After several days of traveling, the group of four finally arrived at Shuofeng City.
Compared to Wuhun City, Shuofeng was small and rather plain—a cold border town with far fewer resources and liveliness.
Still, Bibidong was curious.
"Is this the city where my younger brother studies?"
"Yes," Gu Han nodded, recalling his early days here. But honestly, he didn't have many good memories—just endless studying and training every day, which was pretty boring.
"But brother, why come to the city if you're heading back to the village?"
Bibidong glanced around but didn't see anything special. The excitement from before had faded, and she suddenly remembered why they had stopped here.
They could have passed through directly to Qinghe Village, but Gu Han had insisted on stopping by the city first. They hadn't asked questions before, but now the reason came back.
"Senior sister, when I lived here, Grandpa zhen and Brother Rentao from the Martial Soul Hall helped me a lot. I want to come back and thank them."
"That makes sense," Bibidong smiled. "I want to meet them too."
The two understood—it was natural to show gratitude to those who helped them.
"Well, then let's go straight to the Martial Soul Hall here."
Standing before the Martial Soul Hall, Bibidong looked at it again. Though still grand, it no longer held the awe it once did.
After seeing something better, people tend to compare and lose a bit of their previous admiration—even if the first thing was still impressive.
Passing through the guards at the entrance, the four entered the hall.
"Excuse me, what business do you have in the Martial Soul Hall?" a visitor asked almost automatically.
Gu Han smiled warmly and waved. "Brother Rentao, it's me, Xiaohan."
"Xiaohan! Why are you back?" Lu Rentao looked surprised.
"Brother Rentao, I've broken through to level 30. I'm heading to the Frozen Forest with Uncle Ju and Uncle Gui to hunt for a soul ring. I also wanted to come visit Grandpa Zhen and you while I'm here."
"Level 30? Haha! I knew you'd make it, Xiaohan—you're very talented!" Lu Rentao beamed with pride. At first, they only helped Gu Han hoping he'd be a prodigy, but after a few years, he felt like a real brother.
"By the way, who are these with you?"
Lu Rentao's eyes widened as he noticed the three behind Gu Han, especially Bibidong—stunningly beautiful.
He caught himself and quickly looked away, thinking of his girlfriend.
"Oh, let me introduce them to you."
Gu Han gestured to the group.
"This is my senior sister, and these two are Uncle Ju and Uncle Gui. They've all treated me very well."
Gu Han didn't mention their true identities—such news was too sensitive. People would grow cautious or reserved if they knew.
That was not the point of this visit.
"Thank you for taking care of Xiaohan," Lu Rentao said kindly.
The two chrysanthemum ghosts nodded silently, while Bibidong smiled and shook her head.
"Nothing special. My brother has taught me a lot."
"Xiaohan, I heard you were accepted by a top figure in the Martial Soul Hall to study in Martial Soul City. Are you used to it there?"
Lu Rentao remembered wanting to visit Gu Han when he and Bishop Markle traveled to Longcheng, but had been told Gu Han was taken in by Wuhun's top figures.
He was happy and surprised when he first heard.
Seeing Gu Han now, the thought came back.
At the same time, his eyes glanced carefully at the two chrysanthemum ghosts. They must be powerful—soul kings, right?
The two noticed Lu Rentao's gaze but only smiled gently, unfazed.
"Don't worry, big brother. Wuhun City is excellent, and the learning environment is great."
"Enough chit-chat. Grandpa Zhen, I want to give you something."
Gu Han wanted to share an advanced meditation method from the Martial Soul Hall—a rare secret accessible only to a few. Markle and Lu Rentao's current methods were good, but this was even better.
Of course, Gu Han wouldn't say it was improved by himself, as that would raise questions.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Bishop Markle is in his office. Let me take you there."
Curious but respectful, Lu Rentao led Gu Han to Markle's office.
Bibidong stayed quiet, her sharp eyes watching their exchange curiously.
The two chrysanthemum ghosts kept a distance—their identities were too high-profile to mingle freely. Still, their mental energy subtly scanned the surroundings, cautious despite the saint's presence.
At the office door, Lu Rentao knocked.
"Come in."
A dignified voice replied.
Lu Rentao opened the door.
"Lord Zhen, look who's back."
Markle was writing at his desk. Hearing the voice, he looked up and saw Gu Han standing beside Lu Rentao—with a beautiful little girl he'd never seen before.
"Grandpa Zhen," Gu Han greeted warmly.
"It's Xiaohan. Didn't you go to Martial Soul City? Why are you back?"
Zhen and Lu Rentao both put down their pens, standing up in surprise.