Happy times are always short. Several days passed, and Yu Tianheng and the others had reported home.
His grandfather, Yu Yuanzhen, was both worried and pleased to hear his grandson was heading to the legendary Sea God Island. Pleased at his courage, but worried about the danger. Still, he agreed—if all the other geniuses went, how could their Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan's heir fall behind?
As for Tianlin, Yu Yuanzhen didn't even consider him human anymore—he was a monster.
During this time, Ma Hongjun took the Fire Phoenix herb and Immortal Spirit Pill and received the skull bone. His level was close to seventy, even surpassing Gu Ran.
People say genius is 99% hard work and 1% talent, but often that 1% is far more important. Ma Hongjun surpassed Gu Ran not just because of immortal herbs, but because his talent was simply much greater.
After consuming two immortal herbs, his martial soul evolved again. Now, his Fire Phoenix could unleash the purest, most intense ultimate fire.
He was diligently practicing the Daoist technique, calming his mind. Once he mastered it, Tianlin would permit him to enter the Scorching Hell.
The Shi brothers and others also received parental approval. Finally, the day of departure arrived—the day of parting.
Especially for Tianlin and Ning Rongrong, newlyweds who would be separated after less than a month together. They were understandably reluctant to part.
"Rongrong, aside from Master's coordinate, inscribe mine too. If you're ever in danger, don't hesitate—call for me right away, okay?" Tianlin reminded her.
Ning Rongrong nodded. "Don't worry, Sword Brother, it's all set. Grandpa Sword's coordinate is still in the same place—on my storage belt. But do you know where yours is?"
Tianlin was puzzled. He hadn't noticed. Was it important?
Ning Rongrong smiled charmingly and pressed her right hand over her heart. "Here. So it's like you're always protecting me."
Tianlin smiled. He hadn't expected her to be so playful as a wife. "Yes, I'm your husband, so I'll always protect you. As I said, if you're ever in danger, call for me immediately."
"Enough with the mushy stuff. When Yan and I got married, we weren't stuck together like you two," Yu Tianheng grumbled. He and Dugu Yan had been married for years, long past the honeymoon phase, but now he felt like a single man eating dog food.
"Alright then, let's set out. Remember the route: head north from here, take a detour to Ice Forest to help Oscar get his sixth soul ring—it must be a Mirror Shadow Beast—then return via Hargen Kingdom to Hanhai City, and from there sail to Sea God Island. Got it?" Ning Fengzhi reminded them. Most of these youths were the future of their sects; even those who weren't were elite allies, so he had to care.
The carriages were already prepared—three luxurious ones for the large group. Not only Tianlin and Ning Fengzhi came to see them off, but also Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, Poison Douluo, Thunder Eagle Douluo, Dragon Snake Douluo, and other key sect figures, plus Yang Wudi, Lou Gao, Bai He, and other important leaders. They personally saw the group off. All belongings were packed into soul tools.
Parting was emotional. Even normally composed Ning Fengzhi repeatedly reminded Ning Rongrong. She had traveled before, but always with Tianlin, so he wasn't worried. This time, with Tianlin staying, he was no longer a wise sect master—just a worried father.
Farewells are always sad, especially since no one knew how long this separation would last. Bai Chenxiang cried for a long time in her grandfather's arms. Bai He was also uneasy: this time, her senior brother Tianlin and lover Ma Hongjun would both stay behind, so he entrusted her to Ning Rongrong's care. Naturally, Ning Rongrong promised—Bai Chenxiang was Tianlin's junior sister, so her own, and thus, also the Ice and Snow Empresses' sister. No one would hurt her.
Each carriage was drawn by four strong horses. Ning Fengzhi assigned sect disciples as drivers, and the group headed north.
As the carriages faded into the distance, the light in Ning Fengzhi and Tianlin's eyes dimmed. Everyone felt as if their hearts had gone with the departing youths.
"Let's go back, Boss. I believe that when Rongrong and the others return, they'll be even stronger. We have our own path to train on," Gu Ran said to comfort Tianlin.
Tianlin looked at the ones who stayed. "Gu Ran, Sister Lingling, everyone's gone to pursue their goals. You can't slack off either. I have something very important to entrust to you—this concerns your future."
Hearing this, Gu Ran became serious. He knew Tianlin and Ye Lingling had another path prepared, but didn't know what it was.
Tianlin leaned in and whispered something only Gu Ran and Ye Lingling could hear. The more he said, the wider their eyes grew.
"Boss, are you kidding? Someone like me, can I really shoulder such a heavy responsibility?" Gu Ran was shocked.
"Xiao Tian, your plan for us… isn't it a bit too much?" Even confident scholar Ye Lingling was flustered.
Tianlin nodded. "Of course you can. This is a path not reliant on talent, but on perseverance. In the Emperor Battle Team, you two have the strongest willpower: Gu Ran makes up for lack of talent with hard work, and Lingling, you never stop learning. Only you two are qualified to reach the peak of this path."
"Gu Ran, Ye Lingling, listen. As vice sect master, I order you to leave Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect immediately. For the next four years, you cannot use the sect's name—you must act on your own. Gu Ran, you will fight evil and protect the people; Lingling, you will cure disease and benefit the world. Make sure your names become known throughout Douluo Continent!"
Gu Ran and Ye Lingling exchanged determined looks, then knelt on one knee. "We obey, Vice Sect Master!"