withdrew it quickly, returning a smile. “Hello, I’m Xu Sheng, ten years old.”
A look of astonishment flashed in Huliena’s eyes, “What? He’s only ten?”
Upon first seeing Xu Sheng’s unique temperament, Huliena had naturally assumed he was older...
Never had she imagined he was actually a year younger than herself!
Bibi Dong’s beautiful eyes watched the two interacting well, her earlier worries dissipating considerably...
She lightly touched her amethyst staff and spoke calmly, “Liena, I called you here today not only to introduce you to Xu Sheng but also to inform you that Xu Sheng will be joining your team for future training...”
Though Huliena’s face showed no displeasure, she was concerned, “But Teacher, my brother and the others...”
She didn’t mind personally, but suddenly adding a new member to a team that had trained so long together...
Bibi Dong’s lips curled slightly, her gaze sparkling as she stared at Xu Sheng, “No worries. Xu Sheng’s abilities are far stronger than other support-type spirit masters.”

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No, rather than calling Xu Sheng a support-type spirit master, it would be more accurate to say he was a dual support-control spirit master!
Silent until now, Xu Sheng propped his chin thoughtfully, “Huh? Am I about to join the so-called Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall? Interesting...”
This somewhat conflicted with the plans he had considered...
With Bibi Dong’s words, Huliena dared not argue further and obediently nodded, “I understand, Teacher!”
Only then did Bibi Dong turn her gaze to the stunned Xu Sheng, frowning slightly as she patiently asked, “Xu Sheng? You have no objections, right?”
Coming back to his senses, Xu Sheng shook his head calmly, “No objections. Whatever the teacher decides, the disciple agrees.”
Faced with a beautiful teacher’s words, he simply couldn’t bring himself to argue...
Of course, this was not the main reason...
Bibi Dong’s frown relaxed as she said, “If there are no objections, then it’s settled. Liena, take Xu Sheng to your training grounds.”
Don’t underestimate the Church of the Empress. Though it sounds small, without a guide, it’s easy to get lost!
Huliena glanced at Xu Sheng and bowed slightly, “Yes, Teacher. Then we will be going now...”
...
Xu Sheng and Huliena walked briskly side by side. The road ahead was still long, but the atmosphere had thickened into an unbearable awkwardness.
Xu Sheng glanced at Huliena, then lightly cleared his throat, deciding to break the silence first...
He couldn’t let Huliena speak first—girls were generally shy, including this young Huliena.
His gaze slowly met hers, and he spoke gently, “Um, Huliena?”
Huliena stopped in her tracks, a puzzled look crossing her face, “Hmm? Xu Sheng, is there something you want to ask?”
Actually, her heart had been racing as well, but with Xu Sheng breaking the ice, the tension eased...
After all, being with this boy inexplicably quickened her heartbeat...
This made her feel uneasy yet secretly hopeful...
She could sense the feeling but couldn’t quite explain it.
Xu Sheng smiled gracefully and softly asked, “Um, could you tell me what type of spirit master you are?”
Seeing Xu Sheng’s awkward yet feigned calm expression, Huliena couldn’t help but cover her mouth with a smile...

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That slight smile seemed to dim everything around them...
Facing Xu Sheng’s gaze, Huliena realized she had perhaps lost her composure and quickly apologized, “Xu Sheng, I just...”
Xu Sheng blinked without offense and complimented, “It’s alright. You smiled just now—it was really beautiful. Smile more, it suits you.”
Struck by such gentle words, even the usually aloof Huliena’s cheeks flushed uncontrollably...
She lightly touched her burning ears and scolded herself inwardly, “What am I thinking? We’ve only just met...”
Xu Sheng naturally noticed her change and wisely refrained from pushing further...
He leaned closer, waving his hand gently before her eyes, “Huliena?”
Snapping back to reality, Huliena saw Xu Sheng so near and instinctively stepped aside a few paces...
Then she quietly took a deep breath and forced a slightly stiff smile, “Y-yes? Um... continuing from before, I’m a control-type spirit master. My spirit is the Heavenly Fox.”
As she spoke, her mind stirred. Before her appeared countless particles that coalesced into a fox about the size of an arm, covered in fluffy snow-white fur. It looked proud, with red vertical pupils radiating endless charm...
Two glowing yellow spirit rings floated beneath its feet...
Xu Sheng gazed at the seemingly intelligent fox, propping his chin and appraising, “This Heavenly Fox looks beautiful—just like you...”
His words struck Huliena’s mind like a blow. She shyly lowered her head, silently pressing her thin lips, unsure how to respond...
His words had inadvertently shattered her thoughts...
“T-then... your... spirit?”
So shy, Huliena didn’t even dare to meet Xu Sheng’s eyes...
Xu Sheng shook his head helplessly at her bashfulness. It seemed Huliena had a long way to go before becoming a heartbreaker in the future...
Calmly, he said, “I’m a support-type spirit master. My spirit is the Nine Heart Blood Hawthorn...”
In the next moment, a blend of sanguine and sinister aura slowly blossomed from his palm, radiating lethal temptation...
Immediately, a surge of overwhelming power unexpectedly emanated from Xu Sheng...