He stopped, furrowing his brow slightly, and turned to look.
A young man in splendid clothes stood some distance away, a hint of anger on his face.
It was the same young man who had bid against him at the auction.
Qian Lingche asked displeasedly, "What is it?"
Suddenly, his gaze swept over the token at the young man's waist, and his eyes narrowed slightly.
Then he looked back at the young man's face, his expression turning complicated.
The young man felt somewhat uncomfortable under Qian Lingche's gaze. Irritation crept into his voice. "What are you looking at?"
Qian Lingche studied the young man across from him, hesitated, then finally asked, "Is your surname Ning?"
The young man froze, then blurted out instinctively, "How did you know?"
Hearing his answer, Qian Lingche covered his face helplessly. "I'm Qian Lingche."
Now it was the young man's turn to be stunned.
His eyes widened. The name was familiar to him—so famous it rang like thunder in his ears.
"Qian Lingche... Tsk, isn't that the hall master next door?" the young man murmured, his heart suddenly in turmoil.
He had heard his father talk about Qian Lingche long ago. He knew Qian Lingche was the hall master of the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall and was exceptionally gifted.
But he had spent years traveling, and every time he returned home, he had never managed to cross paths with him. He hadn't expected to run into him here today.
The young man looked at Qian Lingche. His arrogance and haughtiness vanished in an instant, replaced by an ingratiating grin.
He scratched his head, his tone tinged with embarrassment and fawning. "Um... Brother Che, I was blind to Mount Tai just now and offended you. You're a great man who doesn't hold a grudge against a nobody, so please don't take it to heart."
Watching the young man's attitude change in an instant, Qian Lingche couldn't help giving a soft laugh. "What, now you know who I am?"
The young man hurriedly nodded, his face wreathed in smiles. "Of course I do! My name is Ning Jinghua."
Qian Lingche pursed his lips. "All right, there's no need to be so polite. Since we've run into each other, let's go together."
Ning Jinghua stayed by Qian Lingche's side the whole way, never running out of things to say as he chattered about all the interesting things he had encountered during his travels.
"Brother Che, did you know? I went to Seaside City a little while ago. It's a wonderful place!"
As he walked, Ning Jinghua gestured animatedly. "It's full of Sea Soul Masters. There are hardly any land-based Soul Masters..."
Qian Lingche listened with a helpless smile, occasionally nodding in response.
He didn't find Ning Jinghua annoying. Though he was a little flighty, he was straightforward and seemed to have no hidden motives.
Or rather, Qian Lingche liked that kind of personality. It could put people in a good mood.
Seeing that Qian Lingche wasn't interrupting him, Ning Jinghua grew even more enthusiastic. "And there are hot springs, too. Soaking in one feels amazing!"
Interest flickered in Qian Lingche's eyes. "What does it feel like to soak in a hot spring?"
Seeing that Qian Lingche had asked him about it, Ning Jinghua thought for a moment before answering, "The water's nice and warm. The moment you get in, your whole body relaxes, as if all your fatigue has been washed away."
"Especially at night. You soak in the hot spring and look up at the stars filling the sky. It's so healing!"
Listening to his description, Qian Lingche's eyes filled with longing. "It sounds nice. If I get the chance, I'd like to experience it myself."
At once, Ning Jinghua thumped his chest and promised, "Brother Che, if you want to go, I can take you anytime."
Qian Lingche smiled, but still turned him down. "You're certainly enthusiastic, but we can talk about the hot springs another time."
Seaside City was too far away. The round trip would take ages. He could go another time, if he got the chance.
Qian Lingche looked at him curiously. "What about you? You've come across so many interesting things on your travels. Have you been keeping up with your cultivation?"
Ning Jinghua looked a little embarrassed, but soon grinned again. "You're right, Brother Che. I'll definitely cultivate properly!"
"But if you ever have some free time, you have to travel with me. I promise I'll take you to see even more fun places!"
Qian Lingche nodded. "All right. I'll think about it when I get the chance."
Seeing that Qian Lingche had agreed, Ning Jinghua beamed and grew even more talkative, as if he wanted to share everything he knew with him.
Qian Lingche listened quietly, replying now and then, and found himself liking Ning Jinghua a little more.
Still, Ning Jinghua wasn't just trying to curry favor. That was simply the kind of person he was.
He had also heard a little about Qian Lingche's story, and wanted to make him smile more.
Time flew by, and two months passed. The two of them traveled to many places.
Before long, they reached the entrance to the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall.
Ning Jinghua stopped, a trace of reluctance on his face. "Brother Che, I can't believe we're here already. Meeting you was truly my good fortune."
After spending all these days together, Ning Jinghua had suddenly realized that Qian Lingche didn't seem quite like the person in the rumors.
Rather than saying he was composed, it seemed more like he was holding himself back. They were about the same age, after all...
Qian Lingche gave him a hug. "I've had a great time listening to all your stories. Thank you."
Ning Jinghua scratched his head and grinned sheepishly. "Hehe, I'm just glad you didn't find me annoying, Brother Che. Next time we get the chance, I'll tell you even more fun stories."
Qian Lingche nodded. "All right. We'll talk again next time. But when you get home, make sure you cultivate properly. Don't spend all your time having fun."
This was probably the last time. After this, he would have to focus on the God Trial.
Ning Jinghua nodded again and again, answering seriously, "Don't worry, Brother Che. I'll work hard. I'll take my leave now."
Qian Lingche waved and smiled. "Go on. Be careful on the way."
After watching Ning Jinghua leave, Qian Lingche turned and walked into the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall.
He crossed a long corridor and eventually arrived at the Snow God Hall.
Standing before the Snow God Statue, Qian Lingche said, "God Ancestor, I'm back."
As if answering his words, the air around them rippled faintly, and a cold, pure power quietly spread through the hall.
Qian Lingche continued, "On this trip, I traveled through many cities and met many people. I want to preserve their happiness."
"But no human power can change the state of affairs on the continent. Only when I become a god will the war end, and people will be able to smile forever."
As soon as his voice fell, an ethereal voice suddenly rang through the Snow God Hall. "Qian Lingche, you've finally understood a god's responsibility."
The Snow God continued, "You've already passed the first three trials and demonstrated more than enough strength and conviction."
"Gods become gods because the people worship them, so naturally they must protect the world. But to protect it, one must also possess sufficient strength."
"Snow God's Fourth Trial: Defeat a Titled Douluo in a normal battle."
"Time limit: three years."