Time, like fine sand, slips silently through our fingers.
Except for a very few who still secretly observe, the once-renowned "Lord Mirror" of the Soul Arena has been silent for a long time, gradually fading from public view.
In the blink of an eye, two years have passed.
His name and rumors, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, initially create ripples, but eventually fade into silence, never to be mentioned again.
Western Heaven Dou Empire, Han Hai City.
This largest coastal port city on the Douluo Continent is bathed in scorching sunlight and salty sea breezes all day long.
Outside the city, numerous villages rely on the sea for their livelihood.
White Sand Village is one of them.
On the beach of White Sand Village in the afternoon, the blazing sun makes the soft sand scorching hot.
Several children, about five or six years old, are playing and frolicking, their skin a healthy wheat color from years of sun exposure.
Two teams of children, separated by a white fishing net, were vigorously hitting an inflatable ball.
"I'll catch it! I'll catch it!"
"Pass it! Pass it to me!"
"Oh, you idiot! Why did you pass it to the other side?!"
"Hey! Catch it!"
The children shouted and played, sweating profusely.
"Alright, take this! Meteor Strike!"
A little girl with two small pigtails and skin noticeably fairer than the surrounding children leaped up,her small hand precisely catching the falling ball and forcefully slamming it towards the opposite side of the sand.
The ball crashed against the sand at high speed, leaving a shallow crater before bouncing high into the air.
"Yay! We won!" The girl's team cheered excitedly.
The children on the other side, however, looked dejected.
One boy couldn't help but mutter, "It's not fair! Your team has Yao'er! She's worth three of us!"
The winning child made a smug face: "Hehehe, you disagree? Who told you to lose at rock-paper-scissors?"
Just then, an old yet magnetic voice rang out: "Children, the sun is scorching, it's time to go home for lunch!"
Everyone turned to look and saw the old village chief of Baisha Village standing under the shade of a tree not far away, waving to them.
"We know, Grandpa Village Chief!" the children replied in unison.
A few little boys huddled together, whispering and pushing each other,finally pushing out a boy who looked rather chubby.
They called out to the girls who were about to leave together: "Hey—Yao'er! Wait a minute! Xiaohu has something to tell you!"
The girls stopped and turned around curiously.
Dongfang Yao blinked her big eyes and asked, "What is it?"
The boys chuckled and nudged the boy named Xiaohu, whispering encouragement: "Speak up, Xiaohu! Go!"
Xiaohu took a deep breath, his dark face turning bright red.
He rushed to Dongfang Yao, bowed sharply at a ninety-degree angle, and shouted with his eyes closed,"Yao'er! I...I like you! My Martial Soul Awakening is in a few days. If I have Soul Power and become a Soul Master, would you be with me?"
"Wow—" The boys immediately erupted in cheers.
The girls also widened their eyes in surprise, their gazes shifting back and forth between the confessing Xiao Hu and the bewildered Dongfang Yao.
Dongfang Yao, almost without hesitation, also bowed slightly, her voice clear and direct: "Thank you, Xiao Hu. But I'm sorry, I don't like you."
"No—!!!"
Xiao Hu was struck dumb, letting out a miserable wail,his whole body frozen in place as if petrified.
The surrounding boys laughed gleefully, grabbing sand and throwing it at him, covering him from head to toe,as if he were being drenched in a "heartbreaking sandstorm."
The old village chief chuckled and came over to smooth things over, "Alright, alright, stop fooling around, go home now."
He patted the dejected Xiao Hu and teased, "Xiao Hu, if you want to be with Yao'er, you'll have to ask her brother if he agrees first~"
"Village chief, please don't tease me, the children are just playing around."
A clear, slightly magnetic voice came from behind the village chief with a smile.
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a boy walking slowly towards them.
He was about ten years old, with a tall and straight figure, already showing signs of handsome features.
His rare silver short hair fluttered slightly in the sea breeze, making his purple eyes even more striking.
Two years of living by the sea had not darkened Dongfang Jing's complexion, but rather made it more gentle. His brows were more composed and reserved than two years ago.
"Brother!"
As soon as Dongfang Yao saw him, she immediately skipped and hopped towards him like a happy little bird.
There were still grains of sand on her face and little feet.
Dongfang Jing smiled gently, naturally squatting down to wipe the sand from his sister's face and feet with a handkerchief. He asked softly,
"Is beach volleyball fun?"
"Super fun! Brother, you're a genius! Your inventions are the most fun!"
Dongfang Yao nodded vigorously, her big eyes filled with admiration.
Dongfang Jing smiled slightly, helping the little girl put on her sandals, then stood up and said to the old village chief,
"Village chief, I'll take Yao'er back first. In a few days..."
Before he could finish, the old village chief nodded knowingly and replied kindly, "Understood, understood. Take Yao'er back for dinner."
Dongfang Jing nodded in acknowledgment and took his sister's hand.
Amidst the peeks and blushing glances of a group of little girls,they walked towards their temporary home in the village.
Two years ago, the brother and sister arrived in Hanhai City.
At Dongfang Yao's request to "experience a different life,"they didn't choose to live in the bustling city,but instead settled in a secluded village outside the city, a place of beautiful scenery and simple, honest people.
The old village chief of Baisha Village was a kind and generous man. He didn't ask much about their origins and readily accepted them.
He only told Dongfang Jing that many people in the village were outsiders, each with their own story.
They had all ended up marrying, having children, and settling down peacefully here.
The brother and sister had lived there for two years and had long since integrated into the daily life of the village.
Life in the village was peaceful and harmonious, free from the bloodshed and violence of the outside world.
Only the petty squabbles and laughter between neighbors filled the air with a rich sense of life.
Their dwelling looked no different from others from the outside, somewhat simple.
But Dongfang Jing, possessing a large sum of money, naturally wouldn't let his sister suffer.
He specially purchased a set of exquisite and comfortable furniture from the city, decorating his sister's room warmly and uniquely.
As for the living room, it remained as it was, simple and unadorned.
After all, it's best not to flaunt wealth.
Of course, while living in seclusion in Baisha Village,Dongfang Jing didn't let his guard down.
He frequently sneaked into Hanhai City to inquire about the movements of various forces,especially the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Spirit Hall.
However, two years have passed,and these two major forces seem to have completely lost interest in him.
They haven't sent anyone to track him down at all! Not even a trace!
This situation is exactly what Dongfang Jing wanted; he couldn't be undisturbed.
This way, he could devote more time to cultivation.
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(End of Chapter)