Zhuqing caught up and said gently, "Is it Miss Qiulu?"
Qiulu turned her head and said, "It's you, why are you here?"
"Thank you for saving Brother Yu."
Qiulu replied, "You've thanked me many times already, if you keep going, I'm going to grow calluses on my ears. Since you're his friends and he's leaving with you, then I can leave too."
Zhuqing said, "I'm not Brother Yu's girlfriend; we're just friends right now."
As a woman, Zhuqing could tell that Qiulu also liked Ye Yu. She couldn't deny that she herself had feelings for Ye Yu, and she thought that Rongrong also liked Ye Yu a lot.
"I can tell..."
Zhuqing hadn't finished before Qiulu hurriedly interrupted, "Don't overthink it. You're just like them, thinking that I have feelings for him... Don't think too much. You're his friends, and I'm his friend too. Even though he's handsome and I'm plain, it doesn't mean I have to fall for a handsome guy. I saved him in a moment of confusion, and by leaving, I avoid being gossiped about as someone who keeps him as a pretty boy, which would hinder my chances of getting married."
Zhuqing asked, "You're leaving too? Where to?"
"Back to my hometown. I wasn't originally from this village; I came here because of my friend Taozi. I've long planned to leave this lousy place. If it weren't for him, I'd have been gone already."
"Aren't you going to say goodbye to Ye Yu?"
Qiulu shook her head, "No, I need to go back and pack my things. You go have dinner with them; I'm heading off first."
...
A few hours ago, at the Martial Soul Hall.
Bibi Dong's eyes flashed with a cold light, "It's been two years, and the Apocalypse Black Dragon hasn't appeared again, just as I thought. That last appearance must have drained it greatly, preventing it from reappearing shortly. So, we can now put a bounty on Ye Yu. Red-robed Bishop, announce that anyone who captures Ye Yu can gain the status of an Elder in the Martial Soul Hall and receive a Soul Bone from us."
"Yes!"
Soon, this announcement spread and was posted throughout Martial Soul City.
With Martial Soul City being a busy hub, the news spread quickly. Upon seeing the conditions on the notice, everyone was intrigued.
"Obtaining the status of an Elder in the Martial Soul Hall means a significant rise in rank, even the Emperor would have to show some courtesy."
"And you can receive a Soul Bone gifted by the Martial Soul Hall."
"Also, it's unbelievable that Ye Yu carries four Soul Bones."
"Those providing information can earn a Soul Bone, although without the Elder status, it's still not bad. After all, Ye Yu possesses combat power beyond his level."
"Hope I can encounter him."
The Martial Soul Hall naturally disclosed Ye Yu's true power and the fact that he had four External Soul Bones, prompting Soul Masters above the Soul King level to want to deal with him.
While notices couldn't be posted in the Tian Dou and Xingluo Empires, the Martial Soul Hall's influence ensured the news quickly spread across the Two Great Empires, causing a sensation.
With even more people in Martial Soul City, some came to verify the authenticity of the notice, and it was indeed real.
Many people soon united to search for Ye Yu. Although providing clues was also rewarded, most hoped to capture him personally to become an Elder of the Martial Soul Hall.
Martial Soul City had long since recovered. After being destroyed, the Martial Soul Hall spent immense resources, using a lot of manpower to first rebuild the Pope Hall, then spent two months rebuilding Martial Soul City.
At this moment, in the lavish Pope Hall.
Hu Liena knelt in the grand hall, in front of the imposing Bibi Dong, standing with hands behind her back.
"Have you thought it through? Do you really want to go?" Bibi Dong's voice had a heavy tone.
"Yes! Pope, I want to go there. I need a breakthrough; otherwise, I can't possibly catch up to Ye Yu. For the Martial Soul Hall, I'm willing to take the risk!"
Bibi Dong sighed gently, "It's not that I doubt you, but Ye Yu is too terrifying. Now, two years have passed; his current strength is immeasurable. Even if you go there and take risks, it's almost impossible to catch up to him."
Bibi Dong's words weren't meant to belittle her. Among the Golden Generation, she was the top talent, cultivated as the next Pope. Her prowess, if not countered by Tang San and Ye Yu, could have defeated others single-handedly.
The reason she didn't fully demonstrate her terror was due to Ye Yu outplaying her the whole time.
Hu Liena knew how terrifying Ye Yu was and said, "Though I can't catch up to Ye Yu, I can't stop trying because of that. If I can't catch up to him, I can at least aim to outpace Tang San, who is less gifted than him."
Bibi Dong looked at her with appreciation and also concern in her heart.
"You are already outstanding, and even if you go, you might not return. Just like Xie Yue and Yan, going to train in Death Canyon isn't so bad either?"
Hu Liena shook her head, "Pope, though that place is dangerous, it doesn't offer the breakthrough I need. I know you've secretly had Ju Douluo protect us, preventing us from experiencing the feeling of death. Training in Death Canyon, I might not even surpass Tang San, let alone face Ye Yu. Though it's been two years, I can't forget that competition where I didn't even have a chance to display my full power, having to play chess with him during the championship fight."
Speaking of which, Hu Liena felt a sense of shame.
Hu Liena resolutely said, "Teacher, I hope that this time, you won't secretly send someone to protect me. I will surely return alive!"
Hu Liena's divine will was unparalleled in its determination, no longer having even a bit of allure.
Bibi Dong smiled with gratification, "As expected of my disciple. Alright, you may go, but you must return alive."
"Yes! Definitely!" Hu Liena nodded heavily.
Bibi Dong raised her hand, and with a flash from the golden ring on the left pinky, a white skull appeared.
"Absorb it, this way I'll be more at ease."
Hu Liena was surprised, "Teacher, this is too precious, I can't take it. Because of our failure, we've already lost three precious Soul Bones from the Martial Soul Hall, how can I absorb this Soul Bone."
"Your improvement is your return for both your teacher and the Martial Soul Hall. Absorb it, although the Spirit Skull is more suitable for you, this Wisdom Skull is not inferior."
Hu Liena nodded heavily, her eyes moist, promising herself she would succeed.
At this moment, in Taoyuan Village.
A lavish feast was already prepared, with Ye Yu chatting while eating with Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai praised, "The food is indeed delicious, and the wine tastes great too."
The villagers were happy.
"As long as you like it, it's our honor."
Zhuqing said, "Brother Yu, where will you go afterward? You won't come back to the Xingluo Empire with us, right?"
Dai Mubai was also curious. Without asking, he knew Ye Yu wouldn't return with them and would continue training outside.
"Boss Yu, after leaving here, where will you go? Before I came, I heard that the Martial Soul Hall has already issued a bounty on you. Many must be eager to find you given the generous conditions they've set. The fact that the Martial Soul Hall is now issuing the bounty likely indicates that your father's presence won't appear in the near term."
Dai Mubai knew that getting Ye Yu to return with them wouldn't be that simple.
"I will continue to train outside, even though the pressure will be greater, it's the danger that brings breakthroughs and motivation; it's also a crucial part of refining one's life."
Dai Mubai nodded, "Then where will the boss go?"
Ye Yu, eyes full of anticipation, said resolutely, "After leaving here, I will go to... the City of Slaughter!"