After emerging from Hell Road, both Chen Junting and Gu Tianchen had gained something—but not the same thing.
Compared to Chen Junting, Gu Tianchen did not receive the Killing God Domain. According to him, it was because his own killing intent was insufficient, preventing the domain from properly forming.
But "not forming" didn't mean "nonexistent."
From Chen Junting's perception, Gu Tianchen's current state resembled his own before the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament—when his Seven Kill Sword Intent hadn't yet evolved into a true domain. It could influence the surroundings, but lacked tangible amplifying or weakening effects. With the right catalyst—such as accumulating more killing intent through battle—the Killing God Domain could still fully manifest.
Alternatively, Gu Tianchen could refine this embryonic domain through personal insight, shaping it into something entirely new.
But that second path was undeniably far more difficult.
Predictably, Gu Tianchen chose the harder route—aiming to forge a domain that truly suited himself.
...
Nighttime, Mingdu.
As the capital of the Sun Moon Empire—also known as Sun Moon City—it served as the empire's political and economic heart. Its sheer scale, grand architecture, and dazzling nightscapes far surpassed any city in any other empire.
Anyone who had never seen Mingdu would be utterly awestruck at first sight.
"I've traveled far and wide," Gu Tianchen said, gazing at the metropolis—more splendid even than Nine Treasure City—its endless expanse bathed in radiant light, millions of lanterns blazing so brightly they nearly rivaled the stars above. "But I still feel like a country bumpkin stepping into the big city—never seen anything this grand!"
It had been a full two years since Chen Junting and Gu Tianchen left home to wander the land.
In that time, they'd crossed mountains and rivers, visited all four great empires, and explored ancient divine ruins—gathering far more than just trivial gains.
For instance, inspired by the natural patterns of landscapes, Chen Junting had begun crafting original soul skills. He'd also deepened his understanding of "Intent"-based cultivation, gaining fresh insights and breakthroughs.
Now, after two years of journeying, they'd arrived at their final destination: Mingdu.
Meanwhile…
"They really are confident, this Sun Moon Empire," Gu Tianchen remarked out of the blue.
Chen Junting raised an eyebrow but didn't sound surprised. "Oh? How so?"
"Look—" Gu Tianchen jerked his chin toward the distance.
The clearest proof was right there: Mingdu had no towering defensive walls.
"They must think no one would ever dare attack this place."
"Is that so?"
Chen Junting offered no direct comment—but added his own observation, tapping the solid ground beneath his feet. "Perhaps beneath this city, they've buried countless high-grade soul engineering devices."
"Tch—Sun Moon Empire really is loaded."
It was the first time Gu Tianchen had voiced such awe since joining the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Money aside…"
Chen Junting tossed a gold coin to a nearby shopkeeper and bought a copy of the "Mingdu Traveler's Guide." Flipping through it, he began searching for the nearest hotel—time to rest and recover.
"Old Gu, right now, nothing matters more than food."
Hearing that, Gu Tianchen immediately leaned in.
"Find a good place?"
"Mm-hmm."
After a hearty meal and a sound night's sleep…
The next morning—
"Old Chen, look—who's that?!"
The moment they stepped out of the hotel, Gu Tianchen's sharp eyes spotted a striking figure near an ice cream stand not far away. Her long,粉-blue hair was exceptionally rare—unmistakable at a glance.
Instantly, they recognized her.
"Wang Dong…'er?"
"Hm?"
At the sound of her name, Wang Dong'er—who'd been indecisively eyeing ice cream flavors—turned instinctively toward the voice.
"Brother Junting! Brother Gu!"
Delight lit up her face. She abandoned her ice cream dilemma and hurried over. "Brother Junting, what are you doing in Mingdu?"
"Because Mingdu—and the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy—is the final stop on our two-year journey."
"And," Chen Junting added with a playful smirk, "shouldn't I be the one asking you that? And back in your true form again… Hmm? Missing Yuhao after nearly three years?"
"Mm…"
Wang Dong'er didn't deny it—but her reply was so soft it sounded like a mosquito's buzz. Had they not been Soul Emperors with exceptional hearing, they might've missed it entirely.
Seeing their amused expressions, Wang Dong'er flushed crimson and pouted. "You're laughing at me?! Well—Brother Junting, don't you miss Sister Xiao Tian?"
"Of course I do," Chen Junting said gently—seeing her about to combust with embarrassment, he swiftly changed the subject. "Have you eaten breakfast yet?"
Noticing Wang Dong'er's eagerness to reunite with her "husband," Chen Junting and Gu Tianchen didn't linger in Mingdu. After asking a passerby for directions, they set off straight for the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy.
Along the way, Wang Dong'er chattered nonstop—mostly about Huo Yuhao.
Once she'd gushed enough, she turned curious. "So… what fun things happened during your two-year journey?"
Chen Junting didn't hide much—though he glossed over anything involving gods with vague, poetic phrasing.
"That sounds amazing!" Wang Dong'er's eyes sparkled with envy. "Now I want to travel the continent too!"
"You could take this holiday to explore the Sun Moon Empire with Yuhao—have some quality time together," Chen Junting suggested.
Wang Dong'er looked tempted—but her excitement quickly gave way to shyness and tension.
"I'd love to… but not this holiday." She blushed, though her voice brimmed with joy. "I'm taking Yuhao to meet my family—my Dad and Second Father want to see him."
"Meeting the parents already?"
"Of course!" She crossed her arms, indignant. "They're worried I'll get hurt by some man—but I'll show them just how wonderful Yuhao is!"
"Oh, by the way—" She suddenly changed tone. "Brother Junting, I don't really understand why, but my Dad and Second Father said… if you're free, they'd like me to invite you to visit our home."
"Me?"
Chen Junting paused mid-step—but recovered instantly. He chuckled, half-teasing himself: "The two Patriarchs of the Hao Tian Sect have even heard of this nobody?"
"Pfft! If you're a nobody, what does that make us?" Wang Dong'er waved a hand dismissively, then frowned in confusion. "But I am puzzled. Besides mentioning you briefly each holiday, the only time I really talked about you was… about spirit souls. Could that be why they want to meet you?"
"Maybe."
Chen Junting offered no further comment.
Before Wang Dong'er could press him—asking whether he'd join them during the holiday—the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy came into view before them.
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