Red Dust

Morning light pierced the thin mist between the trees, casting dappled shadows over the two figures walking side by side. Huo Yuhao walked on the left, his steps steady as Spiritual Detection quietly spread out to cover several miles around them—the memories of an Earthling were like a clear map, having long since etched the factions and dangerous regions of Douluo Continent into his mind. This road to the Sun Moon Empire seemed smooth, but hidden dangers lay beneath the surface. He had to remain cautious.

Ye Guyi walked somewhat slower beside him. A few drops of morning dew clung to her plain-colored dress, yet they could not conceal the purity that radiated from within her. From time to time, she glanced at the young man beside her, her gaze carrying dependence and a quietly budding affection. Yesterday's loneliness and hardship seemed to have been softened by the security of their journey. "Huo Yuhao, how much longer until we reach the Sun Moon Empire's border?" she asked softly, her voice as gentle as the morning mist.

Huo Yuhao turned to look at her, a faint smile in his eyes. "At our pace, we'll reach the outskirts of Star Luo City, where Mingde Hall is located, in another three days." In the Earthling's memories, Star Luo City was a core stronghold of the Sun Moon Empire, while Mingde Hall stood at the pinnacle of soul tool research. The names Jing Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, grandfather and granddaughter, were also clearly marked on that map of memories—Jing Hongchen was shrewd and calculating, while Meng Hongchen was exceptionally gifted yet flamboyant by nature. Their appearance often meant an unusual opportunity or a crisis.

Ye Guyi nodded lightly and asked no more questions, simply following his pace in silence. She trusted him, not only because he had saved her life and shared a similar suffering, but also because of the steadiness and certainty he possessed beyond his years. It always made her feel safe.

By afternoon, an open official-road relay station appeared ahead. Several lavishly decorated carriages stood outside, each bearing an unusual gear-shaped emblem—Huo Yuhao's pupils contracted slightly as the Earthling's memories surged forward. This was the exclusive insignia of the Sun Moon Empire's Mingde Hall.

At that moment, two people emerged from the relay station. Leading them was an elderly man in brocade robes. His beard and hair were white, yet he remained vigorous and sharp. His eyes were as deep as a pool, seeming capable of seeing into people's hearts. He was none other than Jing Hongchen, vice hall master of Mingde Hall. Beside him was a girl of around fifteen or sixteen, dressed in a pink gauze dress. She was pretty and lively, though her brows carried a hint of arrogant boldness. She was his granddaughter, Meng Hongchen.

The moment Meng Hongchen stepped out of the relay station, her gaze casually swept over Huo Yuhao and Ye Guyi, and she was instantly drawn in. She had seen no shortage of talented young people, but never a youth with such distinctive bearing—Huo Yuhao wore green robes, stood tall and straight, and had handsome, refined features. His eyes held a calmness that did not match his age, as though he had experienced the world yet remained pure. Ye Guyi beside him wore snow-white plain robes and possessed an immaculate temperament, like an angel untouched by worldly dust. Standing side by side, the two strangely complemented one another.

"Grandfather, look at those two over there." Meng Hongchen tugged at Jing Hongchen's sleeve, curiosity and excitement in her voice. Before he could respond, she had already started toward Huo Yuhao and Ye Guyi.

A trace of surprise flashed through Jing Hongchen's eyes before he smiled knowingly and followed at an unhurried pace. Having lived most of his life, he could naturally see that this young man and woman were far from ordinary. Especially the youth—his aura was restrained, while his spiritual power spread out almost imperceptibly, giving even Jing Hongchen the sense that he could not see through him.

"Please wait, you two." Meng Hongchen's voice was crisp and sweet, carrying a touch of youthful charm as she stopped before them. She looked Huo Yuhao and Ye Guyi over, lingering on Huo Yuhao for a moment longer. A flicker of appreciation passed through her eyes. "My name is Meng Hongchen, and this is my grandfather, Jing Hongchen. Judging by the two of you, are you heading for Star Luo City?"

Huo Yuhao understood at once, but his expression remained unchanged as he nodded slightly. "I am Huo Yuhao, and this is Ye Guyi. We are indeed heading to Star Luo City." He said no more. He neither tried to ingratiate himself nor deliberately kept his distance, maintaining just the right degree of reserve.

Ye Guyi stood at his side and nodded slightly in greeting. A faint shyness appeared on her face, but she said nothing. Instead, she unconsciously moved a little closer to Huo Yuhao, making her reliance on him obvious.

A playful glint flashed through Meng Hongchen's eyes. She had not expected this pure-looking girl to be so dependent on the youth beside her. "Star Luo City is still a long way off. You two seem to be traveling alone, so why not come with us?" she suggested, her enthusiasm carrying a hint of insistence. "Our carriages are spacious, and we have guards traveling with us. It'll be safer on the road."

Jing Hongchen stood to one side without speaking, his deep gaze fixed on Huo Yuhao as if observing something. He could sense that the soul power hidden within Huo Yuhao was not particularly strong, but the intensity of his spiritual power startled him—this youth was definitely not simple.

Huo Yuhao quickly weighed the matter in his mind. The Earthling's memories told him that although Meng Hongchen was flamboyant, she bore no ill will, and while Jing Hongchen was cunning and calculating, he was not an evil man. Traveling with them might draw him into Mingde Hall's disputes, but it would also allow him to integrate into Star Luo City more quickly and approach Mingde Hall. For his purpose in going to the Sun Moon Empire, that might not be a bad thing.

He turned his head to look at Ye Guyi. Seeing the question in her eyes, he asked softly, "Ye Guyi, what do you think?"

Ye Guyi looked up at him, her gaze full of trust. "I'll listen to you."

Huo Yuhao withdrew his gaze and looked at Meng Hongchen, a faint smile curling at his lips. "Since Miss Meng has so graciously invited us, we would be rude to refuse."

At once, a smile blossomed across Meng Hongchen's face, and her tone grew even warmer. "Great! I knew you wouldn't refuse. Come on, I'll show you our carriage. I guarantee it'll be comfortable!" As she spoke, she enthusiastically led the two of them toward the carriages.

Jing Hongchen followed behind, watching Huo Yuhao's back with a thoughtful look in his eyes. This youth was not only steady but also meticulous, and he knew to respect the female companion at his side. He was truly a rare talent. Still, Jing Hongchen could not shake the feeling that the youth hid many secrets unknown to others.

Huo Yuhao keenly sensed Jing Hongchen's gaze but paid it no mind. He knew that meeting Jing Hongchen and Meng Hongchen was only the beginning of his journey to the Sun Moon Empire. The road ahead was destined to be anything but peaceful. Within him, the Earthling's memories and his experiences in Douluo Continent intertwined, making him understand even more clearly that if he wished to establish himself on this continent, he had to proceed with care at every step.

Walking beside Huo Yuhao, Ye Guyi felt the steadiness of the young man at her side, Meng Hongchen's enthusiasm, and Jing Hongchen's scrutiny. She felt both nervous and reassured. She knew that from the moment she decided to travel with Huo Yuhao, her life had already set foot on an entirely new path. The unknowns and challenges on that road would all be faced together with the young man beside her.

The carriage slowly started moving, heading toward Star Luo City. Inside, Meng Hongchen chattered away as she asked Huo Yuhao and Ye Guyi about their backgrounds. Huo Yuhao answered selectively, his tone calm yet polite. Ye Guyi mostly listened quietly, only softly responding a few times when asked directly.

Deep within Huo Yuhao's Spirit Sea, Tianmeng Ice Worm's lazy voice sounded. "Little Yuhao, this grandfather-granddaughter pair isn't simple. Especially that old man—his soul power is unfathomable, and his spiritual power isn't weak either. You'd better be careful."

"I know," Huo Yuhao replied within his Spirit Sea. His gaze passed through the carriage window toward the rapidly retreating scenery outside. "In the Earthling's memories, Jing Hongchen is a troublesome character, but he is also someone worth befriending. As for Meng Hongchen..." Meng Hongchen's charming yet flamboyant appearance flashed through his mind, and a trace of amusement crossed his eyes. "She may not be entirely a bad thing either."

Tianmeng Ice Worm yawned. "As long as you know what you're doing. But speaking of which, this Ye Guyi beside you has the Holy Angel Martial Soul. It's exceptionally pure, and she might be able to help you quite a bit in the future. And judging from how she looks at you, she obviously likes you. You should seize the opportunity!"

Huo Yuhao ignored Tianmeng's teasing and merely let his gaze settle on Ye Guyi, who sat quietly beside him. Sunlight streamed through the window, falling across her pure profile and outlining her soft features. He knew that this encounter with the Hongchen grandfather and granddaughter was only a beginning, and that his journey alongside Ye Guyi had only just begun. The road ahead was long, with danger and opportunity existing side by side, but as long as they stood together, there was nothing to fear.