Night fell, and the lanterns began to glow. The bustling night market of the ancient city was alive with activity. Lanterns of every kind hung along the streets and alleys, lighting the city as brightly as day. Vendors' cries, street performers' acts, and diners' laughter mingled together, rising and falling in waves.
The street food offered a dazzling array of choices, its fragrance filling the air. Stallholders deftly prepared steaming buns, crisp pancakes, and sweet candied hawthorn skewers that made mouths water. Diners gathered around the little stalls, feasting to their hearts' content and savoring the satisfaction the food brought.
The night market also had stalls selling all manner of handicrafts. Exquisite embroidery, ingeniously crafted ceramics, and lavish jewelry caught people's eyes. Artisans displayed their skills while visitors eagerly picked out items that took their fancy.
Onstage, one splendid song and dance followed another. Performers dressed in elaborate costumes brought ancient stories to life. The audience below was engrossed, breaking into applause and cheers from time to time.
"Brother Qian Fan, it's so beautiful here! This is my first time here, too."
Xu Yuan'er lifted her head to look at Qian Fan.
There was also a trace of bitterness in her voice. Qian Fan smiled and nodded, reaching out to gently ruffle Xu Yuan'er's hair. "If you like it, we can come often." His eyes were filled with tenderness.
Xu Yuan'er lowered her head, blushing as a hint of sweetness stirred in her heart. The two strolled through the night market, soaking in its lively atmosphere. Suddenly, a commotion ahead drew their attention. An acrobatic troupe was performing a fire-breathing act, sending flames leaping high and drawing repeated cheers from the crowd.
Qian Fan took Xu Yuan'er's hand and squeezed through to the front of the crowd to watch the spectacular performance. Xu Yuan'er clapped excitedly, her face radiant with a happy smile. At that moment, Qian Fan felt as though he had forgotten all his troubles.
He had almost even put the thought of returning to the Douluo Continent out of his mind. All he wanted was to enjoy this wonderful time with the girl before him.
Before they knew it, the night had grown late. The people in the night market gradually dispersed, and the streets grew quiet. Qian Fan and Xu Yuan'er walked home hand in hand. Moonlight spilled over them, casting long shadows.
But in the darkness, eight people dressed in black assassin outfits were watching Qian Fan and Xu Yuan'er's every move. Qian Fan sensed something and said quietly to Xu Yuan'er, "It seems someone is following us." Xu Yuan'er nervously tightened her grip on his hand.
"Don't be afraid. I'll protect you," Qian Fan reassured her.
He led Xu Yuan'er into an alley, trying to shake them off.
However, the black-clad figures soon caught up and surrounded them.
"Good, good, good. You're really something. I already gave you a chance. Since you don't want it, leave your heads behind!" Qian Fan sneered.
"Boy, you've got quite a mouth on you! Today is the day you die!" one of the black-clad figures shouted, charging at Qian Fan.
Qian Fan sidestepped the attack, then struck swiftly, hitting the black-clad attacker in the chest.
Seeing this, the other black-clad figures swarmed him. Qian Fan unleashed his soul power and engaged them in a fierce battle.
All eight black-clad figures summoned their martial souls.
What! They're all level 95 Titled Douluos!!!
Even Qian Fan panicked now. He knew perfectly well that at level 80, without a soul ring yet, he could not possibly defeat them.
Xu Yuan'er hid to one side, watching Qian Fan anxiously. She silently prayed that he would be safe.
At the critical moment, Qian Fan used his sixth Soul Skill. A powerful surge of soul power erupted instantly, driving the black-clad figures several steps back.
"Run!" Qian Fan grabbed Xu Yuan'er's hand and seized the chance to break out of the encirclement.
They ran all the way until they finally shook off their pursuers.
"Who were those people? Why were they trying to kill us?" Xu Yuan'er asked breathlessly.
Qian Fan frowned. "I don't know either, but they were clearly after me. Perhaps they're my enemies..."
Before he finished speaking, another group of dark figures appeared in the distance, rapidly closing in on them.
"Oh no, they're coming after us again!" Qian Fan's expression turned grave. "We have to find somewhere safe to hide as soon as possible."
Qian Fan led Xu Yuan'er into an abandoned building, searching for somewhere to take cover.
"It looks like we can't escape for now," Qian Fan said, panting heavily. "But don't worry. I'll do everything I can to protect you."
A glint of resolve flashed in Xu Yuan'er's eyes. "I believe in you, Brother Qian Fan. No matter what happens, I'll stay with you."
Just then, footsteps sounded outside as the black-clad figures gradually approached the abandoned building...
Qian Fan shielded Xu Yuan'er behind him, preparing for a bitter fight. Suddenly, he sensed a powerful presence approaching from behind. Turning around, he saw a mysterious man in a black robe slowly walking toward them.
The mysterious man looked at Qian Fan, then at Xu Yuan'er, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes. "I never expected to meet you here, Xiao Fan."
Qian Fan watched the mysterious man warily. "Who are you? How do you know me?"
The mysterious man smiled faintly. "It's only been a few years, and you've already forgotten me? Hahahaha!" As he spoke, he extended a hand. A ray of light shot out, instantly sending the black-clad figures flying.
They tumbled across the ground without stopping, completing a full four rolls before finally coming to a halt.
Meanwhile, the remaining black-clad figures exchanged glances, then abruptly unleashed their level 95 soul power! At the sight, irritation stirred in the mysterious man's heart.
He swept both hands outward and recited an incantation, then summoned his incomparably powerful martial soul-the Giant-Toothed Shark!!!!
The Giant-Toothed Shark radiated a heart-stopping aura. His terrifying strength at the Supreme God realm caused even the surrounding space to warp.
The eight black-clad figures did not even have time to react before they were torn into countless pieces in the blink of an eye. The scene was bloody and brutal.
Utterly terrified, Xu Yuan'er hid behind Qian Fan, trembling all over.
Yet just then, Qian Fan suddenly burst into laughter. "Chen Tianyi, Brother Chen! So it was you! It really has been a long time!" As Qian Fan finished speaking, the mysterious man slowly removed his hood.
"Yes, I've been well. But you, you little rascal-we haven't seen each other for just a few short years, and you've already won over Xu Fangyuan's granddaughter. You really make people's jaws drop! Hahahahaha..." the mysterious man said with a teasing smile.
Qian Fan could not help laughing heartily, his voice ringing throughout the space.
Meanwhile, Xu Yuan'er cautiously poked her little head out from behind Qian Fan's broad back, her lively, wide eyes studying the mysterious man curiously. "Brother Chen, what are you doing here?" Qian Fan asked.
"I happened to be passing by and sensed the fluctuations of your soul power, so I came to take a look. I never expected to run into something like this," Chen Tianyi explained.
"Thank you for helping us, Brother Chen. Why were these people trying to kill me?" Qian Fan asked in confusion.
"I'm afraid your identity has been exposed. Xu Fangyuan has quite a few enemies in the Seven Star Domain, and now that you're his granddaughter's boyfriend, they certainly won't leave you alone," Chen Tianyi reasoned.
"I understand." Qian Fan's expression was solemn. "I must be more careful."
"Don't worry, Xiao Fan. With me here, no one can hurt you or Miss Xu." Chen Tianyi patted Qian Fan's shoulder.
"By the way, Brother Chen, was there something you wanted to see me about this time?" Qian Fan suddenly remembered to ask.
"I've obtained some information about the Seven Star Domain that might help you," Chen Tianyi said, handing Qian Fan a jade slip.
Qian Fan took the jade slip and read the information within. His expression gradually grew grave.
"Xiao Fan, what do you plan to do?" Chen Tianyi looked at him.
"I'm going to find Xu Fangyuan and get some answers," Qian Fan said firmly.
"Good! I'll support you. If you need anything, tell me anytime," Chen Tianyi said.
"Thank you, Brother Chen." Qian Fan looked at him gratefully.
"I'll take my leave, then. You two should be careful, too." With that, Chen Tianyi's figure flickered, and he vanished from where he stood.
Xu Yuan'er looked at Qian Fan, envy showing in her eyes.
Qian Fan merely smiled faintly.
"It certainly is lively today. We have more guests."
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