"Brother, how do you know everything? We asked the High Priest, but she wouldn't reveal anything."
Ning Bei shook his head, indicating that he wasn't entirely sure the content of the eighth trial would be like this.
"I'm just saying it's possible. We'll have to see if there are any changes by then. I'm just giving you a heads-up."
"I'm saying this to let you know that your return journey might conflict with my divine trial. If I'm not here, you can use your soul tools to return to the mainland on your own. Of course, if I complete it smoothly, I will come to pick you up."
Hearing this, the three girls quickly nodded. Although they were a little disappointed that Ning Bei couldn't come to pick them up, they didn't make a fuss because it concerned the divine trial. "I see
. Then Brother Ning Bei, focus on completing your divine trial. Rongrong is fine with me."
"That's right. The divine trial is more important. The little rabbit isn't good at fighting, but she's very good at running away."
Seeing the two sisters bickering again, Ning Bei shook his head helplessly. He wondered when the two of them would grow up. They were almost at the Soul Douluo level, yet they still had the temperament of children.
After spending several days on Seagod Island, Rongrong and Xiaowu shared some interesting stories about recent events on the mainland with the three girls. When they heard that Tang San treated the lives of the mainland's people with utter disdain, everyone felt a surge of displeasure.
"That Tang San is too wicked! Although I knew he wasn't a good person when we went to Shrek Academy, I never expected him to do something like this!"
Xiaowu angrily waved her fist, looking like she wanted to give Tang San a good beating. Her friends agreed with her, constantly echoing her sentiments.
"That's right, how is this any different from being an animal?"
"If I see that Tang San, I'll teach him a lesson!"
The strongest reactions came from Long Nianbing and Ye Yinzhu. Having come from humble backgrounds themselves, they could empathize even more with the victims; the feeling of one's life being at the mercy of someone else was truly unbearable.
The mainland had changed rapidly over the years, making Rongrong and Xiaowu even more eager to return and see it, but unfortunately, they were bound by the Divine Trial and couldn't leave for the time being. Long Nianbing and Ye Yinzhu, however, were already impatient to travel the mainland.
A few days later, on the shore of the Sea Maiden City, Ning Rongrong and her two companions stood on the beach, waving goodbye to the group that had left in their soul-guided vehicles, their eyes filled with reluctance and sadness.
"Uncle Rongrong, Aunt Xiaowu, didn't Master say we could go back after completing the next test? It won't take long."
"Yes, I know."
The group was suddenly so quiet that Rongrong and the little rabbit felt a little disappointed, but they quickly composed themselves. The three planned to try and take the seventh test starting tomorrow.
Ning Bei, who had left, didn't choose to use his soul power to fly the four of them directly back to the mainland, mainly because of Dugu Yan. Once they returned to the mainland, his woman would most likely choose to go back to Grandpa Dugu Bo's place, as the grandfather and granddaughter hadn't seen each other for a long time. He himself would likely be fully focused on the test, and since he couldn't predict the difficulty of the final test, he decided to spend more time with Dugu Yan beforehand.
It took the group of five three days to reach Hanhai City. Upon landing, Ning Bei looked at Long Nianbing and asked,
"Aren't you sure you want to go back to the sect to see Adai first?"
"No, Second Young Master. We don't have the face to see him now, and we don't want to disturb him while he completes his divine trial."
"That's right, our journey will begin in Hanhai City."
Seeing their determined gazes, Ning Bei didn't try to persuade them further, but carefully advised,
"The outside world is different from the sect and Seagod Island. You two need to be careful. I'm not worried about your strength, but you lack experience in dealing with people. Be more cautious in everything you do."
"Thank you for your concern, Second Young Master. Nianbing and I will be more careful. Three years later, regardless of whether we've gained anything, we'll go back to the sect first."
"Well, then I won't say any more. Go ahead."
The two said goodbye to Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing, with whom they had spent several years, and then headed north without looking back. Their minds were now filled with the search for the gods.
Watching the two figures depart, a strange light flickered in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes, but she quickly concealed it.
"Let's go. We haven't had a proper chance to explore Hanhai City yet. Let's rest for a few days before setting off again."
"Okay."
In truth, places with people are all pretty much the same. Aside from some unique coastal city specialties, Hanhai City wasn't much different from other major cities, and was even far inferior to Qibao City. The two women wandered around for most of the day before quickly losing interest and told Ning Bei they could leave tomorrow.
Ning Bei had no objection to their request; he knew Dugu Yan missed her grandfather.
Since it was already evening, the three decided to stay overnight in Hanhai City and continue their return journey the next day.
Arriving at the hotel, Ning Bei readily went to the front desk to book three rooms, but Dugu Yan stopped him and winked at him.
Ning Bei's eyes lit up immediately, and he tentatively asked,
"Are you leaving?"
"Hmm?"
Dugu Yan's playful appearance immediately tempted Ning Bei, and he readily asked the front desk to book only two rooms. On the way to the room, Dugu Yan suddenly seemed to remember something and turned to look at her man.
"Abei, I heard the sea urchins in Hanhai City are pretty good, why don't you go buy some?"
"Huh? Weren't you eating any outside?"
"Mind your own business, are you going or not?"
"Alright, alright, you two go back to your rooms first, I'll be right back."
After handing the keys to the two women and noting down her room number, Ning Bei strode out of the hotel.
Zhu Zhuqing watched Ning Bei leave, then looked at Dugu Yan beside her with some confusion.
"Is it really that delicious?"
"Would I lie to you? You should try some later."
"Okay."
The little kitten was still quiet. Since Dugu Yan said it was delicious, she would try it later. Just as she turned to look for her room, Dugu Yan suddenly pointed behind her.
"Zhuqing, what's that?"
Thinking there was danger, Zhu Zhuqing immediately became alert and turned to check, but found nothing at all. When she turned back to ask Dugu Yan what was going on, she felt a white powder enter her nasal cavity.
Caught off guard by Dugu Yan, the kitten quickly fell victim to her attack. A wave of weakness washed over her, rendering her completely powerless. Just as she was about to ask Dugu Yan why she was doing this, she found herself too weak to even open her mouth; only her consciousness remained fully alert.
Dugu Yan swiftly moved forward and caught the kitten, who was about to collapse, in her arms, a mischievous grin spreading across her face as she met the kitten's questioning gaze.
"I lied to Abe when I said my period was over. Today, you're in charge."
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened in disbelief. She tried to struggle but couldn't move, her mouth opening and closing without uttering a sound.
(End of Chapter)