Long Xiaoyao ignored Jiang Qingtong's refusals and strode ahead, glancing over his shoulder without a word—clearly confident she would follow.
Seeing his certainty, Jiang Qingtong didn't hesitate—she raised her right hand and activated "Old Moon," ready to vanish.
The gems on the talisman dimmed, a subtle spatial ripple emerged… then abruptly faded. She remained rooted to the spot.
It failed? surprised, Jiang Qingtong stared at her talisman.
Ahead, Long Xiaoyao had gone some distance. His back to her, he called over his shoulder, "Young lady, keep up—don't fall behind."
Hearing his voice, Jiang Qingtong cracked a bitter smile and shook her head inwardly. Attempting to escape a true Chthonic Douluo's suppression of her talisman? Foolish. Even without a space Ao, Long Xiaoyao clearly dampened her "Old Moon" device.
She sighed silently and accepted her fate, following Long Xiaoyao's lead.
She comforted herself: at least it was Long Xiaoyao rather than Ye Xishui. If it'd been Ye Xishui, she'd be scooped up without ceremony—dragged off like a frightened chick.
They soon arrived at a small street-side eatery. Long Xiaoyao gestured, "What would you like?"
Jiang Qingtong blinked, unsure: "You're treating me?"
He nodded. "Of course. I never lie."
Still skeptical, she chose a few pastries. Seeing her orders, he told the server to prepare extra for herself.
They sat opposite each other. Jiang Qingtong nibbled at the pastries; Long Xiaoyao tried a bite, then chuckled, "Every now and then, a sweet treat makes me feel young again."
Taking a deep breath, she met his gaze. "Sir, we're past pleasantries. You're a senior—why antagonize me?"
Long Xiaoyao remained smiling. "I mean no ill will. I'm treating you simply to thank you for helping me."
"Really?" she asked.
He replied, "Truly. And why did I stop you from using Old Moon? Because…" He fixed her with a steady look. "No one crosses me under my watch."
The air of authority made her fall silent. She continued eating.
She finished quickly. Jiang Qingtong pushed the plate forward: "That's it. Do what you will."
Long Xiaoyao shook his head. "I told you—it's gratitude, not a trap. No need for that look. We're done? Then let's go."
"Go… you go? Me? Are you taking me?" she asked, frowning.
He stroked his beard. "You're cautious, good. But I have other things to attend to. I shan't walk with you."
With that, he left the shop.
Jiang Qingtong stared in disbelief. He just… left? Did he really only want to scare her?
No way a Limit Douluo like him traveled all the way here just to spook a teenage girl. Something's off.
Deciding not to linger, she darted off before he could regret it.
—
After leaving Jiang Qingtong, Long Xiaoyao approached a stern woman in gray robes—Ye Xishui.
The two powerful Limit Douluo had come to the capital for the same reason: they'd learned from Xu Tianran about Jiang Shengyu and Jiang Qingtong's talents. Realizing both siblings possessed multiple level-9 Soul Power Artifacts, Ye Xishui had planned to lead the mission—until Long Xiaoyao stepped in.
"You let her go? Why? Our mission was to bring her in," Ye Xishui said coldly.
Long Xiaoyao replied softly, "She's destined to become a Limit Douluo. If she were forced into the Holy Spirit Sect, it'd be catastrophic."
Ye Xishui snorted. "I am a Douluo of the Holy Spirit Sect, and so are you."
He sighed and produced a piece of pastry. "She picked this. Funny—your tastes match hers."
Ye Xishui glanced at it dismissively. "That's food for children a century ago." She turned and flew toward the Jiang siblings' residence. "Xiaoyao!"
Long Xiaoyao blocked her path. "Let them be. The Sect has plenty of others. Neither sibling is suited to darkness."
Ye Xishui asked, "Are you still in contact with Mu En?"
Long Xiaoyao's expression faltered. Ye Xishui sneered: "If they join the Holy Spirit Sect, they're bonded for life as Soul Devils. No changing that—you know it, Xiaoyao."
He nodded with sorrow: "I know."
"They'll remain targets—my son won't leave them be."
With that, she left silently and soared out of the city—soaring beyond detection.
Long Xiaoyao watched her go, exhaled, and then followed.
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