Peace Talisman (Seeking Follow-up Reads)

As Gu Han's voice trailed off, a voice tinged with helplessness yet brimming with kindness drifted in from outside the hall:

"Fine, fine, fine. You brat, is your mind only filled with thoughts of seeing Xue'er?"

"You've been roaming outside for six years without returning once. Now that you've finally come back, you don't even know to come see this old man first?"

Before the words had even faded, Qian Daoliu, dressed in his usual simple grey robes with a benevolent expression, appeared in the center of the hall as if he had teleported.

He looked at Gu Han with a hint of reproach, yet the relief and joy deep within his eyes could not be concealed.

Seeing Qian Daoliu, Gu Han felt a flash of embarrassment and quickly bowed again: "Grandfather, I..."

Just as he was about to offer an excuse, Qian Daoliu merely waved his hand, feigning anger:

"Enough, spare me that. Were you planning to hoodwink Bibi Dong and then slip straight away to Heaven Dou City?" Having lived for over a century, how could Gu Han's little schemes possibly escape his notice?

Caught in his intentions, a rare flush appeared on Gu Han's face. He rubbed his nose and chuckled sheepishly:

"How could that be, Grandfather? I was just about to go to the Consecration Hall to see you after visiting Teacher."

"Hmph, glib-tongued." Qian Daoliu gave a light huff, though his expression softened significantly.

"Let's go. Since you're back, you must at least sit for a while in the Consecration Hall. It's the perfect time to tell your grandfather all about what you've experienced over these past six years."

"As for Heaven Dou City, I will certainly let you go."

Knowing there was no escaping this, Gu Han could only nod in agreement, while offering a wry smile to Bibi Dong, who sat upon the throne.

Bibi Dong nodded slightly, signaling that Gu Han was free to go if he wished.

Upon arriving at the imposing Consecration Hall, the statue of the Six-Winged Angel continued to radiate its brilliance.

Qian Daoliu did not take the main seat, but instead sat casually on the stone steps to the side, patting the spot next to him to signal for Gu Han to sit as well.

"Tell me, what kind of adventures have you had these past six years?"

"Your soul power has increased so rapidly, yet your foundation is not the least bit unstable. You must have endured quite a lot of tempering." Qian Daoliu's tone was gentle, much like a grandfather concerned for his grandchild.

Gu Han selected a few of his experiences to share, omitting the critical secret regarding Xiao Wu's true identity.

When he mentioned meeting Sword Douluo Chen Xin at Shrek Academy and withstanding ten of his moves, a flicker of surprise crossed Qian Daoliu's eyes.

"That brat Chen Xin actually wanted to take you as his disciple?" Qian Daoliu stroked his beard and laughed.

"His Seven Kill Sword is indeed peerless in offense, and his eye for talent is decent. But you were right to refuse. As the Holy Son of our Spirit Hall, why would you need to apprentice under another? Your own path is yours to walk as you please."

Gu Han nodded repeatedly, looking as if he were ready to dash off to Heaven Dou City at that very moment.

Then, as if remembering something, he retrieved a seemingly ordinary wooden Peace Talisman from his soul storage device. The talisman was carved with simple cloud patterns and emitted a faint, calming fragrance.

"Grandfather, I learned to carve this myself while traveling. I've infused it with a wisp of my soul power. If I go out again in the future, this Peace Talisman can keep you company."

"Although it isn't anything precious, I hope it can keep you safe and healthy."

Gu Han handed over the Peace Talisman with a sincere tone. This was indeed something he had crafted in his spare time, without any help from the system.

Qian Daoliu looked at the talisman—which, while not exquisitely crafted, clearly contained Gu Han's heartfelt intentions—and was momentarily stunned, before a warm smile spread across his face.

He reached out to take it, examined it carefully, and then tucked it away into his robes with great care.

"Good, good child. You have a kind heart."

Qian Daoliu patted Gu Han's shoulder, his eyes filled with happiness and relief.

At his level of cultivation, external objects rarely stirred his heart, but this gift, born from the pure intentions of his descendant, was worth more than any treasure.

Gu Han spent a long time in the Consecration Hall accompanying Qian Daoliu, answering in detail the old man's questions regarding his rapid growth in soul power. Only after answering everything did Gu Han bid Qian Daoliu farewell.

Before leaving, he also made a trip to the Pope Hall to present another hand-carved Peace Talisman to Bibi Dong.

As Bibi Dong took the small wooden charm, a trace of imperceptible warmth seemed to melt into those violet eyes that had remained emotionless for years.

She gently stroked the patterns on the charm and nodded without a word, but Gu Han could truly feel her relief.

Finally, having received the "clearance" from the two highest authorities of Spirit Hall, Gu Han did not delay. He set off immediately, speeding toward Heaven Dou City.

With his current speed as a Soul King, traveling at full tilt meant that in just a few days, the magnificent silhouette of Heaven Dou City began to loom on the horizon.

Six years. He was finally going to see Qian Renxue again.

Using his special Spirit Hall token, he entered the imperial city without obstruction. After a brief investigation, he arrived at the location of Xue Qinghe's sleeping quarters.

He did not have the guards announce him; instead, he had an attendant lead him directly into the opulent palace.

He soon reached the interior, where a "young man" in casual attire stood with his back to him, gazing out the window as if admiring the scenery.

The "young man's" posture was upright, his temperament as gentle as jade. Even from behind, he exuded an extraordinary air.

Hearing footsteps, the "young man" slowly turned around.

What met Gu Han's eyes was a handsome face—the very face of the Heaven Dou Crown Prince, "Xue Qinghe."

However, deep within those calm eyes, Gu Han caught a flicker of suppressed emotion and a sense of familiarity.

Gu Han himself stood at the entrance, gazing at the face that seemed so unfamiliar due to the disguise.

For a moment, he forgot what he wanted to say, simply staring in a daze, as if he could make up for six years of longing in this single glance.

Xue Qinghe looked at the composed yet unfamiliar youth at the door, and his heart skipped a beat. A sense of familiarity and a tremor from the depths of his soul began to spread at that very moment.

He furrowed his brows slightly, carrying a hint of perfectly measured authority as he asked:

"Are you from Spirit Hall? May I ask what business brings you to seek an audience with this Highness?"

Hearing the question, Gu Han was still puzzled, wondering if Qian Renxue didn't recognize him. But the next second, he suddenly realized what was happening and reached up to remove the Thousand-Change Mask from his face.

Seeing Gu Han remove the mask, Qian Renxue's breath hitched, and joy immediately welled up within her.

"Do you know who I am now?" Gu Han asked softly, looking at the Qian Renxue before him.