For the matter of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, a place that could change the very balance of power across Douluo Continent, Qian Xunji had raced back at full speed. Relying on his Titled Douluo cultivation, he had made it back to Spirit City in just one day.
Upon returning to Spirit Hall, he hadn't rested for even a moment. He hurried straight to the Worship Hall and found Golden Crocodile Douluo.
"Uncle."
Inside the Worship Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo had been cultivating and seeking enlightenment in his room. At his level, meditation did little for him. He could only seize a fleeting moment of insight and try to break through his limits.
Hearing Qian Xunji's voice, he immediately rose, pushed open the door, and strode outside.
"Ji'er? Why do you look so disheveled?"
Seeing Qian Xunji's appearance, Golden Crocodile froze, then asked in confusion.
To increase his speed, Qian Xunji had flown back as fast as he could, leaving his clothes in disarray. He looked nothing like his usual refined self.
"Uncle Golden, this matter is of great importance, so I had no choice but to hurry."
Qian Xunji took a light breath, then told him everything about the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
"So this is the treasure trove Xiao Ban mentioned? It really is extraordinary."
Golden Crocodile Douluo was astonished. Who would have thought such an incredible place existed in the world? If it was as Xiao Ban had said, Spirit Hall would soar to new heights.
Before long, Spirit Hall would have countless top-tier geniuses. For the other sects, it would be like striking them from a higher dimension.
"Yue Guan..."
Golden Crocodile Douluo closed his eyes and considered it for a moment. "Since Xiao Ban says he's capable, let him manage the place. And we mustn't shortchange him. Raise his resources and honors."
"Don't worry."
Qian Xunji nodded. "Since Xiao Ban recommended him, he must be confident. We should trust Xiao Ban. After all, he's given us far too many surprises."
"That's true."
Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded, then rose and headed outside. "I'll escort him to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well myself. This matter can't be allowed to go wrong."
"Then I thank you, Uncle."
With the task completed, Qian Xunji finally let out a breath of relief. He planned to change his clothes, then head to the Pope Palace.
Resting was out of the question. As the pope, he had a mountain of affairs to handle and no time to waste.
"Sigh..."
Golden Crocodile Douluo and the guide Qian Xunji had arranged arrived at Yue Guan's residence.
The subordinate leading the way stepped forward and knocked. Before long, the door opened, and Yue Guan came out.
"May I ask what you need?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo didn't waste words. He took out the Pope Order and showed it to him. "Bishop Yue Guan, hear the pope's command!"
The moment he saw the Pope Order, Yue Guan's eyes widened. He hurried forward and dropped to one knee. "Your subordinate Yue Guan awaits your command!"
"By order of His Holiness the Pope, you are to set aside all your current duties immediately, pack your belongings, and depart with me tomorrow morning for Sunset Forest in the Heaven Dou Empire."
"Your subordinate obeys!"
Yue Guan answered at once, then looked up at Golden Crocodile Douluo. "May I be so bold as to ask if you are Golden Crocodile Douluo?"
"So you and Xiao Ban are on good terms."
Golden Crocodile Douluo glanced at him. "That's right. I am the Second Worship of Spirit Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo. This mission also concerns Xiao Ban. You'll find out when you get there."
"Has something happened to Xiao Ban?"
"You'll understand once you reach the mission site. For now, speak less and do more."
Golden Crocodile Douluo revealed little more. "This mission will last a long time—perhaps several years. The location likely won't change, so you should prepare accordingly."
"Yes."
After Golden Crocodile Douluo left, Yue Guan immediately returned to his residence and began packing.
Clothes and such were no great concern. What he couldn't bear to leave behind were the flowers he'd grown in his courtyard.
The mission would last several years, and Xiao Ban wasn't in Spirit Hall. Who knew what might become of those flowers over the years?
Since the mission location probably wouldn't change, he decided to take all the plants with him. It would be a bit of a hassle, but fortunately, he'd bought a Soul Tool sachet years ago that could hold living things, saving him a lot of time.
It took a while, but Yue Guan transplanted all the plants into pots and placed them inside the Soul Tool.
By the time he finished, dusk was falling. Yue Guan let out a soft breath, turned, and went back inside to wash up. Then he left his residence and headed somewhere.
The place wasn't far from Yue Guan's residence, and he arrived before long.
He glanced at the plaque above the residence. Without even knocking, he pushed open the door and walked in. "Old Ghost, are you home?"
"Yue Guan? What brings you here?"
A hoarse voice came from inside the room. A cloaked figure, radiating a chill, slowly appeared. It was the future Ghost Douluo, Gui Mei.
Yue Guan didn't answer. He sat by the table and poured himself a cup of water. "Old Ghost, I've received a mission from His Holiness the Pope. I'll be away for several years."
"Oh?"
Gui Mei sat across from Yue Guan, his hoarse voice tinged with confusion. "Why would His Holiness go to such lengths to assign a Soul Douluo like you to a mission?"
"I don't know. The one who came was the Second Worship from the Worship Hall. He said it was related to Xiao Ban."
"A mission from the pope, and it concerns Xiao Ban. Looks like you have no choice but to go."
Gui Mei nodded. He knew Ban Shu, of course. Ban Shu often came to Yue Guan's place to discuss medicinal herbs, and he'd met Gui Mei too.
After a while, the two had become familiar with each other.
The two fell silent for a while. Gui Mei spoke first.
"If you're going away on a mission for several years, what will happen to all those flowers?"
"Those are my treasures."
Yue Guan patted the sachet at his waist. "I'd sooner leave you behind than abandon them."
"You looking to die?"
Gui Mei sounded utterly exasperated.
"Hahaha!"
Yue Guan brushed the sachet and took out a large packet of flower tea, setting it on the table. "Take care over the next few years. Don't go dying on me before I get back."
"I already died once. What have I got to fear?"
Gui Mei snorted and accepted the tea. "I'll return those exact words to you."
"Hahahaha! Take care!"
Yue Guan laughed heartily, turned, and left Gui Mei's residence without a backward glance.
"Yue Guan, take care."
Gui Mei stood, but didn't go after him. He watched quietly until Yue Guan disappeared from view.
Early the next morning, Golden Crocodile Douluo and Yue Guan arrived outside Spirit City.
Neither of them took a carriage. They chose to travel on foot and keep a low profile.
Of course, that was also because a carriage couldn't move as fast as they could.
They crossed mountains and rivers, taking a full three days to reach Sunset Forest.
"This is the place."
Golden Crocodile Douluo recalled the route map Qian Xunji had given him, then pointed ahead.
"Follow me."
"Yes."
Yue Guan nodded and hurried to keep pace with Golden Crocodile.
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