Ming Mountain Valley is only a dozen miles away from Rock Mountain Village, hidden in a dense primeval forest.
Compared to the renowned Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's meticulously renovated and magnificent sect valley, Ming Mountain Valley appears exceptionally simple and reserved.
Its only entrance is a narrow, naturally formed mountain crevice on the west side, like a mark cleaved in the mountain by a giant axe, allowing only two or three people to walk side by side.
The mountain walls outside the valley show almost no signs of human intervention; vines hang down, moss covers everything, and everything retains its most primitive appearance. If one did not know the area, it would be easy to mistake it for a desolate valley where no one has ever set foot.
As Kong Xuan and Kong Ling concealed their auras and walked along the secluded path into the valley, before they had gone even a hundred meters, a flower of light and shadow appeared ahead!
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Two figures darted out from the depths of the valley like Gui Mei, creating a faint gust of wind, and precisely blocked the path in front of the brother and sister.
These were two men who appeared to be in their thirties, dressed in matching gray outfits. The faint fluctuations of Soul Power emanating from their bodies indicated that they were powerful experts at the level of Six-Ring Soul Emperor.
One of them stepped forward half a step, pressing his palm down as a clear gesture to stop.
"This is a forbidden area of the family; outsiders are not allowed to enter. Please turn back, gentlemen."
Kong Xuan was not surprised by the obstruction before him. He calmly looked at the two people in front of him and said, "Please announce my arrival. I have come to see Qiangu Fuliu."
"Young clan leader?"
Upon hearing this, the two people opposite each other's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly, and they both thought to themselves at the same time.
They quickly exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and hesitation in each other's eyes.
This Qiangu Clan has lived in seclusion for millennia, rarely interacting with the outside world. To know the name of their young clan leader might mean that one truly knows him.
However, the clan rules forbade outsiders from entering, and the two were caught in a dilemma.
Kong Xuan noticed their hesitation but said nothing. A seemingly ordinary, even somewhat worn, small cloth bag quietly appeared in his right palm.
He handed it over, his tone still calm. "Please give this to Qiangu Fuliu; he will understand when he sees it."
The bag had fine stitches, and the fabric had become soft from the wear and tear of time.
One of the guards' eyes fell on the cloth bag, and he hesitated for a moment.
He finally stepped forward and carefully took the cloth bag. It felt light and airy, as if it had no weight at all.
"Wait here. Do not enter without permission!"
He gave a deep instruction, then turned around, his figure disappearing into the deep valley crevice in a few leaps, as if blending into the shadows.
The bag that Kong Xuan took out was the very bag he used to carry money when he was young, when Qiangu Fuliu gave him the Gold Soul Coin, allowing him to awaken his Martial Soul.
It carries not only the kindness of helping someone in need, but also a Qidian, a bond that will be remembered.
Xuan and Kong Ling stood quietly outside the valley and waited. Not long after, about a quarter of an hour later, the sound of wind breaking came from inside the valley again.
Two figures emerged one after the other from the deep valley crevice.
The former was the guard from before, and the one following behind was a boy who looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old.
The young man was tall and slender, dressed in a simple black outfit that made him appear even more capable and efficient.
He was handsome, with an extraordinary air of heroism between his brows, and clear, sharp eyes.
Although the face had changed considerably from the youthful one he remembered, Kong Xuan recognized the other person at a glance from that unique spirit and the still discernible features.
The newcomer's gaze swept across the area and instantly locked onto Kong Xuan.
A flicker of disbelief crossed his eyes, quickly turning into overwhelming joy, his voice filled with undisguised excitement. " Kong Xuan! Is it really you?!"
That tone seemed to transcend more than a decade, instantly pulling them back to their childhood days playing and frolicking near Rock Mountain Village.
"Of course it's me."
A genuine smile bloomed on Kong Xuan's face as he carefully examined his childhood friend whom he hadn't seen for over a decade.
Qiangu Fuliu Liu was full of vigor, his brows radiating confidence and sharpness, and his cultivation had reached the level of a sixty-third-level Soul Emperor.
The two are the same age, and without any special advantages, their rapid progress in cultivation demonstrates a talent that would eclipse even the so-called geniuses of the outside world.
Kong Xuan then smiled and said, "It seems you've had a pretty good life these past ten years or so."
Upon hearing this, Qiangu Fuliu laughed heartily, his gaze falling on Kong Xuan with a mixture of inquiry and barely concealed astonishment.
He found that he couldn't see through his childhood playmate at all. Kong Xuan stood there, his aura calm as still water, yet he seemed to be one with the world around him.
"I think you're the one who's truly doing well." Qiangu Fuliu's tone carried a hint of emotion. "It seems that back then, you really did awaken an extraordinary Martial Soul."
As he spoke, his gaze also fell upon the figure beside Kong Xuan, who was a head shorter than Kong Xuan but looked remarkably similar.
After a moment, he withdrew his gaze and said to Kong Xuan, "This must be your twin sister. You two really do look alike."
He was surprised to see the "twins" for the first time, as they looked so alike.
Kong Ling smiled brightly, "I always heard my brother mention you when I was little, and now I've finally met you."
Qiangu Fuliu Liu laughed heartily and said warmly and decisively, "Since you're here, don't just stand outside. Come on, follow me into the valley, let's catch up!"
Upon seeing this, the two guards nearby immediately looked troubled and hurriedly tried to dissuade him in unison. "Young Clan Leader! This... clan rules..."
Qiangu Fuliu waved his hand casually, his tone indifferent yet carrying an undeniable determination. "It's alright, this is my friend, I'll bear all the consequences."
Upon hearing this, the two guards immediately fell silent and respectfully stepped aside.
When he was young, he didn't have much influence in the family and couldn't bring his friend Kong Xuan into the clan.
Now, thanks to his exceptional talent and strength, he has been established as the future heir of the Qiangu Clan and has gained sufficient influence.
What he couldn't do as a child, he can now easily achieve.
Following the Qiangu Fuliu through the narrow valley mouth, a breathtaking view suddenly opens up before you, revealing a hidden paradise.
The valley is bathed in soft light, and the sky, framed by towering cliffs, is a clear, azure mirror. Yangguang streams down, gilding this tranquil land with a warm golden hue.
The scene that came into view was different from what I had imagined. There was no unique architectural style here, which was characteristic of the Sun Moon Empire due to the development of Soul Tool.
Looking around, the architectural style was exactly the same as that of the original Douluo Three Kingdoms region.
Walking along the main path paved with bluestone slabs, you'll find courtyards with white walls and black tiles on both sides, their eaves slightly upturned, exuding a rustic charm.
Wooden pavilions and towers are scattered in a well-organized manner on the gentle slopes and hills of the valley, blending perfectly with the surrounding pines, cypresses, and babbling streams.
Some courtyard walls are covered with ivy, adding to the tranquility and sense of history.
Qiangu Fuliu noticed the two people looking around, a slight smile playing on his lips, a hint of barely perceptible pride in his voice, as he softly explained, "Our Qiangu Clan has lived in seclusion here for ten thousand years. While the outside world is in turmoil, this place remains peaceful and tranquil."
The Qiangu Fuliu led Kong Xuan and Kong Ling through the simple courtyard to their room.
The interior furnishings are simple and elegant, mostly made of bamboo and wood, and the window faces a clump of lush bamboo, creating a tranquil environment.
Childhood friends who haven't seen each other for many years have so much to talk about when they reunite.
They chatted about their childhood memories and inquired about each other's recent lives, with lighthearted laughter frequently filling the room.
This casual conversation lasted for about an hour, bringing the past ten years or so closer together.
However, the smile on Kong Xuan's face gradually faded. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then gently put it down. His expression turned serious, and he calmly looked at Qiangu Fuliu.
" Fuliu," he began, his voice a few decibels lower than before, "Actually, besides catching up, the more important reason I've come is to invite your Qiangu Clan to emerge from obscurity."