A Huge Thank You and Welcome to Our New Patron: Selo!
--------------------
The night was as cool as water, and the soft moonlight bathed the small path leading back to Qingmu Town, stretching the shadows of the four figures long across the ground.
Ning Rongrong remained excited throughout the journey, chattering nonstop around Dai Chengfeng. Her large eyes sparkled with curiosity:
"Dai Chengfeng, what was it like inside that ancient secret realm?"
"Were there any particularly powerful inheritance soul skills?"
"Your fifth soul ring looks so unique—it's rose gold, isn't it…?"
Faced with Ning Rongrong's rapid-fire questions, Dai Chengfeng could only maintain a smile, responding half-truthfully:
"It was... quite complex inside. There were many ancient runes and trials, but I can't really explain it clearly—it's like my memory is a bit hazy."
"As for the soul skills, you'll see when we get a chance to fight in practice."
Hu Liena walked by Dai Chengfeng's side, mostly silent.
Her alluring peach-shaped eyes occasionally glanced at his seemingly calm profile, her gaze tinged with both inquiry and suspicion.
As a disciple of Pope Bibi Dong, her knowledge far exceeded Ning Rongrong's—a little troublemaker who rarely cared about cultivation.
In fact, she had even dabbled in records of various secret realms and ruins.
While Dai Chengfeng's explanation could justify his increase in soul power and acquisition of the soul ring, the overwhelming energy fluctuations—imbued with sacredness and a sense of sacrifice—were not something a typical secret realm opening or closing could explain.
Especially that fleeting sensation of sacrifice, which left a lingering thread of doubt in her mind.
But she was clever.
She could tell that Dai Chengfeng didn't want to delve deeper into the matter, and with Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing present, she decided to suppress her suspicions for now...
Though her occasional glances at him carried a subtle undertone of "I'll believe you for now, but don't think you've fooled me."
Zhu Zhuqing, on the other hand, was the quietest of the group.
She silently walked on Dai Chengfeng's other side, her cold gaze fixed straight ahead, seemingly uninterested in his "extraordinary encounter."
But those quick glances she occasionally cast at him spoke louder than words about her concern.
What mattered to her was that Dai Chengfeng was safe and sound. As for the details, if he didn't want to talk about them, she wouldn't press further.
Still, her sharp perception also picked up on the indescribable subtlety in his demeanor—he had grown deeper, exuding an intangible air of authority...
This caused a faint flicker of thought to pass through her otherwise icy eyes.
Each of the four harbored their own thoughts as they returned to the inn where they were staying.
At the entrance of the inn, a figure stood quietly, blending seamlessly with the shadows near the doorway.
It was none other than the High Priest of the Star Luo Empire who had accompanied them on this journey—Zhu Hongye.
The High Priest still wore her intricate and mysterious priestly robes, her face as cold and beautiful as ever, devoid of any expression.
Her gaze swept lightly over the four of them, pausing briefly on Dai Chengfeng. It was as calm and undisturbed as a deep well, yet seemed capable of piercing through all illusions.
"You're back."
Her voice was as clear and cold as a mountain spring, betraying no emotion whatsoever.
"There was a surge of energy outside the town earlier—it was extraordinary. It's good that none of you were harmed."
Dai Chengfeng felt a chill run down his spine.
He was almost certain that this High Priest, whose strength was equivalent to that of a Title Douluo, had likely arrived at the forest clearing far earlier than Zhu Zhuqing and the others—and might have even glimpsed part of the truth behind Qiu'er's sacrificial fusion.
However, her current casual demeanor seemed more like tacit approval and observation.
Dai Chengfeng steadied his mind and respectfully bowed in response: "Thank you for your concern, High Priest. It was merely an unexpected opportunity, and I was fortunate enough to gain something from it—I wasn't injured."
The High Priest gave a slight nod, said nothing more, and silently turned to walk into the inn, leaving the four with only her retreating figure.
Ning Rongrong patted her chest and whispered under her breath: "That scared me. I thought the High Priest would interrogate us in detail."
Zhu Zhuqing watched thoughtfully as the High Priest disappeared, then spoke softly to Dai Chengfeng: "The High Priest likely already knows everything but chose not to expose you."
Hu Liena nodded in agreement.
Dai Chengfeng smiled, easing the slightly tense atmosphere: "Well, it was just a false alarm. All's well that ends well."
"It's late. Everyone should go rest—we still have a long journey ahead tomorrow."
After the heart-stopping events of the evening and the mental strain, fatigue finally set in.
The group bade each other goodnight and headed to their respective rooms.
Dai Chengfeng's room was at the end of the third-floor corridor in the inn.
He pushed open the intricately carved wooden window, letting the cool night air rush in, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees. It invigorated his spirit.
Outside the window, most of Qingmu Town's lights had been extinguished, with only a few faint glows flickering in the darkness. In the distance, the direction of the Great Star Dou Forest was pitch black, like a lurking beast.
Closing the door, leaning against the cool wooden surface, Dai Chengfeng finally relaxed, exhaling slowly and deeply.
A gentle golden light emerged from his chest, coalescing into a delicate, crystal-like figure—the soul form of the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, Qiu'er.
She affectionately nuzzled Dai Chengfeng's cheek, transmitting feelings of dependence and joy through her spiritual presence.
"Qiu'er…"
Dai Chengfeng gently stroked her cool, smooth back with his finger, his heart filled with immense joy at having her back and a sense of indescribable peace.
But just as Dai Chengfeng was about to say something…
At that moment, a knock sounded on the door—knock knock knock.
Dai Chengfeng's eyebrows lifted slightly. At this hour?
With a thought, Qiu'er transformed into a streak of light and reentered his body.
He composed himself, walked to the door, and opened it.
Standing outside was Hu Liena.
She appeared to have come out in a hurry, wearing only a thin sleeping robe over her outer garment, accentuating her alluring curves.
Her bewitching features, softened by the dim hallway lighting, seemed less bold than usual and carried a hint of fragile beauty.
Seeing Dai Chengfeng, her eyes flickered, and she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Nana?"
Dai Chengfeng stepped aside to let her in, asking with some surprise, "It's late. What brings you here?"
He noticed that Hu Liena's fingertips were slightly curled, betraying her nervousness.
Hu Liena entered the room and quickly scanned it, as if confirming something.
Only after seeing that no one else was present did she seem to relax. Turning to Dai Chengfeng, she spoke with deliberate casualness:
"It's nothing urgent. I just... wanted to check if you'd rested yet."
"All that commotion earlier—I was worried you might still feel unwell."
Dai Chengfeng closed the door, leaning against it while observing her with an amused expression.
Given his understanding of Hu Liena, this Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall wouldn't casually knock on a man's door in the middle of the night, clad in her sleeping attire, just to ask if he'd gone to bed.
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read an exclusive novel – 'Douluo: Rebuilding Hao Tian Sect'
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)