See Her One Last Time

In two days, Qian Yufeng arrived at the small town where he had arranged to meet Shui Lingfeng.

However, the moment he stepped into the town, he noticed a significant number of Heaven Dou Empire secret guards lurking about.

These individuals were the elite forces hidden in the shadows by the Heaven Dou Empire; their presence here was clearly suspicious.

As he prepared to head toward the inn, three people exuding the aura of Spirit Douluos blocked his path.

"Senior Qian, we do not intend to cause trouble, but we are under strict orders to bring you to see someone."

Qian Yufeng looked at the three of them, his eyes filled with a hint of confusion.

"I have no old acquaintances left in the Heaven Dou Empire. Even those who fought alongside me in the past have long since withered away."

"You had best step aside; this old man has no interest in listening to your jokes!"

He was one hundred and eighty years old; did he not know whether he had any old acquaintances in Heaven Dou City?!

Seeing that Qian Yufeng intended to leave, the three recalled the instructions given to them by the person who had issued the order.

"If he insists on leaving, you will not be able to stop him. Just report my true name."

"I believe he will come to see me."

With that, the one in the center spoke: "This junior is of the current generation of Feather Kill. The person who ordered you to go to Heaven Dou City is named Xue Yao!"

"Who did you say?!" Qian Yufeng turned around, staring fixedly at the man as his Title Douluo pressure erupted instantly.

He knew that name all too well—so well that he had long been unwilling to even mention it!

The three were suppressed instantly, their hearts filled with shock.

Was it not said that this old man was only a Spirit Douluo? How could he unleash such terrifying pressure?!

"Let me tell you, do not think that just because you are the imperial secret guards of the generations, you can provoke this old man!"

"Even if I killed the three of you Spirit Douluos, that little brat Xue Ye wouldn't dare say a word!"

Qian Yufeng's tone was icy, a stark contrast to the benevolent old man he had appeared to be moments ago, as if a god of slaughter had possessed him.

Sensing such a violent aura from the inn, Qian Lingxin and Qian Lingsu immediately burst through the window and rushed to his side.

"Family Head!"

Seeing the group of unfamiliar spirit masters, the two women also summoned their spirits, ready to strike.

"Senior, this junior would not dare to utter a single word of deception."

"The person who issued the order told us that once you heard that name, you would certainly make the trip to Heaven Dou City."

The Feather Kill member spoke hurriedly, truly sensing the presence of death.

He had executed many difficult missions, but none had brought him as much fear as this old man.

Qian Yufeng finally retracted his aura, though his expression remained grim.

Yet, connecting this to the incident where he had coughed up blood in the Far North, his mood grew complex.

Could it really be because of...

Adjusting his turbulent emotions, he said, "Get lost. This old man will reach Heaven Dou City as quickly as possible!"

The three, feeling as if they had been granted amnesty, bowed in gratitude and immediately led their men away in a hurry.

Noticing that Qian Yufeng's expression was off, Qian Lingsu asked with concern, "Family Head, are you alright?"

Qian Yufeng turned and smiled, "I am fine, but we must set off again. The journey to Heaven Dou City normally takes fifteen days, but if we travel at full speed, we can arrive in five. It will be hard on you both."

The two women knew he had urgent business and replied, "Family Head, it is our duty to protect you."

Qian Yufeng nodded, deciding not to return to the inn.

As Shui Lingfeng approached, he sent a voice transmission through his spirit power: "Kid, drive the carriage back to Tianshui City yourself. I have urgent business and must head to Heaven Dou City."

With that, the three of them quickly departed the town.

Shui Lingfeng was left completely bewildered. What on earth had happened?

For the Guild Master to leave in such a rush, could it be that a major incident had occurred in Heaven Dou City?

In a simple courtyard near the east side of the Heaven Dou City imperial palace, an old woman sat listlessly under a tree, staring blankly at the swing in front of her.

"If only I weren't an imperial princess, or the most talented member of the royal family."

"Fate always loves to play tricks on people!"

She sighed, her tone filled with too much helplessness and bitterness.

"It has been one hundred and forty years since we parted. I know you are living well, but my time is nearly up."

The quiet air offered no response, but a moment later, a voice made her gradually grow excited.

"You are right, I am indeed living well—I've almost become an old monster!"

She turned around and saw the person she had been longing for.

Although his hair had turned white, his face had not changed in the slightest.

"Is there truly anyone in this world whose appearance never ages?"

Indeed, after five days and nights of travel, Qian Yufeng arrived at the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace with practiced ease.

He knew exactly where the person he sought was; it was a tacit understanding between them.

The old woman before him was Xue Yao, the younger sister of Emperor Xue Ye's grandfather.

She had been the most gifted descendant in the history of the Heaven Dou royal family, reaching the rank of Soul Saint at the mere age of eighteen.

She was the former leader of the Heaven Dou Secret Guard, a ruthless female demon known for her decisive killing.

She was also a contemporary of Qian Yufeng.

No matter how much of a genius she had once been, she was now frail and withered, her time drawing to an end.

"Afeng, are Alan and Axue doing well?"

"They are not; they passed away thirty years ago."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

Who could have imagined that the once-feared female demon would ever utter an apology?

Qian Yufeng did not speak, merely watching her quietly.

Xue Yao slowly approached him, revealing a hint of self-abasement and self-pity.

"Afeng, I... I have grown old, and I have regrets."

Qian Yufeng remained where he stood, his eyes carrying a touch of weariness. "How could anyone not age? I have grown old as well."

She walked up to him, stopping a foot away, and asked with a mixture of anticipation and lingering fear, "In all these years, have you ever taken a wife?"

"I have not. For the continuation of the Qian family bloodline, my elder brother is enough."

This answer left Xue Yao both happy and heartbroken.

"Sigh..." She let out a soft breath, filled with a touch of sorrow and heartache.

"Afeng, I regret it. I truly regret it so much!" Tears welled up in the corners of Xue Yao's aged eyes. She wanted to reach out and touch Qian Yufeng's cheek, but she dared not.

She feared that he would be repulsed by her current appearance.

Qian Yufeng sighed inwardly, pulled a handkerchief embroidered with a swan from his storage soul tool, and gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.

"You are at such an age, yet you still cry. How embarrassing it would be if the juniors saw you."

He then took her hand and led her slowly into the house, where they sat down.

Feeling this familiar gesture, Xue Yao was reminded of the time they had spent during their trials.

This small courtyard had been built as a one-to-one replica; she was terrified of forgetting those days.

"Yao'er, look, this is the swing I made for you. Sit on it and give it a try!"

"Afeng, I want to fly higher, even higher..."

But all of this was already nothing more than a memory.

"Afeng, if I hadn't been a royal princess, would you have married me?"

"I would!"

Xue Yao knew it was a lie; he was only saying it to make her happy.

Yet, she was still overjoyed to hear those words with her own ears.

"I was too proud. Everything today is a result of my own choices."

"I'm sorry, Afeng. I lied to you for one hundred and forty years."

Xue Yao was well aware of how today would end; from the moment she chose to become the leader of the Secret Guard, there had been no turning back.

She was a member of the royal family and had to defend its dignity, even if it meant sacrificing everything she possessed and hiding in the shadows.

"I knew long ago. From the moment you led your men to kill Yusheng, I already knew."