The moon in the sky flowed with clear, bright light; on the ground, the snow gleamed like jade fat.
In this serene, snowy, moonlit night, two youths, a boy and a girl, dressed in luxurious fur coats, walked side by side. They were precisely Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian, who had left the Extreme North and were heading toward Dragon City.
Snowflakes continued to drift down from the sky. Under the moonlight, each twist and turn scattered soft halos of light.
Strangely, although these snowflakes drifted with the wind, they seemed to possess their own consciousness, actively avoiding Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian's bodies.
The Ice Jade Scorpion's attribute was genuine Ultimate Ice. Ever since fusing with the two-thousand-year Ice Jade Scorpion's soul ring and soul bone, Ning Tian had gained the ability to manipulate wind and snow to a certain degree. From now on, she would no longer fear low temperatures, and her resistance to ice- and fire-attribute soul skills had greatly increased.
As for Xu Zihuang, it was because he had once fused with the dragon soul energy of an ancient ice dragon in the Dragon Tomb. His body could unconsciously cause wind and snow to retreat. This was also the reason he had been so confident when facing the Snow Empress and Ice Empress earlier.
Although the Snow Empress and Ice Empress's races were powerful, an ancient ice dragon was still a pure-blooded true dragon. If an ancient ice dragon still existed in the world, it would undoubtedly be an existence no weaker than the Beast God Di Tian.
Beast God Di Tian belonged to the Dark Dragon King lineage, while the ancient ice dragon came from the Water Dragon King lineage. Both were direct descendants of the Nine Great Dragon Kings.
With the ancient ice dragon's soul energy fused into his body, Xu Zihuang held an innate advantage against the Snow Empress and Ice Empress.
Ning Tian, with her right hand holding Xu Zihuang's arm, lowered her head to look at the palm of her left hand. Beneath her fair and delicate skin, a faint emerald-green light flowed.
With a thought, a small wind-snow vortex quietly formed in her palm. Then, under her control, it dispersed into nothingness.
This feeling was extraordinarily marvelous.
Xu Zihuang stopped walking and said to Ning Tian with a gentle smile, "From the looks of it, you've pretty much adapted. Try out that soul bone's skill. Although Ice Jade Scorpion's cultivation was a bit low, the soul bone it produced will definitely give you quite a good soul skill."
"Mm." Ning Tian's pretty face bloomed with a smile as she responded.
Soul bones suitable for an auxiliary-system soul master like her were already extremely rare. Obtaining this two-thousand-year-old Ice Jade Scorpion left arm bone actually made her quite satisfied.
Ning Tian slowly raised her left hand. As soul power poured in, her entire left arm seemed to turn into emerald-green jade. In this snow-white world, it was especially eye-catching.
Immediately after, a layer of crystal-clear diamond-like ice crystals silently covered her left arm, then spread across her entire body. Each ice crystal was the size of a fingernail, hexagonal in shape, with multiple facets. Any light shining on these ice crystals would reflect dazzling brilliance.
Ten-thousand-year Ice Jade Scorpion left arm soul bone skill, Ice Emperor Body Protection!
Just as Xu Zihuang had guessed, the soul bone granted Ning Tian a defensive-type soul skill.
But what he hadn't expected was that this soul skill was actually the Ice Jade Scorpion clan's strongest defensive innate soul skill, Ice Emperor Body Protection. The skill attached to this soul bone did not change according to Ning Tian's Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul; it was directly the Ice Jade Scorpion clan's innate soul skill.
This was a special kind of soul skill solidification. It only occurred when the martial soul was very powerful and extremely compatible with the soul beast's abilities.
The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda could be classified in detail as a gem-type tool martial soul. The Star Luo Empire imperial family's Xu Clan's Star Crown martial soul also belonged to this category. Meanwhile, the Ice Jade Scorpion's body itself was like a perfect work of art carved from gemstone, sharing common ground with gem-type martial souls. This was how such a situation arose.
Ning Tian looked up happily at Xu Zihuang. Feeling the strength of this soul skill firsthand, she was also somewhat pleasantly surprised.
"This soul skill is called Ice Emperor Body Protection. Tianhuang, I can feel that this soul skill's defensive power is very strong. I remember this seems to be an innate soul skill of the Ice Jade Scorpion clan, right?"
Xu Zihuang was holding Ning Tian's other hand with their fingers interlocked. After carefully probing for a moment, he nodded slightly and said, "Your soul bone has indeed completely inherited the Ice Jade Scorpion clan's innate soul skill, Ice Emperor Body Protection. If my senses are correct, this diamond-like ice-crystal armor should also have the effect of refracting soul guidance ray attacks and various energy attacks."
"Yes."
Ning Tian smiled as she withdrew the soul skill, greedily savoring the warmth of Xu Zihuang's palm. As if suddenly thinking of something, she asked with great concern, "By the way, Tianhuang. How long did it take me to absorb the soul ring and soul bone this time?"
"Today is the third night since you began meditating and cultivating, exactly my eighteenth birthday." Xu Zihuang's expression couldn't help but carry some emotion.
One year ago, on his seventeenth birthday, it was in Dragon City that he took that step with Ye Guyi. And now, on his eighteenth birthday, one year later, he had come to Dragon City again with Ning Tian.
"Tonight, passing will also mark your eighteenth birthday. Fortunately, we didn't miss it this time."
On the Douluo Continent, turning fifteen already counted as adulthood. But only after turning eighteen would one truly be regarded as an adult. In many places across the continent, the eighteenth birthday was taken very seriously.
Ning Tian felt the same sense of relief. This trip to Dragon City had been her reminder to Yu Tianhuang, for the sake of giving each other a special birthday gift on this highly meaningful day and in this place.
In Ning Tian's water-blue eyes shimmered tender affection, along with an inexplicable deeper meaning.
"Tianhuang, let's hurry to Dragon City. I have a gift to give you."
"Alright." Xu Zihuang nodded with a light smile, bent down, picked Ning Tian up, and soared toward the nearby Dragon City.
When Xu Zihuang used his Golden-Eyed True Body ability to carry Ning Tian away, he had deliberately stayed far from the Extreme North. The cave where they had hidden earlier wasn't far from Dragon City.
After flying for less than a quarter of an hour, the two arrived at this northern border grand city of the Heavenly Soul Empire.
In early winter in Dragon City, night fell especially early. It was now deep into the night, and the temperature was so low that ordinary people found it hard to endure. Although the wide streets were still dotted with lights, the city did not display the prosperity it ought to have.
Only occasional groups of three or two figures passed along the streets; the vast majority of people had long since closed their doors and gone to rest.
Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian had no intention of wandering outside anyway. They went straight to check into a top-tier hotel located in the center of Dragon City. This hotel was none other than the Falling Snow Hotel, where Xu Zihuang and Ye Guyi had once stayed.
And by coincidence, Ning Tian chose the same room as before.
Seeing this, Xu Zihuang opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but hesitated.
But at that moment, Ning Tian had already received the room key under the respectful gaze of the front desk clerk.
Only afterward did Ning Tian realize she seemed a bit too eager.
It almost looked like the kind of… insatiable desire…
Thinking of this, a charming flush immediately spread across her pretty face. Naturally, she didn't notice the unusual look on Xu Zihuang's face.
But at a time like this, trying to cover it up would only make it more obvious.
Ning Tian could only steel herself and ride the soul guidance elevator in the lobby with Xu Zihuang up to the room.
As soon as they entered the room, Ning Tian shed her thousand-year snow fox fur coat. Lightly biting her lip, she said,
"Tianhuang, I'm going to take a bath first."
"Alright." Xu Zihuang nodded casually, naturally taking Ning Tian's fur coat and hanging it on the coat rack by the entrance.
During this time, Ning Tian had already walked into the bathroom. The bright soul guidance chandelier hung from the ceiling of the washroom. From outside, through the crystal sliding door, one could only see a graceful figure continuously shedding her clothes.
Xu Zihuang walked familiarly to the large crystal floor-to-ceiling window and sat down on the sofa, gazing at the snowflakes falling endlessly outside. This extremely familiar feeling caused his gaze to become somewhat dazed.
Back then, it was right here with Ye Guyi that he had left behind many unforgettable memories.
He really wanted to remind Ning Tian, but he didn't know how to bring it up.
Inside the bathtub in the washroom, it was filled with natural hot spring water drawn from underground. The reason Ning Tian had specifically requested to stay at the Falling Snow Hotel was precisely because of this.
In the clear, warm, natural hot spring water floated petals of pale pink. These petals came from a relatively rare plant-type soul beast. The rising steam mixed with a rich fragrance.
Ning Tian's entire body was immersed in the bathtub, with only her head above the water. Her platinum-blonde long hair draped over her fragrant shoulders, carrying a disheveled kind of beauty. Another portion of her hair floated on the water's surface.
At some point, the shyness in her eyes had already faded, replaced by determination and a sweet, intoxicating color.
For this day, she had long since made full preparations and resolved herself.
The silence in the room lasted for several moments.
The bathroom door opened and closed. Xu Zihuang, who had been sitting on the sofa drinking black tea, sensed something and turned to look.
Ning Tian walked barefoot across the soft wool carpet, step by step, until she stood in front of Xu Zihuang.
The corner of Xu Zihuang's mouth twitched uncontrollably. If he didn't know that Ye Guyi could not possibly have told Ning Tian these things, he might really have suspected that Ning Tian already knew about his relationship with Ye Guyi and was deliberately doing this to test him.
While Xu Zihuang's thoughts raced, Ning Tian proactively took hold of one of his hands. Slightly bending forward, she met his eyes and smiled like a flower.
"Tianhuang, I want to have a child with you. I think this is the best birthday gift for both of us."
There was no selfishness in this; it was her sincere desire from the bottom of her heart. The reason she was temporarily not planning to obtain an ice-attribute second martial soul through the Iceworm of Heavenly Dream was precisely because of this.
Xu Zihuang froze in shock. He had never imagined Ning Tian would make such a request. But looking at the gentleness and happiness in her eyes, he could not bring himself to say the word "refuse."
So be it.
Xu Zihuang sighed softly in his heart, then took the initiative, pulling Ning Tian into his embrace. Light and shadow intertwined in this luxurious, spacious room, no longer separable.
If it had been him from one year ago, he might have hesitated. But today, one year later, he already possessed the strength to protect himself, as well as the confidence to touch the Title Douluo bottleneck within five years.
Even if Ning Tian became pregnant because of this, he would still be able to shelter their child.
This time, the roles had reversed. Ning Tian had finally taken the lead over Ye Guyi, making Ye Guyi the one left waiting.
…
The next morning, the sudden heavy snow had just cleared.
Xu Zihuang leaned back against the sofa, watching the sunrise slowly rise from the eastern horizon, gradually enveloping the entire Dragon City.
Ning Tian rested her head on his thigh, sleeping sweetly.
Xu Zihuang gently pulled up the slightly slipping silk quilt to cover Ning Tian's reclining jade body properly.
Ning Tian also understood that the current situation on the continent was quite complicated and did not want to make things difficult for Xu Zihuang. The indulgence was limited to last night only. There had been no protective measures; everything was left to fate.
Xu Zihuang quietly stroked Ning Tian's hair, savoring this peaceful and happy moment. The corners of his mouth unconsciously curved into a faint arc.
No one is born emotionally indifferent; he was no exception.
Not long after, Ning Tian's long eyelashes trembled lightly as she awoke. The moment she opened her eyes and saw Yu Tianhuang guarding beside her, her gaze was filled with sweetness.
"You're awake?" Xu Zihuang smiled gently at Ning Tian.
"Wash up and let's get ready for breakfast. I've already had them prepare it."
"Mm." Ning Tian smiled brightly as she sat up, then affectionately leaned against Xu Zihuang again.
"Tianhuang, what do you think are our chances of succeeding this time?"
"I did my best anyway." Xu Zihuang pretended to look helpless as he teased.
Ning Tian seemed to recall something; her cheeks flushed hot. She gave Xu Zihuang a coquettish glare, carrying a bit of unreasonable charm.
"Even if you did your best, isn't this kind of thing mostly up to you?"
"Alright, alright, it's on me, it's on me…"
After a moment of playful banter, the two finished washing up together in the bathroom. They did not forget the other purpose of coming to Dragon City this time, visiting the Heavenly Dragon Gate.
Because of Dragon City's special climate, the cuisine here clearly leaned toward piping-hot food, mainly to keep warm.
What Xu Zihuang ordered for the attendants to bring was a hot pot of sliced meat. The salty-fresh broth rolled on the heating soul guidance device, surrounded by plates of clearly textured meat slices.
It was still the classic, authentic Great Flying Pig. The Great Flying Pigs were transported fresh from the breeding grounds outside Dragon City, slaughtered on the spot, with only the finest parts cut, such as tenderloin and front leg meat.
Xu Zihuang placed the blanched meat slices into a bowl and set it in front of Ning Tian.
Ning Tian loved the feeling of being cherished by Yu Tianhuang like this. But thinking of what was coming next, she began to comfort him, thinking of his sake.
"Tianhuang, I heard from Great-Grandfather that although your grandfather is quite old-fashioned and stubborn, he also places great importance on bloodline and feelings."
"Ning Tian, actually, he is not my grandfather; he is my maternal grandfather." Xu Zihuang shook his head and spoke frankly.
Although he could not yet reveal his true identity at this stage, these matters could still be told openly to Ning Tian. After all, Nan Shui Shui and Nan Qiuqiu of the Heavenly Dragon Gate already knew these things, so there was no need to hide them.
As long as he did not leak that his father was a prince of the Sun Moon Empire, it would be fine.
Seeing Ning Tian's surprised expression, Xu Zihuang calmly continued, "Back then, my mother was expelled from the Heavenly Dragon Gate because she went against Grandfather's wishes. That's why, at first, I was not acknowledged by the Heavenly Dragon Gate."
Having learned the secret, Ning Tian's eyes widened. Then, keenly, she thought of something.
"Then what about Sister Guyi?"
"She really is my older sister."
Regarding Ye Guyi's identity, Xu Zihuang still needed to conceal it for now. In fact, what he said wasn't wrong either. When he was young, he had indeed treated Ye Guyi as family; only later, after a series of changes, did their relationship shift.
Ning Tian did not doubt Xu Zihuang's words.
Thinking about it this way, everything suddenly made sense.
Thus, in the midst of continuous conversation, Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian finished their breakfast. Not long after, Xu Zihuang once again arrived at the main gate of the Heavenly Dragon Gate's residence, only this time, the person by his side had changed to Ning Tian.
No cliffhanger, straight to the point, one shot, you know what I mean.
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Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are chapters available on Patreon."
"From Douluo to Godhood by Defy 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo: Far North Invincibledo 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Peerless: Living as an Evil Soul Master 40 Advance chapters."
"Douluo Dalu 2:Peerless Tang Sect Dawn of Sun and Moon 40 Advance chapters."
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