pdf-ebookys Chapter 392 Zhu Zhuqing: Take me away!
Chapter 392 Zhu Zhuqing: Take me away!
Chapter 392 Zhu Zhuqing: Take me away! (4800)
Soto is a large city.
Although it is not a major city, it is almost there, displaying a prosperous and bustling scene.
The streets were lined with all kinds of shops, with countless kinds of goods, and a bustling crowd of people, including many high-ranking and powerful Soul Masters.
The city is also very safe, with soldiers patrolling everywhere.
After entering Soto City through the east gate, Ye Qifeng did not rush to find a place to stay. Instead, he walked along the street, trying to find the small shop opened by "Four-Eyed Cat Owl" Flander in the city.
But Soto is a very large city with many streets and shops, making it extremely difficult to find that small shop quickly.
Although they knew the shop should be not far from the Rose Hotel where Tang San and Xiao Wu were staying, there was more than one Rose Hotel in Soto City, so it was difficult to determine which one it was.
Despite asking around, I couldn't get a clear answer.
Ye Qifeng had no choice but to search slowly, taking the opportunity to stroll around Soto City.
Fortunately, the small shop that Flander ran was a shop that sold items related to Soul Masters.
Shops like these usually have several special symbols engraved on their signs; these are the symbolic emblems of the Spirit Hall.
Although the Spirit Hall is a spirit master organization, it ultimately controls the order of the spirit master world, acting as a regulatory and law enforcement agency within the spirit master community.
In order to regulate transactions between Soul Masters and reduce unnecessary conflicts.
The Spirit Hall requires that all shops on the Douluo Continent that sell goods related to Soul Masters must obtain certification and permission from the Spirit Hall before they are allowed to open.
Furthermore, the shops must be subject to the supervision of the Spirit Hall and must display the Spirit Hall's symbolic signage to indicate that the shops are related to Spirit Masters.
The small shops run by Flanders have a circular symbol carved on their signs, depicting a sword, a hammer, and a dragon-like creature.
Similar to the Spirit Hall's special permit tokens, shop signs are also graded, with the specific grade depending on the Spirit Hall's level in the city where the shop is located.
There are quite a few shops in Soto City that sell Soul Master items, but not many. Compared to ordinary shops, the number of shops related to Soul Masters is extremely small.
This actually made it easier for Ye Qifeng to find the small shop run by Flander.
This way, he wouldn't have to visit each shop one by one; he could simply glance at the sign to confirm it was a shop related to Soul Masters before going in to take a look.
After walking along the street towards the city center for a while, Ye Qifeng found several shops selling Soul Master items, but none of them were the one run by Flander.
He stopped and thought for a moment.
Flanders founded Shrek Academy in a small village outside the south gate of Soto, and perhaps his small shop was also near the south gate.
Perhaps we should head south and take a look.
With his thoughts racing, Ye Qifeng immediately changed direction and headed towards the south gate of Soto City along a street.
…………
They hadn't been gone long.
As Ye Qifeng's gaze swept around, savoring the prosperity and bustle of Soto City and searching for Flanders' shop, he suddenly spotted a figure that surprised him.
That extremely beautiful girl had long black hair that reached her waist, was tall, slender, graceful, voluptuous, and fiery.
She was wearing a figure-hugging black leather outfit that accentuated her curves, and black high heels on her long, shapely legs. She was walking slowly towards us down the street.
Ye Qifeng looked the girl up and down a few times, and when his gaze fell on her chest, he immediately recognized her.
It was Zhu Zhuqing, whom he had saved three years ago in the Star Dou Great Forest.
At this time, Zhu Zhuqing's eyebrows and eyes had matured, and she was more beautiful and more mature than when Ye Qifeng first met her.
Of course, her figure has also developed better, especially her chest. It's bigger, more voluptuous, and higher!
The tight leather outfit accentuated her figure, making her incredibly alluring and eye-catching.
In just a short while, Ye Qifeng noticed that countless eyes of beasts were involuntarily drawn to her, and even passing women couldn't help but cast envious and jealous glances at her.
However, Zhu Zhuqing seemed completely oblivious to this and continued walking on her own.
Zhu Zhuqing's expression seemed a little off.
She lowered her head slightly, her eyes staring blankly at the road in front of her chest, her beautiful and aloof face somewhat gloomy, as if she were lost in thought.
She seemed to have forgotten the vigilance that a speed-type Soul Master should have, and she didn't even notice that Ye Qifeng was already standing in front of her.
It wasn't until Ye Qifeng's gentle voice rang in her ears that she realized what was happening and looked up.
…………
"Zhu Qing?"
As Ye Qifeng approached Zhu Zhuqing, he called out softly.
Zhu Zhuqing, who was still lost in confusion, was slightly startled when she heard the voice. She then realized that there was a figure blocking her way.
Because her head was lowered, Zhu Zhuqing's vision was limited when she came to her senses, and she could only see the area below the other person's chest.
Her keen observation skills as an agility-type Soul Master returned instantly, and she quickly discovered that the other party was a man dressed in black, who was not particularly muscular, but could be seen to be tall and slender with an upright posture.
For some reason, this sudden discovery gave Zhu Zhuqing a vague sense of familiarity.
She felt like she'd seen this outfit somewhere before.
Slightly taken aback, Zhu Zhuqing subconsciously raised her eyes and looked at the other person's face.
When you can clearly see the face of the person in front of you.
Her beautiful black eyes widened instantly.
Before him stood a tall, handsome man with striking features. His sword-like eyebrows seemed capable of cleaving mountains and rivers, yet they did not appear sharp; instead, they exuded a gentle charm.
Her black eyes were as dark as ink, yet clear and pure, like the deep and boundless night sky, captivating the heart.
He wore a faint, gentle smile, like a warm spring breeze that soothed the soul and made people feel incredibly warm.
"Are you Brother Ye?"
The moment Zhu Zhuqing saw the man's complete appearance, a memory was instantly activated in her mind, recalling the figure who had saved her life three years ago in the Star Dou Great Forest.
That face, that smile, that gentle voice, that familiar attire...
Yes, it's him, it's him, it's him! Brother Ye, who saved her life!
"it's me."
Ye Qifeng nodded gently, giving Zhu Zhuqing an affirmative answer, then waved to her and greeted her softly:
"Zhu Qing, it's been a long time!"
Listening to Ye Qifeng's gentle voice, Zhu Zhuqing stared intently at him, her lips pressed tightly together, unable to speak for a moment, while the mist in her eyes grew thicker and thicker.
"Um?"
Seeing that Zhu Zhuqing was staring at him without saying a word for a long time, Ye Qifeng felt a little puzzled.
He looked at her carefully and quickly noticed that something was wrong with her emotions; she looked like she was about to cry. He immediately asked her with concern:
"What's wrong with you?"
Upon hearing Ye Qifeng's concerned question, Zhu Zhuqing did not answer immediately, but the cold expression on her face was replaced by deep sorrow in the blink of an eye.
"Brother Ye! Wow~~~"
Zhu Zhuqing let out a soft cry and immediately threw herself into Ye Qifeng's arms, bursting into tears without a care for her image.
At this moment, she finally couldn't hold back anymore.
The mist in my eyes condensed into tears, instantly flowing like a river.
Zhu Zhuqing suddenly bumped into his arms, and Ye Qifeng was inevitably stunned for a moment.
He instinctively opened his arms and held them in mid-air, momentarily too afraid to move.
Until I heard Zhu Zhuqing crying.
He then reacted, withdrawing his hand and gently patting her back with one hand while softly stroking the top of her head with the other to comfort her.
At the same time, he asked softly:
"What's wrong?"
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, only sobbing uncontrollably, as if she wanted to cry out all the grievances she had endured over the years, as well as the heartbreak and despair she had felt in the past few days.
Seeing this, Ye Qifeng was not in a hurry. Instead, he patiently waited for her to finish crying while continuing to pat her back gently to soothe her emotions.
…………
Zhu Zhuqing sobbed in Ye Qifeng's arms for a long time, soaking Ye Qifeng's clothes with her tears.
"Is it because you saw your fiancé?"
Seeing that Zhu Zhuqing's crying had finally subsided, although she was still sobbing intermittently, her emotions had calmed down, Ye Qifeng spoke softly and asked her a question in her ear.
He probably already guessed why Zhu Zhuqing was so sad and upset.
According to the original course of fate.
By this time, Zhu Zhuqing should already know about Dai Mubai's debauchery and revelry in Soto City.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so cold towards Dai Mubai later.
Judging from the current situation, it seems to be the case, almost certainly.
"Brother Ye, do you also know about Dai Mubai's affairs?"
Upon hearing Ye Qifeng's question, Zhu Zhuqing immediately stopped sobbing, raised her small face, looked at him with tears in her eyes, and asked in a slightly surprised voice.
"Yes, I've heard about it."
Night Breeze nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.
"So Brother Ye knew too? It seems I'm the only fool among Dai Mubai's people who only found out now?"
The mere mention of Dai Mubai caused Zhu Zhuqing's lips to purse, her mood soured, and sadness washed over her again, making her want to cry once more.
She was clearly a strong girl, but for some reason, she seemed to become somewhat vulnerable in Brother Ye's arms, unlike herself.
Just now, she didn't know why, but the moment she saw Brother Ye again, she was so happy that she threw herself into his arms and cried.
Thinking of this, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly felt an urge to tell Ye Qifeng everything she had experienced and felt over the past few days.
She opened her mouth, but for a moment she didn't know where to begin.
"If you have anything to say, feel free to say it. It's best not to keep things bottled up inside, as that's bad for your mind and body and not conducive to your cultivation."
Ye Qifeng seemed to sense her hesitation and offered a timely suggestion.
"Um."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes brightened slightly, and she nodded.
She buried her head back into Ye Qifeng's warm embrace.
Only then did she begin to recount her experiences and feelings in a voice only the two of them could hear.
This includes how she escaped the Zhu family, how she went through countless hardships to reach Soto City, how she tracked down and discovered Dai Mubai's despicable true nature, and so on.
During the conversation, she would occasionally sob when she got to the sad parts, which would elicit gentle comfort from Ye Qifeng.
After recounting the aforementioned events, Zhu Zhuqing also recounted her experiences during the three years she spent in the Zhu family after parting ways with Ye Qifeng.
Ye Qifeng remained silent, listening attentively.
When he noticed that Zhu Zhuqing was in a bad mood, he secretly used the mysterious energy within his body to help her suppress and regulate her emotions.
As his strength has increased, his control over his own mysterious aura has also become stronger. He can now freely use his aura and precisely control it, mastering the strength and magnitude of any leakage.
Therefore, using his mysterious aura to soothe Zhu Zhuqing's emotions will not have a significant impact on her, nor will it attract her to become hopelessly infatuated with him as before.
…………
"Zhu Qing, didn't I tell you that if you ever feel hopeless and have nowhere to go, you can come to Wuhun City to find me?"
When Zhu Zhuqing said that she felt Dai Mubai was unreliable, the future was bleak, and she didn't know where to go, Ye Qifeng suddenly spoke up.
"I"
Zhu Zhuqing bit her lip, momentarily speechless.
Actually, she had considered going to Wuhun City to seek refuge with Brother Ye.
After all, she always carried the soul tool ring and holy son token that Brother Ye had given her.
Right now, place it in the closest, and also the most inconvenient, spot.
This was her other, and final, way out.
But she dared not easily choose this path of retreat.
Because she was, after all, a member of the Zhu family of the Star Luo Netherworld Grand Duke's Mansion, and a candidate for heir.
Escaping from one's family without permission is already a crime.
If he were to join the Spirit Hall, his crime would be even more unforgivable. He would be regarded as a traitor and face the wrath and pursuit of the Zhu family, the Star Luo royal family, and even the entire Star Luo Empire.
She is a scourge.
If they were to seek refuge with Brother Ye, it could bring unpredictable dangers to him and political risks to the Spirit Hall.
The relationship between the Star Luo Empire and the Spirit Hall was already strained, with mutual hatred and hostility.
In recent years, relations have become increasingly tense, almost to the point of open confrontation. The struggle that was originally in the shadows has gradually moved into the open.
If things continue to deteriorate, the Star Luo Empire and the Spirit Hall will likely have to fight sooner or later.
If she, as an ironclad ally of the Star Luo royal family and a candidate heir of the Zhu family of the Netherworld Grand Duke's Mansion, were to join the Spirit Hall without authorization.
That would likely offend the Star Luo Empire, causing the relationship between the Star Luo Empire and the Spirit Hall to deteriorate further.
Although Brother Ye is the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, and the Spirit Hall is powerful enough to protect her, she will inevitably face strong political pressure.
Political struggles are the most brutal and ruthless. The Spirit Hall may not be able to withstand the political pressure from the Star Luo Empire, and they might have to hand her over one day.
In that case, she would not only harm herself, but also Brother Ye.
After careful consideration.
Zhu Zhuqing then gave up her idea of going to Wuhun City to seek refuge with Ye Qifeng.
Because she didn't want to cause trouble for her savior.
…………
Faced with Ye Qifeng's probing gaze, Zhu Zhuqing thought for a moment and then spoke out her inner thoughts.
After hearing Zhu Zhuqing's explanation, Ye Qifeng was somewhat surprised. It turned out that she was worried about implicating him, which was why she didn't want to come to Wuhun City to find him.
As for Zhu Zhuqing's question about the Spirit Hall facing political oppression from the Star Luo Empire, Ye Qifeng remained noncommittal, offering a wry smile, and said:
"Zhu Qing, you underestimate the Spirit Hall. The Spirit Hall's power is not as simple as you imagine."
You'll find out later.
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's wide, slightly puzzled expression, Ye Qifeng didn't explain further. After saying something cryptic, he turned to offer some advice:
"Since you don't want to rely on that lecherous tiger Dai Mubai, why don't you come to my Spirit Hall?"
"I told you, there is a way to make you stronger, so strong that you can defeat your sister Zhu Zhuyun and Davis on your own, break free from the shackles of the family, and take control of your own destiny."
"But."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes lit up, but she still had some concerns.
"Don't worry. Even if you join the Spirit Hall, the Star Luo Empire won't dare say anything or do anything to you. They don't have the guts."
Ye Qifeng noticed her concerns and then added:
"Originally, when I gave you the Holy Son's Decree, I just wanted to offer you a possibility and let you make your own choice."
"However, now that we've met, it means we're quite destined to be together."
"So? How about coming back to Wuhun City with me?"
It just so happens that his team is missing a member. If Zhu Zhuqing joins, it will be perfect, and he won't need to bother looking for another member.
Anyway, his team doesn't need substitutes; seven people are enough.
Having said all that, Zhu Zhuqing had no reason to refuse.
Since she had nowhere else to go, she might as well go with Brother Ye.
That way she would have a chance to survive.
Perhaps, just as Brother Ye said, I can become stronger and then defeat my sister and Davis on my own, break free from the shackles of the family, and take control of my own destiny.
Brother Ye was definitely not making things up.
Although I don't know what method Brother Ye was talking about for becoming stronger, but...
She believed him.
So Zhu Zhuqing nodded heavily and agreed:
"Alright, Brother Ye, take me with you!"
(End of this chapter)