354. Return To Home

Qian Renxue noticed the odd expression on Qian Renjue's face and quietly laughed to herself.

It seemed that he had picked up on something, but that didn’t matter.

Once they got used to things, the strangeness would pass.

And so, in this peculiar atmosphere, lunch ended. Qian Renjue stored Qian Renxue and the others in his Life Ring and then escorted Ye Lingling and Hu Liena back to the Royal Academy outside Heaven Dou City.

He received two gentle kisses as they bid farewell. Afterward, he asked Ling Yuan to take them to the border of the Balak Kingdom.

Time passed quickly. Over seven days, they battled bandits, aided disaster victims, and took over unscrupulous businesses on the Heaven Dou border. Any injustice they encountered, seen or unseen, was swiftly dealt with.


---

On the peak of the Central Divine Mountain in Spirit City, under the scorching midday sun, a space opened, revealing a dark vortex.

First, Qian Renxue appeared, lying suspended in mid-air. Moments later, Qian Renjue emerged, holding her in his arms.

This commotion naturally drew the attention of the titled douluos in the Temple.

“Grandpa Golden Crocodile, Grandpa Lion,” Qian Renxue and Qian Renjue greeted them with smiles.

“Haha, I was wondering who it was. Turns out it’s you two,” Golden Crocodile Douluo chuckled heartily, looking at them with a wide grin.

Mighty Lion Douluo, tall and imposing, stood firm as he recalled memories with a touch of nostalgia. “Xue, Jue, you two siblings are as close as ever.”

Golden Crocodile Douluo laughed, “That’s how siblings should be!”

“Hehe…” Qian Renxue let out a slight chuckle, her cheeks a little flushed, yet she stayed in the warmth of his embrace.

“Grandpa Golden Crocodile, you’re wrong; this is more like a brother-sister bond,” Qian Renjue joked, shifting her slight weight in his arms.

“Haha, true enough!” Golden Crocodile Douluo laughed. “After all, there’s not much age difference between you two. If Xue hadn’t kicked you out back then, Jue, you might’ve made a fine older brother.”

“Jue, keep dreaming!” Qian Renxue immediately retorted, playfully squeezing his neck and shaking him.

“Sister, stop! I can’t breathe!” Qian Renjue gasped, rolling his eyes dramatically before finally tossing her aside.

Yet she held onto him, causing them both to tumble, with Qian Renjue falling onto her soft embrace.

“Ugh…”

“Hmm…”

Qian Renxue resisted the urge to kick him off, instead hugging him closer with gritted teeth.

Golden Crocodile Douluo and Lion Douluo laughed heartily, watching the scene and recalling when the siblings trained here together.

Just then, Glowing Feather Douluo swooped through the air with a white trail behind him. “Xiao Xue, Xiao Jue! If you’re playing around, please include me!”

Blushing, Qian Renjue rolled over onto the grass, waving a hand in mild annoyance. “Grandpa Fetather, please don’t tease us. My sister and I just lost our balance, that’s all.”

He touched his face, feeling a lingering softness, and glanced over at Qian Renxue, who seemed a bit flustered, her hand on her chest as she steadied her breathing and blushed.

“Alright then.” Glowing Feather Douluo casually tossed the True Battle Bracelet in his hand. “Why don’t you stop by the Temple for a sparring session, Jue? It’s been a while.”

“Sounds good,” Qian Renjue said with a smile, sitting up. “Sister, coming?”

“Sure, but you’ll have to carry me. And remember, I’m still the older one.” Qian Renxue playfully glared at him, giving a light wave of her hand.

In response, Hu Liena, Ling Yuan, and the young girl Xiao Fei Die appeared nearby.

Hu Liena paused in surprise at the sight of the siblings lying on the ground, while Ling Yuan immediately bowed to Golden Crocodile Douluo and the others.

“Ling Yuan greets the three worship elders.”

Hu Liena was slightly startled and quickly took the frail Xiao Fei Die by the hand, following closely behind Ling Yuan. She bowed respectfully and said, "Nana (and Xiao Fei Die) greets the worship elders."

"No need for formalities," Golden Crocodile Douluo replied with a gentle nod.

Qian Renxue instructed Ling Yuan and the others, "Ling Yuan, Nana, you both may go now. Take Xiao Fei Die to the orphanage. Renjue and I will be staying in the Worship Hall for a while."

"Understood," Ling Yuan responded obediently.

Qian Renjue lifted Qian Renxue up in his arms again and reminded Hu Liena, "Nana, don’t forget to stop by the Pope's Hall to let them know we're safe."

"Yes, I'll do that right away," Hu Liena said earnestly, nodding.

She watched as Qian Renjue and the elders walked away, then parted ways with Ling Yuan. Hu Liena headed to the Pope's Hall, while Ling Yuan took Xiao Fei Die to the orphanage.

She entrusted Xiao Fei Die to the cat-girls that Qian Renjue had bought from the auction. They seemed to be doing quite well in the orphanage, as their animal-like traits were very adorable to the children.


---

In the Worship Hall, Qian Renjue spent time with Glowing Feather Douluo, while Qian Renxue reported the details of their journey to Qian Daoliu.

After listening, Qian Daoliu nodded with satisfaction.

"Very good. You both did well," he said approvingly.

"Grandfather, when can we begin the second trial?" Qian Renxue asked.

"When your heart is truly calm," Qian Daoliu replied, growing serious as he spoke of the Divine Trial. "Remember, Xiao Xue, the Angel God’s trials are largely a test of character. Don’t rush or seek quick results."

"Understood, Grandfather," Qian Renxue nodded.

She knew better than anyone that, even though the Angel’s Nine Trials had changed in content, the demand for a strong character remained high.


---

"Ahh... there's nothing like lying down," Qian Renjue sighed as he flopped onto Bibi Dong’s bed after returning home from the Worship Hall at dusk.

"Aren’t you going to wash up first?" Qian Renxue asked, gently pushing him from her spot at the edge of the bed.

"You go first, Sister. I’ll wash later—just call me when it’s time to eat," he murmured, exhausted from the endless travels.

"Alright, then. Rest well," Qian Renxue said, smiling warmly. She knew he was tired, and she regretted making him carry her all the way back.

"Mm," Qian Renjue hummed, burying himself in the fragrant bedding, closing his eyes to rest.

He felt a gentle warmth on his cheek, and when he opened his eyes briefly, he saw Qian Renxue pulling away, brushing her lips softly. She then headed for the bathroom.

As time passed, the smell of cooking filled the air. Outside, Qian Renxue and Hu Liena were busy setting dishes on the table.

Bibi Dong, having taken off her Pope’s robes, sat beside Qian Renjue on the bed, reaching out to gently poke his cheek.

In a soft, motherly tone, she whispered, "Jue~ time to wake up and eat. Mom made all your favorite dishes."