Leaving!

Half a year passed in the blink of an eye. Xiao Wu was no longer that petite little girl; her figure had grown taller and more slender, brimming with youthful vitality.

Today, Chen Xuanqing, Zhu Zhuqing, and Meng Yiran had packed everything and were only waiting for Xiao Wu to say her goodbyes.

Xiao Wu drew a deep breath, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Da Ming, Er Ming, we're leaving. Thank you for keeping us company and looking after us all this time."

Er Ming replied in his deep, rumbling voice, "Sister Xiao Wu, remember to bring me more tasty food from the human world next time you come back. Oh, and Big Brother said he really likes stinky tofu and durian, and told me not to tell you. But I think you could bring extra next time and give him a surprise."

His words carried an earnest simplicity and anticipation. He already couldn't wait to taste those delicious foods.

Over the past half year, Da Ming and Er Ming had really only joined him to chow down. The rest of the time, they stayed on their own turf and cultivated.

As a result, all the two soul beasts knew about the human world was that its food tasted delicious. They had eaten through quite a bit of Chen Xuanqing's food reserves.

Xiao Wu couldn't help laughing. "Er Ming, you're such a rascal. Don't worry, we'll definitely bring plenty of tasty food back for you both next time."

Just then, ripples suddenly spread across the center of the Lake of Life, and Da Ming slowly raised his head from the water, revealing his enormous form.

"Sister Xiao Wu, you must be careful in the human world." Da Ming's voice was deep and powerful, filled with concern and earnest counsel. "If you run into any difficulties or trouble, just come back and find Er Ming and me. We can go to the human world and stand up for you anytime."

Warmth welled up in Xiao Wu's heart at his words. No matter where she went, the Star Dou Great Forest would always be her strongest support.

Then Xiao Wu nodded firmly, determination shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Da Ming, Er Ming. I'll come back to see you again after a while."

Chen Xuanqing stood to one side, watching silently, his heart filled with emotion as well.

At least with me around, these two blockheads, Da Ming and Er Ming, won't have to sacrifice themselves.

"Da Ming, Er Ming, we really have to go now," Chen Xuanqing said first, a faint trace of sadness in his voice.

Da Ming and Er Ming exchanged a glance, their eyes full of complicated emotions.

Da Ming spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful. "Goodbye! Keep Sister Xiao Wu safe, and keep yourself safe too."

"We'll come back, Da Ming, Er Ming," Zhu Zhuqing chimed in. "Living here has been pretty nice."

Meng Yiran nodded too, looking at her two friends, Da Ming and Er Ming, with a flicker of reluctance in her eyes.

Da Ming gave Chen Xuanqing a long, searching look. "I believe in you. Perhaps you'll become a god someday. I hope you can find a way forward for soul beasts when that time comes."

Chen Xuanqing smiled faintly, confidence gleaming in his eyes. "Becoming a god is too small a goal for me."

Er Ming smiled with simple sincerity. "Brother Xuanqing, you're a really good person. You're so good to Sister Xiao Wu, and you've taken great care of Big Brother and me too. We'll always remember you."

Warmth rose in Chen Xuanqing's heart, and he smiled. "Er Ming, you're a good guy too. Until we meet again."

Having inexplicably handed Er Ming a "good guy" card, Chen Xuanqing turned and left with Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Meng Yiran.

Their figures grew more and more distant, finally disappearing into the depths of the forest.

Da Ming and Er Ming stayed by the lake, watching them leave until they could no longer see them.

Da Ming took a deep breath, as though trying to draw the sorrow of parting deep into his lungs. "Er Ming, cultivate diligently."

Er Ming nodded, his eyes full of reluctance as he gazed after their departing figures.

After leaving the Lake of Life, Chen Xuanqing and the three girls headed toward the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest with light steps.

Sunlight filtered through the dense leaves, scattering dappled light and shadow and lending the ancient forest an air of mystery and tranquility.

Xiao Wu suddenly turned her head, blinking her star-bright eyes. "Brother Xuanqing, where are we going to explore next? Are we going back to Suotuo City?"

Meng Yiran leaned closer too, anticipation on her face. "Brother Xuanqing, why don't we go stay at my home for a few days? Grandpa and Grandma would be delighted."

Yet amid their cheerful chatter and laughter, Zhu Zhuqing seemed somewhat quiet.

A faint sadness showed in her eyes. She sighed softly as complicated emotions welled up in her heart.

I'm wandering far from home, yet I have no home to return to. But it isn't really the Zhu Family I hate.

The Zhu Family is in a weaker position, so the Dai Family has always forced its daughters to marry into the imperial family to maintain the imperial family's strength and authority.

Otherwise, why haven't any imperial princes willingly married into the Zhu Family? Or any imperial princesses married into it, for that matter?

Chen Xuanqing noticed the change in Zhu Zhuqing's mood and asked softly, "Zhu Zhuqing, what's wrong? Is something weighing on your mind?"

Zhu Zhuqing looked up at him, then shook her head gently. "Nothing. I just remembered a few things from the past."

Chen Xuanqing smiled tenderly and reached out to pat her shoulder. "Don't worry. Before long, you won't have to worry about your family's affairs anymore. I'll change all of this."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded. The sadness in her heart seemed to ease a little, and she took a deep breath, setting those tangled thoughts aside for the moment.

Then Chen Xuanqing looked at the three girls and smiled. "Let's go to Heaven Dou City first! As the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, it should at least be a bustling city."

As soon as Meng Yiran heard they were going to Heaven Dou City, excitement lit up her eyes. She cheered, "Great! Brother Xuanqing, you're the best! My family has a few shops in Heaven Dou City, so we can ask Grandpa and Grandma to come over. I haven't seen them in half a year. I really miss them!"

Seeing her excitement, Chen Xuanqing couldn't resist teasing her with a smile. "Who knew our Yiran was a little rich lady? Now you've made me want to stop working hard. I might as well just tag along and live off your food and drink."

As he spoke, Chen Xuanqing deliberately pretended to go limp and toppled toward Meng Yiran, hoping to tease her.

But Meng Yiran gave a sly smile and nimbly stepped aside, refusing to let him have his way.

Chen Xuanqing pursed his lips and gave a mock-angry huff, though his face was full of affectionate smiles.

He knew that despite Meng Yiran's lively personality, she was deeply sensitive and thoughtful at heart.

The Dragon Duke and Snake Granny were the people closest to her. Being able to go back and visit them was undoubtedly a very happy prospect for Meng Yiran.