The God's Responsibility: Snow God's Fourth Trial

He stopped in his tracks, his brows knitting together slightly as he turned around to look.

A youth dressed in fine, ornate robes stood not far away, his face etched with a hint of irritation.

It was the very same youth who had bid against him at the auction house earlier.

Qian Lingche asked with displeasure, "Something the matter?"

Suddenly, his gaze swept over the token hanging at the youth's waist, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

Following that, his gaze landed on the youth's face, and his expression turned somewhat complex.

The youth felt uneasy under Qian Lingche's stare, his tone laced with annoyance: "What are you looking at!"

Qian Lingche looked at the boy opposite him, hesitated for a moment, and finally asked, "Is your surname Ning?"

The boy opposite him was taken aback, blurting out instinctively, "How did you know?"

Hearing his reply, Qian Lingche covered his face in resignation: "I am Qian Lingche."

Now it was the boy's turn to be stunned.

He widened his eyes; this name was not unfamiliar to him—it was, in fact, like thunder ringing in his ears.

"Qian Lingche... hiss, isn't that the Hall Master from the neighboring hall?" the boy whispered, a wave of shock surging through his heart.

He had long heard his father speak of Qian Lingche, knowing him to be the Hall Master of the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall and a man of immense talent.

It was just that he had been traveling abroad for years and had never managed to cross paths with him whenever he returned home; he hadn't expected to run into him here today.

The boy looked at Qian Lingche, the arrogance and haughtiness on his face vanishing without a trace, replaced by a sheepish grin.

He scratched his head, his tone filled with a mix of awkwardness and sycophancy: "That... Brother Che, I had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai just now. I offended you; please, as a great person, don't hold a grudge against a small fry like me. Please don't take it to heart."

Qian Lingche watched the boy's sudden change in attitude and couldn't help but chuckle: "What, you know who I am now?"

The boy nodded hurriedly, his face wreathed in smiles: "I do, of course I do! My name is Ning Jinghua."

Qian Lingche curled his lip: "Alright, no need for such formalities. Since we've run into each other, let's head out together."

Ning Jinghua followed by Qian Lingche's side the entire way, his mouth never stopping as he chattered incessantly about all the fun things he had encountered during his travels.

"Did you know, Brother Che? I went to Seaside City a few days ago; it really is a wonderful place!"

Ning Jinghua gestured wildly as he walked: "Everyone there is a Sea Soul Master; there are very few land-based Soul Masters..."

Qian Lingche listened to him with a helpless smile, nodding occasionally to show he was listening.

He didn't find Ning Jinghua annoying; on the contrary, he felt that while the boy was a bit flighty, his personality was straightforward and devoid of schemes.

Or perhaps, he simply liked this kind of personality; it brought a good mood to those around him.

Seeing that Qian Lingche didn't interrupt him, Ning Jinghua spoke even more enthusiastically: "And there's more! There are hot springs, and soaking in them is so comfortable!"

Hearing this, a flicker of interest crossed Qian Lingche's eyes, and he asked, "What does it feel like to soak in a hot spring?"

Seeing Qian Lingche take the initiative to ask, Ning Jinghua thought for a moment and said, "The hot spring water is warm, and the moment you soak in, your whole body relaxes, as if all your exhaustion has been washed away."

"Especially at night, soaking in the hot spring while looking up at the stars filling the sky—that feeling is truly healing!"

Qian Lingche listened to his description, a look of longing flashing in his eyes: "That sounds quite nice. If I have the chance, I'd like to experience it myself."

Hearing this, Ning Jinghua immediately patted his chest: "Brother Che, if you want to go, I can take you anytime."

Qian Lingche smiled but declined: "You're certainly enthusiastic, but let's talk about the hot springs another time."

Seaside City was too far; the round trip would take too long. He would go when he had the chance in the future.

Qian Lingche looked at him curiously: "What about you? You've encountered so many interesting things on your travels, but have you been cultivating properly?"

At this, a look of embarrassment appeared on Ning Jinghua's face, but he quickly grinned again: "Che-che is right, I will definitely cultivate properly!"

"But, if you ever have free time, you must go traveling with me. I guarantee I'll take you to see even more fun places!"

Qian Lingche nodded: "Alright, I'll consider it if the opportunity arises."

Seeing Qian Lingche agree, Ning Jinghua beamed, talking even more vigorously as if he wanted to share everything he knew with Qian Lingche.

Qian Lingche listened quietly, responding occasionally, yet he found himself growing quite fond of the boy.

However, Ning Jinghua wasn't doing this to curry favor; this was simply his nature.

Plus, having heard stories about Qian Lingche, he genuinely wanted to see him smile more.

Time flew by, and two months passed; the two of them had traveled to many places.

Soon, they arrived at the entrance of the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall.

Ning Jinghua stopped, a look of reluctance on his face: "Brother Che, I didn't expect to arrive so soon. It was truly my good fortune to meet you."

After spending these days together, Ning Jinghua suddenly realized that Qian Lingche didn't seem quite like the rumors suggested.

Rather than calling him composed, it was more like he was suppressing himself—and he was clearly around the same age as him...

Qian Lingche gave him a hug: "I'm very happy to have heard so many interesting things from you. Thank you."

Ning Jinghua scratched his head and gave a sheepish laugh. "Heh, as long as you don't find me annoying, Cheche. Next time I get the chance, I'll tell you even more fun stories."

Qian Lingche nodded. "Alright, we'll talk more next time. But you must focus on your cultivation when you return; don't just spend all your time playing."

This should be the last time, he thought. After this, I must focus entirely on the God Trials.

Ning Jinghua nodded repeatedly and said earnestly, "Don't worry, Brother Che, I will definitely work hard. I'll take my leave now."

Qian Lingche waved his hand and said with a smile, "Go on, and be careful on the road."

Watching Ning Jinghua depart, Qian Lingche turned and walked into the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall.

He traversed the long corridor and finally arrived at the Snow God Hall.

Qian Lingche stood before the Snow God Statue and said, "God Ancestor, I have returned."

As if in response to his words, the surrounding air rippled slightly, and a cold, pure power quietly permeated the space.

Qian Lingche continued, "During this journey, I traveled to many cities and met many people. I wish to preserve their happiness."

"But the situation on the continent cannot be changed by human strength alone. Only when I become a god will the wars cease, and only then will the people's smiles remain forever."

No sooner had his voice faded than an ethereal voice suddenly echoed within the Snow God Hall: "Qian Lingche, you have finally grasped the responsibilities of a god."

The Snow God continued, "You have already passed the first three trials, demonstrating sufficient strength and conviction."

"Gods become gods because of the offerings of the world, and naturally, they must protect the world in return. However, protection requires sufficient strength."

"Snow God's Fourth Trial: Defeat a Title Douluo in a standard battle."

"Time limit: Three years."