Chapter 18 – Let's See Your Strength
In Xiao Han's eyes, the person before him, Xue Qinghe, was merely a woman disguised as a man.
At this moment, her real age was probably not even twenty yet.
Xue Qinghe suddenly asked:
"Xiao Han, you came looking for me on purpose. What's the reason?"
"Your Highness, I'm looking for something, and I believe only you can help me."
"Oh? What is it? Do tell."
"It's a book, called Illustrated Compendium of Immortal Herbs."
"Illustrated Compendium of Immortal Herbs?"
Hearing that it was a book, Xue Qinghe was somewhat surprised—she hadn't expected Xiao Han to come for something like that.
Although she found it a little odd, Xue Qinghe still smiled amicably.
"Xiao Han, this is the first time I've heard of the Illustrated Compendium of Immortal Herbs. As far as I know, it's not in the Empire's library."
"Your Highness, I believe this book may be in the Spirit Hall, which is why I came to ask for your help."
"Spirit Hall…"
Xue Qinghe frowned slightly, deep in thought.
Indeed, the Spirit Hall housed many rare and precious books, but since Qian Renxue hadn't stayed in the Hall for long, she wasn't very familiar with all its contents.
She guessed that the book Xiao Han was referring to might actually exist there.
But she still didn't know why this teenager standing in front of her was so eager to obtain it.
"Xiao Han, do you understand immortal herbs? Are you interested in them?"
Xiao Han responded seriously:
"Your Highness, to be honest, though I'm still young, I have some medical knowledge. I've been studying herbs since I was little. If I hadn't become a soul master, I would have pursued a path in healing. Now that I am a soul master, I'm still passionate about researching herbs."
After hearing this explanation, Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, her eyes showing a hint of appreciation.
"You're already a soul master with innate full soul power, full of potential, yet you've remained true to your original passion. That's rare. However, the book you mentioned… if it truly is in the Spirit Hall, I'm afraid…"
She paused, as if hesitant.
"Your Highness, is there a problem?"
"You're still young, so there are some things I can't fully explain. The Spirit Hall isn't what it used to be. Even though I'm the Crown Prince, the current relationship between the Empire and the Hall is complicated. They may not be willing to give me the book. Do you understand?"
Of course, Xiao Han understood. If the real Xue Qinghe tried to take it, the Hall likely wouldn't pay him much attention. But Xiao Han knew the real identity of Xue Qinghe—as the young master of the Spirit Hall, he was confident he could obtain the book if it existed.
It seemed he had to show some sincerity.
"Your Highness, I believe that if you step in, you'll definitely be able to get it. That's why I came to you. If you help me this time, I'll certainly repay the favor. I may not be strong now, but five or ten years from now, I might be able to help you."
Xue Qinghe smiled.
This boy, despite his young age, spoke with such maturity—and a bit of arrogance.
That was similar to her own personality: determined in pursuing what she wanted.
Rather than being offended by Xiao Han's persistence, Xue Qinghe admired his boldness even more.
To speak so boldly before the Crown Prince shortly after entering the palace—this youth was confident indeed.
Usually, such confidence stems from true strength. Without real ability, it would be nothing but arrogance.
Since Qian Renxue began her undercover life in the Heaven Dou Palace, she had been quietly building her own power.
She would never overlook a young man with great potential.
Just as Xiao Han had said—he might not be useful now, but who could predict five or ten years into the future?
Besides, he had the backing of Tianshui Academy.
Qian Renxue knew Xiao Han's extraordinary talent was the reason he had been admitted to Tianshui Academy as an exception.
However, what she didn't know was whether the boy had lived up to his potential after several years of cultivation.
"I didn't expect you to be so determined to get the Illustrated Compendium of Immortal Herbs. It seems you have great confidence in your future."
"Of course. Your Highness, I just acquired my third soul ring in the Icebound Forest and came straight here to see you."
Xue Qinghe was startled, realizing Xiao Han was trying to prove his strength.
"You've reached the Soul Elder rank?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I'm eleven years old with a soul power level of thirty-two."
"Eleven years old… level thirty-two?"
Xue Qinghe suddenly thought of the Spirit Hall Academy team.
She had heard that this year's team was composed of geniuses with great potential—especially Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and Yan, whom Pope Bibi Dong held high hopes for.
But even those three hadn't reached level 32 by the age of eleven.
This youth before her was clearly even more remarkable.
Xue Qinghe looked at Xiao Han in disbelief, but still maintained a smile.
"Xiao Han, I've never seen anyone reach the Soul Elder level at eleven. You're the first. Would you mind showing me your strength?"
"Not at all, Your Highness. I wouldn't dare to boast in your presence."
As he spoke, Xiao Han extended his hands and slowly released his martial spirit and soul rings.
The Zhenbing Bow exuded a chilling aura. The temperature in the grand hall plummeted as if it were freezing.
Yellow, purple, purple—three soul rings revolved around Xiao Han, illuminating his confident expression.
Seeing this, Xue Qinghe's pupils contracted sharply. She couldn't help but marvel silently:
"His second soul ring is at the thousand-year level? Even with my innate full soul power at level 20, I didn't manage that. How did he do it? He really has fulfilled his potential—his future is limitless. If one day I can make use of him…"
Xiao Han withdrew his martial spirit and soul rings and smiled.
"Your Highness, I was afraid I'd freeze you, so I put them away."
Xue Qinghe snapped back to her senses and smiled.
"You truly are gifted—no wonder Tianshui Academy accepted you exceptionally. For someone so young to have a thousand-year second soul ring, it's simply unbelievable."
Xue Qinghe didn't hold back her praise, but Xiao Han wasn't arrogant in response.
"Your Highness, I was just lucky."
Xue Qinghe nodded slightly.
"I'll do my best to get that Illustrated Compendium of Immortal Herbs for you."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"No need to thank me. If I get it, I'll send someone to inform you."
"Alright."
The two exchanged a smile.
Xue Qinghe suddenly asked:
"By the way, has Tianshui Academy formed the team for the next Soul Master Tournament?"
"Yes, the new team has already been formed."
"If I'm not mistaken, you should be part of the team."
"Yes, Your Highness. But I'm just a substitute."
"Then you must be someone special. I hope to see your brilliant performance in theupcoming Soul Master Tournament."
"Your Highness, I will do my best."
Afterward, Xiao Han and Lin Zhiruo left the imperial palace.
(End of Chapter)
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