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"Damn it, what have you done? I was only gone for a few minutes, and you've already driven away one of the Spirit Hall's most talented individuals."
"A Soul Emperor at 16 years old, level 67!"
Shortly after Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor left, Qian Daoliu received the news and was furious. He immediately summoned Qian Xunji for a stern lecture.
"What! Impossible. When we left, he was only a level 63 Soul Emperor. How could he have gained four levels in just over a month? This isn't the Soul Master or Grand Soul Master level we're talking about," Qian Xunji sharply noticed the information in Qian Daoliu's words.
"Are you sure?" Qian Daoliu hadn't known about Lin Yongming's soul power level before.
"I'm absolutely certain. Everyone present at the time knew he was only a level 63 Soul Emperor," Qian Xunji insisted firmly.
"Gaining four levels in a month only proves his talent even more. Shouldn't we have kept him and nurtured him? Perhaps he could have assisted a future heir to the Angel God," Qian Daoliu said.
"But, Father, do you know how we managed to retreat? It was because he used his ability to control the sea to break through the Supreme Douluo's domain skill."
"Plus, after spending so many days on Sea God Island, he returned unharmed. This only further proves that he is actually from Sea God Island."
"Gaining four levels in a month might be due to the help he received from Sea God Island."
"If I didn't lack evidence, and considering his contributions to the Spirit Hall over the years, including the Purple Record Medal and his position as a branch hall bishop, I would have arrested him. I wouldn't have let him leave Spirit City so easily."
"Now, I've only imposed some restrictions on him. If I had evidence, the outcome would have been much worse."
"So, Father, on the contrary, keeping him to assist a future heir to the Angel God might actually lead to the heir's failure. After all, Sea God Island's goal might be to destroy the Angel God we protect."
Qian Xunji analyzed Lin Yongming's situation in one breath.
Qian Daoliu fell silent, realizing that Qian Xunji's analysis had some merit.
"Father, he was just a village boy with an innate disability, yet his cultivation speed surpassed everyone else."
"Look at the entire continent—Star Luo, Heaven Dou, the top three sects, the lower four sects—none of their geniuses, not even Bibi Dong, can match Lin Yongming's speed."
"And that Blue Silver, with a Blue Silver Grass martial soul, how could she cultivate so fast? We say it's a mutation, but could it be due to the Sea God's blessing from Sea God Island? We don't know."
"These are the conclusions I reached while reflecting in my room. So, Lin Yongming must have someone behind him. Seeing him use the power of the ocean and survive on Sea God Island for so long, all signs point to him being from Sea God Island."
"If he really is from Sea God Island, then their goal is clear—to send Lin Yongming into the Spirit Hall, rise to a high position, and wait for the right moment to destroy our Angel God's divine position," Qian Xunji declared with conviction.
If Lin Yongming had heard Qian Xunji's analysis, he would have shaken his head in disbelief.
"Enough. He's already been driven away. What's done is done. I just hope you won't regret it later. And you, stop being so obsessed with power. Find a talented woman and continue the Qian family's bloodline," Qian Daoliu said, waving his hand dismissively.
"Yes, Father," Qian Xunji nodded and left the Worship Hall.
Back in the Pope's Hall, Qian Xunji summoned Ghost Douluo.
"Ghost, send two of your shadow guards to Thunderstorm Village to monitor Lin Yongming. If he secretly contacts any other forces, arrest him."
"Yes, Your Holiness."
Lin Yongming, of course, had no idea about Qian Xunji's analysis. Even if he had known, he wouldn't have cared.
Instead, he and Blue Silver Emperor returned to Thunderstorm Village with a sense of relief.
With his external soul bone, the Purple Lightning Wings, Lin Yongming could now fly thousands of miles in a day.
Although they had left Spirit City at noon, by around 7 p.m., after five or six hours of flight, they arrived at Thunderstorm Village.
"A'yin, has Thunderstorm Village changed much?" Lin Yongming asked with a genuine smile as they reached the village entrance.
"Not much. The roadside signs have been replaced with stone tablets, and the village gate is now made of stone," Blue Silver Emperor explained, holding Lin Yongming's arm.
"Good. It seems the villagers are doing well. That puts my mind at ease," Lin Yongming nodded.
His mental senses could now cover the entire village, and he noticed that compared to a few years ago, there were many more houses.
"Let's go in. You're practically a returning hero now," Blue Silver Emperor said, straightening Lin Yongming's collar to make him look more presentable.
"Alright, let's go," Lin Yongming nodded, his heart filled with excitement.
It wasn't too late, and as they walked into the village, they saw many villagers out and about.
"You're… Xiao Ming and Blue Silver!" Soon, a villager recognized them.
"Uncle, Auntie, hello," Lin Yongming greeted with a smile.
"Hello! You must be hungry after traveling so late. Why don't you come to our house for dinner? The food's still warm," a middle-aged woman in her forties invited.
"No need, Auntie. It's been a while since I've been back. I want to see my parents first. Maybe another time," Lin Yongming politely declined.
The villagers were so enthusiastic that what should have been a short walk took nearly twenty minutes.
After being away for so long, returning to the village made Lin Yongming realize that no matter how beautiful the outside world was, it could never compare to the comfort and peace of home.
When they reached the familiar house, Lin Yongming knocked on the wooden door with trembling hands.
"Who is it? Coming!" A familiar voice came from inside—Lin Yongming's mother, Yinglan.
The door creaked open, and Yinglan's eyes lit up with joy. "Ming'er! Ming'er, you're back! Good, good!"
"Mom, I'm home," Lin Yongming said, stepping forward to hug his mother, his voice filled with emotion.
Blue Silver Emperor also stepped forward, hugging Yinglan from the side.
"It's good that you're back. Come in, it's cold outside," Yinglan said, ushering them inside.
Entering the house, Lin Yongming knelt before his father, Lin Chong, who was sitting in the main seat. "Dad, I'm back. I've made you and Mom worry."
"You silly child, it's good that you're back. Why are you kneeling?" Lin Chong quickly stood up and pulled Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor to their feet.
"You're safe, that's what matters. Sit down and eat," Lin Chong said, guiding Lin Yongming to the dining table.
"Alright," Lin Yongming nodded.
"I'll add a couple more dishes. You two sit down first," Yinglan said, closing the door and heading to the kitchen.
"Mom, the food on the table is enough. But we brought some seafood—fish, shrimp, and crabs. Let me cook them for you," Blue Silver Emperor said, taking out a large lobster and crab from the Ruyi Hundred Treasure Pouch.
"That's right, Dad, Mom, try this seafood. It's quick to steam," Lin Yongming added.
"Goodness, these look scary. Are they really edible?" Yinglan asked curiously.
"They're delicious. We caught them fresh from the sea," Blue Silver Emperor said, heading to the kitchen to start cooking.
After a month on Sea God Island, Blue Silver Emperor had learned how to prepare seafood.
"Ming'er, how long will you stay this time?" Yinglan asked as she helped Blue Silver Emperor with the fire. In the living room, Lin Chong and Lin Yongming were alone.
"If nothing comes up, I won't be leaving the village for a long time," Lin Yongming replied with a smile.
"What about the Spirit Hall? Won't they call you to do things for them?" Lin Chong asked, puzzled.
"Dad, due to some issues, I've completely left the Spirit Hall. So you don't have to worry about them calling me away," Lin Yongming explained briefly.
"You left the Spirit Hall! Well, it's good that you left," Lin Chong said, surprised but didn't press for details.
"Dad, let's not talk about that. Is Village Chief Lei Sifeng still around?" Lin Yongming asked.
"Of course, he's just gotten older. Well, I'm getting older too. Do you need to see the village chief for something?" Lin Chong asked with a smile.
"Yes. A'yin brought back a lot of seafood. I was thinking of organizing a big feast for the whole village to enjoy. Tomorrow morning, I'll ask the village chief to announce it, and we can have the feast in the evening," Lin Yongming explained.
"That's a great idea, Ming'er. You're so thoughtful. After dinner, I'll go talk to the village chief," Lin Chong said happily.
"Alright."
Lin Yongming always remembered how the villagers had pooled their money to buy him a soul beast when he first awakened his martial soul. Even though it didn't work out, he held that memory close to his heart.
He knew the villagers didn't need much help, so he wanted to share whatever he could with them—whether it was food or special items.
"By the way, do you remember the village chief's grandson, Lei Zhengming? He got married last year and recently had a baby boy," Lin Chong mentioned.
"Really? Are they in the village now?" Lin Yongming asked, surprised.
"No, Lei Zhengming lives in the town now. His wife is from there," Lin Chong explained.
"That's good," Lin Yongming nodded.
"Speaking of which, Lei Zhengming already has a child. Since you and A'yin are staying in the village for a while, when are you two going to have a proper wedding?" Yinglan asked eagerly as she and Blue Silver Emperor brought out the lobster and crab.
"Uh, A'yin and I have discussed it. We're not in a hurry, right, A'yin?" Lin Yongming said, glancing at Blue Silver Emperor.
"Yes, Mom and Dad, we're not in a rush. Besides, I'm at level 69 soul power, which is a critical stage for my next breakthrough," Blue Silver Emperor said, thinking of Bibi Dong and agreeing with Lin Yongming.
"I see. Well, let's eat first. The wedding can wait until you're ready," the parents said, dropping the subject.
"Mom, Dad, try the seafood we brought. It's delicious," Blue Silver Emperor said, peeling the lobster and placing it in their bowls.
"Alright, alright."
Yinglan took a bite. "It's delicious! I didn't expect something so simple to taste so good."
"Right?"
Dinner lasted until around 8:30 p.m. Lin Chong then left to visit the village chief.
Meanwhile, Yinglan helped Blue Silver Emperor clean up the spare room next door.
By 9 p.m., the room was finally spotless.
Lin Yongming received word from Lin Chong that the village chief had agreed to the feast.
"Mom, thank you for your hard work," Blue Silver Emperor said with a smile.
"Cleaning a room isn't hard work. You two must be tired from the journey. Get some rest early," Yinglan said kindly.
"Alright."
After Yinglan returned to her room, Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Emperor finally settled into their home.
After washing up, they lay down in the master bedroom.
"A'yin, what do you think about getting married?" Lin Yongming asked, holding Blue Silver Emperor.
"Xiao Ming, although I'd love to marry you now, we should wait for Dong'er. If we get married without her, it wouldn't feel right," Blue Silver Emperor said thoughtfully.
"Besides, the way we live now isn't much different from being married," she added with a smile.
"A'yin, it's not the same. A wedding has its own joy, and for us humans, marriage carries a special meaning," Lin Yongming explained the significance of marriage.
"I see. If it's that important, then we should definitely wait for Dong'er and have the wedding together," Blue Silver Emperor said firmly.
"Yes, I'll do my best to bring Dong'er back soon."
"A'yin, you're such a wonderful person. I'm so lucky to have you," Lin Yongming said gratefully.
"Xiao Ming, you're the best man in my heart," Blue Silver Emperor replied with deep affection.
"Mhm."
The next day, Lin Yongming and his father, Lin Chong, were busy preparing for the feast.
After the village chief announced the event, the entire village gathered in the central square. Large pots were set up, fires were lit, and pigs and chickens were slaughtered.
The village was bustling with excitement.
By 4 p.m., the square was filled with tables.
By 5 p.m., dishes started to be served, including four seafood dishes: lobster, crab, fish, and oysters with scallops.
By 6 p.m., all the villagers were seated at the tables.
"Everyone, Lin Yongming has returned with great achievements and brought us food we've never seen before. Let's celebrate the fact that our village has produced such a powerful soul master."
"Lin Yongming is now a Soul Emperor, a level never before seen in the history of Thunderstorm Village."
"So today, we celebrate together."
The elderly village chief, Lei Sifeng, stood in the center of the square and addressed the crowd.
"Well said! Lin Yongming's name should be recorded in our village's history, passed down through generations, and even carved into a stone monument," a middle-aged man in his fifties stood up and declared.
"I agree!"
"I second that!"
"…"
"Uncles, aunties, grandparents, you're too kind. I'm just a small achiever. I don't deserve such honor," Lin Yongming said, standing up and feeling a bit overwhelmed.
He hadn't expected to have his name recorded in the village's history, let alone carved into a monument.
"That's right. Ming'er is still young. We shouldn't rush to carve his name into the village's monument. Let's discuss it later," Lin Chong also stood up and said.
"Exactly, as my dad said, I'm still young. Let's not rush this. Everyone, sit down and enjoy the food. Try the fish from the sea," Lin Yongming added.
"Alright, but we still have to toast to you!"
"Cheers, bottoms up!"
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 290 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 40 power stones I will publish the next chapter.