Outside the South Heavenly Gate

As the flames roared, the fish gradually developed golden-brown patterns on its surface, its skin becoming firm and slightly crispy, while the flesh inside was tender and juicy, emitting an enticing aroma.

Dugu Qing flipped the meat skewers, controlling the heat to prevent the meat from burning. Once the color reached its perfect point, the skewers of golden-brown and crispy roasted meat were ready.

Heavenly Vein Dragon through the air, drops of saliva fell from its mouth, scattered by the wind, and when they fell to the ground, they created a storm.

Dugu Qing rode his sword to the Heavenly Vein Dragon's lips and offered it a skewer of grilled meat.

Heavenly Vein Dragon couldn't wait to take a bite, and the aroma of cumin and chili exploded on his taste buds.

It closed its eyes happily, chewed slowly and deliberately, indulging in the delicious aroma, its soul at peace.

A few moments later, Heavenly Vein Dragon had devoured all the dozens of skewers of barbecue.

Heavenly Vein Dragon smacked his lips and told Dugu Qing the news from Aureole.

"Aureole resides on Peach Blossom Mountain in the Southern Countries. Anyone who has performed great deeds for the world and possesses a pure heart can ascend Peach Blossom Mountain and enter Aureole through the Stairway to Heaven."

Upon hearing the exact location of the Aureole, Dugu Qing couldn't wait to fly south and meet Fern.

But remembering the grand promise he had just made, he had no choice but to stay.

From then on, Dugu Qing would cook ten delicious meals for Heavenly Vein Dragon every day, with the dishes changing daily, including barbecue, and continuously serving a hundred feasts.

Ten days passed in the blink of an eye. Dugu Qing kept his promise, bid farewell to the Heavenly Vein Dragon, and eagerly flew south.

High in the sky, the Heavenly Vein Dragon watched Dugu Qing leave, secretly annoyed.

"Actually, I could have driven him south! Sigh, I overdid it! Otherwise, we could have enjoyed a few more days of delicious food!"

Returning to his nomadic life of living on air and dew, Heavenly Vein Dragon thought about all the moments he had spent with Dugu Qing, his heart itching with longing. He only regretted that he was too stupid and had missed a golden opportunity.

Regret! Hatred! Helplessness! Gritting my teeth in frustration.

Dugu Qing bid farewell to the Heavenly Vein Dragon, returned to the Magic City, entered the Continental Magic Association, and told Serie the news of the Aureole.

"Aureole is on Peach Blossom Mountain? That's fast! Dugu Qing, we've only been apart for a few days, and you've already found the address of Aureole? You rascal, what can I say! You truly deserve to be called the Child of Miracles! There's nothing to say about you."

Serie looked at Dugu Qing with a shocked expression, her eyes filled with astonishment, joy, and heartfelt admiration.

Here, take the purple flower back.

Dugu Qing raised his hand and slowly handed over the ceramic pot planted with purple flowers, then asked Serie for a high-speed Flying Boat.

"That's easy, I have one right here."

Serie snapped her fingers, summoning a new Flying Boat.

This boat is Serie's newest vehicle, far larger than the Flying Boat she once gifted to Frieren.

The cabin's interior is ingeniously constructed, with ample and complete facilities. The spacious interior is filled with various magical gadgets, such as automatic cooking machines, automatic dishwashers, automatic sweepers, and automatic defensive barriers...

It can accommodate more than twenty people, resembling a floating palace or a mirage, and is extremely luxurious.

"Serie, you really know how to enjoy yourself!"

"Yes, this is for you. I can build an even more luxurious one right away."

Serie stood with her hands on her hips, a smug look on her pretty face, quite arrogant.

"Then I'll be going now, goodbye."

Dugu Qing took the Flying Boat, walked out of the main hall, and placed it on the ground.

The Flying Boat expands with the wind, standing tall in the sky, revealing exquisite pavilions and halls on board.

Dugu Qing boarded the Flying Boat and entered Peach Blossom Mountain as his destination.

The spaceship hummed and trembled, absorbing magical energy, transforming into a streak of light that tore through the sky and headed south.

Three years Feishi Era, in the Southern Countries, at Peach Blossom Mountain.

The Flying Boat landed smoothly and docked at the foot of Peach Blossom Mountain.

Dugu Qing stepped off the Flying Boat and looked up into the distance.

The entire mountain is covered with peach orchards, thousands of blossoms are in full bloom, pink clouds stretch across the mountains, petals flutter in the wind, the scenery is beautiful and enchanting.

"The gods have excellent judgment."

Looking at the peach blossoms covering the mountains and fields, Dugu Qing's mood instantly became very pleasant.

He put away the Flying Boat, placed it in his Spatial Ring, and continued forward step by step along the mountain path.

In the afternoon, the sunlight gently shone down on the mountaintop.

Dugu Qing slowly climbed to the top of the mountain. The open and flat summit rippled with light.

Stairway to Heaven leading to the heavens emerges from the ground, crystal clear, layer upon layer, stretching endlessly upwards, leading all the way to the depths of the clouds.

"Aureole, I have come again."

Dugu Qing muttered to himself, lifted his leg and stepped onto the jade steps, steadily climbing forward.

A few hours later, the majestic South Heavenly Gate, shrouded in ethereal mist, came into view.

Outside the door stood a silver-armored general, holding a turquoise longsword, seated on the white steps, surrounded by clouds and mist, exuding a solemn aura.

Four heavenly soldiers stood guard, one on the left and one on the right, each holding a long spear.

Dugu Qing strode forward and gestured.

"My lord, it's been a long time. I've come again."

The god gripped his sword sheath tightly, his cloak billowing, his expression indifferent, and slowly rose.

"Tell me! Who are you looking for this time?"

Dugu Qing nervously uttered Fern's name.

Upon hearing this, the god's expression shifted slightly, and he already understood the situation. He turned and strode into the Aureole to retrieve the files.

An hour later, the god stepped out of the Heavenly Gate with heavy steps, his expression complex. He opened his mouth several times, but then stopped himself from speaking.

"Lord Divine General?"

Dugu Qing's heart skipped a beat, an ominous premonition swept over her, and her gaze was fixed on the divine general, fearing that something unexpected might happen.

The god sighed, closed his eyes,

"Fern did not enter Aureole after her death, so I'm sorry, I cannot let you enter Aureole. Go back!"

"Fern didn't become a Heroic Spirit? How is that possible!"

All hope shattered at that moment, and endless bitterness swept over his heart. Dugu Qing looked gloomy, his face haggard, and he lowered his head in despair.

"... I don't know either."

The god looked at Dugu Qing, his heart filled with helplessness.

"Ha ha!"

Dugu Qing suddenly burst into laughter, a mournful and desolate sound. He turned around and staggered away like a wandering ghost.

In the shadows behind the South Heavenly Gate, a purple figure stood silently, concealed among the shadows.

With the white halo of a heroic spirit above her head, Fern leaned against the cold doorpost, watching Dugu Qing's departing figure, her eyes filled with longing and resolute determination.

"I am already dead, and there is no hope for our relationship. If we were to meet again, I fear you would be consumed by unbearable pain. Therefore, it is better that we never met. I hope that you... can find a new love in this world and start anew. I will be blessing you both from Aureole."

Dugu Qing's figure gradually receded into the distance, eventually disappearing into the layers of clouds.

Fern's taut heartstrings snapped suddenly, unable to remain calm. Tears welled up and surged forth like a dam bursting, streaming down her face. Her voice choked with sobs, a sight that evoked pity.

"Foolish child, foolish child!"

The god looked at Fern, sighed heavily, and turned to leave.