That was by no means the languor of an ordinary young lady, but rather the maturity that comes from weathering the storms of life.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions within her, and regained her usual calm and composure.

"So it's Miss Zi Nu and Miss Nong Yu. I often mention you, but for the past ten years, you two have been elusive, as if you've vanished into thin air."

Yes, he disappeared.

When the empire pacified the Baiyue people, who were shrouded in miasma, they were nowhere to be seen.

When the iron cavalry drove the fierce Xiongnu north, they disappeared without a trace.

Even as the various schools of thought rose and fell in Xianyang amidst the turmoil, these two extraordinary women who had helped Qin Chuan establish its foundation in the chaotic world seemed to have completely vanished from the map of the empire.

No one knows where they went, what they did, or whether they are alright.

Qin Chuan's gaze swept over Zi Nu and Nong Yu, the marks left by ten years were clearly etched on them, an aura that could not be possessed by someone who had lived a life of luxury.

It felt as if something had ripped open his heart, causing him excruciating pain.

He strode forward, and under Xiaomeng's complicated gaze, he opened his arms without hesitation and embraced both women at the same time!

"Hard……"

Qin Chuan's voice was low and hoarse, each word seemingly carrying immense weight, containing an overwhelming tenderness and longing.

He didn't ask "Did you gain anything?" or "Where did you go?" At that moment, all the questions seemed superfluous.

He simply held them tightly, as if he wanted to squeeze all the worries, concerns, and guilt of the past ten years into this long-overdue embrace.

Zi Nu's body stiffened slightly, then relaxed completely, burying her head deeply in his firm chest, greedily inhaling that familiar and reassuring scent. Finally, the moisture in her eyes couldn't help but slide down, silently soaking his clothes.

Nongyu could no longer hold back and began to sob softly. She tightened her arms around Qin Chuan's waist, as if if she let go, the person in front of her would disappear again.

Ten years of grievances and hardships finally found an outlet at this moment.

Looking at the three people embracing tightly in front of her, and seeing the genuine heartache and affection in Qin Chuan's eyes, Xiao Meng's slight jealousy was eventually replaced by a deeper understanding and relief.

She understood that these two women held a special place in Qin Chuan's heart that no one else could replace.

Their disappearance for ten years was not without reason; they must have been carrying out an unknown mission.

She silently turned around, her aloof figure like a faint moonlight, quietly disappearing into the shadows of the corridor, leaving them the space for this belated reunion.

That night, candlelight flickered in Qin Chuan's bedchamber, illuminating a warm and tender atmosphere.

The whispers and heartfelt conversations of long-awaited reunions flowed gently like a stream in the quiet night.

Ten years of longing and worry, ten years of hardship and perseverance, ten years of trials and tribulations, have all gradually eased in each other's tenderness and comfort.

Qin Chuan was extremely gentle, carefully smoothing the weariness between their brows, and listening to them recount their ten years of wandering and searching.

It wasn't until the next morning, when the first rays of sunlight shone through the carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows, that Zi Nu leaned lazily against Qin Chuan's arm, her hair slightly disheveled, but her eyes filled with a satisfied smile.

Nongyu then got up and gently straightened his slightly disheveled clothes with gentle and skillful movements.

Zi Nu stretched, her curves alluring, and finally got to the point, her voice carrying a hint of seriousness after her languidness had faded: "Your Majesty, we have found the matter you entrusted to us back then."

Upon hearing this, Qin Chuan's spirits lifted, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes: "The God of War?"

"Yes," Nongyu replied, her voice still gentle, yet carrying an undeniable firmness. "We have not only confirmed the existence of the War Demon God, but we have also found its slumbering place—the legendary, long-lost ancient kingdom of Loulan!"

Zi Nu carefully took out an item from her personal brocade pouch.

It was a fist-sized sphere covered with strange bronze patterns, its surface dull and lifeless, as if it were just an inconspicuous antique that had been covered in dust for a long time.

"We found this deep within a ruin. According to ancient records, this object is called the 'Dragon Soul,' and it is the key to unlocking and controlling that terrifying demon god!"

Qin Chuan took the bronze ball. It felt slightly heavy in his hand and had a cool touch, as if it carried an ancient chill.

He could vaguely sense that the copper sphere contained an extremely ancient, faint yet exceptionally pure energy fluctuation, like a sleeping behemoth.

He stared at the bronze sphere, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

The existence of the ancient demon god was indeed not a myth!

If we can control this power that is capable of overturning the world, the empire's iron hooves will surely crush all obstacles as it conquers the world, truly realizing the grand vision of unifying the four seas and having all nations pay tribute!

He rose and went to his study, placing the bronze ball on the large desk and examining it closely in the morning light. His fingers unconsciously traced the intricate and mysterious patterns, trying to decipher a secret within them.

Suddenly, a sudden change occurred!

The bronze ball suddenly burst forth with a dazzling golden light, instantly filling the entire study!

In the light, the patterns on the surface of the copper ball seemed to come alive, like small golden snakes, rapidly flowing, deforming, and recombining!

Under Qin Chuan's slightly surprised gaze, the dazzling light quickly subsided, and the bronze ball on the desk disappeared, replaced by a furry little beast!

It resembles the legendary Pixiu, yet possesses a touch of dynamism.

With a dragon's head, a horse's body, and unicorn's feet, it is only the size of a palm, making it exceptionally small and exquisite.

Its entire body is covered with soft, pale golden down, which gleams gently in the morning light.

Her large eyes, like the purest amber, looked around innocently, yet with a hint of nascent wariness.

It shook its round little head and let out a soft, childlike "woo-mi" sound, its voice sweet and adorable!

"Wow! So cute!"

"What is this little thing?"

Upon hearing the news, the women, including Chi Lian and Xue Nu, rushed over. As soon as they entered the room, they were captivated by the suddenly appearing little cutie. Their eyes lit up instantly, and they all reached out to stroke its soft fur.

However, the little beast suddenly pricked up its ears, took a step back warily, bared its tiny, pink milk teeth at the approaching women, and made a threatening "woof woof" sound in its throat. It looked fierce, but it was not intimidating at all, and instead looked even cuter.

Its large, amber eyes swept warily over the crowd, finally settling on Qin Chuan.

With its short legs, it wobbled cautiously to Qin Chuan's hand, nuzzled his fingers affectionately with its little head, and made a comfortable purring sound, as if it had found the safest haven.

"..." The women looked at each other, their faces filled with disappointment and embarrassment.

Chi Lian pouted, somewhat unconvinced: "This little thing, is it picky about who it's dealing with?"

The Snow Woman covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her eyes full of tenderness: "It seems that it has a deep connection with her husband."

Qin Chuan couldn't help but chuckle, reaching out his fingers to gently rub the little beast's fluffy head, the touch soft and warm.

He naturally understood that the little beast had no special connection with him; it was purely an instinct to seek advantage and avoid harm.

It must have sensed the vast, unfathomable, and terrifying power within itself to be so intimate with it.

He comforted the dejected women, then turned his gaze to Zi Nu and Nong Yu, his eyes becoming incredibly determined: "It seems that this trip to Loulan is inevitable."

He bent down and carefully lifted the little Pixiu that was lying obediently in his palm. The little guy curled up comfortably and rubbed against his palm.

"You've just returned, and I shouldn't have made you travel again." Qin Chuan looked at Zi Nu and Nong Yu, his eyes filled with apology. "But this journey requires your guidance. We're going to Loulan!"

After a decade of searching, the dawn has finally broken.

The power of the ancient demon god, slumbering beneath the yellow sands of the desert, awaits his arrival.

Chapter 82 Little Girl Xiao Li, Demon God Resurrected

The boundless yellow sand shimmered and distorted under the scorching sun, and the horizon at the edge of the field of vision was blurred and indeterminate.

Qin Chuan, Zi Nu, and Nong Yu, along with the little Pixiu perched on Qin Chuan's shoulder, curiously observing the golden sand sea, were riding deep into this sea of ​​death.

The wind whipped up fine sand, like a golden veil, which swept past their weary figures.

As night fell, a chill suddenly set in, a stark contrast to the daytime heat.

The campfire crackled and popped in the sheltered spot on the sand dune, illuminating the three men's serene faces.

The little Pixiu nestled beside Qin Chuan's legs, purring contentedly.

Just as all was quiet, a figure silently appeared at the edge of the campfire's glow.

She was a young girl, dressed in a uniquely styled exotic blue dress, with cascading blue hair, snow-white skin, and a pair of clear eyes that seemed to contain a starry sea, pure and untouched by the world.

Her appearance came without warning, like a spirit born from the desert itself.

"Woo-mi?" The little Pixiu, which had been fast asleep, suddenly woke up, its small nose twitching, and its amber eyes instantly locked onto the girl in the blue dress.

It let out a cry filled with doubt and extreme joy, then suddenly leaped off Qin Chuan's lap, transforming into a pale golden streak of light that rushed straight into the girl's arms!

Zi Nu and Nong Yu were both startled and instinctively became wary.

The little beast was wary of them all and rarely got close to anyone except Qin Chuan.

It is truly baffling that they would show such intense intimacy towards this uninvited guest at this moment.

The girl seemed unsurprised by the little Pixiu's affection. She gently caught the little beast as it pounced on her, her slender fingers lightly stroking its soft fur, a serene smile on her face.

The little Pixiu rubbed against her, purring contentedly, as if it had finally found its true home.

Zi Nu's gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, instantly catching sight of the necklace hanging on the girl's fair neck.

It was no ordinary object; the teardrop-shaped gem shimmered with a deep blue-purple light under the glow of the campfire, as if stars were slowly rotating inside, containing an indescribable pure energy and ancient aura.

"Miss, what brings you here so late at night?" Zi Nu spoke, her voice carrying its usual languid magnetism, yet tinged with inquiry. "Also, the ornament around your neck is quite extraordinary; may I ask its origin?"

The girl raised her head, her clear gaze sweeping over the three of them before finally landing on Zi Nu, who had asked the question.

She gently stroked the little Pixiu, her voice ethereal and melodious, like a clear spring flowing in the desert:

"My name is Xiao Li, and the ornament around my neck is called the Goddess's Tear."

Her gaze suddenly shifted to Qin Chuan, a hint of scrutiny in her eyes. "You are pursuing the God of War, but do you know its true origin and the curse it carries?"

Qin Chuan's eyes were as deep as an ancient well as he calmly met her gaze: "I would like to hear the details."

Xiao Li nodded slightly, holding the gentle little Pixiu, and slowly sat down, the campfire dancing in her pure eyes.

Her voice carried a peculiar rhythm, as if reciting an ancient epic:

"The Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden was once the guardian of this land beneath our feet. She created this beautiful world and gave life to all things. However, the peace was shattered by a star that fell from the sky. The fall of the star brought not blessings, but raging floods, rampaging beasts, and death that shrouded the land."

"In despair, a warrior named Chi You stepped forward. He was strong and fearless, fighting against natural disasters with his mortal body and protecting people on the verge of extinction. His courage moved the goddess. So, the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden used that fallen star as the core and poured her divine power into it to forge an incomparably powerful divine sword for Chi You—the Chi You Sword."

"With the Chi You Sword, Chi You quelled the disaster and became a true guardian deity. But..."

Xiao Li's voice lowered, filled with deep regret:

"Great power is like fine wine, but also like poison. While the Chi You Sword granted him power, it also subtly eroded his soul. His initial intention to protect was replaced by inflated ambition. He became tyrannical, yearning to make everyone submit to him and become the sole king."

"The goddess tried her best to dissuade him, but Chi You, blinded by power, ignored her. He even used the power left over from the fallen star to forge eighty-one bronze giants capable of destroying everything—the War God. The earth was turned into scorched earth under the giants' iron hooves, and all living beings perished."

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