The soft murmuring was gradually drowned out by the pouring rain.

...

Land of Light, Royal City.

On the bustling streets, Qin Shou walked among the crowd, faint streams of Light Energy emanating from his body. The surrounding citizens cast respectful glances his way.

"Look, such pure Light Energy. This man must be from the Light God Sect."

"Yes, with such holy Light, he must have slain many of those filthy humans from the Dark Country."

"Exactly. My son keeps clamoring about joining the army these days—when he grows up, he'll surely become someone like him."

"Haha, same here—my son, too…"

The chatter of the passersby reached his ears, and the more Qin Shou listened, the more uneasy he felt in his heart.

The hatred between the Light and Dark Humans had reached such a degree; unless one side could completely vanish, this feud would continue endlessly.

In this, the "efforts" of the Light Energy Devouring Spine Gu were undoubtedly considerable.

The Devouring Spine Gu Clan was a scourge wherever they went.

Qin Shou thought so to himself.

Suddenly, the beating of drums and clang of gongs echoed ahead on the street. A seven-meter-long White Giant Tiger emerged amidst the crowd, letting out a deep growl.

Rather than panic, the citizens retreated reverently to the side of the road, kneeling to pay homage.

"May the Light God protect the Holy Daughter, and protect the Land of Light..."

"May the Light God protect the Holy Daughter, and protect the Land of Light..."

Countless citizens chanted in unison, as atop the White Giant Tiger's back, a graceful figure faintly appeared.

The tiger treaded steadily down the street, and the petite woman on its back smiled, waving her hand while scattering Light Particles that permeated the bodies of the citizens along the way.

"Thank you, Holy Daughter, for the blessing..."

"Thank you, Holy Daughter, for the blessing..."

The crowd expressed thanks reverently.

Qin Shou concealed himself half-immersed in the Void, unnoticed by anyone.

His eyes narrowed slightly, the light in them flashing briefly as he scrutinized the so-called Holy Daughter.

Not a Spine Gu, but it couldn't be ruled out that she was a Puppet of the Light Energy Devouring Spine Gu.

The Light Energy within her was remarkable; judging by this world's bloodline theory, she was on par with Sika down to the slightest degree.

According to the information sent by Brother Monkey, this was likely the recently selected Holy Daughter, now heading to the Bright God Tower to display her Holy Goddess Power.

The Holy Goddess Power was essentially a unique ability analogous to a human's Talent Ability.

Even Sika at present lacked this, said to only emerge upon breaking through to the Unbreakable Realm, and it only appeared in the most pure-blooded Light and Dark Humans.

From Qin Shou's perspective, the Devouring Spine Gu couldn't possibly spare someone with unique abilities like her from parasitism.

Most likely, they would act once her divine power was displayed.

In that case...

Qin Shou rubbed his chin. Humans with extraordinary talents were undoubtedly invaluable to the Devouring Spine Gu Clan.

First, he would examine what this divine power was about, then plan accordingly.

...

Bright God Tower.

The space beneath the Tower's first floor rivaled the size of several football fields, and the outer area was already packed with devout followers of the Light God.

Unlike football fans, these believers wouldn't shout no matter where the "ball" went—they would only pray earnestly.

Of course, football-related topics were best not mentioned—it was dangerous.

In the venue paved with giant stones, a lavishly jeweled ceiling projected dazzling beams of light, as a Spine Gu disguised as the Light God gradually appeared. Upon seeing this, countless citizens silently recited the sect's canon, their devotion amplifying.

"The Light God protects; our Land of Light's Holy Daughter has arrived at the Bright God Tower by divine decree, borrowing the power of the god to bless all living beings!!"

The Light Energy Devouring Spine Gu raised its voice, and countless citizens knelt fervently in response.

"The Light God protects..."

"The Light God protects..."

From the Void above, Qin Shou crossed his arms, surveying everyone below.

Protect?

More like deceive.

"Clang clang clang..."

As the Light Energy Devouring Spine Gu issued its command, disturbing noises came from the ground below, and a terrifying yet low beastly roar suddenly erupted. A giant Earth Dragon bound by alloy chains emerged slowly.

The Earth Dragon—a massive, scaly, and grotesque lizard.

Qin Shou couldn't help but nitpick. After all, hovering above this giant lizard's head were four glowing Light Energy characters spelling out "Dark Demon Earth Dragon."

As if afraid people might miss them.

"Roar..."

The lizard monster struggled, its movements suppressed tightly by the specially forged alloy chains.

The chains collided with the ground irregularly, scattering debris onto the nearby citizens.

After a brief disturbance, the crowd resumed their devout prayers.

The Light Energy Devouring Spine Gu swept its hand grandly, and opposite the lizard monster, the Holy Daughter enveloped in Light Energy descended gracefully, landing before the massive head of the lizard monster.

"Everyone, today the Holy Daughter shall borrow the god's power to subdue the Earth Dragon beast! From now on, the Land of Light shall enjoy favorable weather and no longer fear attacks from giant beasts or the destruction of all life!!"

The Light Energy Devouring Spine Gu raised both arms fervently, its fanaticism infecting all citizens.

"The Light God protects!"

"The Light God protects!!"

Amid the cheers of countless people, the Holy Daughter's body radiated an intense brilliance. She extended her alabaster-white hand slightly, pointing at the lizard monster's head from across the space.

"Drip..."

Instantly, warm beams of light swept across the venue. The crowd instinctively fell silent, the vast room enveloped in complete tranquility, broken only by the amplified sound of dew dripping—a crystalline resonance echoing in everyone's ears.

"Roar..."

With a gentle touch of her fingertip, the lizard monster's eyes grew increasingly droopy amid the glowing beams. Its roaring grew softer as its fierce momentum receded; under the watchful eyes of all, it surrendered to the ground and began snoring.

In the distance, the Light Energy Devouring Spine Gu smiled in satisfaction.

Subduing a Nightmare-level Monster so effortlessly—truly extraordinary talent.

Seeing this, the followers were overcome with emotion. They dared not celebrate excessively, fearful of disrupting this moment worthy of historical texts.

With the Holy Daughter present, the Land of Light would no longer suffer from monster invasions.

Tears of joy flowed from countless citizens.

But in the next moment, the previously slumbering lizard monster abruptly opened its eyes, violently rampaged, its pupils turning blood-red. The beast's body expanded by a third, unleashing an overwhelming ferocity that made everyone present feel suffocated.

"Roar!!"

In its rampage, the first target was none other than the Holy Daughter cloaked in Light Energy.

"Clang clang clang..."

The monster's enhanced strength allowed it to easily break free from the alloy chains. Its savage, interlocking fangs opened wide, lunging at the stunned Holy Daughter.

"Not good!"

The Light Energy Devouring Spine Gu was alarmed, instantly reacting by transforming into an Aurora that blasted the lizard monster backward.

"Roar!!"

The lizard monster writhed in pain. Dark Energy poured from the gaps between its scales. Its hundred-meter-long tail shattered the giant stones as it swept vehemently toward the Light Energy Devouring Spine Gu.

"Impossible—how did it suddenly become a Dark Monster?"

The Light Energy Devouring Spine Gu panicked. Already, the terrifying tail had struck.

Without time to ponder further, and unable to suppress the lizard monster with his current strength, he decisively raised his Transformation Device.

"Buzz!!"

In an instant, blinding light surged out, and a giant figure loomed over the land.

"Boom!!"

The sweeping tail arrived. The giant, sinews bulging, embraced the tail and swung it, hurling the lizard monster forcefully into the stone-paved ground.

"The Holy..."

The giant lowered his gaze, intending to check on the Holy Daughter, but found the spot beneath him empty.

"Not good—the Holy Daughter has disappeared!"

The giant exclaimed.

...

Outside the Royal City, golden thunderbolts slashed across the sky.

On the back of the greedy snake, Qin Shou carried the so-called Holy Daughter, repelling stormy winds with waves of Light Energy.

"Who are you? Why did you abduct me?"

Pressed uncomfortably against Qin Shou's shoulder, the Holy Daughter's face reddened as she bit down and asked.

As though realizing something, Qin Shou casually dropped the Holy Daughter onto the greedy snake's scaly back.

"Haha, sorry—I forgot to put you down."

Qin Shou grinned, wiping his sweat discreetly on his clothes.

It was his first time doing something like this—he'd been so nervous, he broke into a sweat.

Looking at the Holy Daughter's resentful expression, Qin Shou chuckled, "Don't worry, I'm a good guy. By the way, what's your name? I can't just keep calling you Holy Daughter forever, can I?"

"I… you can call me Lei."

Lei shrank back nervously at the sight of Qin Shou's harmless expression, her heart filled with unease.

Forever?

Does that mean he plans not to let me go?

Instinctively, a faint glow emerged from Lei's brow, but it soon vanished, her face returning to calmness, even adopting a trace of a smile.

Qin Shou scratched his head. What's going on?

A moment ago, she'd been terrified; why was she suddenly smiling at him?

What the...?

Am I not intimidating enough as a kidnapper?

This won't do—without her fear, I feel no sense of accomplishment.

You have to be scared!

Immediately, Qin Shou rubbed his hands together, his smile turning mischievous.

Before he could even utter a single threatening line, Lei slowly rose, smirking cheekily.

"Stop pretending—you're not planning to harm me, are you?" Lei said softly, teasing.

Qin Shou's eyebrows lifted. "Young girl, you're not very old, but you sure can see through people… Wait a second!"

His expression shifted as his gaze locked intently onto her eyes.

"You… you can sense my thoughts, can't you?"

Lei smiled without answering.

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