Chapter 220: 220. Chapter 217: Leaving and Encountering Zhu Zhuqing

220. Chapter 217: Leaving and Encountering Zhu Zhuqing

Five days later.

Tian Dou Empire, the Star Dou Great Forest.

An adult emerged from the forest with two youngsters.

"Oh my, finally out!" Li Xuan looked at the grassland before him and burst into an excited laugh.

"Yeah, we trekked for five days; we're exhausted." Bang Chui couldn't help but complain.

"I didn't expect that going deep into the Star Dou Great Forest and emerging would only take twelve days!" Bai Chuan said in disbelief.

As a regular Soul Master on Douluo Continent, he had never entered the Soul Beast Forest so smoothly.

"Alright, let's first find a Soul Master Town to rest for a night, and set out for Wusi City at dawn tomorrow," Li Xuan said wearily, waving at Bai Chuan.

"Hmm... Young master, look over there," Bai Chuan extended a finger, pointing a direction at Li Xuan.

Li Xuan followed Bai Chuan's finger and saw that, in the distance, there truly was a Soul Master Town.

"Bai Shu, you're amazing! We just left the Star Dou Great Forest and already found a Soul Master Town; dinner's on me tonight. Come on, let's go have a good time!" Li Xuan's eyes lit up upon seeing the town. After nearly half a month in the Star Dou Great Forest, he was already missing a soft big bed and a warm Hot Spring.

In the Star Dou Great Forest, Li Xuan dared not enter the Palm Sky Vessel's space; its entrance and exit are fixed, and who knows if a soul beast might be lurking there.

Soon, the three arrived in the Soul Master Town; I must say every Soul Master Town is bustling, and this one is especially lively, with merchants everywhere.

Li Xuan booked three rooms at an inn and then sat in the restaurant to start eating.

"Young master, the town where the Min Clan resides is at least ten days away from here; if we use soul beast horses, we could reach it in three days. What do you think..." Bai Chuan asked Li Xuan.

"Just ordinary horses. In the Tian Dou Empire it's safer to be modest, lest we attract attention. But we're not in a hurry this time, so taking it slow is fine," Li Xuan thought and told Bai Chuan.

It had been a little over two years since Li Xuan left the Tian Dou Empire; with ample nutrition and soul power feedback these two years, his physique and appearance had undergone a dramatic transformation.

Li Xuan now hardly worries about being discovered by members of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect.

Otherwise, Li Xuan wouldn't dare return to the Tian Dou Empire at all; the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect has two Title Douluo, and he doesn't want to face a Title Douluo again.

However, the soul beast horse technique is still unmastered, so if Li Xuan flaunts it, he'll easily attract attention.

"Alright, young master, as you wish." Bai Chuan nodded, agreeing that Li Xuan made sense.

Bang Chui kept his head down and ate throughout, with no exchange at all.

After Li Xuan and Bai Chuan talked for a while, they also began to eat with heads down.

Eating outdoors just isn't as comfortable as dining in a restaurant.

Half an hour later, the three, full from food and drink, each returned to their own rooms.

After returning to his room, Li Xuan's mind shifted, and he entered the Palm Sky Vessel's space, stripped his clothes, and leapt into the Hot Spring to bathe.

Li Xuan hadn't soaked in a Hot Spring for a long time, so he couldn't hold back any longer.

The warm spring water enveloped Li Xuan, turning into energy that nourished each of his muscles, voraciously eroding his fatigue.

"So soothing..."

Li Xuan couldn't help but hum.

Lying in the Hot Spring, Li Xuan looked up and saw Geng Gold Grass not far from the spring.

【Plant: Geng Gold Grass】

【Quality: Heavenly Material Earth Treasure】

【Cultivation: 6000 years】

【Description: Formed from Geng Gold Qi, it grows atop metallic ore veins, absorbing the emitted Geng Gold Qi and, in turn, enriching the veins, enhancing their quality. Inedible, usable for forging.】

"If I elevate it to the Hundred-Thousand-Year realm, could I have it sacrifice directly for me? That way, I could bypass soul power levels and obtain a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Ring directly," Li Xuan thought, a wild scheme forming as he stared at the Geng Gold Grass.

The Heavenly Material Earth Treasures cultivated in the Palm Sky Vessel's space have no independent consciousness; they are plants, not soul beasts.

Unlike Bing Huo Liang Yi Yan, the Palm Sky Vessel can produce soul rings when its Heavenly Material Earth Treasures are transferred to Douluo Continent.

Moreover, Li Xuan's spiritual power is immense; he can sacrifice the Heavenly Material Earth Treasures by controlling them, granting him a multitude of Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Rings—something the entire Douluo Continent covets.

Thinking this, Li Xuan slowly closed his eyes, and his massive soul power made contact with the Geng Gold Grass.

In an instant, Li Xuan entered the Spiritual World of the Geng Gold Grass.

"What's going on? Why is it so easy?" Li Xuan raised an eyebrow, his face full of confusion.

Li Xuan hadn't expected to slip so effortlessly into the Geng Gold Grass's Spiritual World, nor that the grass even possessed one.

It seems the Palm Sky Vessel cultivated a bona fide soul beast, but because it was forced to grow, its spiritual intelligence hadn't formed yet, and Li Xuan harvested it.

"But this place is way too small," Li Xuan muttered, looking at the cramped Spiritual World before him.

The Geng Gold Grass's Spiritual World was indeed tiny, less than a cubic meter.

Though cramped, Li Xuan didn't forget his purpose and tried to use his soul power to command the Geng Gold Grass to perform some actions.

"Ssshh..."

"Ssshh..."

"Ssshh..."

Li Xuan actually could control the Heavenly Material Earth Treasures cultivated in the Palm Sky Vessel by entering their Spiritual World!

The next moment, Li Xuan opened his eyes, his gaze brimming with excitement and exhilaration; if this experiment succeeded, his Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Rings would be limitless! However, to use his soul power for a soul beast sacrifice, he must generate extensive data to ensure the process's safety, since he will eventually absorb Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Rings.

"We still need to cultivate more Hundred-Thousand-Year soul beasts; to succeed in a sacrifice, many trials are required—right now it's just an idea," Li Xuan muttered, rubbing his chin.

Although Li Xuan succeeded just now, he was unsure what effect it would have on a person.

So testing is needed; since he's about to set out soon, he'll find a city, buy two slaves, and try it out to see the results.

If safe, Li Xuan can provide both Bai Chuan and himself with matching Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Rings.

Li Xuan yawned, shook his head, stopped daydreaming, and lay comfortably in the Hot Spring, enjoying a leisurely moment.

After a while, Li Xuan climbed out of the Hot Spring, returned to the inn's large bed, and fell asleep shortly thereafter.

……

Early the next morning, Li Xuan got up early; although he hadn't slept this comfortably in a long time, Li Xuan still didn't linger in bed, and after a quick wash he walked out of his room.

Bai Chuan and Bang Chui got up shortly after as well; the three quickly gathered, then went to a nearby restaurant, ordered a table of breakfast, and the three began to eat. "Young master, did you rest well yesterday?" Bai Chuan asked Li Xuan with a smile.

"It's been a long time since I felt this relaxed, Bai Shu, shall we set off right after breakfast? We can restock supplies while on the road." Li Xuan thought for a moment and asked Bai Chuan.

But at that moment.

Li Xuan's ears twitched, his brows slowly furrowed, and he turned his head to look back.

"What are you… what are you doing!" the cool‑toned girl's voice carried a hint of fear and panic, but it was not loud and remained steady.

"A so delicate little girl isn't often seen."

"Her martial soul still seems to be a little kitten! Interesting, interesting!"

"Haha, bring her back, raise her in a secret room, we'll have fun with her!"

…

A few burly men nearby cornered a girl in purple robes.

Li Xuan was also stunned for a moment, but he casually snapped his fingers; a fingertip‑sized Burning Heart Divine Flame turned into a golden lotus, floating on Li Xuan's fingertip. In the next second, the golden lotus transformed into seven golden‑red fire lines that pierced into the bodies of the burly men.

"Why does it feel so hot!"

"Indeed, a scorching heat from within…"

"No, this is a soul skill!"

"We've been hit with a soul skill! Who is it!"

Finally someone reacted; the burly men each summoned their martial soul and looked around.

"Which distinguished guest has arrived? We few have disturbed you; we'll bow and atone right away! Please lift this measure." The leading burly man, brandishing a cleaver, scanned every person in the restaurant with hawk‑like eyes.

"It seems this distinguished guest doesn't want to step forward," the burly man snorted coldly, walking forward, trying to find who used the technique.

"Get lost, I'm not killing anyone today!" Li Xuan waved his hand and then dispersed the Burning Heart Divine Flame.

Because the Burning Heart Divine Flame has a special nature, Li Xuan will not kill unless absolutely necessary. In that case, they will only think the Burning Heart Divine Flame can control people's minds, not that its power is great, and will overlook Li Xuan's technique.

The leading burly man began scanning the three of Li Xuan.

Except for Bang Chui, he could not discern Li Xuan's or Bai Chuan's cultivation.

"Sorry for disturbing the young master, we'll take our leave now!" The leading burly man, unable to gauge Li Xuan's group's strength, could only apologize, then left the restaurant with his subordinates.

"Young master, should I go after them?" Bai Chuan glanced at the departing group and asked Li Xuan.

"Both our opponents belong to the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect; there's no need to expose our methods." Li Xuan raised an eyebrow and said to Bai Chuan.

"Young master, rest assured, I have many ways to make them disappear." Bai Chuan smiled at Li Xuan and nodded.

"Alright, go." Li Xuan also smiled, nodded, and agreed to Bai Chuan's suggestion.

"Yes, young master." Bai Chuan replied, then stood up and left the restaurant.

Li Xuan stood up and walked toward the girl.

"Xiao Yan?" Zhu Zhuqing, sitting on the ground, instantly widened her beautiful eyes, looking at Li Xuan in disbelief.

"Miss Zhu, long time no see—why did you come alone to the Tian Dou Empire?" Li Xuan asked Zhu Zhuqing, puzzled.

In fact, when he first heard the voice, Li Xuan recognized it as Zhu Zhuqing's.

"I want to… I want to go to school." Zhu Zhuqing hesitated briefly, then told Li Xuan her goal.

"I came to the Tian Dou Empire to look for someone; I just emerged from the Star Fall Continent and arrived yesterday." Li Xuan gave a helpless smile and explained to Zhu Zhuqing.

"Oh…" Zhu Zhuqing responded, then stood up from the ground.

"Miss Zhu, where do you plan to study?" Li Xuan asked Zhu Zhuqing.

Li Xuan thought for a moment; Zhu Zhuqing was only ten years old now, so her escape would likely be in two years.

"I want to go to Suotuo City…" Zhu Zhuqing whispered.

As Zhu Zhuqing finished speaking, Bang Chui immediately opened the map and glanced at it.

"Sister Zhu, it's right on our way!" Bang Chui said cheerfully to Zhu Zhuqing.

Li Xuan glanced at the map and indeed, to get to Wusi City one must pass through Suotuo City; this wasn't Li Xuan's design! "Bang Chui brother, you're here too." Zhu Zhuqing's eyes brightened upon seeing Bang Chui, and her tone became much gentler.

"Hehe, Sister Zhu, let's go together." Bang Chui said smiling to Zhu Zhuqing.

"That… won't be too troublesome, right?" Zhu Zhuqing slightly furrowed her brows and glanced at Li Xuan.

"No problem, our carriage is still fairly spacious." Li Xuan scratched his head and smiled at Zhu Zhuqing.

"Then that's settled." Zhu Zhuqing didn't hesitate, nodded at Li Xuan and said.

Zhu Zhuqing also knew that a girl traveling alone was extremely dangerous; if she could go with Li Xuan, naturally many troubles and dangers would be reduced.

So she had no hesitation or awkwardness.

"Sit down and have something to eat; when Uncle Bai returns, we'll set off." Li Xuan said to Zhu Zhuqing.

Zhu Zhuqing nodded, but she seemed already full, sitting quietly on the side waiting.

A few minutes later, Bai Chuan returned from outside; it seemed the matter had been completely resolved.

"Young master, it's taken care of; we should set off." Bai Chuan said to Li Xuan with a slight smile.

"Miss Zhu, have you finished eating?" Li Xuan asked Zhu Zhuqing.

"Xiao Yan little brother, Miss Zhu is being too polite; just call me Zhu Qing." Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head and said to Li Xuan.

"Don't call me Xiao Yan little brother either; call me… call me…" Li Xuan got stuck while introducing himself, unsure how to introduce himself.

"Sister Zhu, just call me Xuan Ge'er'er; that's my nickname." Bang Chui, at that moment, cleverly came to Li Xuan's side, smiling and solved the problem for him.

"Oh, Xuan Ge'er'er, alright, let's set off right away." Zhu Zhuqing instantly caught on, nodded, then stood up, ready to go.

The few got into the carriage, which moved slowly, leaving the Soul Master Town.

(End of chapter)