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, unlike usual. He handed a simply designed dark-gray box with a cool metallic feel to Tang Wulin, who was gazing at him eagerly.

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

"A small soul device. Someone asked me to pass it on to you." Huo Yuhao spoke casually and pointed at the technological embossed lettering on the side of the box—Deep Space Dragon Domain. "There should be instructions inside explaining how to use it. I heard their products aren't cheap, so use it well."

Tang Wulin's eyes widened as he repeatedly stroked 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 as he efficiently packed away the grilled fish rack and seasoning box that had been with 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 undercurrents. Leng Yaozhu had brought Gu Yue by several more times. Once, they happened to see Di Tian buying grilled fish like an ordinary customer, then squatting on a roadside stone bollard and wolfing it down. The sight was far too down-to-earth, and the last trace of Gu Yue's suspicion that Di Tian had ulterior motives vanished completely. It firmly confirmed that the Black Dragon King had simply been drawn in by the food. Through the subtle connection between her clone and true body, Na'er reached the same conclusion, and the tightly wound string in her heart finally loosened somewhat.

"Uncle..." Tang Wulin hugged the box, his voice growing subdued as his face filled with reluctance. That reluctance came both from Huo Yuhao's sincere kindness toward their family and from a practical concern—grilled fish this delicious and affordable would be hard to find again. His path toward saving enough money to buy a Soul Spirit suddenly seemed a little farther away.

Huo Yuhao saw through him clearly and shook his head with a smile. He took two exquisite snowflake-shaped badges from the pouch at his waist. Their main bodies were crystal-clear, as if carved from ice that would never melt, with faint light flowing through their centers. He carefully pinned one with pale golden patterns around its edge onto Tang Wulin's chest, then gently fastened the other, edged in pale purple, to Na'er's collar. At the bottom of the badges was a tiny Dark-Gold Heavy Peak emblem.

"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, heading home down the familiar street. Tang Wulin and Na'er followed beside them, while little Wulin could no longer wait to examine what was inside the box.

"Master Huo, these past days... thank you so much." Tang Ziran spoke sincerely, though his words were measured. "At first, we even... misunderstood you. We're truly ashamed. You've been so good to the children, and you even advised us about the Spirit Pagoda subsidies. We really don't know how to thank you." Lang Yue nodded repeatedly beside him, her gaze toward Huo Yuhao filled with gratitude.

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

Tang Ziran took the phone and read it closely with Lang Yue. Surprise gradually appeared on their faces. The report detailed daily subsidies for local children who had awakened martial souls, paid weekend cleaning assignments, and occasional time-limited tasks with high rewards.

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

"Wait, don't rush." Huo Yuhao smiled and held down the little monkey who was practically about to bolt away. "It's only four o'clock. The deadline is six, so there's plenty of time. But there are some details I need to explain." He slowed his pace and instructed them seriously. "First, follow the branch's public account and watch the soul device notice board at the entrance. Time-limited tasks often update quickly. The pay is high, but the requirements are clear. Read them carefully before accepting them. If you take a task recklessly 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 them after you're familiar with the work. Third, set an alarm for the daily subsidy. Go as close to the same time every day as possible and make it a habit."

As they listened, Tang Ziran and Lang Yue hurriedly used their soul device phones to follow the public account, repeatedly thanking him. "Thank you so much, Master Huo! These details are so important. Otherwise, the child might rush into things and really make a mistake."

When they reached the fork in the road where they usually parted, Demon Spirit was already waiting there. She had changed into light-green casual clothes suitable for traveling and waved vigorously in their direction.

"Big brother!"

"Alright, this is far enough." Huo Yuhao stopped, ruffled 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 soft wave, her violet eyes reflecting Huo Yuhao's departing figure.

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

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

The kitchen was the main battlefield. Huo Yuhao wore an apron and looked every bit the commander-in-chief, while Di Tian, dressed in black with a somewhat stiff expression, had been drafted as labor. Frowning, he tried to cut the greens into even sections according to instructions, his movements as cautious as if he were handling rare metals.

"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 rapidly stir-fried the seafood in the wok while unable to resist teasing him.

"Stop talking. As long as it's edible." Di Tian did not look up, though the tips of his ears had turned slightly red. He tried to maintain his dignity, but his rather clumsy knife skills were far from convincing. Demon Spirit occasionally sneaked in to steal a bite, and whenever she saw this scene, she covered her mouth and giggled.

The living room was even livelier. Bi Ji and Zi Ji had indeed gone at it again, though this time Demon Spirit was the battlefield. Each held a carefully prepared outfit—one was a light-green forest-style dress brought by Bi Ji, decorated with delicate petals and vine embroidery, while the other was a pale-purple little formal dress from Zi Ji, with subtle patterns and crisp tailoring.

"Xiaoling, come try Auntie Bi Ji's outfit. It suits your spiritual charm so well!"

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

Surrounded by the two aunties, Demon Spirit happily tried on outfit after outfit. Her little face was rosy, and she looked like a delighted little skylark.

The moment Bear Lord arrived, he boldly 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 praise. "Here, the materials I promised for upgrading your battle armor. The best parts are all here! And Xiaoyuhao, those two little badges you wanted were made from the leftover scraps. They're sturdy and pretty, with a tiny bit of Immovable as a Mountain intent to stabilize the wearer's mind. Perfect for children." He patted his chest, then pulled out an exquisite soul device car. "Boss, this one's for you! I thought about it for ages and used Huo Yuhao's Realm Patrol as reference. It can transform and deploy an energy shield, and normally it can be stored in a soul device ring. It's stylish and practical! All the paperwork's been taken care of!"

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

Crimson King had not come empty-handed either. First, he gave Demon Spirit an exquisite bottle of perfume labeled Dew of Dawn, carrying the elegant scent of morning dew and newly blooming white flowers, making the little girl cheer. Then he took out several exquisitely crafted fragrance 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 patterns. Then he turned to Huo Yuhao. "Yuhao, this Snowfield Dawn fragrance box combines the cool aromas of several rare plants from the far north. It can help stabilize your spirit and balance 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, luxuriously made black suit, with extremely subtle dark dragon-scale trim on the collar and cuffs, then forcibly pressed it into Di Tian's hands; when all the gifts were piled before him, carrying his companions' unreserved concern, Di Tian was visibly stunned. He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something habitual and stiff, but faced with everyone's expectant smiles, the words caught in his throat. In the end, they became only an awkward cough. He accepted the suit, unconsciously rubbing its fine fabric with his fingers, and muttered softly, "...You... you always make such useless things." Yet the side of his face, slightly turned away, and the careful way he placed the sachet into his inner pocket betrayed his true feelings.

"Oh my, our Lord Di Tian is embarrassed? Are you so touched that you're about to cry little golden tears?" Huo Yuhao came out carrying the final large dish and delivered the finishing blow with perfect timing.

"Come on, Xiaoyuhao! You're the one who talks too much!" Bear Lord stood with a booming laugh and gave Huo Yuhao a solid bear hug. "If you ever need something made, just say the word! If that Tang boy of yours has any forging needs, send him straight to me!" The other fierce beasts laughed and echoed their agreement, raising their cups as the living room filled with cheerful warmth.

The gathering eventually ended, leaving only a mess of cups and plates and the lingering warmth in 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 device car, and the fine liquor—Di Tian fell silent for a while. Then he suddenly laughed at himself. "Am I a rather unqualified boss? All I do is receive gifts."

Huo Yuhao dried his hands, walked over, and gave Di Tian's shoulder a firm pat. "What are you saying? You protect the Star Dou Forest, safeguard everyone's shared roots and retreat, and let everyone explore the outside world with peace of mind, find their own worth and happiness. That's the greatest and most irreplaceable gift of all."

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

Di Tian was somewhat unable to withstand the words of one big and one small person, and that awkwardness rose up in him again. He pulled back his arm, straightened his back, and put on an imposing air. "Hmph, of course! I am the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King!" Yet no matter what he did, he could not suppress the slight upward curve of his lips.

At that moment, at the Aolai City soul device train station.

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

Huo Yuhao and Demon Spirit stood at the carriage door, taking one last look back at the small seaside city. The setting sun coated the city in a warm golden rim, and the outline of Red Mountain Academy was faintly visible in the distance.

"We're leaving," Huo Yuhao said softly.

"Mm!" Demon Spirit nodded forcefully, her eyes filled with anticipation for the new journey and a trace of reluctance to part with this warm interlude.

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

This journey through Aolai City, which had begun with observation and suspicion, 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.