Back into Icefire!

Three days later, outside the east gate of Spirit City, the morning light had just begun to break through.

Li Long arrived a quarter of an hour before their appointed time, standing by the roadside outside the city gate with a light pack on his back.

He had changed into a dark gray fitted outfit suited for movement today, with the Dragon Emperor Rod stowed behind his waist. The warmth from the fused dragon bone in his chest and abdomen felt especially distinct in the cool morning air.

Over the past three days, he had spent most of his time organizing the Icefire Yin-Yang Well's current condition and confirming his next training plan. While preparing to continue his secluded cultivation and break through to Soul Emperor, there was another matter that needed to be advanced at the same time: bringing Qian Yao and Qian Yue to the Icefire Yin-Yang Well so they could undergo a transformation.

He had not waited long before two figures emerged side by side from within the city gates.

Qian Yao walked half a step ahead, her pace lighter than usual. She carried a bulging cloth bag on her back and quickened her pace when she saw Li Long.

Qian Yue followed behind her, walking steadily with a long, narrow leather case slung over her shoulder. It seemed to contain several scrolls or notebooks. When she saw Li Long, she gave him a slight nod in greeting.

"Let's go." Li Long stepped aside to clear the way, and the three of them followed the official road toward Sunset Forest.

After walking for about half an hour, the fields on either side of the road gradually gave way to woodland, and the scent of grass and trees grew richer in the air.

Qian Yao walked ahead, occasionally