After returning to his tent for a brief rest, Grand Priest Zhu Hongye had already awakened.
Thus, the group began their journey, heading toward the outer edges of the Great Star Dou Forest.
Following the earlier turmoil, the atmosphere within the group felt somewhat delicate.
Zhu Zhuqing remained as quiet as ever, but her occasional glances at Dai Chengfeng now carried less coldness and more of an imperceptible complexity.
Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, had noticeably become more obedient. Though she would occasionally steal a glare at Dai Chengfeng, most of the time she quietly followed along with the group…
Her walking posture, however, still seemed slightly unnatural, causing her cheeks to flush whenever she recalled the events of the previous night.
Hu Liena was even more obvious; she acted as if nothing had happened, resuming her usual seductive demeanor.
And Xiao Wu…
Xiao Wu remained the same—shy as always.
Since she was unfamiliar with everyone except Dai Chengfeng, she spoke very little.
Overall, though, Dai Chengfeng felt relieved that at least there was no more jealousy among them.
On their way out of the Great Star Dou Forest, due to Dai Chengfeng's injury, the group adjusted their pace to accommodate him, taking about half a month to traverse the forest.
Throughout this journey, Dai Chengfeng could sense two extremely subtle yet immensely powerful presences following them from a great distance.
These presences were like dormant volcanoes—brimming with terrifying power, yet deliberately restrained, exuding a mix of emotions…
Concern, reluctance, and a deep sense of helplessness.
Dai Chengfeng knew these were the Sky Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape.
They were secretly escorting Xiao Wu—or rather, seeing her off.
Xiao Wu seemed to sense their presence as well. She gazed toward the depths of the forest, her eyes slightly red, but stubbornly refused to let tears fall or look back.
After all, having taken human form, she was destined to enter the outside world.
"Don't be sad… it's not like you'll never see them again…"
Dai Chengfeng softly consoled her, and Xiao Wu nodded.
For the remainder of the journey, Dai Chengfeng's body had mostly recovered, and he began urging the group to quicken their pace.
This kind of farewell was a torment for both sides.
It wasn't until the group completely exited the Great Star Dou Forest that the two powerful presences finally halted, no longer following.
They remained at the forest's edge, like two silent guardians, watching as Dai Chengfeng and Xiao Wu's group disappeared into the horizon.
In the air, there seemed to be a faint, profound sigh filled with sorrow.
After leaving the Great Star Dou Forest, the journey became much smoother.
---
Half a month later.
Stepping out of the carriage, Dai Chengfeng took a deep breath of the air unique to Spirit City—a blend of faint soul power fragrance and the bustling energy of a metropolis—and a genuine smile spread across his face.
He spread his arms wide, as if embracing the city, and exclaimed:
"Spirit City! Finally back! Master, I've missed you so much!"
His voice brimmed with excitement and longing after a long absence, drawing varied expressions from the women beside him, who wondered why Dai Chengfeng was so thrilled.
Xiao Wu, experiencing such a magnificent central city of the human world for the first time, widened her lively eyes in curiosity…
She gazed at the towering walls, the neatly uniformed knights in shining silver armor, and the cityscape far more prosperous than anything she'd seen in Nuoding City. Her face was filled with awe.
"Is this… Spirit City? So grand, so majestic…"
Seeing this, Hu Liena introduced with a hint of pride:
"Of course! Spirit City is the holy land in the hearts of soul masters across the continent and the core of our Spirit Hall."
"Look over there—the tallest building is the Pope's Palace, where Her Holiness handles affairs."
Zhu Zhuqing said little, only adding succinctly: "Very safe, and very strong."
"Indeed…"
Xiao Wu nodded, still somewhat astonished.
Seeing this, Hu Liena affectionately linked arms with Xiao Wu: "Little Sister Xiao Wu, this will be your home from now on. You'll get used to it soon."
"There are many fun places and delicious foods in the city. One day, I'll take you around."
Hearing her new sisters' introductions, Xiao Wu's initial unease gradually gave way to curiosity and anticipation. She nodded gently.
The carriage slowly entered the city, traveling along the wide, smooth streets straight to Pope Mountain.
As the carriage came to a stop, Dai Chengfeng eagerly jumped out and turned to Hu Liena:
"Nana, you're the most familiar with this place. Help me find a comfortable room for Xiao Wu to settle into."
"Xiao Wu has just arrived and isn't familiar with the environment yet, so please take good care of her."
Hu Liena smiled charmingly and naturally walked over to Xiao Wu, taking her hand affectionately:
"Don't worry, leave it to me."
"Little Sister Xiao Wu, come with me. Let's go see where you'll stay. Do you prefer somewhere quieter or with a better view?"
Xiao Wu glanced at Dai Chengfeng, her eyes showing a hint of dependence and inquiry as a newcomer.
Dai Chengfeng nodded warmly and said gently: "Go with Nana. Get settled first and familiarize yourself with the surroundings."
"I have some urgent matters to attend to right away. I'll come find you later."
Xiao Wu obediently murmured an "Mm" and said to Hu Liena:
"Thank you, Sister Nana. I… I'm fine with anything."
"Then let's go."
Hu Liena smiled, linking arms with Xiao Wu, and led her toward the residential area on Pope Mountain.
As Dai Chengfeng watched them turn, he suddenly remembered something and added:
"Nana, after settling Xiao Wu in, take a rest yourself. I'll report to Master…"
Hu Liena glanced back, giving Dai Chengfeng a flirtatious look that said, "You still have a bit of conscience," and replied:
"Understood. Go ahead and take care of your important matters."
Afterward, Dai Chengfeng briefly instructed Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong to return and rest. Once he saw all the women depart, the relaxed expression on his face faded slightly.
He straightened his robes, gazed at the towering spire of the Pope's Palace, took a deep breath, and strode quickly in that direction.
Under his breath, he muttered with a trace of urgency and anticipation:
"I need to hurry and report to Master. After such a long time, Master must be waiting anxiously."
Outside Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong's chambers.
The maidservants stationed outside were initially startled upon seeing Dai Chengfeng but quickly recognized him. Their faces immediately showed respect as they bowed slightly, making no move to stop him.
Dai Chengfeng gestured for them to remain silent and motioned for them to withdraw.
Understanding, the maidservants quietly bowed and stepped back.
Dai Chengfeng gently pushed open the door to the chambers and slipped inside.
The interior was spacious and bright, decorated luxuriously yet elegantly. The air was filled with the faint scent unique to Bibi Dong—a blend of cool fragrance and noble floral aroma—that stirred his heart.
"Make it romantic…"
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