His looks, bearing, and clothes alone made it clear that Qin Yu came from an extraordinary background. He was a key figure in some powerful faction.
Qin Yu made his way to the Worship Hall and found Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile Douluo.
"Yu'er, ready to head out?"
Golden Crocodile Douluo smiled warmly at Qin Yu, his eyes full of pride.
"Yes." Qin Yu nodded. "Teacher, the world outside is vast and full of wonders. I don't want to miss out on it for too long."
"Young people should get out and see more of the world."
"One day, this world will belong to Spirit Hall. As the Holy Son, you should learn more about it—preferably with your own eyes."
Qian Daoliu fully supported Qin Yu's plan to travel and gain experience.
For one thing, Spirit Hall's Holy Sons had never been raised to live in comfort. Traveling the continent was a stage they all had to go through.
For another, Qin Yu had plans of his own and intended to make waves across Douluo Continent. Qian Daoliu would certainly support that.
And finally, a certain little vixen in the Papal Hall was growing fonder and fonder of Qin Yu. As Xiao Xue's grandfather, Qian Daoliu had to secure the top spot for his granddaughter. Sending Qin Yu away was one way to do it.
"Yu'er, do you have any plans?" Golden Crocodile Douluo asked.
"I'll take things as they come."
So Qin Yu said.
"You don't strike me as someone who just takes things as they come. I'd wager you already have something in mind." Qian Daoliu narrowed his eyes, seeing right through him.
"Grandpa Qian, you think too highly of me." The corners of Qin Yu's mouth lifted in an innocent smile.
"Do I?"
Qian Daoliu smiled faintly. "I'd rather find out I underestimated you, brat."
"Yu'er, whatever you have planned, your safety comes first."
Golden Crocodile Douluo's expression turned serious. "Keep your identity as Spirit Hall's Holy Son secret whenever possible. Otherwise, you could become a target."
"Of course, we're keeping a low profile, not running scared. If some fool picks a fight with us, hit back hard."
"Whatever happens, Spirit Hall and I will have your back."
"In short, watch your back out there. I'd rather you hurt someone else than let someone hurt you."
He truly regarded Qin Yu as his own son.
He knew what Qin Yu was capable of and had even arranged for someone to protect him on his travels. Even so, he couldn't help worrying about him heading out into the world.
"Don't worry, Teacher. I still have to look after you when you're old." Qin Yu smiled. His respect for Golden Crocodile Douluo came from the heart.
"Good."
Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded with a smile.
"Ahem." Qian Daoliu cleared his throat deliberately and gave Qin Yu a meaningful look.
"Take care of yourself, Grandpa Qian."
Qin Yu grinned. "Xue'er and I aren't planning to look after you when you're old. We're planning to have you look after our children."
At those words, Qian Daoliu's face went stiff. He froze where he stood.
Beside him, Golden Crocodile Douluo's mouth twitched. He wanted badly to laugh, but he held it in.
"You little brat! I ought to thrash you!" Qian Daoliu was so furious that he even drew his sacred sword, light blazing around him.
"Teacher, Grandpa Qian, I'm off."
With that, Qin Yu bolted. In moments, he had vanished from the hall.
Watching him go, Golden Crocodile Douluo shook his head with a smile and glanced at Qian Daoliu. "Big Brother, that's just how Yu'er is. Don't hold it against him."
"Hmph. If I really took it to heart, that brat would have angered me to death before Xiao Xue even came home." Qian Daoliu snorted and put away his sword.
"Big Brother, you must be pretty happy, though?"
"About what?"
"Yu'er said he'd have you look after his children. I think you're only angry on the surface. Deep down, you're delighted."
"...Second Brother, it's been a long time since we sparred. Let's find a day to practice properly. We wouldn't want to get rusty." Qian Daoliu turned to Golden Crocodile Douluo with an equally innocent smile.
Golden Crocodile Douluo's expression changed. He suddenly regretted opening his mouth.
After leaving the Worship Hall, Qin Yu gave it some thought and headed to the Papal Hall to say goodbye to a certain little fox.
After all, their relationship had gone far beyond ordinary friendship. Leaving without a word wouldn't be right.
Qin Yu sent someone to tell Hu Liena he was there, then waited outside.
"Ready to go out and gain some experience?"
A familiar, composed woman's voice came from behind him.
"Your Holiness."
Qin Yu turned to face the beautiful woman and nodded. "Spirit Hall is a fine place, but it can't compare to the whole continent."
"It'll do you good to get out and see it." Bibi Dong walked up beside him and gazed into the distance. "Don't forget what you promised me."
"I haven't."
Qin Yu smiled.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was the key to strengthening his Dragon bloodline. How could he forget?
"Good."
Bibi Dong nodded, then turned to look at Qin Yu. For a moment, her gaze grew distant, and a trace of reluctance flickered in her eyes.
In truth, knowing Qin Yu was leaving had left her inexplicably restless.
When Qin Yu noticed her staring, he asked, "Your Holiness, is there something else?"
"..."
Bibi Dong was silent for a long moment before saying, "Be careful out there."
Qin Yu paused. Hearing those words from Bibi Dong felt strange. Still, as Pope, it was only natural for her to show concern for an important member of Spirit Hall.
"All right."
Qin Yu nodded, though his expression remained a little odd.
Much as he hated to admit it, he had a feeling Bibi Dong's attitude toward him really was a little unusual.
"You're overthinking it."
Bibi Dong couldn't help laughing. "I care because you're Spirit Hall's Holy Son, and because Nana likes you."
"Most importantly, you made me a promise."
"So don't die out there. At least finish what you promised me before you do."
Whether Bibi Dong cared about Qin Yu for her own interests or for some other reason, only she knew.
"All right."
Qin Yu gave another short nod.
Until he figured out what this woman was thinking, he didn't want to say much else.
But that brief answer left Bibi Dong faintly annoyed. It sounded dismissive.
"Is that all you have to say?" Bibi Dong asked before she could stop herself.
The question caught even her off guard.
"..." Qin Yu's mouth twitched. He badly wanted to retort, I have nothing to say to you, but he held back.
He had a strong feeling that if he said it aloud, he'd probably get beaten up before he could leave.
"Your Holiness, you..." Qin Yu had no idea what to say. After a moment's thought, he added, "Take care of yourself?"
His rising tone made it sound more like a question than a farewell.
Bibi Dong frowned and was about to speak when she sensed someone approaching fast.
Without hesitation, she turned and vanished.
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