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Although Lin Yongming had suggested that Dugu Bo could leave early, the old man still showed up the next day.
Seven days passed in the blink of an eye, and Xiao Rou had fully recovered from the side effects of releasing her Martial Soul True Body.
On the eighth morning, after breakfast, Lin Yongming and Lan Yinhuang prepared to leave. Xiao Rou accompanied them to the village entrance to see them off.
"Ah Yin, Xiao Ming, Spirit City isn't like other cities. It's filled with spirit masters, so be careful and keep a low profile," Xiao Rou said, holding Lan Yinhuang's hand as she gave them some final advice.
"Sister Xiao Rou, don't worry. Xiao Ming and I will be careful. We'll come visit you when we have time. And don't forget, you promised to come watch us during the Continental Elite Spirit Master Tournament," Lan Yinhuang replied, giving Xiao Rou a hug.
"Go on, I never said I'd definitely come," Xiao Rou teased with a laugh.
"Sister Xiao Rou, take care of yourself too," Lin Yongming added.
"Alright, it's getting late. You should get going. Oh, and remember to walk to Spirit City. You'll likely encounter other spirit masters along the way, so don't use your Purple Lightning Thunder Wings. Also, don't use your spirit domain unless absolutely necessary. It's too flashy," Xiao Rou reminded them repeatedly.
"Sister Xiao Rou, we're leaving now. Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!"
Lin Yongming and Lan Yinhuang waved goodbye to Xiao Rou as they set off for Spirit City under Dugu Bo's guidance.
Xiao Rou watched until their figures disappeared before returning home.
Soon, the three of them reached the main road.
Both Dugu Bo and Xiao Rou were concerned that Lin Yongming's external spirit bone might attract unwanted attention, especially since Spirit City was frequented by spirit masters. They decided to travel on foot. Fortunately, all three of them were spirit masters, so walking wasn't too strenuous.
At noon, they stopped under a tree by the roadside to have a quick lunch, eating the food Xiao Rou had packed for them that morning.
After finishing their meal, they continued their journey at a steady pace, slightly faster than an ordinary person's walking speed.
Occasionally, they passed carriages traveling along the road.
Around 2 p.m., Dugu Bo looked up at the mountains ahead.
"Hang in there. We've covered two-thirds of the journey," Dugu Bo reminded them.
"No problem. This little walk won't tire us out. Besides, the scenery along the way is quite nice," Lan Yinhuang said, looking around at the landscape.
"Old Freak, have you been to Spirit City before? What's it like?" Lin Yongming took the opportunity to ask.
"What kind of question is that? I think every seasoned spirit master has been to Spirit City at least once," Dugu Bo replied, slightly exasperated.
"Spirit City is built around a hill. The Spirit Hall's sacred sites—the Supreme Pontiff's Palace, the Elder Hall, and the Worship Hall—are all located on that hill."
"The Spirit Hall's headquarters essentially encompasses the entire city. Each district has a main hall equivalent to that of a first-tier city. With the Supreme Pontiff's Palace and the Elder Hall, Spirit City has become a holy land for spirit masters. That's why every spirit master makes a pilgrimage here at least once."
"The Supreme Pontiff's Palace is the most magnificent structure on the continent, even surpassing the imperial palaces of the two great empires."
"Moreover, Spirit City isn't under the control of either the Heaven Dou or Star Luo Empires. The Spirit Hall values strength above all else, and nobles hold no sway here. There are no nobles in Spirit City, so you can imagine that spirit masters are everywhere."
"You should know that the Spirit Hall accounts for 70% of all spirit masters on the continent. Most of them are concentrated in Spirit City. The top three sects and the lower four sects, along with some smaller families, make up 10%, while the two empires account for the remaining 20%," Dugu Bo explained.
"It's also because of the Spirit Hall's presence that conflicts between the two empires have gradually subsided, giving commoners a chance to breathe."
"Of course, things aren't always as they seem. There are many undercurrents beneath the surface, and those are the most dangerous," Dugu Bo added with a sigh.
"I see. No wonder the Spirit Hall can establish branches within the territories of both empires without any issues," Lan Yinhuang remarked thoughtfully.
"The Spirit Hall's origins date back to before the two empires. It was built up bit by bit to become what it is today."
"It's said that the Spirit Hall was founded by an unparalleled spirit master before he ascended to godhood. That's the Angel God that the Spirit Hall worships. The current Supreme Pontiff, Qian Xunji, possesses the Six-Winged Angel martial soul and is known as the Angel Douluo."
"His father is one of only two titled Douluo in the world and oversees the Elder Hall and Worship Hall as the Grand Elder."
"So, the Six-Winged Angel martial soul surpasses even top-tier martial souls," Dugu Bo continued.
"If the Six-Winged Angel is so powerful, wouldn't it dominate the continent in just a few years if it were to spread?" Lin Yongming asked skeptically.
"Little monster, you're being naive. Maintaining a top-tier martial soul is incredibly difficult, let alone one as powerful as the Six-Winged Angel. For a child to inherit the Six-Winged Angel, both parents must meet certain criteria. Otherwise, with Qian Xunji's status and age, he would have had descendants by now. But there's been no news of any."
"When we were in Heaven Dou City, I heard you had a run-in with Yu Xiaogang from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. He's a perfect example. His father is a titled Douluo with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul, but Yu Xiaogang's martial soul mutated and failed."
"And then there's Tang Yuehua, whom you've met. Both her brothers inherited the Clear Sky Hammer, but her martial soul also mutated and failed."
"So, you two have decent talent. Your children would likely be born with innate full spirit power, but it's not easy. You'll have to work hard while you're young."
"Haha…" Dugu Bo chuckled as he looked at the two of them.
"Old Freak, stop talking nonsense. We're still young," Lan Yinhuang blushed furiously.
"I have to admit, Old Freak, you make a good point. No wonder the Supreme Pontiff made Bibi Dong the Holy Maiden. It's because it's so difficult to produce heirs," Lin Yongming nodded in agreement.
"It's a natural balance in the world. I have high hopes for you two. Who knows, maybe you'll have a child with twin martial souls," Dugu Bo teased.
"Let's talk about that later," Lin Yongming quickly changed the subject, noticing Lan Yinhuang's red face.
Lin Yongming hadn't expected Dugu Bo to speak so highly of the Spirit Hall. "The Six-Winged Angel martial soul, huh?"
At this point in time, most influential spirit masters knew that there were two titled Douluo on the continent, as Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu hadn't yet retired.
As for the titled Douluo on Sea God Island, their existence hadn't been revealed to the public.
While the three of them chatted, they crossed a winding road between two mountains and suddenly saw a city in the distance.
From afar, the city's walls stretched far, and atop the hill, they could see the spire of a towering structure.
"Ah Yin, do you see that? The spire in the distance is the Supreme Pontiff's Palace, the most magnificent building in Spirit City," Dugu Bo pointed out.
"I see. The walls of Spirit City seem even larger and taller than those of Heaven Dou City," Lan Yinhuang remarked in awe.
"Is it really that big?" Lin Yongming muttered, feeling left out since he couldn't see.
The three of them were still about a kilometer away from Spirit City, but the area outside the city was a vast plain.
This direction led to the East Gate of Spirit City, as the Star Dou Forest lay to the east. The continent's layout placed the Heaven Dou Empire to the north, corresponding to the North Gate, and the Star Luo Empire to the south, corresponding to the South Gate. The west led to the Western Sea, where Sea God Island was located.
"Alright, little monster, Ah Yin, I'll leave you here. If I accompany you to the city gates and the Spirit Hall sees me with you, it could cause unnecessary trouble," Dugu Bo said after a moment of contemplation.
Lin Yongming understood that the Spirit Hall hadn't given up on pursuing Dugu Bo. If they saw him at the city gates, it might alert the Spirit Hall's titled Douluo, and Lin Yongming's connection to Dugu Bo could be exposed. In the worst-case scenario, Lin Yongming might be labeled a spy or traitor.
Moreover, Dugu Bo still harbored resentment toward the Spirit Hall for hunting him down, so he had no desire to enter Spirit City. The city's guards were all Spirit Hall members, and Dugu Bo's likeness might even be posted on the walls.
"Thank you, Old Freak. It's been over a month since you came out with us. I won't say much more, but take care on your journey," Lin Yongming said sincerely, clasping his hands in farewell.
"Yes, thank you for traveling all the way from Heaven Dou City to help us. We really appreciate it," Lan Yinhuang added.
"You're welcome. Take care of yourselves too. Your sister Xiao Rou was right—keep a low profile in Spirit City. Especially you, little monster. The fewer people who know about your external spirit bone and domain, the better," Dugu Bo advised seriously.
"I'll remember that. Farewell!" Lin Yongming nodded.
"Farewell," Dugu Bo clasped his hands in return.
After saying their goodbyes, Dugu Bo took a small path branching off the main road.
"Ah Yin, let's go," Lin Yongming said as they continued toward Spirit City.
"Little monster, I hope you can leave the Spirit Hall safely. I'll remember the promise you made to me," Dugu Bo thought to himself as he watched their retreating figures.
He didn't mention the favor Lin Yongming had asked of him.
The three parted ways around 4 p.m.
After about half an hour, Lin Yongming and Lan Yinhuang arrived at the East Gate of Spirit City.
At the gate, elite guards were meticulously checking identification documents.
Fortunately, it wasn't peak hours, so the line wasn't long.
"Ah Yin, we're about to enter Spirit City, the city with the most spirit masters on the continent. We'll be facing the Spirit Hall. Are you scared?" Lin Yongming asked, holding Lan Yinhuang's hand.
"No, because I have you," Lan Yinhuang replied softly.
In truth, Lin Yongming wasn't sure what awaited them in Spirit City. The future was always unpredictable.
"Next! Please present your spirit master badge or identification," a guard called out.
"Here's my spirit master badge," Lin Yongming handed over the badge he had obtained in Heaven Dou City, which identified him as a Spirit Elder.
Lan Yinhuang also presented her badge, which had been re-verified at the Heaven Dou City Spirit Hall.
"Spirit Elder and Spirit King, you may enter!" the guard said politely, returning their badges.
Lin Yongming and Lan Yinhuang walked through the thick city walls, emerging into a bustling cityscape.
"Xiao Ming, the Supreme Pontiff's Palace is in that direction. If we follow this street to the end, we'll reach the square," Lan Yinhuang pointed out.
"Alright, let's head there. We'll find a hotel nearby and stay the night. It's getting late, and we're a bit dusty from the journey. It wouldn't be appropriate to visit the Supreme Pontiff's Palace like this," Lin Yongming suggested.
"I agree. We should make a good impression when we meet the Supreme Pontiff for the first time. We should dress neatly and look presentable," Lan Yinhuang added, thinking of Lin Yongming's image.
"Right."
As they walked halfway down the street, they spotted a decent-looking hotel and decided to stop.
They booked a room and found that the prices were slightly cheaper than in Heaven Dou City.
After checking in, they had dinner at a nearby restaurant.
By the time they finished dinner, it was around 7 p.m., and the sky had darkened considerably.
"Ah Yin, maybe I should go to the Supreme Pontiff's Palace alone tomorrow. You can stay here," Lin Yongming suggested, feeling a bit worried.
"No, I'm coming with you. I'm your wife now. Besides, Elder Ju will probably be there. Don't forget what he said—he wants to be my protector," Lan Yinhuang insisted.
"Alright, if you say so. I can't argue with that," Lin Yongming sighed, realizing his attempt to dissuade her had backfired.
"I'm exhausted from walking all day. I'm going to take a bath," Lan Yinhuang said, standing up.
"How about we take one together? We've never done that before," Lin Yongming suggested with a grin.
"Go to hell! Hmph! You're sleeping on the couch tonight," Lan Yinhuang glared at him, her face turning red.
"Wait, no! I take it back," Lin Yongming quickly backtracked.
"Too late!" Lan Yinhuang grabbed her pajamas and headed into the bathroom.
Lin Yongming lay on the couch, feeling utterly defeated. "Why did I have to open my big mouth…"
About an hour later, Lan Yinhuang emerged from the bathroom.
"There's hot water. Go take a bath," she said, sounding oddly cheerful.
"Coming!" Lin Yongming jumped up from the couch.
As soon as he entered the bathroom, Lan Yinhuang quickly locked the bedroom door.
When Lin Yongming came out, he tried the door handle and found it locked.
"Ah Yin, I'm sorry. Open the door," Lin Yongming pleaded.
"Sleep on the couch."
"Come on, we booked a single room. There's no bedding on the couch. How am I supposed to sleep?"
"Oh, right! I'll get you a blanket."
The moment she opened the door, Lin Yongming slipped into the bedroom.
"Hmph, you're impossible. Don't you dare flirt like that again," Lan Yinhuang scolded, hands on her hips.
"I won't, I won't. Let's sleep. It's late," Lin Yongming said with a grin as he climbed into bed.
"You're so annoying."
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 220 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 110 power stones I will publish the next chapter.