Two years later…
In the past two years, the Douluo Continent's hunt against Evil Soul Masters had never ceased. Battles happened nearly a thousand times, though each was only a small-scale clash. Many Evil Soul Masters had been eradicated, yet this darkness was far from destroyed.
Those who were killed were nothing more than low-level grunts, ants at best.
Though the lairs of Evil Soul Masters had been uncovered more than once, every time they seemed to sense it in advance and slipped away before a true blow could be dealt.
But in those two years, many sects across the Douluo Continent had suffered heavy losses.
All except for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
The once secondary sect now firmly stood at the very top of the continent.
Yiqi Juechen!
Not only could he treat injuries and restore Soul Masters who fought Evil Soul Masters, he could even cure ordinary ailments like headaches and fevers.
In today's Douluo Continent, whether in bustling cities or small countryside towns, you could always find a medical hall bearing the emblem of the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda.
Though not as militarily powerful as Spirit Hall, its influence across the continent now matched it completely.
Inside one such hall, a messenger was reporting the latest news.
"Fengzhi, word has just arrived. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has wiped out dozens of Evil Soul Masters in Barak City, including a Contra."
"Strangely, just like before, those Evil Soul Masters revealed themselves on their own. It was as though demons were roused—killing and hacking people down in the streets, their bodies shrouded in black mist."
The halls of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were not merely for healing—they served as communication outposts, carrying messages back and forth.
"This is the seventh incident, isn't it?" Ning Fengzhi mused, brows furrowed.
What exactly were those Evil Soul Master scum trying to do?
For them to suddenly reappear after two years of hiding was no good sign.
"Have we had any news from Tang Hao and his son?" Ning Fengzhi asked offhandedly.
In these past two years, little escaped the eyes of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Yet Tang Hao and his son had vanished completely, as if they had been erased.
"The Clear Sky Sect even came to us just two days ago, asking if we knew where those two dogs were hiding," Gu Rong sneered. "My guess? Dead already."
He smiled faintly. If no one in the world could find the pair, then what else could it mean?
"Fengzhi, it's been over five years since Lu Yuan left. Perhaps it's time we call him back?" Chen Xin suggested, Tang Hao's name jogging the memory of another.
"If that bastard hadn't appeared in the Soul Masters' Competition back then, would Lu Yuan ever have been branded an Evil Soul Master? I think not."
"I agree," Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Right now, the whole continent is united against Evil Soul Masters. No one has spoken of Lu Yuan as one in years. The uproar is long gone. He can return safely."
Gu Rong chuckled, glancing at Ning Rongrong's rooms. "Our Rongrong's no child anymore either. Time for them to start a family."
For once, his view aligned with Chen Xin's.
"Then it's settled. Uncle Jian, you'll go visit Xiao Yuan in a few days," Ning Fengzhi decided.
Star Dou Great Forest.
Lu Yuan sat lazily by a lake, sipping from a jug of wine. A soft rustle fell behind him, Xiao Wu sneaking forward with a playful grin. She was about to cover his eyes with her hands when—
Caught!
"Heh… little rabbit, daring to ambush me?" Lu Yuan caught her wrists smoothly, then leaned back, tilting until his weight pressed against her fragrant shoulder.
"Got you!"
"Hmph, you always sense me, monster," Xiao Wu pouted, sticking out her pink tongue at him.
But the teasing smile soon faded. She glanced toward the distance, her eyes dim.
"…Are you really leaving?" she whispered.
Earlier today Chen Xin had come to inform them that Lu Yuan would return to the sect. For over five years now, this guy had been here, bullying and teasing her endlessly. Annoying as he was, the thought of him leaving suddenly left her heart hollow.
"Little rabbit, don't be sad." Lu Yuan smiled, ruffling her hair. "Here, I'll give you something. With it, no one will ever uncover what you are."
From his soul guide he took out a flower, palm-sized, its petals a blend of red and white, a stone still attached to its root.
"With this, even if you reveal your aura, no one will ever know you're a rabbit. You've grown—slender in the right places, curves in others. Who would ever connect you to the little you from before?"
He pressed the flower and stone into her hands.
"But remember—you can't use it until you pick it yourself," Lu Yuan reminded solemnly.
"…Are you messing with me again?" Xiao Wu frowned, tugging at the stem several times to no effect.
"Hmm, didn't work? Let me recall…" Lu Yuan tapped his temple before nodding. "Ah yes, there's a tale. Long ago, a fairy descended to steal this flower. They say to pluck it, you must drop a bit of Blood Essence onto it—and think of the man in your heart."
The moment he finished, Xiao Wu's eyes widened before her cheeks flushed pink.
"Lu Yuan, you shameless jerk!" she exploded, fists pounding his shoulder.
This bastard! Did he mean… menstrual blood?! Could anyone still eat a flower like that? Was this some indecent joke?
"Little rabbit, you're unreasonable!" Lu Yuan grumbled. "I bring you such a treasure, and instead of gratitude, you hurl insults. Truly can't talk with you!"
Fuming, Xiao Wu turned and stomped off angrily. Yet though she glared back at him, she carefully tucked the flower away against her chest.
The flower may be ridiculous… but it was beautiful.
Night fell.
In the core of the forest, a massive bonfire blazed high into the sky. Tonight was celebration—the farewell feast. Lu Yuan and the others would depart tomorrow.
"Lu Yuan! Bring out all your wine. We'll drink properly tonight!" Er Ming's booming voice thundered over the crackle of flames.
After several times drinking with Lu Yuan, he had fallen in love with the sharp, burning sensation. Yet this miser of a youth never let him drink his fill. Always too stingy!
"Fine, fine. Tonight, we empty it all!" Lu Yuan grinned, producing jar after jar. He was leaving anyway—might as well. Back at the Seven Treasure Sect, there would be plenty more.
"Big sis, drink with me too," he coaxed, handing a jar to Tang Yuehua.
"Yes… you're leaving tomorrow, we must drink!" Er Ming laughed, scooping up a dozen jars with his huge fingers and pouring them straight into his mouth. Liquor streamed, firelight dancing across his hide. He roared out his enjoyment.
"Here, try this," Lu Yuan offered another jar to Tang Yuehua.
Unable to refuse his kindness, Tang Yuehua giggled nervously and took a sip. The strong drink burned down her throat, her delicate brows knitting as her skin flushed red.
"Ha… huh… hhh…"
She swayed, then slumped forward—falling fast asleep clutching onto Lu Yuan's arm!
The atmosphere froze instantly. Silence weighed like stone.
Then Lu Yuan cleared his throat, lifting another jar high.
"C'mon! Keep drinking! Chen Xin—don't tell me you're scared, old man?" he challenged with a grin.
Chen Xin chuckled and shook his head. "Smelly brat. I'll match you back at the Seven Treasure Sect. Right now, if I get drunk like your big sister here, I won't be able to move tomorrow morning."
Better not to risk it.
"Er Ming, slow down already!" Daming sighed, tossing a massive soul beast carcass, nearly ten-thousand years old, toward the fire. "Roast this one, let's eat."
Above, little Lu Xiaoyu rested drowsily on Daming's enormous head, lulled by the warmth of the fire.
Tomorrow, they would part. His heart felt heavy.
Nearby, Liu Erlong hugged a clay jar to her chest, eyes shining with challenge.
"Little chili, it's been so long since we've shared a drink. Tonight, you won't escape!" Lu Yuan shouted, blocking her path with another jar.
Her mind flashed back to that night, heat creeping into her cheeks. But she took the jar boldly anyway.
"I'll drink with you. After all, I already belong to you."
With that, Liu Erlong tilted her head back and gulped deep, the firelight flickering in her wild, beautiful eyes.
The night roared on—full of firelight, laughter, wine, and the bittersweet ache of looming farewells.
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