Xue Qinghe

The next morning, the group handed the two raiding Spirit Masters over to the Branch Hall for disposal, and Han Lie led everyone onward.

Over the following days, the caravan passed through the remaining two Branch Halls along its planned route. At one, they completed the supply handover in just half a day before immediately setting off again; at the other, they stayed overnight to rest. The rest of the time was spent entirely on the road. After sitting in the carriage for days on end, Lu Yuan occasionally got out and walked alongside it, observing the towns and the passing Spirit Masters.

The farther they traveled from Spirit City, the more complicated the world became. Spirit Masters escorting merchant caravans could be seen everywhere on the road, as could Soul Hunting teams hunting in groups. In larger towns, they even encountered academy Spirit Masters wearing matching uniforms, many of them around Lu Yuan's age. These varied people and scenes were a lively side of the world rarely seen while living in secluded Spirit City.

After several days of hard travel, the official road ahead became broader and smoother. Carriages, horses, and pedestrians flowed without end, and an air of prosperity rushed toward them.

Han Lie reined in his horse and looked into the distance. "We're here."

Following his gaze, Lu Yuan saw towering, imposing city walls stretching across the end of the road. As the caravan steadily drew closer, the lofty gates and sprawling walls came into clearer view. Carriages and horses queued before the gates to enter the city, while armored soldiers checked each travel permit one by one in perfect order. After days and nights of relentless travel, they had finally arrived at Heaven Dou City.

The Spirit Hall caravan possessed exclusive travel credentials, so they entered the city without hindrance. Beyond the gates, the sight before them suddenly opened up. The long streets were broad and orderly, with rows of shops lining both sides. Pedestrians and carriages streamed endlessly through the city, while the occasional richly dressed noble youth passed through the streets with attendants in tow, displaying the splendor of the imperial capital.

"We'll head to the Spirit Hall Sanctuary first. Everyone stay close to the caravan. Do not get separated," Han Lie reminded them from the front before leading the caravan deeper into the city.

Having entered the Tiangou imperial capital for the first time, Lu Yuan silently memorized the layout of its streets and alleys, along with its conspicuous buildings. The map Qian Daoliu had given him marked only the general layout of Heaven Dou City and did not detail its streets. Since he would be stationed here long-term in the future, familiarizing himself with the terrain was essential to establishing himself.

After passing through two long streets, the traffic suddenly slowed. Pedestrians along the road stepped aside one after another. Soon, a group of silver-armored knights escorted an exquisite carriage out from a street corner. The carriage bore the exclusive crest of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family and radiated solemn dignity.

Someone beside him murmured softly, "It's His Highness the First Prince."

Lu Yuan raised his eyes to look. At that moment, the carriage curtain was lightly lifted at one corner, revealing the refined, gentle face of a young man. His short pale-golden hair was neat and crisp, his features soft and elegant. He wore a simple, light-colored formal outfit that was understated yet dignified. Whenever pedestrians along the street bowed in greeting, he responded with a warm nod, carrying himself with calm humility.

At that instant, familiar gray words silently appeared in Lu Yuan's vision.

[Qian Renxue]

[Identity: Xue Qinghe]

[Fate Node: Latent]

Lu Yuan's fingers tightened slightly as he firmly gripped the edge of the carriage. If not for the Eye of Destiny revealing her true essence, he could scarcely have connected the person before him with Qian Renxue from Spirit City based on appearances alone. Her looks, demeanor, bearing, and manner of dealing with others were completely different. She had perfectly blended into the identity of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.

As the imperial carriage slowly approached, Lu Yuan merely gave it a calm glance before naturally withdrawing his gaze, revealing not the slightest irregularity. The crowd around them surged and shifted. Qian Renxue had remained Latent for many years, proceeding with caution at every step. He would never reveal even a trace of familiarity or unusual behavior in public.

As the two carriages passed each other, he vaguely sensed a gaze behind the curtain lightly sweep across the Spirit Hall caravan. It paused briefly before quietly moving away.

Han Lie urged his horse closer and casually asked, "First time seeing someone from the Heaven Dou Imperial Family?"

"Mm." Lu Yuan nodded in response.

"You'll be stationed in the city from now on. Once you see them often enough, you'll get used to it." Han Lie gave no further thought to it. After a brief reminder, he returned to the front of the caravan to lead the way.

Lu Yuan leaned back against the carriage wall, his mind calm. Half an hour later, the caravan came to a steady stop outside the Spirit Hall Sanctuary.

This Sanctuary far surpassed every Branch Hall they had encountered along the way. It was grand in scale, with Spirit Masters constantly coming and going, bustling day and night. Han Lie led the group to hand over the supplies and report their journey, while Lu Yuan was guided by an attendant to the rear courtyard to settle into his quarters. The room was simple and tidy, furnished with tables, chairs, and a bed—everything needed for daily life.

He had barely set down his luggage when an attendant brought him hot water. After setting down the kettle, the attendant bowed and withdrew, gently closing the door behind him.

With no one else in the room, Lu Yuan stepped forward to put away the kettle, only to discover a neatly folded note pressed beneath it. He pulled it out and unfolded it. There was only one concise line of writing on the paper, with neither signature nor name:

Tonight, at dusk. White Stone Alley, West City.

Lu Yuan studied the handwriting for a moment, then quietly folded the note and tucked it into his sleeve. Their carriages had encountered each other during the day. The timing, identity, and circumstances all fit perfectly. The sender was obvious without needing to be named.

Toward evening, he ate with the others as usual, then remained quietly seated in his room as he waited for nightfall. Once the sky had fully darkened and the streetlights began to glow one after another, he changed into plain, inconspicuous clothes, avoided the gaze of the guards on duty, and quietly left the Sanctuary grounds through its rear gate.

During the time he had spent settling in that day, he had already surveyed the surrounding streets and alleys, memorizing the location of White Stone Alley. There was no need to ask for directions along the way.

Heaven Dou City's night market was bustling. The long streets around the Sanctuary were brightly lit, and the taverns and shops were filled with patrons. As he headed west, the clamor gradually faded and the streets grew increasingly quiet. White Stone Alley was narrow and deep, with only two dim yellow lanterns hanging at its entrance, their light hazy and indistinct.

Lu Yuan walked slowly into the alley. After advancing several dozen steps, a courtyard gate ahead quietly opened a crack. The courtyard beyond was pitch-black and silent, with no one coming out to greet him.

His steps paused slightly, then he went forward and gently pushed open the gate.

The small courtyard was not large, but it was secluded and tranquil. The gate quietly closed behind him, cutting off the faint sounds of the outside world. The courtyard was utterly silent. Lu Yuan looked up and saw the gentle young man from the carriage that day standing quietly beneath the eaves, still wearing Xue Qinghe's appearance.

The two stood silently facing each other across the small courtyard, the air still and distant.

After a long while, the person beneath the eaves spoke first. Her voice was gentle, carrying a faint hint of amusement:

"You really came."