N-A-A That's it for Chapter 38.
That's it for Chapter 38.
Tang Wutong walked to his side, stretched her arms and yawned, her long, light blue hair shimmering softly in the sunlight, and said with a contented expression, "Finally out! I spent a whole day and night in the forest, and I was covered in the smell of leaves and dirt. It was awful."
"This is the unique natural scent of the Star Dou Great Forest, something many people long for." Titan chuckled and ruffled her hair, his tone indulgent. "Once we get back to the Haotian Sect, take a nice hot bath and change into clean clothes, and these smells will naturally dissipate."
The three walked briskly along the flat official road. The afternoon sun grew increasingly warm. In the distance, the majestic mountain gate of the Haotian Sect stood among the mountains, exuding solemnity and grandeur. The mountain gate, built of bluestone, soared into the clouds, ancient and imposing. The two powerful characters "Haotian" were engraved on the lintel, the strokes sharp as if carved by a knife and axe, revealing an overbearing aura that looked down upon the world, fully demonstrating the majesty of the number one sect in the world.
At the mountain gate, Niu Tian was already standing quietly waiting.
This usually carefree, burly man had specially changed into a dark blue robe today. His long hair was neatly combed, his face rugged, and his aura calm and composed, making him appear more formal and solemn than usual. He stood with his hands behind his back at the foot of the mountain gate, his gaze sharp and piercing, locking onto the three returning children from afar. On his usually stern face, deep in his eyes lay an undisguised worry. Only when he saw that the two children were safe and sound did his tense gaze completely relax, and his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settle down.
"You're back." Niu Tian strode forward, carefully examining Zi Lingtian and Tang Wutong from head to toe to make sure they were unharmed before nodding slowly. His tone was calm but contained concern. "Go inside first. The kitchen has already prepared the meal and is just waiting for you to come back."
Titan stepped forward, patted Niu Tian heavily on the shoulder, and said with a hint of smugness, "Don't worry, with me personally protecting them, how could anything happen to the two kids?"
Niu Tian glanced at him indifferently, his tone completely flat: "It's precisely because you're watching that I'm constantly on edge, not daring to relax for even a moment."
Titan was speechless, his eyes widening. "What do you mean? Are you saying I can't even protect two children?"
Niu Tian ignored his explanation and turned to walk into the sect. Titan, seeing this, immediately chased after him, arguing incessantly. The two powerful soul beasts, who had lived for ten thousand years and possessed formidable strength, were now bickering like two ordinary old men, childish and adorable. Zi Lingtian and Tang Wutong followed behind, watching this scene, exchanging warm smiles.
The Haotian Sect's dining hall wasn't spacious, but it was decorated warmly and elegantly. The wooden tables and chairs were simple and clean, and the air was filled with the aroma of food. On a rectangular wooden table, steaming dishes were laid out, a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, a flavorful soup, and a large bowl of snow-white, plump rice. It looked simple, but it was all done with care. Zi Lingtian had been eating dry rations and cold roasted meat all day in the Star Dou Great Forest. Now, smelling the warm aroma of the food, her stomach immediately growled, and a faint blush rose on her slightly pale cheeks.
The four sat down around the table. Niu Tian and Titan sat at one end of the long table, while Zi Lingtian and Tang Wutong sat at the other end. Niu Tian picked up his chopsticks but did not start eating immediately. His gaze slowly fell on Zi Lingtian, his eyes deep, filled with a hint of inquiry and seriousness.
"How were your soul ring gains on this trip to Star Dou?" Niu Tian asked slowly, his voice steady, breaking the silence of the restaurant.
Titan, with his impatient nature, immediately spoke up, his tone excited: "Little Six, that kid is incredibly bold! His first spirit ring demanded a 2,500-year age limit, and despite my repeated attempts to stop him, he insisted on one that suited him. In the end, he found a 2,300-year-old Thunderflame Dragon and absorbed it smoothly; the second spirit ring was even more impressive, a 3,600-year-old Destruction God Ape, with extremely domineering power attributes, which he absorbed without any hindrance; and then the third spirit ring—"
Titan paused deliberately, took a deep breath, as if still reeling from the shock, and said in disbelief, "The third spirit ring is a 12,000-year-old Thunder Hell Vine!"
Niu Tian's chopsticks froze in mid-air, his pupils contracted slightly, and he slowly turned his head, staring intently at Titan. His large, bell-like eyes were filled with disbelief, and his voice rose slightly: "How many did you say? Twelve thousand years?"
"Absolutely true, twelve thousand years, not a fraction of a second off!" Titan nodded emphatically, his tone a mixture of helplessness and amazement. "And it wasn't us who hunted it; it was that Thunderous Hell Vine that willingly offered itself as a sacrifice to Little Six, offering everything willingly. I was completely stunned watching from the sidelines; I've never seen anything like it!"
Niu Tian fell completely silent.
He slowly put down his chopsticks, crossed his hands on the table, and fixed his gaze on Zi Lingtian, not looking away for a long time. His gaze was as deep as a pool, filled with shock, inquiry, and a hint of imperceptible solemnity. Zi Lingtian remained seated quietly, her back straight, allowing him to scrutinize her. Her deep purple eyes remained calm as still water, without the slightest panic or evasion.
After a long silence, Niu Tiancai slowly withdrew his gaze and spoke in a low voice, "Does your father know about this?"
Zi Lingtian shook his head slightly, his tone calm: "This trip to Xingdou was rushed, and I haven't had time to inform Father yet."
Niu Tian nodded, not pressing further. The shock in his eyes gradually subsided, and he picked up his chopsticks again, his tone returning to normal: "Let's eat first. We've been traveling a long way, let's fill our stomachs first."
Titan, standing to the side, scratched his head anxiously and muttered under his breath, "That's it? A ten-thousand-year-old soul ring willingly sacrificed itself. Such a big deal, aren't you going to ask why, or even praise this kid?"
Niu Tian glanced at him and said indifferently, "The food is getting cold."
Titan was speechless for a moment, and reluctantly picked up his chopsticks, but he couldn't help but look at Zi Lingtian, his admiration growing stronger. Zi Lingtian looked down at the steaming rice in her bowl, and secretly vowed to master this power as soon as possible, so as not to let down the sacrifice of the Thunderous Hell Vine, nor to let down the protection of those around her.