"Big brother, we talked it over with Sister Zhuqing… we want to come along too."
Beside them, Yu Keke twisted her fingers nervously, her gaze timid as it drifted between Qian Renxue and Aether.
They had heard every word of the previous conversation. When they learned that Fire Meow Meow would accompany Qian Renxue to Heaven Dou, the two girls exchanged a look—and instantly saw the eagerness mirrored in each other's eyes.
What they lacked most now was experience.
Even if experience might bring danger, they still longed to grow stronger—faster.
They hadn't said it aloud, but deep down, they took pride in their talent.
Especially since part of that talent came from Aether himself.
But talent was only the starting point. Without actual growth, talent was just an advantage at the starting line.
From their past encounters, it had become clear—if they kept running into the likes of Title Douluos, beings they once could only admire from stories, then their age and talent alone meant nothing at all.
So, after hearing the plan, they both made the same decision: they would follow Qian Renxue to Heaven Dou, to temper themselves through trials.
Only by doing so could they quickly raise their spirit power and learn to handle complex situations—so they could grow, truly grow.
Aether heard Yu Keke's request. Beside her, Zhu Zhuqing nodded silently.
He looked to Qian Renxue. This mission was hers to lead; she had final say over who would go and who would stay.
"If that's the case, then even better."
Qian Renxue smiled brilliantly as her eyes met Aether's.
This trip to Heaven Dou would never be a small affair.
When she first departed, she had taken with her a squad of death warriors and over a thousand elite guards.
They were currently stationed deep within the mountains not far from Heaven Dou.
If Yu Keke and Zhu Zhuqing came along, it would be the perfect chance to test their leadership—let them command the force.
This was a world where spirit power reigned supreme. Though young, Yu Keke and Zhu Zhuqing's strength was nothing to scoff at.
Their current level of power already stood at a height that many spirit masters could only dream of reaching.
"Mm. Then go."
Seeing Qian Renxue nod, Aether expressed his support as well.
"But no matter what you do, never get careless. Always stay alert and stay safe."
He reached out, gently ruffling Yu Keke's hair—and silently left a protective mark on her body.
A technique he had learned from Xiao.
You could never be too careful. Children going out into the world… a parent's heart could never rest easy.
"Got it, big brother," Yu Keke replied sweetly.
…
The next day, two carriages rolled out from Spirit City, heading northwest.
At the same time, Qian Daoliu, accompanied by a sizeable guard unit and the Golden Crocodile Douluo, made his way deep into a frozen mountain range.
"Report! Grand Priest, we've reached a cliff junction ahead. A bottomless abyss lies beyond. We cannot proceed."
A guard ran up to the center of the formation and knelt before Qian Daoliu with his report.
"Hmm?"
Qian Daoliu frowned.
The route that that man had marked out shouldn't have been wrong. How could there suddenly be no way forward?
From what he knew, it wasn't just Dugu Bo who had come here previously. Girls like Yu Keke had come too—and they didn't have the power to fly.
There's no way they could've crossed an abyss by soaring over it.
"Old Two, go take a look."
Qian Daoliu turned to the Golden Crocodile Douluo and signaled for him to investigate.
Golden Crocodile's body blurred into a shadow.
Moments later, he reappeared.
"Big Brother, it's indeed a cliff up ahead. According to the route you gave, we need to cross this abyss to reach the other side."
He faithfully reported what he saw.
"Strange… then how did they cross it before…"
Qian Daoliu muttered under his breath.
Golden Crocodile spoke again.
"However, from the cliff edge, I could tell there was once an iron chain bridge spanning the abyss. It's been destroyed—cut with force."
"What? Someone else was here?"
Qian Daoliu's brows furrowed even deeper.
"Let's go. I want to see this myself."
He led his personal guards to the edge of the cliff, gazing solemnly into the thick fog that shrouded the abyss beyond. At his feet, the thick chains had been sheared cleanly.
"To slice through such thick chains so cleanly with spirit power…"
Qian Daoliu nudged a piece of the broken chain with his foot.
"The one who did this must be at least a Title Douluo…"
"Big Brother, what now?"
Golden Crocodile wasn't one for deep thought. Whenever he hit a problem, his instinct was to ask for instructions and act.
"Pass down my command: set up camp here. You and I will fly across and investigate personally."
Qian Daoliu issued the order without hesitation, then took to the skies—piercing through the heavy mist toward the other side. Golden Crocodile followed right behind.
…
Heaven Dou City
At the city gates, chaos reigned.
Guards had slammed the gates shut, driving off all travelers and merchants. Everyone inside was on high alert, staring at the distant dust cloud as a massive force approached.
"They're finally here. If I'd known, I'd have gone ahead on my own…"
After nearly twenty days of trekking, Dugu Bo and the others finally caught sight of the city.
He yanked shut the carriage curtain, grumbling sourly.
"Ugh, Grandpa! Why are you complaining to me? If you have something to say, go tell Her Highness in the back carriage~"
Beside him, Dugu Yan pouted, clearly displeased.
"Grandpa's just venting, that's all. Haha~"
Dugu Bo chuckled awkwardly.
Originally, with their travel speed, they should've reached Heaven Dou in just ten days.
But when they arrived at the location where Qian Renxue's army was supposed to be stationed—there wasn't a soul in sight.
No soldiers. Not even a damn bird.
Only scattered tents and broken weapons.
Something had clearly gone wrong.
Fortunately, Qian Renxue had left clues behind. Eventually, she tracked her troops to a steep, remote gorge.
Apparently, the army had been ambushed by a mysterious group. A battle broke out on the spot.
Though the attackers were powerful, they were overwhelmed by the disciplined, well-trained force.
Still, the fight had taken its toll.
The commanding officer had immediately sent a report and relocated the troops, wary of a second assault.
That just so happened to be when Qian Renxue and the others had left the city—hence the communication breakdown.
"Yan Yan, why don't you head to the back carriage now? Grandpa's going to ask them to open the gates."
As the city loomed closer, Dugu Bo tried to coax her.
"Hmph! I'm not going! When I wanted to go earlier, you wouldn't let me—you said it was too crowded! And now you want me to go? No! I'm staying right here!"
Dugu Yan folded her arms and turned away in a huff.
_
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