A week flew by in a whirlwind of laughter and playful competition. Song Qing thoroughly enjoyed his time in Heaven Dou City, dividing his attention as evenly as possible between the ever-enthusiastic Ning Rongrong and the more subtly competitive Dugu Yan. He even spent a pleasant afternoon with Ye Lingling, exploring the quieter gardens and sharing stories.
One sunny afternoon, as he was enjoying a cup of tea with Dugu Yan by a serene lake, a member of the Spirit Hall, easily identifiable by the discreet emblem on his clothing, approached Song Qing with a respectful bow. He handed Song Qing a jade slip.
Song Qing took the slip, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. He focused his spiritual energy into it, and a series of messages flowed into his mind. His brow furrowed slightly as he absorbed the information.
'Dai Mubai ran away?' he thought, surprised. The news from the Star Luo Empire was unexpected. Apparently, the second prince, Dai Mubai, who was just shy of turning twelve, had fled the Imperial Palace. The reason, as the report detailed, was the brutal tradition of the Star Luo Imperial Family, where the throne was decided through a deadly competition between the brothers, with the loser often facing crippling or death.
The Spirit Hall's network in the Star Luo Empire wasn't primarily focused on the Imperial Family's internal squabbles, their main objective, as per Song Qing's earlier request, was to gather detailed information about the inner workings of the Zhu Family. The deacons and bishops in the Star Luo Empire were still somewhat perplexed by the Holy Son's intense interest in the affairs of a mere Duke Family, but they diligently followed his instructions.
As Song Qing continued to read, his expression darkened. The report went on to state that after Dai Mubai's sudden departure, Zhu Zhuqing, the young heiress of the Zhu Family who had been betrothed to him since childhood, had been completely abandoned by her own family. With her fiancé gone, the Zhu Family apparently saw no further benefit in supporting her, effectively leaving her to fend for herself.
Song Qing's hand clenched around the jade slip, crushing it into dust. 'Zhu Zhuqing… alone and helpless?' A wave of protectiveness washed over him. He hadn't heard from her since he had given her the jade slip, and she hadn't reached out for his help. But reading about her current predicament, he felt an undeniable urge to go to her. He couldn't just stand by while she suffered.
That very same day, Song Qing gathered Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan. "Rongrong, Sister Yan," he said, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a serious expression, "I need to go to the Star Luo Empire. Something important has come up, and I can't stay here any longer."
Both girls were visibly disappointed. Ning Rongrong's lower lip trembled slightly. "Leave already, Qing? But we were having so much fun!"
Dugu Yan's emerald eyes held a hint of concern. "Is everything alright, Little Qing? You seem worried."
Song Qing nodded, his gaze firm. "It's something I need to take care of. I'll try to come back as soon as I can." He accepted the small gifts they pressed into his hands, their expressions a mix of sadness and understanding.
He then turned to Ning Rongrong, his tone gentle but firm. "Rongrong, you need to practice harder, okay? Don't slack off just because I'm not here. I'll be very disappointed if you haven't grown stronger when I return." He knew that this little bit of pressure, coupled with her desire to impress him, would be more effective than any other encouragement.
With heartfelt goodbyes, Song Qing, accompanied by the ever-present but unseen Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo, set off towards the Star Luo Empire's Imperial City.
As they journeyed, the two Super Douluo couldn't help but wonder about their Holy Son's sudden urgency to travel to the Star Luo Empire, and particularly his interest in the Zhu Family. They had observed him reading reports about the Zhu Clan with intense focus.
Finally, Chrysanthemum Douluo, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, subtly inquired, "Holy Son, if I may ask, do you have acquaintances within the Star Luo Empire? Perhaps someone in this Zhu Family?"
Song Qing, who had anticipated their questions, responded casually, "Ah, yes, Elder Yue. It was about three years ago, when I was still at the orphanage. I remember one day, when I went out to play near the city outskirts, I happened to meet a young girl. She was the heiress of the Zhu Family, Zhu Zhuqing. She was very kind to me that day, even played with me for a while. We formed a sort of… special friendship, even though we were only children."
He continued, his voice tinged with a hint of concern, "Now that I've heard she's in a difficult situation because of the Star Luo Imperial Family and even her own family, I naturally can't just ignore it. I don't plan to let her be bullied."
His explanation, simple and seemingly heartfelt, satisfied both Super Douluo. They exchanged a knowing glance. Their Holy Son, despite his young age, possessed a remarkable sense of loyalty and compassion.
"We understand, Holy Son," Ghost Douluo said, his voice a low whisper. "However, we will still send a message to Her Holiness the Pope, explaining the situation. Just in case any unexpected incidents occur, she should be aware of your intentions."
Song Qing thought for a moment and then nodded. "That's fine. It's always better to keep Teacher informed."
The journey to the Star Luo Empire's Imperial City took nearly five to six days even with the speed of both Super Douluo.
~~
Upon reaching the imposing gates of the Star Luo Empire's Imperial City, Song Qing didn't immediately direct the Super Douluo towards the Zhu Family Mansion. He understood that a direct, unannounced visit, even from someone of his stature, would be considered impolite, if not outright disrespectful, in this politically charged environment.
"Elder Yue, Elder Gui," Song Qing said, his voice carrying a hint of authority despite his young age, "please escort me to the Spirit Hall branch here in the Imperial City."
The two Super Douluo nodded silently, their expressions impassive as they followed his lead. The Spirit Hall branch in the Star Luo Empire's capital was a grand affair, befitting the organization's influence. The deacon in charge, upon recognizing the Holy Son, was immediately thrown into a state of flustered reverence. He bowed so low it seemed his forehead might touch the ground.
"Your Holiness the Holy Son! This humble deacon greets you!" the deacon stammered, his voice filled with nervous excitement.
Song Qing waved a dismissive hand. "Rise. I need you to immediately send word to the Zhu Family Mansion. Inform them that I, Song Qing, the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, will be paying them a visit tomorrow."
The deacon's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't dare to question the Holy Son's command. "Yes, Your Holiness! It shall be done immediately!" He scurried off, his mind racing with the implications of this unexpected visit.
The Zhu Family held significant sway within the Star Luo Empire. As a Dukedom, their influence was second only to the Imperial Family, a position they had maintained for generations due to their close ties and the powerful Martial Spirit Fusion Skill between the Imperial Family's Evil Eyed White Tiger and their own Hell Spirit Cat.
When the Spirit Hall's deacon arrived at the Zhu Family Mansion and delivered the message, the news sent ripples of shock and apprehension throughout the household. Duke Zhu, Zhu Tianpeng, a man in his late fifties with a stern countenance and a powerful aura, personally received the deacon.
"The Holy Son of the Spirit Hall?" Duke Zhu repeated, his brow furrowed in surprise. "He wishes to visit our humble abode?"
The deacon bowed respectfully. "Indeed, Your Grace. His Holiness has requested to visit your family mansion tomorrow."
Despite their high standing in the Star Luo Empire, the Zhu Family knew they could not afford to ignore a visit from the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall. The Spirit Hall's power transcended national borders, and the Holy Son's status was practically unparalleled in the entire continent. To show anything less than utmost respect would be a grave mistake.
Duke Zhu immediately mobilized the entire household. Messengers were dispatched, orders were barked, and the Zhu Family Mansion was thrown into a frenzy of preparation. Every corner was to be cleaned, every decoration polished, and every detail meticulously arranged to ensure the Holy Son's visit would be met with the highest level of decorum.
'The Holy Son… why would he wish to visit us?' Duke Zhu pondered, his mind racing. He couldn't recall any significant interactions between their family and the Spirit Hall recently, certainly nothing that would warrant a personal visit from such an esteemed figure.
Meanwhile, in a secluded room within the Zhu Family Mansion, a small figure sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the courtyard below. Zhu Zhuqing, now barely eight years old, had overheard the hushed whispers of the servants preparing for a very important guest – the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall.
Her heart skipped a beat. 'The Holy Son… why would he be coming here?' A faint memory stirred within her, a fleeting image of a kind young boy with dark eyes who had helped her train in the private forests of their estate two years ago. That night, after a long conversation with her mother, Zhu Mengshan, she had learned that the boy was none other than Song Qing, the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall.
She reached under her pillow and carefully pulled out a small, intricately carved jade slip. Her fingers traced its smooth surface, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over her. 'He gave me this… told me to use it if I ever needed help.'
Tears welled up in her eyes and silently traced paths down her cheeks. The past two years had been incredibly difficult. Her elder sister, Zhu Zhuyun, and her arrogant fiancé, Dai Weisi, constantly belittled her, reminding her of her perceived weakness and inevitable failure in the future succession battle. And now, Dai Mubai, the one person she had hoped to grow stronger alongside, the one who was supposed to stand by her side against her sister and brother-in-law, had abandoned her, leaving her completely alone.
Her small heart ached with loneliness and despair. She had poured all her energy into cultivation, desperately trying to become strong enough to survive the brutal realities of her family. She didn't want to give up, not yet. She yearned to resist, to prove them all wrong, even though the odds seemed insurmountable.
Yet, despite her desperation, her fingers remained still on the jade slip. She hadn't dared to use it. Song Qing… he was the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall. Even at eight years old, he was rumored to be a Spirit Ancestor, his soul power at an astonishing Level 44. What right did she, a mere eight-year-old with no significant achievements to her name, have to ask for his assistance? She felt utterly unqualified, unworthy of his attention.
'Maybe… maybe I'll just keep this,' she thought, clutching the jade slip tightly. 'Just as a memory of that day… when he was kind to me, when he helped me.' She could still vividly recall his gentle encouragement and the way he had patiently guided her through her speed training. It felt like a lifetime ago.
The next day dawned bright and clear. The Zhu Family Mansion was a picture of perfect order, every surface gleaming, every servant moving with quiet efficiency. Duke Zhu, dressed in his finest attire, stood at the main entrance, his expression a carefully crafted mask of respectful anticipation.
Soon enough, a procession arrived, led by two figures whose auras radiated immense power – Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo. Behind them, surrounded by a contingent of Spirit Hall deacons, bishops, and even a few elders, was a small boy with striking dark eyes and an air of quiet confidence that belied his age. Song Qing had arrived.
Duke Zhu stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Holiness the Holy Son, Duke Zhu Tianpeng of the Zhu Family greets you. We are honored by your presence in our humble abode." His voice was respectful, yet he couldn't shake the underlying curiosity and slight unease that accompanied this unexpected visit. The Holy Son of the Spirit Hall had come to the Zhu Family Mansion. The question was, why?