Golden Crocodile Attacks, Takes Yue Guan

For the sake of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well—a matter that could almost alter the landscape of the Douluo Continent—Qian Xunji had traveled at full speed, relying on his Title Douluo cultivation to return to Martial Soul City in a mere single day.

Upon returning to Martial Soul Hall, he did not rest for a single moment, hurrying straight to the Worship Hall to find Golden Crocodile Douluo.

"Uncle."

Inside the Worship Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo was in his room practicing and seeking enlightenment. At his level, the effects of meditation were negligible; he could only grasp those fleeting moments of insight and attempt to break through his shackles.

Hearing Qian Xunji's voice, he immediately stood up, pushed the door open, and stepped out quickly.

"Ji'er? Why are you in such a disheveled state?"

Seeing Qian Xunji's current appearance, Golden Crocodile was stunned for a moment, then asked with some confusion.

To increase his speed, Qian Xunji had flown back as fast as possible, leaving his clothes somewhat messy and quite different from his usual refined and elegant demeanor.

"Uncle Golden, this matter is of great importance, so I had no choice but to increase my speed."

Qian Xunji took a light breath before laying out the details regarding the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

"Is this the treasure land that Xiao Ban spoke of? Truly miraculous."

Golden Crocodile Douluo was exceptionally astonished after hearing this. He had never imagined such a formidable place existed in this world. If it were as Xiao Ban described, Martial Soul Hall would surely soar.

Before long, Martial Soul Hall would possess countless top-tier geniuses, which would be nothing short of a dimensional strike against other sects.

"Yue Guan..."

Golden Crocodile Douluo closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. "Since Xiao Ban says he has the capability, let him manage that place. Furthermore, we must not treat him poorly; both his resources and status should be elevated."

"Rest assured."

Qian Xunji nodded. "Since Xiao Ban recommended him, he must have confidence. We should trust Xiao Ban; after all, he has given us far too many surprises."

"That is true."

Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded, then rose and walked toward the exit. "I will personally escort him to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. This matter must not fail."

"Then many thanks, Uncle."

With the task settled, Qian Xunji finally breathed a sigh of relief, preparing to change his clothes before heading to the Pope Palace.

Rest was out of the question. As the Pope, he had a myriad of affairs to attend to and no time to waste.

"Sigh~"

Golden Crocodile Douluo and the person Qian Xunji had arranged to lead the way arrived together at Yue Guan's residence.

The subordinate leading the way stepped forward and knocked on the door. Moments later, the door opened, and Yue Guan walked out.

"May I ask what business you have?"

Golden Crocodile Douluo did not waste words, producing the Pope Order to show him. "Bishop Yue Guan, hear the order!"

Seeing the Pope Order, Yue Guan's eyes widened instantly. He hurriedly stepped forward a few paces and knelt on one knee. "Subordinate Yue Guan hears the order!"

"The Pope has decreed that you are to immediately set aside all affairs, pack your belongings, and depart with me at dawn tomorrow for the Sunset Forest in the Heaven Dou Empire."

"Subordinate obeys!"

Yue Guan replied hurriedly, then looked up at Golden Crocodile Douluo. "Subordinate dares to ask, are you Golden Crocodile Douluo?"

"It seems your relationship with Xiao Ban is quite good."

Golden Crocodile Douluo glanced at him. "Indeed. I am the Second Worship of Martial Soul Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo. This mission also concerns Xiao Ban; you will understand once you arrive."

"Has something happened to Xiao Ban?"

"You will understand once you reach the mission site. For now, speak less and do more."

Golden Crocodile Douluo did not reveal too much. "This mission will be quite long, likely spanning several years, and the location will likely remain unchanged. You must be prepared."

"Yes."

After Golden Crocodile Douluo left, Yue Guan immediately returned to his residence to begin packing.

In truth, clothes and such were of little concern; what he truly could not bear to part with were the flowers he had planted in his courtyard.

The mission would last for several years, and with Xiao Ban away from Martial Soul Hall, he had no idea what would become of these flowers in that time.

Since the mission location was unlikely to change, he decided to take all the flowers and plants with him. Although it was a bit troublesome, he was fortunate to have purchased a Soul Tool sachet in his early years capable of holding living things, which saved him a great deal of time.

After spending some time, Yue Guan transplanted all the flowers and plants into pots and placed them into the Soul Tool.

Once this was done, the sky had gradually darkened. Yue Guan let out a soft breath, turned back to his room to wash up, and then left his residence, heading toward a certain place.

This place was not too far from Yue Guan's residence, and he arrived before long.

Looking at the plaque on the residence, Yue Guan did not even knock, pushing the door open and walking straight in. "Old Ghost, are you home?"

"Yue Guan? What is it?"

A hoarse voice came from the room, and a cold, cloaked figure slowly appeared—it was the future Ghost Douluo, Gui Mei.

Yue Guan did not answer, instead sitting at the table and pouring himself a cup of water. "Old Ghost, I have received a mission from the Pope, and it is said I will be gone for several years."

"Oh?"

Gui Mei sat opposite Yue Guan, his hoarse voice tinged with confusion: "Why would the Pope go to such great lengths to specifically task a Spirit Douluo like you with this mission?"

"I'm not sure. The one who came was the Second Worship from the Worship Hall; he said it had to do with Xiao Ban."

"A papal order, and it involves Xiao Ban. It seems you have no choice but to go."

Gui Mei nodded. He naturally knew Ban Shu as well; Ban Shu often came to Yue Guan's place to discuss knowledge of medicinal herbs and had met Gui Mei too.

Through these repeated visits, they had become familiar with one another.

The two fell into a period of silence before Gui Mei spoke first.

"If you're going away for a mission that lasts several years, what will you do about those flowers and plants of yours?"

"Those are my treasures."

Yue Guan patted the sachet at his waist: "I'd sooner throw you away than abandon them."

"Looking to die, are you?"

Gui Mei's tone was full of speechlessness.

"Hahaha!"

Yue Guan brushed his sachet and took out a large bag of flower tea, placing it on the table: "Take care over the next few years. Don't let me come back to find you dead."

"I've already died once before, what else is there to fear?"

Gui Mei snorted coldly and accepted the tea: "I return those words to you exactly as they were."

"Hahahaha! Take care!"

Yue Guan let out a loud laugh, turned around, and left Gui Mei's residence without a hint of hesitation.

"Yue Guan, take care."

Gui Mei stood up, but he did not chase after him, watching him quietly until he disappeared from sight.

Early the next morning, Golden Crocodile Douluo and Yue Guan arrived together outside Martial Soul City.

The two did not take a carriage, choosing instead to travel on foot to keep a low profile.

Of course, it was also because a carriage was not as fast as they were.

The two trekked over mountains and through rivers, taking a full three days to reach the Sunset Forest.

"This is the place."

Golden Crocodile Douluo secretly recalled the route map Qian Xunji had given him, then pointed ahead.

"Follow me."

"Yes."

Yue Guan nodded and hurried to keep up with Golden Crocodile's pace.