The End of the Outing

Two weeks later, outside Red Mountain Academy, in front of the grilled fish stall.

The sea breeze carried a familiar scent, yet a trace of parting lingered around Huo Yuhao's stall. He handed a dark gray box with a simple design and a cool metallic feel to Tang Wulin, who was gazing at him expectantly.

"Uncle, what is this?" Tang Wulin took the box and curiously weighed it in his hand. It was not very heavy.

"A small Soul Tool. Someone asked me to pass it on to you." Huo Yuhao spoke casually and pointed to several embossed, futuristic-looking words on the side of the box—Deep Space Dragon Domain. "There should be instructions inside explaining how to use it. I heard this brand isn't cheap, so use it well."

Tang Wulin's eyes widened as he repeatedly traced the words. "Deep Space Dragon Domain! I've seen this brand at the mall. It seems really high-end! Is it really... for me?" He looked up, his blue eyes filled with surprise and disbelief.

"It's for you and Na'er." Huo Yuhao smiled and began efficiently packing away the grilled fish rack and seasoning boxes that had accompanied him for so long. "I'm heading back to Eastsea City today. If you come to study in Eastsea City someday, remember to visit me at the Rain Spirit Grilled Fish Shop. I'll send the address to your father later."

Over the past two weeks, calm days had held faint ripples beneath the surface. Leng Yaozhu had brought Gu Yue over several more times. Once, they had even happened to see Di Tian buy grilled fish like an ordinary customer, then squat on a roadside stone bollard and devour it heartily. The scene was so down-to-earth that Gu Yue's last trace of suspicion that Di Tian had ulterior motives vanished completely. It thoroughly confirmed her conclusion that the Black Dragon King had simply been drawn in by the food. Through the subtle connection between her avatar and true body, Na'er reached the same conclusion, and the tension in her heart finally eased somewhat.

"Uncle..." Tang Wulin hugged the box, his voice falling quiet as deep reluctance filled his face. That reluctance came not only from Huo Yuhao's sincere kindness toward their family, but also from a practical concern—grilled fish this delicious and affordable would be hard to find in the future. His path toward saving enough money to buy a Soul Spirit suddenly seemed even farther away.

Huo Yuhao saw it clearly. Smiling, he shook his head and took two exquisite snowflake-shaped badges from the pouch at his waist. The badges were crystal-clear, as though carved from ice that would never melt, with faint light flowing at their centers. He carefully pinned one, ringed with pale golden patterns, onto Tang Wulin's chest, then gently pinned the other, with a pale purple outer ring, onto Na'er's collar. At the bottom of each badge was a tiny Dark-Gold Heavy Peak insignia.

"A little gift for you two. Wear them for fun." Huo Yuhao did not explain further. After packing everything up, he naturally walked alongside Tang Ziran and Lang Yue down the familiar street toward home. Tang Wulin and Na'er followed beside them, and little Wulin had already impatiently begun studying the contents of the box.

"Master Huo, these past days, we really... have to thank you so much." Tang Ziran spoke sincerely, though his tone was careful. "At first, we even... misunderstood you. It's truly shameful. You've been so good to the children, and you even told us about the Spirit Pagoda subsidies. We really don't know how to repay you." Lang Yue nodded repeatedly beside him, her gaze toward Huo Yuhao full of gratitude.

Huo Yuhao waved a hand, looking unconcerned. "Mr. Tang, Mrs. Tang, don't stand on ceremony. I get along well with this child. Speaking of the subsidies..." He took out his soul tool phone, pulled up a news page, and handed it to Tang Ziran. "This was just released three days ago—a new policy from the Aolai City Spirit Pagoda branch, personally pushed through by Deputy Tower Master Leng. Looks like you haven't noticed it yet?"

Tang Ziran took it, and he and Lang Yue examined it closely. Delight gradually appeared on their faces. The news detailed daily subsidies for local children who had awakened martial souls, paid cleaning tasks on weekends, and limited-time high-paying tasks released from time to time.

"Thirty Federal Credits every day? We can earn even more by cleaning on weekends?" Tang Wulin also leaned over to look, and his eyes instantly lit up. He nearly jumped into the air. "Dad, Mom! Let's go to the Spirit Pagoda now! We can claim today's payment first!"

"Wait, don't rush." Huo Yuhao smiled and held back the little monkey who was nearly about to bolt away. "It's only four now. The deadline is six, so there's still time. But there are some details I need to explain to you." He slowed his pace and earnestly instructed them, "First, follow the branch's official account and watch the soul tool notice board at the entrance. Limited-time tasks are often updated quickly. The pay is high, but the requirements are clear. Read them carefully before accepting them. If you take a task blindly and fail to complete it, you may even be fined. Second, for cleaning tasks, start with simple rooms and build up experience. Areas like the main hall pay more, but the standards are stricter. Try those after you're familiar with things. Third, set an alarm for the daily subsidy and try to go collect it on time every day. Make it a habit."

As they listened, Tang Ziran and Lang Yue were already fumbling with their soul tool phones to follow the official account, thanking him nonstop. "Thank you so much, Master Huo! These details are so important. Otherwise, the child might rush in recklessly and really make a mistake."

When they reached the intersection where they usually parted ways, Demon Spirit's pretty figure was already waiting there. She had changed into light green casual clothes suitable for traveling and waved vigorously in their direction.

"Brother!"

"Alright, this is far enough." Huo Yuhao stopped, rubbed Tang Wulin's hair, then gave Na'er a gentle nod before looking at Tang Ziran and Lang Yue. "Mr. Tang, Mrs. Tang, until we meet again. Little Wulin, remember to listen to your father and mother, and protect your little sister."

"Goodbye, Uncle! I'll definitely come find you in Eastsea City!" Tang Wulin waved hard and shouted. Na'er also gave a small wave, her purple eyes reflecting Huo Yuhao's receding figure.

A few days earlier, at Di Tian's seaside residence, a special gathering was underway.

There were no serious topics, no lessons to be taught—only the fragrance of food filling the house, boisterous laughter, and long-missed, simple relaxation.

The kitchen was the main battlefield. Wearing an apron, Huo Yuhao looked every bit the commander-in-chief, while Di Tian, dressed in black with a somewhat stiff expression, had been drafted into service. Frowning, he attempted to cut the choy sum into even sections as instructed, moving as carefully as though he were handling rare metal.

"The salt is on the left. Yes, that little jar... Turn the heat down a little... Lord Di Tian, are you carving something or cutting vegetables?" Huo Yuhao could not help teasing as he quickly stir-fried seafood in the wok.

"Stop talking. As long as it's edible, that's enough." Di Tian did not look up, though the tips of his ears had reddened slightly. He tried to maintain his dignity, but his somewhat clumsy knife work was hardly convincing. Demon Spirit occasionally slipped in to steal bites, and every time she saw this, she covered her mouth and giggled.

The living room was even livelier. Bi Ji and Zi Ji had indeed started butting heads again, but this time, Demon Spirit was the battlefield. Each of them held a carefully prepared outfit—one was a light green forest-style dress brought by Bi Ji, decorated with tender flower petals and vine embroidery; the other was a pale purple little dress from Zi Ji, with subtle dark patterns and a sharp cut.

"Xiaoling, come try Auntie Bi Ji's dress! It suits your spirit so well!"

"Hmph, mine obviously makes you look cuter and livelier! Xiaoling, don't listen to her!"

Surrounded by the two aunties, Demon Spirit happily tried on outfit after outfit. Her little face was rosy, like a delighted young lark.

As soon as Bear Lord arrived, he carelessly set several heavy metal cases on the floor. When he opened them, they revealed special alloy ingots gleaming in various colors, drawing a chorus of admiration. "Here, the materials I promised to use for upgrading your battle armor. The best parts are all here! And Xiaoyuhao, those two little badges you wanted were made from scraps. They're sturdy and pretty, with a tiny bit of Immovable as a Mountain intent to stabilize the mind. They're perfect for children to wear." He patted his chest, then took out an exquisite soul tool car. "Boss, this is for you! I thought about it for ages and used Huo Yuhao's Realm Patrol as a reference. It can transform and deploy an energy shield, and you can keep it in a soul tool ring when you're not using it. It's absolutely stylish and practical! All the paperwork's been handled!"

Myriad Demon King brought several cases of Hundred Herbs Spirit and Forest Dew that he had carefully brewed himself. The liquor was rich with fruity fragrance, while the drinks were sweet and refreshing. "There's plenty! Boss, I know you don't care for this stuff, but this batch of Hundred Herbs Spirit is mild and nourishing. A small cup before bed feels great! Just tell me when you run out!" Chuckling, he stuffed the alcohol into Di Tian's enormous refrigerator.

Scarlet King had not come empty-handed either. First, he gave Demon Spirit an exquisite bottle of perfume labeled Dew of Dawn, which carried the elegant scent of morning dew and newly blooming white flowers, making the little girl cheer. Then he took out several exceptionally well-crafted aromatherapy boxes and sachets. "Boss, this Dragon Saliva Tranquility sachet was made using an ancient method. It calms the mind and suits you." He handed Di Tian a black sachet embroidered with dark-gold Dragon Runes. Then he turned to Huo Yuhao. "Yuhao, this Snowfield Dawn aromatherapy box blends the cool fragrances of several rare plants from the Far North. It can help stabilize your spiritual power and harmonize your aura. You should find it useful." Finally, he also stuffed an adorable rabbit-shaped calming sachet into Demon Spirit's hands.

When Bi Ji and Zi Ji temporarily called a truce and jointly brought out a perfectly tailored black suit made from luxurious materials, its collar and cuffs edged with exceedingly subtle dark dragon-scale patterns, then forcibly shoved it at Di Tian; when all the gifts piled before him, carrying his companions' unreserved concern, Di Tian was clearly stunned. He opened his mouth, seeming to want to say something habitually blunt, but as he looked at everyone's expectant smiles, the words caught in his throat. In the end, they became only an awkward cough. He accepted the suit, his fingers unconsciously stroking its fine fabric as he muttered in a low voice, "...Always... always getting these useless things." Yet his slightly turned face, and the careful way he tucked the sachet into his inner pocket, revealed his true feelings.

"Oh my, is Lord Di Tian embarrassed? So moved he's about to shed little golden tears?" Huo Yuhao emerged carrying the final main dish and landed a perfectly timed finishing blow.

"Ah, Xiaoyuhao! You talk too much!" Bear Lord burst out laughing, stood up, and gave Huo Yuhao a solid bear hug. "If you ever need anything forged, just say the word! If that Tang kid of yours needs anything made, tell him to come straight to me!" The other fierce beasts laughed and chimed in as well, raising their cups in celebration. The living room was filled with cheerful energy.

When the gathering finally ended, only the mess of cups and plates remained, along with the lingering warmth throughout the room. Huo Yuhao, Demon Spirit, and Di Tian cleaned up together.

Looking at the gifts that belonged to him—the suit, the sachet, the soul tool car, and the fine liquor—Di Tian fell silent for a while. Then he suddenly laughed at himself. "Am I a rather unqualified leader? I only know how to accept gifts."

Huo Yuhao dried his hands, walked over, and firmly patted his shoulder. "What are you talking about? You protect Star Dou and safeguard everyone's shared roots and retreat. You let everyone venture out into the world with peace of mind, find their own worth and happiness. That is the greatest and most irreplaceable gift of all."

"Exactly!" Demon Spirit rushed over, hugged Di Tian's arm, and shook it. "Uncle Di Tian is the best! You're our pillar of support!"

Di Tian was somewhat unable to withstand the words from the big one and the little one. His awkwardness returned as he pulled his arm free, straightened his back, and put on an imposing air. "Hmph, of course! I am the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King!" Yet no matter how hard he tried, he could not suppress the slight upward curve of his lips.

At this moment, at Aolai City's soul tool train station.

The enormous streamlined train rested quietly on the tracks, ready to head toward the East Sea.

Huo Yuhao and Demon Spirit stood at the carriage door and took one final look back at the little seaside city. The setting sun coated it in a warm golden glow, and the outline of Red Mountain Academy could vaguely be seen in the distance.

"Let's go," Huo Yuhao said softly.

"Mm!" Demon Spirit nodded firmly, her eyes full of anticipation for the new journey, along with a trace of reluctance to leave this warm interlude behind.

The whistle sounded long and clear. The train slowly began moving, gradually accelerating as it carried the two of them away from Aolai City. The scenery outside sped backward—the sea breeze, the aroma of grilled fish, children's laughter, the lively gathering of fierce beasts... all gradually remained behind, becoming a vivid and warm memory.

This "Aolai City outing," which had begun with observation and doubt, finally came to a close amid warmth, laughter, and promises to protect one another. Ahead lay Eastsea City, the Rain Spirit Grilled Fish Shop, and another story about to begin.