Douluo Continent: Naru Sacred Heart, Snow Shines Forever

In the warm glow of the campfire, Chen Jieqi tore off a piece of roasted bird meat, savoring its aroma slowly.

She glanced up at Dugu Yan, whose eyes were sparkling, and spoke very softly.

"Sister Yan Yan, I'm not going to the academy for the time being."

Dugu Yan paused in her grip on the branch, tilting her head to look at him:

"Not going? Where are you going then?"

"Let's return to the Yin-Yang Well of Ice and Fire and cultivate in peace."

Chen Jieqi put the bone aside and wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth with his fingertips.

"I'm only six and a half years old now, and I've already reached level 23. Doesn't that just tell people that I'm up to something?"

Exposing oneself so blatantly in front of others is not in line with my "principles of survival."

He paused, looked at Dugu Bo, then turned back to look at Dugu Yan, his eyes filled with earnest warmth.

"Besides, I haven't fully mastered my soul bones and soul skills yet. Once my soul power has increased further and I'm of age, it won't be too late to consider joining the academy."

"No matter which college you go to, I can keep up and protect you."

Dugu Bo snorted, but added a piece of firewood to the fire, sparks flying.

"You're smart enough not to get carried away by your achievements and know how to keep a low profile!"

Dugu Yan's cheeks flushed slightly as she placed a piece of the tenderest roasted bird meat into his hand, muttering softly:

"Who needs your protection..."

However, it's fine for you to stay there.

"They're still too young."

......

The morning mist hadn't yet dissipated, and dewdrops clung to the leaves of the sycamore trees, making one's trouser legs feel slightly cool.

The three of them finished packing and stood in the open space of the Yao Ri Forest Area. Chen Jieqi took a deep breath.

"Buzz—"

Golden light patterns emerged from his shoulder blades, and a pair of wings of light, each over two meters long, burst forth from his clothing and unfurled abruptly.

The gentle light instantly dispersed the morning mist, and the shimmering gold fragments at the edges of the wings dazzled the eyes in the rising sun.

"Be careful!"

Dugu Yan clutched the hem of her clothes and couldn't help but take a half step back, her eyes filled with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

Dugu Bo stood to the side with his hands behind his back, seemingly nonchalant, but his soul power was quietly gathering, ready to provide support at any moment.

Chen Jieqi gently flapped his wings, and the wind, carrying the morning mist, swept past him, slowly lifting him off the ground.

He was a little unsteady at first, swaying slightly, but quickly regained his composure and adjusted the angle of his wings to match the wind.

The next second, he was like a golden sparrow returning to its nest, gracefully skimming over the high treetops, drawing a golden arc in the morning breeze.

"It's a success!"

Dugu Yan couldn't help but clap and cheer, her voice full of joy.

Chen Jieqi turned around in mid-air, sunlight falling on his smiling face, even his silver hair was gilded with a warm gold:

"Grandpa, Sister Yanyan, look!"

I can fly now!

He tried to accelerate again, the Wings of Light condensing into a streak of light behind him, almost catching up with the birds flying through the forest. Even Dugu Bo couldn't help but nod in approval.

"This speed is probably not slower than some fourth-ring flying soul masters."

Chen Jieqi nearly fell to the ground like an albatross. He patted his knees, gasped for breath, and couldn't help but sigh softly.

"...After all, he has lived two lives."

This was the first time I'd ever actually flown.

He looked up at the distant morning light, his eyes swirling with complex emotions. The images in his memory were becoming increasingly blurry; perhaps he wanted to go back...

Dugu Yan leaned closer, her eyes sparkling.

"Two lifetimes? Little Qi, have you flown before?"

"It was like...flying through a dream."

Chen Jieqi smiled.

"I always dreamed of seeing the view from a high place, and now I've finally gotten to experience it."

Dugu Bo watched from the side with his arms crossed, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes, before speaking with a hint of understanding.

"Alright, let's get ready to go back."

Dugu Bo turned around first, followed by Chen Jieqi and Dugu Yan, who occasionally whispered to each other.

"Stop dawdling, keep up."

Dugu Bo's voice came from ahead. He slowed his pace and, after the two caught up, added,

"On the way back, you might encounter a few hundred-year-old soul beasts. Xiao Qi, you can try practicing with your new soul skills and get familiar with your power."

Chen Jieqi nodded solemnly.

"Okay, thank you, Grandpa. I'll take this opportunity to practice my soul skills and soul bones."

The three figures slowly disappeared into the distance, heading in the direction from the Corona Forest.

......

In front of the gates of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy, a constant stream of people came and went, with students in uniform hurrying along.

The commotion in front of the gate instantly ceased when a tall and imposing figure slowly approached, accompanied by a young girl.

The visitors were Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, who had returned from the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well in Sunset Forest.

Dugu Bo walked ahead, his dark green robe fluttering even without wind. Although he deliberately concealed the pressure of a Title Douluo, he still exuded an aura that kept strangers at bay.

Passing students and teachers stopped and looked at him with awe. Everyone recognized that this old man was Dugu Bo, the titled Douluo and a guest elder of the Heaven Dou Empire!

Beside him stood Dugu Yan, her posture upright, her brows now bearing a more composed air, a different kind of gravitas than her usual delicate charm.

Ignoring the reactions of the crowd, the two walked directly towards the college's academic affairs hall.

The hall of the Tian Dou Royal Academy's Teaching Committee was quiet and solemn, filled with the gentle fragrance of sandalwood incense. Three committee members, Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhilin, were seated around a table discussing matters.

suddenly,

A respectful announcement came from outside the hall:

"Your Excellencies, His Majesty Dugu and Miss Dugu Yan have arrived!"

Before the words were finished, the hall door was slowly pushed open. The three education committee members stopped talking at the same time, looked up, and their expressions froze instantly, filled with disbelief and shock.

Dugu Bo, who was walking in front, had been completely transformed since he began to absorb snake venom.

Although he was usually dignified, he always carried a certain stiffness; although his aura was strong, it was always filled with a pungent, sweet, and fishy smell.

Today, his once vibrant green beard and hair have turned a normal snow-white, and his dry, stiff face has softened.

What was most chilling was his aura and the oppressive aura emanating from him. The pressure of a Title Douluo was no longer deliberately concealed; it was like a sleeping behemoth quietly awakening.

An invisible wave of energy slowly spread, making the air in the entire Education Committee hall stagnant and heavy, even causing the tea on the table to ripple slightly.

The three education committee members were all Contra-level powerhouses, yet they were still slightly forced to hold their breath by this oppressive aura.

Meng Shenji, the head of the three education committee members, was filled with astonishment.

"Your Majesty Dugu... what brings you here?"

"I've gained some insights and made a breakthrough!"

Looking at the shocked group of people before him, Dugu Bo smiled slightly.

Immediately afterwards, Dugu Yan stepped forward and respectfully bowed:

"I've met with three education commissioners and recently made some progress, so I'm back to report back from leave."

Bai Baoshan paused in stroking his beard, his gaze lingering on Dugu Yan for a long time.

"Dugu Yan, your demeanor and appearance have changed so much, have you advanced to the Soul Master level?"

Zhilin's tone was also filled with amazement.

"Dugu Yan, you're only 13 years old, and you've already broken through to the Soul Master level!"

"Yes, I am currently a level 34 Soul Master, and my Martial Soul has evolved from the 'Azure Serpent' to the 'Golden Dragon with One Horn'."

Dugu Yan nodded slightly, her tone calm yet unable to conceal her confidence.

Immediately, the martial spirit possessed him, a single horn sprouted from his forehead, dark golden dragon scales covered his body, and his palms transformed into dragon claws—all demonstrating the brand-new form of the martial spirit's evolution.

Three soul rings, two yellow and one purple, slowly swirled around her, further confirming her strength as a Soul Master.

Dugu Bo slightly raised his hand, and the oppressive aura around him subsided slightly, allowing the stagnant air in the hall to gradually ease. His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

"I took Yan Yan back for half a year this time, and by chance, my martial spirit and strength have improved slightly."

He didn't explain further, but instead stated his purpose.

"I've come today for two reasons. First, to inform the three education committee members that Yan Yan has broken through to the Soul Venerable realm."

Secondly, her previous long leave was cancelled, and she will officially return to the academy tomorrow to continue her training and studies.

The three education commissioners then exchanged glances, each seeing shock and importance in the other's eyes.

Meng Shenji smiled and congratulated him:

"Dugu Yan, there's no need for such formalities. You've already achieved the Soul Venerable level at such a young age, which is truly remarkable. Now, both you and His Majesty Dugu have made progress, which is indeed a cause for celebration."

We will make arrangements immediately regarding the cancellation of the long holiday.

And I guarantee that the academy will allocate the maximum resources to your development.

Bai Baoshan and Zhilin nodded repeatedly:

"good!

That's exactly right!

From this day forward, you will have the highest priority access to the academy's mimicry training and teaching resources!

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo smiled slightly and then withdrew some of his oppressive aura with satisfaction.

That's the attitude he wanted—

He wanted to tell the world that his granddaughter, Dugu Bo, possessed extraordinary talent and received top-tier training and protection from both himself and the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.

This also makes those treacherous villains think twice before daring to act.

Dugu Yan bowed slightly, displaying impeccable manners.

"Thank you for your kindness, three members of the Education Commission. I will live up to the expectations of the college."

Dugu Bo nodded in satisfaction, said no more, and in a flash disappeared outside the Education Committee hall.

The condensation of his soul core greatly increased his strength, and even his farewell was carried with an undeniable sense of freedom.

Inside the hall, the three education commissioners stared at the empty entrance, unable to come to their senses for a long time.

Meng Shenji stroked his long beard, his tone filled with complex amazement.

"What a shrewd Dugu Bo, what a shrewd Dugu Yan..."

"Six months have passed, and such a dramatic change has occurred."

Zhilin gazed at Dugu Yan, his eyes practically overflowing with admiration.

"A Soul Master at 13 and a half years old, whose Martial Soul has even evolved into a sub-dragon species—such talent is something even the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall might not be able to easily surpass!"

Bai Baoshan immediately made the decision and nodded in agreement.

After Dugu Yan left the Education Committee, the news spread like wildfire...