SWNOVELXO Chapter 188: Chapter 188: Early Conclusion, Mother and Son
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When Dai Chengfeng first entered Death Canyon, his soul power was only at level 32. However, thanks to the extraordinary effects of Innate Technique, his soul power had now surged to level 37.
Such a rapid increase in soul power was nothing short of a miracle, even when considering the entire history of the Douluo Continent.
However, Dai Chengfeng noticed a problem. The number of soul beasts in the central region of Death Canyon was dwindling rapidly. On a normal day, he might not encounter even one.
And even if he did, they were relatively weak.
Otherwise, he believed his soul power could have reached level 40.
Still, Dai Chengfeng understood the reason behind this.
After all, the soul beasts in Death Canyon weren't like those in an online game where the system would automatically respawn them. Most of them had been captured by the Spirit Hall and released here.
Following his earlier large-scale slaughter, it was only natural that the already limited number of soul beasts had been drastically reduced.
"It can't go on like this. Maybe I'll check out the core area tomorrow?" Dai Chengfeng muttered to himself.
The core area was dangerous, but it likely held more opportunities as well.
Moreover, even after Qian Daoliu's departure, Dai Chengfeng occasionally sensed someone following him in secret.
He knew this person must be sent by Bibi Dong to protect him, as Bibi Dong couldn't command someone like Qian Daoliu.
"Since there's someone protecting me now, the core area shouldn't pose much danger, right?"
After all, even if a Title Douluo made a mistake, their strength alone would make it impossible for Death Canyon to hold them captive.
Thus, Dai Chengfeng estimated that the strongest presence in the core area of Death Canyon would likely be at the Soul Sage level.
While Dai Chengfeng was lost in thought, slow footsteps approached.
"Hu Liena?"
But soon, Dai Chengfeng realized something was amiss.
The footsteps were heavy, clearly belonging to a man.
At this moment, Hu Liena's respectful voice came from outside the tent. "Lord Gui Mei, why have you come?"
"Gui Mei?"
Upon hearing this, Dai Chengfeng realized it was Gui Mei who had been secretly protecting him.
Thinking this, he straightened his clothes and stepped out of the tent. Seeing Gui Mei, he politely asked, "Lord Gui Mei, why have you come?"
Gui Mei looked at Dai Chengfeng and slowly spoke, "I just received a message from His Holiness the Pope. Your trial in Death Canyon can now end early."
Dai Chengfeng was instantly surprised. "End early?"
"Why would it end early?"
Gui Mei shook his head. "Your Star Luo Empire is concerned about your safety and has sent people to Spirit City."
"The Pope doesn't want to escalate tensions with your empire, so she needs you to appear and explain the situation."
"After all, your circumstances in Spirit City are rather… absurd."
"If you don't step forward, they won't believe a 'prisoner' like you could suddenly become the Pope's disciple."
Dai Chengfeng nodded in understanding. "If that's the case, then I'll accompany you."
"Alright, pack up, and let's go." Then, Gui Mei turned to Hu Liena. "You should come along as well. It's too dangerous for you to stay here alone."
"As for Xie Yue and Yan, Ju Guan is with them, so you don't need to worry."
Hu Liena hesitated, glanced at Dai Chengfeng, and finally nodded. "Thank you, Lord Gui Mei."
Soon, the three of them quickly packed their belongings and began their journey out of Death Canyon.
At this moment, Dai Chengfeng was extremely curious. Who could the representative from the Star Luo Empire be?
Could it be my father?
No, that's impossible. Aside from his busy schedule, his status alone makes it unlikely for him to come to Spirit City.
Could it be my mother? That's possible.
Thinking about how it had been over five years since he last saw his mother, a flicker of anticipation appeared in Dai Chengfeng's eyes.
What level has Mother reached after taking the immortal herb and the Great Rejuvenation Pill?
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In a side hall of the Pope's Palace in Spirit City, the atmosphere was tense.
Zhu Hongxiu sat on an ornate chair, her brows tightly furrowed as she glared at Ling Yuan, her eyes filled with anger.
"Why have we waited two days, and the Pope still hasn't come to see us?"
"The first day, she said she was busy, so we waited."
"Then the second day, she claimed she was occupied again and made us wait another day…"
"But today, Bibi Dong still hasn't shown up. Does your Spirit Hall really think our Star Luo Empire is easy to bully?"
"Or has our Chengfeng already been…?"
Upon hearing this, Ling Yuan hastily waved her hands, her expression apologetic as she explained, "No, no, esteemed guests. It's not that our Pope is intentionally avoiding you. She's simply waiting for someone."
"After all, this matter is quite… unusual. You might not believe it unless he explains it to you personally."
Her tone was sincere, her eyes carrying a hint of apology.
"Who is she waiting for?"
Zhu Hongxiu's eyes were still filled with anger as she pressed for an answer.
Tap, tap, tap...
Just then, footsteps echoed from outside the side hall.
Sensing the presence outside, Ling Yuan finally sighed in relief, her face relaxing as she said:
"The person has arrived. Once you meet him, you'll understand."
Zhu Hongye and Zhu Hongxiu exchanged puzzled looks. After a brief moment of sensing the aura, Zhu Hongye felt it was somewhat familiar, though she couldn't immediately place it.
Zhu Hongxiu, however, trembled visibly. Her breathing quickened, and a flicker of joy flashed across her eyes.
Though it had been over five years, how could she possibly mistake the familiar aura of her own son?
Instinctively, she stood up, her hands trembling slightly as she stared intently at the door.
Soon, the door slowly opened, and Dai Chengfeng walked in.
His posture was upright, still carrying the faint traces of the killing intent he had absorbed from Death Canyon.
"Chengfeng… Chengfeng…"
Zhu Hongxiu gazed at the elegant young man before her, unable to contain her emotions any longer. She called out to him, her voice filled with joy and heartache.
Though time had left its marks on Dai Chengfeng, the familiar contours of his features were unmistakably those of the child she had longed for every day and night.
As she called out his name, she extended her arms and hurried toward him.
Seeing his mother, Dai Chengfeng also rushed forward and embraced her tightly.
"Mother."
His voice carried a hint of excitement, his eyes brimming with longing for his family.
At this moment, Zhu Hongye gazed at Dai Chengfeng, unharmed and safe, her eyes filled with relief. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she murmured softly:
"Safety is all that matters… safety is all that matters…"
Zhu Hongxiu clung tightly to Dai Chengfeng, as if afraid that releasing him even slightly would cause him to vanish.
She buried her face in his shoulder, tears soaking his clothes as her body trembled gently.
Soon, she raised her head and carefully examined his face, her hands gently caressing his cheeks. Her eyes were filled with tenderness and concern as she asked:
"Chengfeng, were you mistreated in the Spirit Hall?"
"If you were, tell me, don't be afraid!"
Her voice choked with emotion, her eyes brimming with worry and anger, as if ready to seek justice for her son at any moment.
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