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Two years later...
During these two years, Lin Yongming and his two companions had traversed dense forests, crossed icy mountains and rivers, and journeyed through the north and south. They had encountered all sorts of fallen souls, suffered injuries, but fortunately, the Blue Silver Emperor's healing abilities had always pulled them through. There were several instances where they had spent half a month in the wild, relentlessly pursuing these fallen souls.
Of course, over the past two years, the trio had also witnessed the complexities of human nature and experienced many unique folk cultures. They weren't solely focused on hunting fallen souls; whenever they encountered bullies or nobles oppressing others, they would step in to uphold justice.
Thus, after more than two years, the trio had earned a reputation in the spirit master world: the "Three Heroes of Wu Ying." "Wu" referred to martial prowess, "Ying" to heroism, and the "Three Heroes" naturally referred to Lin Yongming and his two companions.
This also marked the beginning of the third year of their journey.
"Elder Ju, where are Her Highness the Saintess and her companions currently located?" Qian Xunji asked casually after finishing some paperwork.
"According to the message from two days ago, they are near Coconut Grove City in the Heaven Dou Empire," Elder Ju replied with a smile. "Your Majesty, over the past two years, the Saintess and her companions have made quite a name for themselves in the spirit master world. Their reputation is quite favorable."
"It seems sending them out for this training was not in vain," Qian Xunji nodded with a hint of satisfaction.
Two days ago, Lin Yongming and his companions were still in the wilderness. Now, they had arrived in Coconut Grove City.
Unknowingly, Lin Yongming had turned 14 years old. His spirit power had already reached level 60, though he had yet to obtain his sixth spirit ring. The Blue Silver Emperor, now 19, had reached level 68 in spirit power. As one progressed, cultivation became slower, and she had only advanced five levels in two years. Bibi Dong, now 17, was a level 67 Spirit Emperor. Thanks to the Mystic Immortal Herb, she had caught up remarkably fast.
As for the relationship between Lin Yongming and Bibi Dong, although they had shared many intimate moments over the past two years, they had yet to break through the final psychological barrier.
"Coconut Grove City is here! I'm so tired. I heard there's a lantern festival here for blessings. Let's rest here for a few days and enjoy the festival," Bibi Dong said as she looked at the city gate, which bore the name "Coconut Grove City."
"We should indeed rest for a few days. We've been chasing a small group of fallen souls for over a month now and haven't had a proper break," the Blue Silver Emperor sighed, her face showing signs of fatigue.
"Agreed. I'm in no rush to obtain my sixth spirit ring anyway. Besides, the villagers in the nearby town mentioned that the lantern festival here is quite lively. It's starting in a few days," Lin Yongming added without any objections.
By the time they arrived in Coconut Grove City, it was already evening. The streets were filled with vendors selling lanterns of various sizes and designs. Despite the late hour, the streets were bustling with activity.
"This city has such a unique charm," Bibi Dong remarked, her eyes filled with curiosity as she admired the lanterns.
"Excuse me, sir, when does the lantern festival start? There are lanterns everywhere," Bibi Dong asked a middle-aged vendor.
"Miss, you must be from out of town. You've come at the perfect time. Our lantern festival starts the night after tomorrow. It'll be even livelier than this," the vendor enthusiastically explained.
"Really? We're quite lucky then. I'll take this lantern," Bibi Dong said, purchasing a small, intricately designed lantern.
"Look, A'Yin, isn't it beautiful?" Bibi Dong returned to her companions, proudly showing off her purchase.
The lantern had a faint light inside, illuminating its delicate patterns.
"It's quite exquisite... But since the festival is the night after tomorrow, tomorrow will be even livelier. Let's find a place to eat and then get some rest at an inn," the Blue Silver Emperor said, taking on the role of the responsible older sister.
"You're right. I'm feeling tired and hungry. Let's go find some food."
With that, the trio began searching for a restaurant and an inn. Soon, they came across a river flowing through the city. Many people were enjoying boat rides, admiring the scenery along the riverbanks.
"That looks like so much fun. Let's try that tomorrow night—rent a boat and enjoy the view," Bibi Dong suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"My lady, can we please find a place to eat first?" Lin Yongming protested.
"Of course. You'll need your strength to row the boat for A'Yin and me," Bibi Dong teased, leaving Lin Yongming speechless.
"Alright, so I'm just your tool now, huh?" Lin Yongming sighed in resignation.
"Xiao Ming, hang in there. You'll get your chance to turn the tables," the Blue Silver Emperor patted his shoulder encouragingly.
And so, under the playful banter of the two girls, Lin Yongming accepted his fate as the designated "tool."
By now, it was completely dark, but the streets were brightly lit with lanterns hanging from every house and along the roadsides. The trio soon found a small, local restaurant by the river and enjoyed a hearty meal. Afterward, they checked into a quaint, traditional inn nearby, opting for its unique charm over a larger hotel.
Exhausted, the three of them washed up and went to bed early.
"Ever since reaching level 60 in spirit power, I've been able to sense a strange energy gathering in my eyes. It feels like I'm getting closer to regaining my sight," Lin Yongming thought to himself as a sharp pain shot through his eyes. A mysterious force seemed to be condensing within them.
Since breaking through to level 60, he had occasionally felt this stinging sensation, especially during quiet nights. Sometimes, he could even see flashes of lightning in the darkness.
Lin Yongming wasn't alarmed, though. He had gradually come to understand that this was the power of thunder and lightning gathering in his eyes.
"Will I regain my sight after obtaining my sixth spirit ring? Or is this just part of the recovery process, and I'll need to wait until my seventh spirit ring to fully open my eyes?"
"Finally, there's hope. I'm already a Spirit Emperor. Becoming a Spirit Sage can't be too far off."
"A'Yin, in a few years, I'll be able to see you clearly," Lin Yongming thought with hope as he lay down, gently embracing the sleeping Blue Silver Emperor.
As if sensing his thoughts, the Blue Silver Emperor nestled closer to him.
The next day, the trio slept until around 10 a.m., having rested for over ten hours. It was clear that they hadn't had a proper night's sleep in the wilderness for a long time.
After freshening up, it was almost 11 a.m. by the time they left the inn. They strolled along the riverbank until it was time for lunch.
"Ugh, I can't stand you two. Whenever we rest, you're always so lovey-dovey. After lunch, I'm going off on my own. I can't deal with this," Bibi Dong said, her tone tinged with jealousy.
"I've told you before, you're welcome to join us. You're just too shy to make a move," the Blue Silver Emperor retorted, rolling her eyes.
"Ugh, A'Yin, you're so annoying! Just because you have Xiao Ming doesn't mean you can rub it in my face!" Bibi Dong grumbled, shoveling food into her mouth.
"Xiao Ming, don't mind her. Since you can't see, let me feed you," the Blue Silver Emperor said, deliberately acting affectionate to provoke Bibi Dong.
"Here we go again," Lin Yongming thought to himself, focusing on his meal. Over the past two years, especially after the Blue Silver Emperor had expressed her feelings in Seagull City, she had often teased Bibi Dong to push her and Lin Yongming closer.
"Fine, I'll go have fun on my own. Let's meet back at the inn at 5 p.m.," Bibi Dong said after finishing her meal, heading off to the left.
"Be careful!" Lin Yongming called after her.
"Wait, the name 'Coconut Grove City' sounds familiar. Have I heard it before?" Lin Yongming suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu.
"Xiao Ming, what's wrong? Are you worried about Bibi Dong?" the Blue Silver Emperor asked, noticing his distraction.
"It's nothing. By the way, A'Yin, don't you think you're being a bit too harsh on Bibi Dong? Maybe tone it down a little," Lin Yongming suggested.
"I'm doing this for you! You've made no progress with Bibi Dong in two years. We've traveled through mountains and rivers, left our mark across the Heaven Dou Empire and the four kingdoms, and shared so many experiences. Yet, you've done nothing. It's frustrating!" the Blue Silver Emperor pouted, clearly annoyed.
"I've told you, I want things to develop naturally between us," Lin Yongming replied helplessly.
"Naturally? By the time you're ready, someone else might have already swept her off her feet. Don't come crying to me when that happens. Bibi Dong is too reserved to make the first move, but you? I don't get why you're so hesitant."
"I've already said I don't mind. Don't hold back because of me. Be honest with her," the Blue Silver Emperor lectured, her tone filled with exasperation.
"Alright, I'll talk to her after this training journey," Lin Yongming conceded.
"Speaking of our journey over the past two years, we've had our ups and downs, faced dangers, and witnessed the beauty of the continent. But I still feel a sense of regret," the Blue Silver Emperor said, her voice tinged with melancholy.
"Regret? Why?" Lin Yongming asked, puzzled.
"Although we've left our footprints everywhere, the sights we've seen are different. My regret is that you haven't been able to witness the beauty of this world with me and Bibi Dong," the Blue Silver Emperor explained, her words filled with sorrow.
"Is that all? That's nothing to regret," Lin Yongming said with a gentle smile.
"Of course it is. These experiences are irreplaceable, a testament to our time together," the Blue Silver Emperor replied, leading Lin Yongming to a stone bridge over the river.
"Even though I can't see, my heart remembers everything we've been through. And it's not like I've seen nothing. Every time we encounter something beautiful, you describe it to me with such care. That's your love for me," Lin Yongming said, taking her hands in his.
"Besides, I feel like my eyes might fully recover by the time I reach Spirit Sage level. Ever since I reached level 60, I've sensed a strange energy gathering in my eyes," Lin Yongming shared his feelings with her.
"Really?" the Blue Silver Emperor exclaimed with joy.
"Yes."
Hearing Lin Yongming's explanation, the Blue Silver Emperor was overjoyed at the prospect of him regaining his sight by the Spirit Sage level. The rest of the afternoon was filled with happiness.
Meanwhile, Bibi Dong, who had gone off on her own, encountered a young man.
He was dressed in a black-and-white checkered outfit, with short hair and a book in his hands. His demeanor was scholarly and refined.
"Thank you for helping me retrieve my book earlier, Miss Bibi Dong. It's almost 5 p.m. How about I treat you to dinner as a token of my gratitude?" the young man asked politely.
"Sure, you seem quite knowledgeable. But I have two friends here in Coconut Grove City, and we agreed to have dinner together. How about I call them over? My treat," Bibi Dong replied with a smile.
"Oh, that's very kind of you," the young man said, slightly embarrassed.
"Don't worry, they're great people. Once you get to know them, you'll feel at ease," Bibi Dong assured him.
For some reason, Bibi Dong felt an inexplicable connection with this young man, despite having just met him.
"Alright, but let me treat you all. You helped me today, after all," the young man said politely.
"Let's go then. The inn we're staying at isn't far," Bibi Dong said, leading the way.
Unbeknownst to her, the young man's smile faded as she turned away. His eyes gleamed with a calculating sharpness.
"Bibi Dong, the Saintess of the Spirit Hall, one of the Three Heroes of Wu Ying. It took me half a year to study their travel routes. If I can use her to gain access to the Spirit Hall's library, my knowledge of spirit masters will greatly expand."
"However, I didn't expect the Spirit Hall's Saintess to be so talented and stunningly beautiful. She's the most remarkable young woman I've ever met. If I can establish a relationship with her, I'll have a chance to shine within the Spirit Hall," the young man thought, a sly smile creeping onto his face as he imagined his future.
"Yu Xiaogang, hurry up! I'm going to be late. Don't be shy," Bibi Dong called out, noticing he had fallen behind.
"Coming. I'm just a bit nervous about meeting your friends," Yu Xiaogang replied, catching up to her.
"Don't worry, just relax. I'll introduce you," Bibi Dong said reassuringly.
On the other side, the Blue Silver Emperor and Lin Yongming were waiting outside the inn for Bibi Dong.
"That girl, is she lost or something? It's already 5:30 p.m., and she's still not back," the Blue Silver Emperor said, growing impatient.
"It's fine, let's wait a bit longer. Maybe something came up," Lin Yongming replied, though he too was puzzled.
Bibi Dong was usually very punctual, so her tardiness was unusual.
"When she gets back, I'm going to give her a piece of my mind for making us wait so long," the Blue Silver Emperor grumbled.
A few minutes later, the Blue Silver Emperor spotted Bibi Dong in the distance, accompanied by a young man.
"Huh? She's with a guy, and he's not bad-looking," the Blue Silver Emperor said, surprised.
"Ugh, it's him. He's grown his hair out, but I'd recognize him anywhere," the Blue Silver Emperor said, her voice tinged with anger.
"Who is it?" Lin Yongming asked, confused.
Although his spiritual sense detected someone with Bibi Dong, it had been so long that he couldn't immediately place the familiar aura.
"Who else? It's Yu Xiaogang from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. The one who tried to capture us in Heaven Dou City to study you. Have you forgotten?"
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 252 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 55 power stones I will publish the next chapter.