Traveling TogetherHu Liena jumped off the flying spirit beast with a joyful leap and walked over gracefully. Looking at Dai Yao, who was lounging comfortably in the recliner, she smiled and said:
"Dai Yao, I'm here again."
Dai Yao lowered the ancient book in his hand, revealing a pair of golden pupils. He glanced at Hu Liena, then moved the book back up, pretending to be intently studying it. As he turned the pages, he said:
"Yes, the training ground has been prepared for you. Go and train on your own."
Seeing Dai Yao's obvious reluctance to stay by her side, Hu Liena scoffed inwardly. But didn't this just prove that her recent offensive had been effective?
This was a long tug-of-war. She was not in a hurry to reveal Dai Yao's identity. Instead, she was deeply engrossed in the behavior of constantly tempting Dai Yao and making him retreat.
Immediately, led by Dai Yao's maid Lu Si, she arrived at the cultivation place that Dai Yao had prepared for her.
It was the pavilion next to the wooden house.
Because ordinary martial soul masters experience a significant boost in cultivation speed when around Dai Yao, Hu Liena decided to try it out after learning this. She was astonished to discover that the increase was terrifying.
Of course, what she valued most was not the boost to her cultivation, but being able to stay by Dai Yao's side.
She sat upright on the mat, quickly entering a meditative state. The energy factors in the surrounding air swirled and rapidly flowed into Hu Liena's body. Her soul power began to slowly increase at a visible rate.
Time flies.
As the sun began to set, just as afternoon arrived, Hu Liena finished her cultivation session. She slowly rose, walked to Dai Yao's side, and exclaimed in surprise:
"Dai Yao, I never expected that my cultivation speed would improve so much by being by your side. No wonder you are a few years younger than me, but your soul power has surpassed mine."
Dai Yao covered his face with the ancient book and said calmly:
"Hmm, that's possible. Now that you've finished your cultivation, you should go back first. I'll prepare the things you need for cultivation tomorrow."
Dai Yao doesn't want to have anything to do with Hu Liena right now and hopes that Hu Liena can go back as soon as possible.
"You smelly, hard rock, I refuse to believe I can't handle you."
Hu Liena gritted her teeth, took a deep breath, and then smiled gently. She knelt down beside Dai Yao, resting her hands on the armrests of the recliner, and looked at the contents of the ancient book in Dai Yao's hands. She asked softly:
"Dai Yao, is this book really that good? Am I really that insignificant compared to this book?"
The sudden sound startled Dai Yao.
Turning his head slightly, he saw Hu Liena's beautiful face so close to his own, her flawless features, her high and straight nose, and especially her eyes that were full of affection yet also carried a hint of sorrow. As his heart pounded, he quickly shrank back and moved away from Hu Liena.
"Do you hate me that much?"
Seeing Dai Yao's fearful reaction, Hu Liena lowered her eyes, bit her thin lips, and said with tears welling up in her eyes.
Dai Yao sighed helplessly, "Nana, stop pretending. You've done this trick too many times; it's outdated!"
Hu Liena chuckled softly; her earlier tearful appearance seemed like an illusion. She leaned forward, her full breasts pressing closer to Dai Yao, and asked with a smile:
"Then tell me, do you hate me?"
Dai Yao closed the ancient book and said helplessly:
"You are a holy maiden, an unmarried woman, who has come to me alone time and time again. I wonder how many people are secretly gossiping and speculating about our relationship. As the saying goes, men and women should not touch each other. Even if we have a good relationship, we should still pay attention to distance and boundaries. Your behavior is bound to cause misunderstandings."
Hu Liena laughed and said, "You're overthinking it. It's normal for us, the most talented young people in the Spirit Hall, to be close. Besides, I'm a girl and I don't care, so why are you so concerned? Are you that afraid of being associated with me?"
"Am I some kind of monster or monster?"
Dai Yao remained lying on the recliner, looked up at the sky, and sighed heavily.
"Yes, yes, you're right."
Hu Liena stood up. Dai Yao glanced at her casually and could see the devilish curves of her body, making it hard to resist. Hu Liena smoothed a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled:
"By the way, Dai Yao, today is the Spirit Hall's Soul Master Festival. You've been with the Spirit Hall for five years, and it seems you've never participated before?"
"Soul Master Festival, what is that?"
Dai Yao asked.
In the original novel, Tang San is constantly focused on cultivation and adventure, without any description of the humanistic aspects of the Douluo Continent. Therefore, he is quite curious about the festival named after Soul Masters.
Hu Liena covered her mouth and chuckled, saying:
"You really don't know, but in ancient legends, a powerful soul beast, a dragon, attacked our human territory. At that time, all humans were just ordinary people and had not awakened their martial souls, so humans were wantonly bullied by that dragon. Finally, after countless years, a human suddenly appeared, awakened his martial soul, and finally defeated that dragon, saving humanity from its clutches."
"Therefore, to commemorate the achievements of that great human, the day he defeated the evil dragon was named Soul Master Day. It was because of him that the path of Soul Master was opened up."
At this point, a tenderness that could melt any steel flashed across Hu Liena's eyes, and she said softly:
"Dai Yao, although we are Soul Masters, cultivation is not our whole life. I understand that you are carrying a heavy burden, but you must believe that once you join the Spirit Hall, we will definitely help you. Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by it."
Hu Liena was clearly referring to the blood feud that Dai Yao carried, but the more Hu Liena spoke of it, the more guilty Dai Yao felt. He couldn't bear this deep affection.
He avoided Hu Liena's gaze, not daring to look at her.
Hu Liena smiled and said:
"Dai Yao, how about we go check out the Soul Master Festival together?"
Dai Yao was somewhat tempted, but the images of Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong kept flashing through his mind.
These two women were disciples of two Title Douluo, holding noble statuses and residing in Spirit City year-round. During the Spirit Master Festival, the entire city of Spirit City was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers; therefore, they must have been familiar with this festival.
However, during these five years, I was either cultivating or traveling, and I had no time to spend with them at all.
He could imagine how lonely and isolated the two women must feel when they saw their peers, friends, and lovers gathered together during the bustling Soul Master Festival, while they were all alone in the quiet of the night.
Immediately, a deep sense of guilt welled up in his heart.
He refused:
"I'm sorry, Nana, you reminded me that in the five years I've been at the Spirit Hall, I've never taken Zhu Qing and Wu Tong to explore Spirit City. So I'm sorry, I'd like to take them there after they come back."
Upon hearing this, Hu Liena was taken aback, then her expression became somewhat complicated. She bit her lip lightly, and after a moment, she smiled and said:
"That makes sense, but I think you should come with me first. How many times have you been to Wuhun City over the years? Since you want to take Sister Zhuqing and Sister Wutong out for a stroll, you should at least familiarize yourself with Wuhun City first."
"this······"
Dai Yao hesitated. Although Hu Liena's words made sense, he didn't want to go with her. He always felt a little uncomfortable with Hu Liena around.
Seeing Dai Yao hesitate, Hu Liena said with dissatisfaction:
"Dai Yao, do you still consider me a friend? If we are friends, what's wrong with going shopping together?"
"They're starting to use moral blackmail again," Dai Yao thought helplessly.
Shopping is fine, but it's problematic when it's just the two of them alone!
But Hu Liena pressed him relentlessly, as if she wouldn't give up until he agreed, leaving Dai Yao helplessly saying:
"Alright, I'll accompany you around the Soul Master Festival for a while first, and then we'll pick up Zhu Qing and Wu Tong. The evening is the most lively time of the Soul Master Festival."
Hearing Dai Yao's words, Hu Liena felt a pang of sadness, but her face remained cheerful as she said:
"That's more like it! Let's go, it's only afternoon, let's set off right away!"
Hu Liena mounted her flying magical beast, and Dai Yao summoned his Sacred White Tiger Martial Soul. With a flap of his wings, he caught up with Hu Liena's speed.
A quarter of an hour later, the two slowly landed in front of Wuhun City. Since flying was prohibited in Wuhun City, they landed at the city gate.
Dai Yao glanced at the guards at the entrance of Wuhun City. As expected of a festival celebrated throughout the entire continent, even these usually serious guards were wearing festive red ribbons on their chests.
Hu Liena presented the Saintess Token, and under the respectful gazes of the guards, Hu Liena and Dai Yao slowly walked into Wuhun City.
As you walk through the long corridor and take your first step into Wuhun City, a wave of celebration washes over you.
Everywhere was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and red ribbons hung from the eaves of the wooden buildings. The windows were covered with festive stickers, and the whole city was bathed in a sea of red.
Couples and groups of people, dressed in all sorts of colorful clothes, passed by Dai Yao and Hu Liena, their laughter ringing out. Along the streets, vendors set up stalls everywhere, selling snacks, paintings, and even sky lanterns from the Yelin City Lantern Festival.
The sounds of tourists haggling with merchants filled the air.
"Come on, let me show you around."
Hu Liena turned around and smiled at Dai Yao.
The lively atmosphere filled Dai Yao with joy. He nodded to Hu Liena, and the two strolled side by side through the bustling streets.
There were just too many tourists, and not much space on the street. Before they knew it, the two were walking side by side. Especially when watching the activities that the crowds were watching, the two even made some intimate physical contact.
At these moments, Hu Liena would involuntarily lower her head shyly, then pretend nothing was wrong. Dai Yao was beginning to regret accepting Hu Liena's invitation.
"Your Highness!"
Just as the two were watching a Soul Master performing acrobatics with the others, a young man looked at Hu Liena excitedly and said...
In an instant, the once bustling crowd fell silent, and everyone couldn't help but look in Hu Liena's direction. In the sea of people on the street, Hu Liena's face was so dazzling, like a spotlight, drawing everyone's attention.
Hu Liena, who was having a lively conversation with Dai Yao, instantly lost her smile, looked at the young man who had called her, and responded indifferently.
However, her presence diminished the lively atmosphere around them considerably. No one, regardless of who they were, would find it difficult to remain calm in the presence of someone who was very likely the future Pope of the Spirit Hall.
After her identity was revealed, Hu Liena lost all the innocence of a normal girl, and what remained was an extremely rational saintess.
She glanced at the onlookers around her and noticed a hint of awe involuntarily appearing on their faces. Hu Liena sighed and smiled:
"Welcome everyone to Wuhun City. I hope you have a great time."
Dai Yao could sense that Hu Liena's smile had lost its sincerity.
Let's go.
After saying this, Hu Liena took Dai Yao's hand and walked out of the crowd. After Hu Liena disappeared, the gathered crowd gradually returned to its previous lively atmosphere.
"Your Highness, who is he?"
After Hu Liena led Dai Yao a short distance, the young man who had just revealed Hu Liena's identity quickly caught up and looked at Dai Yao with hostility.
He was a genius of the Spirit Hall's menopausal generation. In their hearts, the Golden Generation, as well as Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong, were their role models. As for Dai Yao, although he was rumored to be invincible, he hid in the valley for many years, so they did not know what he looked like.
They even had some doubts about Dai Yao's strength.
Seeing their idol walking with a stranger, their relationship was quite obvious. The fact that Hu Liena could win her heart naturally made these boys, who regarded Hu Liena, Zhu Zhuqing, and Feng Wutong as goddesses, extremely jealous.
Hu Liena glanced coldly at the boy, a red glint flashing in her eyes, making no attempt to conceal her killing intent, and said in a cold voice:
"This is none of your business."
Then, he pulled Dai Yao away.
The young man stood frozen, trembling, the murderous intent making him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave. He gritted his teeth, turning to look at Hu Liena's retreating figure, pulling Dai Yao away, his gaze darkening.
"Your Highness, how can you do this to Yan-ge's devoted love? No, I must tell Yan-ge."
A sense of mission welled up within him, and he immediately ran towards the direction of the Papal Palace, weaving through the bustling crowd.
They traveled swiftly, but the two could no longer pretend to be ordinary people during the Soul Master Festival. The Soul Master world was a festival for everyone; commoners strolled the streets, while those of high status booked rooms on the most bustling streets to gather with a few close friends.
The two would occasionally run into people who knew Hu Liena.
Having finally shaken off one group of people, another group swarmed around them, showering Hu Liena with compliments. They finally reached a secluded stone bridge, where the flies were no longer around them.
"What a nuisance. I finally have a chance to visit the Soul Master Festival, and so many people recognize me. Can't people even enjoy the festival? Dai Yao, if we're going to go out, we should wear masks."
Hu Liena said with some dissatisfaction.
Dai Yao nodded, looking at the bustling street in the distance, and couldn't help but say, "But we don't seem to have seen any shops selling masks along the way."
"Let's keep going, maybe it'll be up ahead!"
Hu Liena smiled slyly, grabbed Dai Yao's hand, and after walking a few dozen steps, they found a mask vendor in a sparsely populated area.
"What a coincidence?"
Looking at the mask shop that appeared immediately after he mentioned it, Dai Yao blurted out.
"What a coincidence! Let's go, we can buy a few masks. That way we won't be recognized when we're shopping later."
Hu Liena smiled.
This was the shop she arranged; otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence? Back then, Dai Yao had harshly rejected her while wearing a mask, so she prepared several extra masks for him. She really wanted to see what expression Dai Yao would have when he wore the mask in front of her!
"I'd like to see how you're going to put on an act later!"
Hu Liena chuckled to herself.
"Boss, how much are these masks?"
The two arrived at the mask stall, and Hu Liena asked questions while selecting masks.
The shop owner, an ordinary middle-aged man, had a glint of shrewdness in his eyes when he saw Hu Liena. He glanced at Dai Yao, then said with a smile:
"Esteemed guest, each mask costs one silver soul coin. We have different kinds of masks here, such as various martial souls, foxes, tigers, cats, dogs and so on."
Hu Liena's eyes lit up, and she said in a sweet voice:
"Boss, give me a fox mask and a tiger mask."
"Okay."
The shopkeeper responded and then took down two masks from the hanging array: one was a fox mask that covered the upper half of the face, leaving only the mouth exposed; the other was a tiger mask that completely covered the face.
Hu Liena readily paid two silver soul coins, turned around, and smiled at Dai Yao, saying:
"Dai Yao, let me put this on you."
Dai Yao stared blankly at the mask in front of him, reaching out to stop Hu Liena's movement. He looked at the mask with complicated emotions, remaining silent.
After a long pause, he finally managed to raise his head, staring at the innocent-looking Hu Liena, and slowly said:
"Nana, do you know something?"
Hu Liena looked puzzled: "What do I know?"
Dai Yao carefully studied Hu Liena's expression, trying to discern any subtle changes in her face to determine if she was lying. However, he ultimately found nothing. He sighed heavily.
"It seems you really don't know."
Dai Yao had a premonition that Hu Liena already knew his identity, but was just pretending not to know him.
However, he did not notice any flaws in Hu Liena's expression, which means that Hu Liena was probably not lying.
Even if Hu Liena didn't know, he was determined that when he returned this time, he had to make things clear to Bibi Dong that he could no longer allow Hu Liena to go to his valley. Otherwise, he would have no choice but to leave Wuhun City temporarily to avoid trouble.
Seeing the complex emotions on Dai Yao's face, Hu Liena secretly chuckled to herself. "Hmph, serves you right for rejecting me so cruelly back then. Now you know how painful it is, huh? Let's see how long you can keep up this act!"
The two put on their masks, and just as they were about to leave, a figure as fiery as flames blocked their way.
"stop!"
Yan glanced at Hu Liena, his angry eyes fixed on Dai Yao, who was wearing a tiger mask, and coldly shouted:
"Who are you? Why are you with Nana?!" (End of Chapter)