Spirit City – City Gate
At dusk, the sky blazed with gold and crimson, interwoven with violet-gray twilight, casting a solemn, mysterious glow over Spirit City's majestic silhouette.
A modest carriage, drawn by two pure black stallions, rolled to a halt outside the city's eastern gate.
Unremarkable at first glance—but any soul master with keen perception would sense the faint yet unyielding barrier of soul power surrounding it—a technique only a Douluo could weave.
The curtain parted, revealing a slender, pale hand with elegant knuckles.
Qian Renxue's gaze swept past the window, settling on the familiar city before her.
The walls still soared high; silver-armored guards gleamed coldly in the sunset; pedestrians and carriages flowed in orderly streams. Everything seemed unchanged from when she'd left.
'I'm back, Dai Chengfeng…' she thought silently.
"Young Master, we've arrived," came Porcupinefish Douluo's low, respectful voice from outside.
Qian Renxue steadied herself, pushing aside her tangled thoughts.
She wore simple goose-yellow robes today, her long hair loosely pinned with an unadorned jade hairpin. Gone was the rigid dignity required of "Xue Qinghe"; in its place bloomed the soft grace fitting her age—yet her violet-gold eyes, deepened by experience and sharp with occasional glints of steel, set her apart.
"Mm." Her reply was calm.
Porcupinefish Douluo asked cautiously, "Shall I inform Her Holiness of your return?"
"No need." Qian Renxue answered swiftly, almost reflexively. "Don't disturb anyone. I'm merely… visiting. First, I'll see Grandfather. Afterward, I'll go to the Supreme Pontiff's Palace alone."
"Understood." Porcupinefish Douluo asked no further questions, signaling the driver to enter the city.
The carriage wheels rumbled over the stone road, merging into Spirit City's evening haze and street clamor.
Qian Renxue didn't lift the curtain again. She sat quietly inside, listening to the city's familiar symphony—the hawkers' final calls, mothers' soft summons to children, distant tavern laughter, and the rhythmic march of patrol knights.
These sounds wove threads of childhood memory…
Back then, she hadn't needed to play another role. She could be carefree under her grandfather's protection, beneath the vast skies of the Spirit Hall, indulging in youthful whims.
The carriage climbed upward, leaving the bustling districts behind, entering the quieter, more solemn precincts at the foot of Spirit Hall Mountain.
Traffic thinned. Ancient trees and tall walls lined the road.
When the carriage finally stopped before a white hall—modest in scale yet radiating sacred authority—the last sliver of twilight vanished.
The Hall of Offerings.
Qian Renxue stepped down alone, standing beneath the familiar six-winged angel statue. She gazed up at it for a long moment.
Moonlight bathed the marble in silver—a vision of purity and peace.
"Since you're here, why not come in?"
A gentle, resonant voice drifted from the doorway.
Qian Renxue turned. Her grandfather Qian Daoliu stood on the veranda, hands clasped behind his back, smiling warmly. Unmasked joy and affection shone in his eyes.
"Grandfather."
Qian Renxue hurried forward, a genuine smile gracing her lips.
Only before him could she shed all pretense and simply be Qian Renxue.
Qian Daoliu studied her carefully, brushing her hair with a tender hand. "You've grown thinner… but more composed. The outside world… has been hard on you."
"Not hard at all."
She shook her head, linking her arm with his as they walked inside.
"What brings you back?" he asked.
"I missed you. Wanted to see how you are."
Soon, they entered a quiet tea room within the Hall of Offerings.
Simple, antique furnishings filled the space. Calming incense curled in the air.
Qian Renxue poured tea for her grandfather.
"Just to see this old man?"
Qian Daoliu took the cup, sipping slowly. His gaze, gentle yet piercing, settled on her face. "I doubt that."
"Xiao Xue, I can still read your heart."
Her fingers stilled. She lowered her eyes to the emerald tea, offering no denial.
"For young Chengfeng?" Qian Daoliu laid it bare.
Caught, Qian Renxue's cheeks warmed—but she didn't rush to deny it.
After a pause, she whispered, "Is he… well?"
"He's thriving." Qian Daoliu set down his cup, voice steady. "His strength grows rapidly. His influence in the Hall deepens daily. He's now one of the Supreme Pontiff's most trusted aides."
"The Supreme Pontiff… trusts him deeply?" Qian Renxue's voice grew softer.
Qian Daoliu watched his granddaughter's profile, sighing inwardly. "He was brought here and raised by the Supreme Pontiff herself. Their bond is… exceptional."
"Moreover, his talent is undeniable. Many thorny matters are entrusted to him."
Silence settled, broken only by the incense's wispy trails.
Qian Renxue cradled her warm cup, fingertips tracing the smooth porcelain.
"Grandfather," she lifted her violet-gold eyes, candlelight dancing in their depths, emotions carefully veiled, "I'm only… visiting. To see you. And… old friends. I won't stay long."
Qian Daoliu studied her deeply, then nodded. "You've always known your path. I won't meddle."
"But Xiao Xue—while following your heart is vital, remember to protect yourself. Don't force what isn't meant to be."
"If the Tian Dou Empire becomes unbearable… come home."
"I'll remember." Qian Renxue drained her cooled tea and rose. "Grandfather, I'd like… to walk to the Supreme Pontiff's Palace."
"Now?"
"Yes. Now."
Qian Daoliu didn't stop her. "Go."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
Outside, the night wind cooled her flushed cheeks, calming her restless thoughts.
She declined attendants, walking alone up the winding stone steps toward the Supreme Pontiff's Palace.
Moonlight stretched her shadow long and thin.
Ancient trees rustled beside the path; night birds called softly.
She'd walked this road since childhood—could count every step blindfolded. Yet tonight, each step felt endless. Her heartbeat quickened as the palace drew near.
How will she react when she sees me?
Surprise? Joy? Or… distant courtesy?
She imagined every possibility—but her feet never slowed.
At last, the Supreme Pontiff's Palace loomed ahead, its lights blazing like a fortress of light perched on the mountain's peak.
The plaza before it lay empty, quiet save for the synchronized tread of Temple Knights. Their armor clinked softly as they passed.
They froze at the sight of Qian Renxue, bowing deeply without a word—maintaining the night's solemn hush.
She gave a slight nod, then ascended the white jade steps toward the sealed golden doors.
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read a completed exclusive novel (Over 250 Chapters) + get up to 30 Chapters ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)