Shi Hao and Huo Ling'er Encounter Pope Bibi Dong, and Bibi Dong Is Also Going to Fall for the Wild Heavenly Emperor? (2)

After leaving the palace, Shi Hao and Huo Ling'er arrived in the capital of the Stone Kingdom, the city that had once been Heaven Dou City.

It was midday. Sunlight filtered through the clouds and spilled over the city's streets and alleys, bathing the entire city in prosperity. Shops lined both sides of the streets, their goods dazzling in variety. Pedestrians flowed endlessly past, some hurrying along, others leisurely strolling, every face bearing a contented, peaceful smile.

Huo Ling'er skipped along in front. Her fiery red gauze dress fluttered in the sunlight like a blooming flower of flame, while the two adorable hairpins atop her head bobbed with her movements, adding to her lively charm. She curiously surveyed everything around her, excitement and wonder gleaming in her clear eyes.

Shi Hao had changed into a simple yet elegant white martial outfit. He quietly followed at Huo Ling'er's side, a faint smile on his face. His gaze was deep and calm, as though it could see through the city's prosperity and bustle straight to its essence.

Since he had restrained his domineering aura, none of the people on the streets, including the patrolling soldiers, recognized him.

"Shi Hao, look at this!" Huo Ling'er suddenly pointed excitedly at a stall. It was a candied hawthorn stall, piled with strings of crystal-clear treats that gave off an enticingly sweet fragrance.

Shi Hao looked in the direction she pointed and saw a middle-aged man busily working behind the stall. He wore rough cloth garments and an apron around his waist, with a warm smile on his face. Seeing Huo Ling'er approach, he greeted her enthusiastically. "Little miss, come have a look at the candied hawthorns! Sweet and crisp—they're delicious!"

Huo Ling'er curiously walked up to the stall. Looking at the tempting strings of candied