Seeking Ice and Fire, Arriving at Heaven Dou City

Dragon City, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Sect Master's Study.

Facing his grandfather Yu Boxuan, Yu Yuanchen calmly but firmly stated his thoughts. "Grandfather, I wish to travel and seek opportunities to obtain my Ninth Soul Ring."

Yu Boxuan stroked his beard and pondered, his eyes showing worry, but even more so trust and expectation for his grandson's strength. "You've broken through the level 90 bottleneck, and your Soul Core is beginning to form. Your strength is indeed enough to roam the continent. The Ninth Soul Ring is crucial to your future path. Ordinary Soul Beast are no longer of much use. Going out to seek opportunities is the right thing to do. Where do you want to go?"

"Grandson plans to go to Sunset Forest first," Yu Yuanchen replied. "Although the family sent people to search before without success, perhaps the opportunity hasn't arrived yet, or the search was oversighted. Grandson wants to try his luck again. If he finds nothing, he will then go to Star Dou Great Forest or the Extreme North."

"Sunset Forest..." Yu Boxuan nodded slightly. "Very well, it's not too far. With your abilities, you're more than capable of handling the risks there. Who from the family should accompany you?"

"No need," Yu Yuanchen shook his head. "My grandson can go alone; it will be faster and more discreet."

Just as the grandfather and grandson were discussing the details, a soft knock came from outside the study.

"Come in," Yu Boxuan said.

The door opened, Ye Zhilan walked in carrying a pot of freshly brewed Calming Tea. She first bowed to Yu Boxuan, saying, "Grandpa Yu." Then she gently placed the teacup on the table, her gaze turning to Yu Yuanchen, her eyes filled with a hint of barely perceptible expectation and hesitation.

Yu Yuanchen looked at her and smiled gently. Yu Boxuan also smiled and said, "Zhilan, you've come at the right time. Yuanchen is just about to go out to train and find his Ninth Soul Ring."

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhilan's beautiful eyes brightened slightly. She put down the tea tray, her hands clenching slightly as if she had made up her mind. She raised her head, her gaze clear and firm as she looked at Yu Yuanchen, and said softly, "Brother Yuanchen... could you... take me with you on this trip?"

Yu Yuanchen was slightly taken aback. Yu Boxuan also looked at her with a hint of surprise.

Ye Zhilan's cheeks flushed slightly, but her tone was unusually serious. "I know Brother Yuanchen's trip is for important matters. My Cultivation Level still shallow, and I might be a burden... But," she paused, then continued, "I'm already level sixty-four, and I'm not without the ability to protect myself. My ' Mountain Splitting Force ' is also quite proficient; even an ordinary Soul Emperor might not be able to gain the upper hand in close combat. Besides... Brother Yuanchen, you also said that Soul Master can't always cultivate in isolation; they need to experience trials and tribulations and broaden their horizons. I... I also want to go out and see the world, to gain some experience."

She looked earnestly at Yu Yuanchen: "I won't disturb your search for Soul Beast. Perhaps... I can help you along the way. Gather herbs, identify paths, or... if you get injured, I can always treat you in time..." Her voice trailed off at the end, tinged with shyness, but her desire to travel with him and contribute her own strength was clearly revealed.

Yu Yuanchen looked at the determined-looking girl before him, a slight stirring in his heart. He had indeed hoped she would gain more experience rather than remain sheltered in a greenhouse. His previous refusal to have anyone from the family accompany her stemmed from his belief that no one could keep up with his pace and would only be a burden. But Ye Zhilan was different...

He hesitated for a moment, realizing that with his current strength he could roam freely across the continent, and he had no mortal enemies (after all, his mortal enemies were all dead), then smiled and said, "Alright. In that case, you shall come with me."

Ye Zhilan was overjoyed, her eyes sparkling as if starlight shone. "Really? Brother Yuanchen, you agreed?"

"Hmm." Yu Yuanchen nodded, his tone filled with unquestionable confidence. "With my current strength, protecting you is more than enough. Just as you said, traveling itself is a form of cultivation. Your Medical Skill and Herbology Knowledge might really be of help. Moreover..." He looked at his grandfather, "With Zhilan traveling with you, you can look after each other, and Grandfather can feel more at ease."

Looking at the perfect couple before him, Yu Boxuan stroked his beard and laughed heartily, "Good! Good! Chen'er is absolutely right! I'll feel much more at ease with Zhilan going along. Zhilan, listen to Yuanchen on the journey and be careful."

"Yes! Thank you, Grandpa Yu! Thank you Brother Yuanchen!" Ye Zhilan replied happily, her face beaming with a bright smile.

The matter was settled. The two made some preparations and packed their belongings. Yu Yuanchen specially prepared a high-level Storage Soul Tool, which was filled with clean water, food, gold coins, and other supplies that might be needed.

Before leaving, Yu Boxuan handed a box to Yu Yuanchen, saying, "This is a family heirloom that can greatly increase combat power. You are the most outstanding member in the family's history, and I believe you can lead the family to unprecedented glory. Since it will be yours sooner or later, there's no harm in giving you some now. Remember, you carry the future of the family on your shoulders!"

Yu Yuanchen realized what this was and tried to refuse, but under Yu Boxuan's unyielding gaze, he had no choice but to accept it.

Three days later, dawn broke.

Yu Yuanchen and Ye Zhilan bid farewell to their families, left Dragon City, and embarked on their journey to Sunset Forest.

Yu Yuanchen did not choose to travel at full speed. Since he had promised to let Ye Zhilan gain experience, he deliberately slowed down and concealed his powerful aura, Simulation fluctuations at approximately the Soul King level. He changed into an ordinary cyan outfit, looking like an ordinary sect disciple escorting his junior sister on her training journey.

Ye Zhilan was still wearing that light blue dress, exuding a gentle and refined air. She didn't deliberately hide her Soul Emperor level Cultivation Level, which instead attracted a lot of attention.

The two walked side by side; the man was handsome and composed, while the woman was beautiful and refined. Their journey was like a stunning painting, but it also attracted a lot of trouble.

Just as Yu Yuanchen had predicted, Ye Zhilan's appearance and temperament, coupled with her revealed Soul Emperor Cultivation Level, inevitably attracted the covetousness of some spoiled young men who relied on their status or strength when they stopped in some towns.

On this day, in a tavern in a border town called "Maple Leaf Town," the two were having a meal. Several young men dressed in rich clothes, who were obviously from local wealthy families, walked in. The one in the lead glanced around the hall and was immediately drawn to Ye Zhilan.

Slightly intoxicated, he staggered forward and said with feigned nonchalance, "This Young Lady looks unfamiliar. You're not from around here, are you? I am the son of the lord of Maple Leaf Town. May I ask your name, Young Lady? Would you do me the honor of sharing a drink?" He completely ignored Yu Yuanchen, who was "only at the Soul King Cultivation Level" opposite him.

Ye Zhilan frowned slightly, put down her chopsticks, and said coldly, "Sorry, it's inconvenient."

Seeing her refusal, the lord's son lost face and his tone hardened. "Why must you keep me at arm's length, Young Lady? In Maple Leaf Town, no one dares to disrespect me." As he spoke, he reached out to grab Ye Zhilan's wrist.

The moment he reached out his hand, Ye Zhilan moved.

She didn't get up, but her right hand shot out with lightning speed, striking first and accurately grabbing the other person's wrist. Her seemingly delicate fingers exerted a slight force.

"Snap!"

A soft cracking sound rang out!

"Ah--!" The lord's son let out a pig-like scream as his wrist bent at an unnatural angle. The excruciating pain instantly sobered him up considerably!

Upon seeing this, the guards behind him were terrified and immediately released their Soul Ring, preparing to rush forward.

Ye Zhilan's expression remained unchanged. She slammed her left hand on the table, causing an ordinary bamboo chopstick used for eating to spring up and be pinched between her fingers. The next moment, she flicked her wrist!

"Whoosh!"

The bamboo chopsticks transformed into a blurry blue shadow, instantly piercing the shoulder blade of a Soul Ancestor guard charging at the forefront, spraying blood as they pinned him firmly to the wall behind him! The entire process was as fast as lightning; the guard didn't even have time to react!

The remaining guards froze on the spot, cold sweat pouring down their faces, too afraid to move. They had clearly seen that the woman's actions were ruthless and decisive, her strength far exceeding their expectations!

Ye Zhilan then released her grip, coldly staring at the lord's son who was clutching his wrist and screaming in pain, "Get out. If you disturb my peace again, it won't just be your wrist that's ruined."

Her voice remained soft, yet carried an undeniable chill.

The lord's son was so terrified that he didn't dare utter a single threat. Supported by his men, he scrambled out of the tavern.

The tavern was silent. Everyone stared in shock at the girl in the blue dress who remained sitting quietly. They never expected that beneath her beautiful appearance lay such formidable strength and ruthless methods.

Yu Yuanchen didn't make a move from beginning to end, but leisurely sipped his tea with a hint of approving smile in his eyes. It seemed that his Zhilan was not a flower that needed constant protection; it had already developed thorns for self-defense and even to harm others.

"Well handled," he said softly.

Ye Zhilan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head somewhat embarrassedly. "He's just too annoying... Besides, Brother Yuanchen, you taught me that to deal with these kinds of people, you have to scare them off once and for all, otherwise it'll never end."

Yu Yuanchen nodded with a smile, "That's exactly right."

After this incident, Ye Zhilan seemed to have relaxed a bit. When she encountered scenic spots or places with kind-hearted people along the way, she would take the initiative to suggest stopping for a while. She would even find places in towns where ordinary people gathered and set up simple stalls to provide free medical consultations.

Her Medical Skill skills were superb, and her attitude was kind. She often treated the poor without charging them a penny, and she quickly earned the reputation of "Fairy Physician". Yu Yuanchen silently stood by her side, watching her treat people with focused and gentle care, his eyes full of tenderness. This process was not only an act of doing good deeds, but also an excellent exercise for her Medical Skill, temperament, and even Soul Power Control.

The journey wasn't always fraught with difficulties. They encountered real bandits and villains, including some desperate Desperado at the Soul King and Soul Emperor levels. For these truly righteous individuals who knew how to die, Yu Yuanchen no longer allowed Ye Zhilan to practice against them.

Often, the moment the opponent reveals their malice, or even before their Soul Ring have fully risen, a flash of Purple Gold Lightning disappears. Immediately, the bandits are struck as if by Heavenly Thunder, instantly turning into charred remains, without even having time to scream.

When Ye Zhilan first witnessed Yu Yuanchen's Thunderous Might and indifferent attitude towards life and death when he truly made a move, she was somewhat shocked, but not afraid or disgusted. She knew the law of the jungle in this world, and she understood that Yu Yuanchen's actions were to protect her and eliminate a menace.

And so, the two traveled slowly, sometimes speeding along, sometimes pausing, observing the local customs and experiencing the myriad aspects of life. Ye Zhilan's horizons broadened, her practical experience and understanding of human nature improved significantly, and her Soul Power became more refined through her trials, showing faint signs of breaking through to level sixty-five.

Although Yu Yuanchen did not deliberately cultivate, his Soul Core operated on its own, constantly absorbing the energy of heaven and earth. His foundation was constantly being strengthened, and his control over power became increasingly exquisite and subtle.

On this day, in the distance, the outline of a colossal city, even more magnificent and imposing than Dragon City, appeared on the horizon. Its towering walls resembled a coiled dragon, exuding an ancient and majestic aura.

We've arrived at Heaven Dou City.

"Brother Yuanchen, we've arrived." Ye Zhilan looked at the giant city in the distance, her eyes filled with anticipation and curiosity.

"Hmm." Yu Yuanchen nodded. "Let's go into the city. Let's find a place to stay first."

His gaze swept over Heaven Dou City, his heart calm and undisturbed. His destination was Sunset Forest, and Heaven Dou City was merely a stop along the way. He had no intention of having any dealings with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect here, at least not in the plan.

The two followed the flow of people toward the city gate of the Imperial Capital.