The sun was beginning to dip beyond the treetops, painting the sky in deepening hues of orange and lavender when Qian Yu knelt before the fallen beast — the massive tiger they had defeated earlier. With practiced movements, he carved out select portions of meat from its flank. The forest around them stirred with the low rustle of wind and distant bird calls, quieting as twilight descended.
He gathered dry wood and kindled into a tidy stack, then struck a spark. Soon, the crackling of a growing fire broke the hush of dusk, and warm flames danced in the clearing.
The aroma of fresh meat soon followed, rich and mouthwatering.
"Qian Yu-gege," a soft voice piped up beside him.
Qian Yu turned to see Ning Rongrong approaching, her eyes wide with curiosity and a faint sparkle of delight. "You know how to grill meat too?" she asked, half incredulous, half admiring.
He gave a small, modest nod. Ten lifetimes' worth of experience made him adept at more than just swordplay. Cooking, among many other skills, came naturally now.
The fire sizzled as the meat began to roast. Fat dripped into the flames, releasing bursts of savory smoke that curled into the evening air.
Ssssss—
"That smells amazing," Ning Rongrong murmured, her voice edged with both awe and hunger. Her stomach answered with an audible growl, drawing a quiet chuckle from Qian Yu.
"Hungry?" he asked, casting her a sideways glance, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
"Mhm!" she nodded eagerly.
Qian Yu tore off a well-seared piece of meat and handed it to her. "Here. Try this."
Her eyes lit up. "Thank you, Qian Yu-gege!" she said sweetly before taking a bite. Her face instantly brightened, mouth too full to speak, though her delighted expression said enough.
Meanwhile, Qian Yu handed another chunk of the grilled meat to the stoic Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, who had been quietly observing nearby. The old warrior accepted it with a polite nod.
"Mmm… Delicious," Chen Xin said with rare approval, savoring the taste.
"Qian Yu-gege," Ning Rongrong spoke again, licking a bit of oil from her lips, "what is this flavor? What did you put on the meat? I've never tasted anything so good!"
The world of Douluo Continent lacked the culinary spices Qian Yu had become familiar with. Most people here knew little beyond salt and simple herbs. But Qian Yu? He had recreated his own secret blend: cumin, chili flakes, crushed black pepper...
The spices melded with the meat's juices, drawing out a bold, mouthwatering flavor that was both exotic and comforting. It was no wonder Ning Rongrong looked like she'd stumbled upon heaven.
They continued eating by the fire until their bellies were full and the moon hung high above the trees. The forest, once humming with life, had quieted in reverence for the night.
Later, nestled beneath the star-dappled sky, Ning Rongrong slipped closer to Qian Yu, curling beside him and resting her head gently on his arm. Her breathing soon slowed into the steady rhythm of sleep.
Chen Xin observed the scene with a faint smile. He had taken a liking to Qian Yu, both as a warrior and as a person. He saw no reason to intervene.
By morning, the camp stirred as sunlight filtered through the trees. The three travelers stretched and greeted the new day with quiet serenity.
Qian Yu had achieved his goal — he had obtained a spirit ring. It was time to return.
"You're really leaving, aren't you?" Ning Rongrong asked, her gaze searching his face.
Qian Yu nodded calmly. "I need to head back."
"Then… when I'm older, I'll come find you!" she blurted, cheeks flushing with youthful determination.
Qian Yu chuckled softly but said nothing. Sometimes, silence carried more meaning than promises.
Chen Xin stepped forward and held out a small, carved token, its surface engraved with the emblem of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
"Take this," he said solemnly. "If you ever find yourself in trouble, bring it to our sect. Show this token, and you'll always be welcome."
Qian Yu accepted it with a nod of gratitude. Just as he turned to leave, Chen Xin called after him.
"Wait, Qian Yu."
He paused and looked back. "Yes?"
Chen Xin hesitated for a heartbeat, then asked, "Are you connected to the Sword God spoken of in the Douluo Continent? Are there ancient legends?"
Qian Yu's eyes flickered with surprise. It had been a long time since he'd heard that name. The Sword God… Yes. Not just connected — he had been the Sword God in a former life.
He met Chen Xin's gaze, the firelight of memory burning behind his eyes, and simply said, "Yes."
Chen Xin's breath caught. "Then… are you his heir?"
Qian Yu didn't answer directly. He only smiled, a secretive, knowing smile. "If fate allows it… I'll tell you more someday."
Chen Xin stood frozen as Qian Yu walked away, heart pounding with revelation.
"Grandpa Jian," Ning Rongrong asked softly, "do you think I'll see Qian Yu-gege again?"
Chen Xin placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice a quiet murmur. "Watch closely, child. That young man will one day stand at the peak of this continent."
Ning Rongrong looked out toward the path where Qian Yu had disappeared, a tiny smile curling her lips. "The peak, huh…?" Her heart, impossibly light, echoed with silent hope.
Qian Yu journeyed alone once more. With no one around, he finally allowed himself to release his true martial spirit — the Wheel of Reincarnation.
A gleaming disk, half black and half white, hovered before him, spinning slowly. Two dark spirit rings rose around him like silent phantoms.
He examined the second ring carefully. A thirty-thousand-year spirit ring — an exceptional gain. Its power: Yin-Yang Mirage.
With this, he could conjure vast illusions capable of deceiving even Titled Douluo. The illusions carried no offensive power on their own, but their ability to disorient and confuse enemies was priceless.
Used alongside his other martial spirits and techniques, it made Qian Yu nearly untouchable — even in the face of powerful foes.
And when combined with his Void Wings for escape, he could enter or exit battle at will. Even Titled Douluo wouldn't be able to pin him down.
Satisfied, Qian Yu nodded to himself.
With two spirit rings now under his belt, he could truly call himself a Spirit Master.
After a brief stop in a nearby town and a quick carriage ride, Qian Yu returned to Nuoding City. Half a month had passed.
He didn't hesitate — he headed straight for Dorm Seven. He missed Xiao Wu, Xiao Xue, and the others.
But as he approached the building, he frowned. It was completely empty.
Confused, he picked up his pace and soon overheard a conversation nearby.
"Did you hear? That guy Xiao Boss brought in outsiders to beat up the working students!"
"For real? They're in trouble now."
"I heard it's his older brother, Xiao Huo!"
Alarm bells rang in Qian Yu's mind. He rushed over to the locals. "Where are they?"
"In the grove behind the mountain!" someone replied.
Without another word, Qian Yu took off running.
Behind the mountain, two groups stood at odds in a clearing surrounded by thin trees and creeping shadows.
At the center of the aggressors was a tall youth, seventeen or so, wearing the Nuoding Intermediate Spirit Academy uniform. His presence radiated arrogance.
This was Xiao Huo — older brother to Xiao Chenyu. He had come seeking revenge after hearing of his brother's humiliation.
Qian Yu hadn't been around. So, they'd gone after the working students instead.
Xiao Huo crossed his arms, eyes lingering on Xiao Wu with a smirk that made her skin crawl. "Didn't expect a girl this pretty among the working students," he drawled. "You'd make a fine little servant. What do you say? Be mine, and I might go easy on the rest."
He grinned, crude and full of menace, fully convinced no one could stop him.
He didn't know Qian Yu had already returned.
And trouble? It had just begun.
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