On the other side, Nan Feihuang, Lan Xue, and the others finally made their way back to the Ancient Thunder Kingdom.
The journey through the Xingdou Great Forest had left them shaken. Though they had emerged unscathed, the lingering fear of what could have happened still clung to them.
As soon as Nan Feihuang returned, he bid farewell to his parents, the king and queen, before heading straight to the East Palace. He knew that the people there had been anxiously awaiting his return, and he wanted to reassure them of his safety as soon as possible.
The moment Lu Lingqi spotted him, she didn't hesitate. She ran straight to him, her arms wrapping tightly around his body.
"You're back..." she whispered, her voice quivering.
Ever since Nan Feiling had returned with news of the ordeal, Lu Lingqi had been restless, worry gnawing at her day and night. Now, seeing him safe, the strong and decisive female general she had always been seemed to vanish. In this moment, she was just a woman relieved to see her beloved return, wanting nothing more than to seek comfort in his embrace.
"My lord..."
A hesitant voice cut through the emotional reunion. Dian Wei stood to the side, his expression conflicted as he struggled to find the right words.
Nan Feihuang gently stroked Lu Lingqi's short silver-white hair, soothing her, before turning his attention to Dian Wei. "Elai, what's the matter? If you have something to say, just speak your mind. Since when have you been one to hesitate?"
It was only then that he noticed Dian Wei's hands—bruised, swollen, and covered in scratches. His brows furrowed.
"Elai, how did you injure your hands?"
Xun Yu stepped in to explain, his tone carrying a hint of exasperation. "It's all because of you, my lord. Dian Wei believes that if he hadn't absorbed the spirit ring, you wouldn't have been delayed and wouldn't have been caught by the spirit beast. This fool has been punishing himself for days, either by striking steel with his bare fists or relentlessly training as a form of self-reprimand."
Dian Wei suddenly dropped to his knees. "I am a failure as a guard. I allowed my lord to be placed in danger. This is my fault, and I do not deserve forgiveness. Please punish me."
Nan Feihuang quickly stepped forward and pulled him up. "Elai, there is no need for this. What happened that day was no one's fault. Blaming yourself for something beyond your control is pointless. Yes, we must take responsibility for our mistakes, but that doesn't mean we should burden ourselves with guilt that isn't ours to bear. Now, stand."
"Yes, my lord." Dian Wei obeyed, though his fists remained clenched. "I swear, I will train harder than ever. I will never allow you to fall into such peril again."
Nan Feihuang saw the conviction in his eyes. Dian Wei was a man of unwavering loyalty—no matter what he said, the warrior would still hold himself accountable. But perhaps, this wasn't a bad thing. If it motivated him to grow stronger, then it would serve a purpose. He only needed to be careful not to push himself to the point of self-destruction.
"Elai, after absorbing the spirit ring, what level are you now? And what is your third spirit skill?"
Dian Wei straightened and answered with pride. "I have reached level 37, my lord."
Considering that he had been at level 30 when he consumed the Qirong Tongtianju, it wasn't surprising. The celestial herb had not only granted him an immediate boost but had also allowed him to absorb all the residual energy from the spirit ring in a single breath.
With his training speed, he would likely become a Soul Master within a year.
"As for my third spirit skill, since I absorbed the Diamond Scale Beast, I obtained a defensive skill—Diamond Body. For five seconds, I am completely immune to all attacks. Additionally, with every ten levels I gain, the invincibility duration will increase by one second. During this time, my attack power is doubled."
Nan Feihuang's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Excellent."
It was a weaker variation of his own Berserker Golden Body, but still incredibly formidable. In terms of effect, it was similar to Xiao Wu's Invincible Golden Body, which also granted immunity, though hers only lasted three seconds. The key difference was the additional ability—Xiao Wu's skill doubled her strength, while Dian Wei's doubled his attack power.
The distinction was significant. Strength and attack power were not the same; it was akin to the difference between Ning Rongrong's strength boost and attack enhancement, or the disparity between the Power Clan and the Breaking Clan.
This was a result of their respective martial souls. Xiao Wu, as a rabbit, relied entirely on leg techniques, making raw strength a necessity. Dian Wei, wielding double halberds, gained more from sheer attack power.
Both were perfectly suited to their users.
However, what set Dian Wei apart was that while Xiao Wu's Invincible Golden Body was her fourth spirit skill—acquired from a five-thousand-year soul ring—Dian Wei had obtained his from a mere two-thousand-year soul ring.
The fact that his ability was slightly superior despite the difference in soul ring quality spoke volumes about the strength of his martial soul compared to Xiao Wu's Soft Bone Rabbit.
Nan Feihuang patted Dian Wei's shoulder. "Elai, continue training. When I return, I expect you to have become a Soul Master."
Dian Wei's expression shifted. "My lord... are you leaving?"
Nan Feihuang nodded. "Yes. The New Year is nearly over. I must return to Tiandou Royal Academy. My time as an exchange student is not yet complete, and Dugu Bo's poison has not been entirely removed. I cannot abandon my responsibilities midway."
Dian Wei fell silent, but Lu Lingqi clutched onto Nan Feihuang's sleeve, unwilling to let go. She had spent endless days tormented by worry, only to have him return and now leave again so soon. Her heart refused to accept it.
"Lingqi," Nan Feihuang spoke softly, his hand gently covering hers. "I leave now so that one day, I can be with you, my sister, my parents, and Elai, Wenruo—so that we will never have to part again."
His words carried a sincerity that was absent in his dealings with Qian Renxue. Though he did not entirely lack feelings for her, much of his attitude toward her was carefully measured and calculated.
But with Lu Lingqi, every word came from the depths of his heart.
"Yes," Lu Lingqi murmured, nodding gently as she nestled in his arms. Though she was acting like a young girl in this moment, she was still a formidable female general at her core.
She understood that their temporary separation was necessary for a future where they could be together without fear or interruption. After today, she too would likely throw herself into rigorous training, much like Dian Wei, driven by the same resolve to protect what mattered most.
Xun Yu suddenly spoke up. "My lord, while we still have time today, could you tell me everything that happened in the Xingdou Great Forest? Princess Feiling has informed me of some details, but she was unable to provide a complete account, particularly regarding what transpired after you were captured. There are still unresolved questions, and I need to confirm a theory."
Nan Feihuang nodded. "Very well, Wenruo. Here is what happened..."
Nan Feihuang recounted the events in detail, even mentioning the existence of Red Hare. Xun Yu was visibly pleased to learn that Nan Feihuang had such a powerful ally and a reserve spirit ring. Lu Lingqi, too, was thrilled, having ridden Red Hare before and knowing its strength.
His gaze drifted to the large map of the Douluo Continent pinned in Nan Feihuang's room. A thought flickered in his mind. He closed his eyes, piecing everything together, and began forming a plan.