Chapter 86: Setting Off Again, Heading to the Heaven Dou Empire
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Under the blazing sun, a carriage sped along a wide road. Inside the carriage sat a young man and woman who appeared to be siblings.
The young man had deep blue hair and wore a black cloth to cover his eyes. He was dressed in blue attire. The young woman, on the other hand, had flowing blue hair and wore a simple, elegant light blue dress. Her eyes were gentle and warm, though she occasionally frowned due to the bumpy ride.
"Big Sister A'Yin, I told you we didn't need to take a carriage. Look at us now—after a day and night of travel, I feel like I'm falling apart!" Lin Yongming complained helplessly.
"I just wanted to enjoy the scenery along the way. I didn't expect the road to the Heaven Dou Imperial City to be so rough."
"Besides, the journey is long. Even if you could fly, you wouldn't be able to sustain it for long," Blue Silver Empress replied, also looking uncomfortable.
"After a day and night of travel, we must have left the Balak Kingdom and entered the territory of the Silvers Kingdom, right?" Lin Yongming suddenly asked.
"We've already entered the Silvers Kingdom. I estimate we'll reach the royal city in two or three hours," Blue Silver Empress explained.
"Then let's stay in the Silvers Royal City for a couple of days before heading to Heaven Dou City. After that, we won't take a carriage—we'll fly directly," Lin Yongming suggested.
"Alright," Blue Silver Empress nodded in agreement. After all, their journey was meant to be a leisurely one.
After nearly a year of quiet cultivation in Thunderstorm Village, Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress had finally set out again, this time heading to the Heaven Dou Empire for further training.
The decision to go to the Heaven Dou Empire wasn't made on a whim. Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress had discussed it at length before deciding.
During this time, Bibi Dong hadn't returned to Thunderstorm Village, likely focusing on her training in the Spirit Hall after her defeat by Blue Silver Empress.
Of course, Lin Yongming, mindful of Blue Silver Empress's identity, didn't plan to go directly to Heaven Dou City. Instead, they would first stop at a small town on the edge of the Sunset Forest. Once Lin Yongming reached level 40 spirit power, they would search for immortal herbs in the Sunset Forest.
Going directly to Heaven Dou City would be too risky. While Title Douluo were rare, Spirit Douluo were more common, and there was a chance Blue Silver Empress's identity could be exposed. Lin Yongming didn't want to take that risk.
After several hours of travel, they arrived at the Silvers Royal City just before dusk. With their spirit master identification, they easily passed through the city gates.
"Master, we've decided to stay here for a few days. The journey has been exhausting, so you should rest early too," Lin Yongming said to the middle-aged carriage driver.
"Alright, it's up to you," the driver replied amiably, not causing any trouble for Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress.
After paying the fare, the driver led the carriage away, disappearing into the streets.
The Silvers Kingdom, like the Balak Kingdom, was a vassal state of the Heaven Dou Empire. Its royal city was just as bustling and lively.
"Finally, we can take a break! First, let's find a local restaurant and have a good meal before anything else," Blue Silver Empress said, looking around the streets with a relaxed expression.
"Alright, it's up to you," Lin Yongming replied with a smile.
"Let's go! I'm going to eat a lot!" Blue Silver Empress said, pulling Lin Yongming's arm.
"Eat a lot? Aren't you afraid of gaining weight?" Lin Yongming teased.
"So what if I do? I haven't eaten well these past two days in the carriage," Blue Silver Empress said, pouting.
With that, Blue Silver Empress led Lin Yongming toward the city center, constantly looking around as they walked.
Soon, she spotted a bustling restaurant and immediately stopped.
"That place looks popular. Let's try it," Blue Silver Empress said, practically drooling.
"Big Sister A'Yin, it's up to you. Order whatever you want, just don't waste food," Lin Yongming said indifferently.
"Let's go," Blue Silver Empress said, pulling Lin Yongming into the restaurant.
"Boss, two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and a soup—your specialties, for two people," Blue Silver Empress said directly to the counter.
"Got it! Please take a seat over there. Your food will be ready within half an hour."
Blue Silver Empress and Lin Yongming sat at an empty table. Blue Silver Empress looked out the window and said, "This is nice."
"Big Sister A'Yin, can you finish all that food?" Lin Yongming asked curiously.
"If I can't, there's you. Eat more. And stop calling me 'Big Sister A'Yin.' I've told you to just call me A'Yin," Blue Silver Empress corrected him.
"I'm just used to it," Lin Yongming said helplessly.
"Well, get used to calling me A'Yin. I feel like you're making me sound old," Blue Silver Empress complained.
"I don't think there's much difference," Lin Yongming said, feeling a bit exasperated.
"Just change it, okay?" Blue Silver Empress huffed.
"Alright, alright, A'Yin," Lin Yongming said, giving in. He couldn't understand her sudden insistence.
"That sounds much better. It's more intimate," Blue Silver Empress said with satisfaction.
"Fine, as long as you're happy," Lin Yongming nodded.
"By the way, why do you want to go to the Heaven Dou Empire instead of the Star Luo Empire?" Blue Silver Empress asked curiously.
"Well, I'm from the Balak Kingdom, which is part of the Heaven Dou Empire. Even if I wanted to go to the Star Luo Empire, I'd want to visit Heaven Dou City first."
"Besides, I'm at level 39 spirit power and could reach level 40 at any time. The Sunset Forest in the Heaven Dou Empire is a convenient place to obtain spirit rings," Lin Yongming explained.
Of course, the main reason was the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in the Sunset Forest. There was no such treasure in the Star Luo Empire.
"That makes sense," Blue Silver Empress nodded.
As they talked, their food arrived quickly.
"It smells amazing. No wonder this place is so popular. They've got something special here," Blue Silver Empress said, inhaling the aroma.
By now, the restaurant's first floor was completely full.
"Let's eat. You look like you're starving," Lin Yongming said.
"You're the one who's starving. I don't believe you're not hungry," Blue Silver Empress said, picking up her chopsticks and starting to eat.
"Come on, eat. It's delicious," Blue Silver Empress urged.
"Alright, alright."
Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress chatted as they ate. Within half an hour, they had finished all the dishes.
"Big Sister A'Yin, are you trying to kill me with food? You ordered so much but ate so little. Are you afraid of gaining weight?" Lin Yongming said, having reluctantly eaten two large bowls.
"Nonsense! I ordered this for you. Your mother said that when you're away from home, you should keep eating well to stay healthy. Besides, you're a spirit master. Your metabolism is fast—you'll burn it off quickly," Blue Silver Empress said with a sly smile.
"Burp..." Lin Yongming could only respond with a belch.
"Let's go. It's getting dark. Let's find a place to stay and then explore the area," Blue Silver Empress said, standing up after finishing her meal.
"Alright," Lin Yongming nodded.
However, before they could leave the table, there was a commotion from the staircase.
"Brother, what do you think? I didn't lie, did I? The food here is really good."
"Thank you for the treat, brother. It's truly delicious—a rare delicacy."
"Brother, now that we're full, let me take you to a good place to relax and digest."
"Sure."
Two young noblemen, accompanied by six attendants, came down the stairs and ran into Blue Silver Empress.
"Wow, brother, what a stunning beauty!"
"Where? Oh, indeed! She's a rare sight. If you like her, I'll have my men bring her over."
"Someone like her shouldn't be handled roughly."
With that, the two young men stepped forward, blocking Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress from reaching the counter to pay their bill.
"Miss, you're breathtaking. My name is Du Shaoqing. May I invite you to enjoy the night view of the royal city?" one of the young men said, his eyes gleaming with interest.
"Sorry, I'm not interested," Blue Silver Empress replied coldly, recognizing their intentions.
"Xiao Ming, let's go," Blue Silver Empress said, trying to lead Lin Yongming around them.
"Hold on! My friend Du here is the eldest son of an earl in the Heaven Dou Empire. If you follow him, you'll never have to worry about food or clothing again," the other young man said, stepping in their way.
"Brother Huo, you flatter me," Du Shaoqing said with a proud yet modest tone.
"Please step aside, or there will be consequences," Lin Yongming said coldly, shielding Blue Silver Empress.
"Oh, a blind man trying to play the hero? Guards, take him away. Don't let him ruin Brother Du's mood."
"Yes, Young Master!"
Lin Yongming knew this situation wouldn't end peacefully. Sensing the two guards approaching, he immediately summoned his Thunderblade Spirit and unleashed a wave of blade energy toward them.
The two guards reacted quickly, summoning their spirits and retreating a few steps.
"A blind man who's also a spirit master? All four of you, attack!" Huo Ge said angrily.
"Master Huo, please don't fight here. My shop can't handle the damage. I'll waive your bill if you take this outside," the restaurant owner pleaded, stepping forward.
"Shut up, old man! Do I look like I can't afford to pay? If anything gets broken, I'll compensate you," Huo Ge said, shoving the owner to the ground.
Blue Silver Empress used a Blue Silver Vine to help the owner up.
"Owner, how much do we owe?" Blue Silver Empress asked.
"Uh, nothing! Please, just leave!" the owner said helplessly.
"That won't do. Here," Blue Silver Empress said, handing the owner five gold spirit coins.
"Miss, this is too much!" the owner exclaimed.
"How dare you ignore us!" Huo Ge said angrily, gesturing for his four guards to attack.
"Owner, keep the money. Consider it compensation for any damage," Lin Yongming said, releasing his spirit rings. "First Spirit Skill, Thunderlight Slash!"
"Level 39 Spirit Elder!" The four guards were shocked. They were only Spirit Elders themselves.
They didn't dare underestimate Lin Yongming and immediately activated their defensive spirit skills.
"Young Master Du, what should we do?" Du Shaoqing's two guards asked.
"Both of you, attack," Du Shaoqing ordered.
"Yes!" The two guards released their spirits and spirit rings, revealing that they were Spirit Ancestors.
"Third Spirit Skill, Blue Silver Bind!" After helping the owner, Blue Silver Empress joined Lin Yongming, starting with her third spirit skill.
"Spirit Ancestors! This..." The guards realized that Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress were no ordinary spirit masters.
"Damn it!" Du Shaoqing's face darkened. He hadn't expected to run into such strong opponents.
"Xiao Ming, let's not waste time with them. Let's go," Blue Silver Empress said, pulling Lin Yongming toward the door.
"Alright, but... Asura Thunder Slash!" Lin Yongming wasn't about to let the two young men off easily. He gathered his spirit power and launched a powerful attack.
"Protect the young masters!" The guards quickly activated their spirit skills to block Lin Yongming's attack.
"Let's go!" Blue Silver Empress pulled Lin Yongming out of the restaurant, and the two disappeared into the night.
Once Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress were gone, the effects of Blue Silver Bind wore off.
"Xiao Ming, we could have just left. Why did you attack them? What if their family elders show up? That would be trouble," Blue Silver Empress said, standing in an alley.
"They disrespected you, and that made me angry," Lin Yongming said, pouting.
"Alright, since you were protecting me, I'll let it slide," Blue Silver Empress said, her cheeks turning slightly red before she composed herself.
"Let's not dwell on it. They probably won't catch up to us. Let's find a place to stay first," Blue Silver Empress said, shaking Lin Yongming's arm.
"Alright," Lin Yongming nodded reluctantly.
Lin Yongming knew that with Blue Silver Empress's age and appearance, encounters with arrogant noble youths would be unavoidable in the kingdoms and empires.
The only way to deal with such situations was to become stronger.
Blue Silver Empress led Lin Yongming through several streets, putting distance between them and the restaurant. They eventually found a decently sized hotel.
"Welcome! Are you here to stay?" a waiter greeted them as they entered the lobby.
"Yes, do you have a double room?" Blue Silver Empress asked.
"We do. Please follow me. You can see the room first, and if you're satisfied, we'll complete the paperwork," the waiter said with a smile.
"Alright."
The waiter led Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress upstairs and unlocked a room.
"Feel free to look around. The room was cleaned just this afternoon."
Blue Silver Empress glanced around and then asked Lin Yongming, "Xiao Ming, does this look good? Should we stay here tonight?"
"A'Yin, it's up to you," Lin Yongming said, having already inspected the room with his mind's eye and found nothing amiss.
"Then let's stay here," Blue Silver Empress nodded.
After deciding, they went back downstairs to pay.
Once back in the room, they closed the door and sat on the soft sofa.
"Xiao Ming, are you still upset?" Blue Silver Empress suddenly asked.
"A little. How can people just try to take someone away in broad daylight?" Lin Yongming said, pretending not to understand.
"Sigh... This is one of the reasons I don't like coming to big cities. These noble youths are almost always trouble. They're so annoying," Blue Silver Empress said, equally frustrated.
"It's because you're too beautiful, kind, and gentle, Big Sister A'Yin," Lin Yongming said.
"Of course! I'm naturally stunning. But... do you think I'm beautiful?" Blue Silver Empress asked, tilting her head.
"Uh, you're asking the wrong person. But I'm sure you're very beautiful," Lin Yongming said, complimenting her.
"Do you want to see?" Blue Silver Empress leaned closer.
"Uh..." Lin Yongming was at a loss for words.
"If you want to see, then hurry up and heal your eyes. I wonder if we'll ever find another Star-Eyed Grass to treat your eyes," Blue Silver Empress sighed.
She often wished Lin Yongming could open his eyes and see her.
"A'Yin, it'll happen. My eyes will heal one day," Lin Yongming said solemnly.
"Don't pressure yourself. Actually, things are fine as they are. But thank you for protecting me earlier," Blue Silver Empress said, gently touching Lin Yongming's face.
"A'Yin, I'm a man. It's my duty to protect you," Lin Yongming said seriously.
"What man? You're just a little kid," Blue Silver Empress said, rolling her eyes.
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. I haven't bathed in two days, and I feel gross. Let's clean up and rest."
"Alright," Lin Yongming nodded.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 135 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 180 power stones I will publish the next chapter.