Chapter 27: It Is Reluctance, It Is Longing

Chen Xin knew immediately that Wang Dong was just humoring him. Never mind, he thought, the child is still young.

Although Ning Fengzhi and the others were not accompanying Wang Dong to the Far North, they had spared no effort in preparing supplies. A large carriage was packed to the brim, with many items overlapping with those already provided by Xue Qinghe. It was all a gesture of affection. Wang Dong gathered everything and tucked it all away into his butterfly pendant.

The carriage slowly rolled out of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Inside, Wang Dong felt a subtle pang of reluctance as he held the hands of Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong, one on either side of him. Yet, he knew he had to uncover the truth about the Skydream Iceworm and the Ice Jade Empress Scorpion—to see if their fates were intertwined with his own. Without knowing, he could never find true peace of mind in this era.

Wang Dong turned to Xiao Wu first. "Xiao Wu, while I’m away, you must protect Rongrong well. She often sneaks out to play; there might be hidden dangers, and she always ends up at a disadvantage when she gets into fights."

"I understand. I will protect Rongrong!" Xiao Wu’s eyes reddened, and she nodded firmly.

He then turned to Ning Rongrong. "Rongrong, Xiao Wu faces even more dangers. You must look after her, too, and don't let any big bad guys snatch her away."

Ning Rongrong patted her chest in assurance. "Don't worry! I won't let anyone lay a finger on Xiao Wu!"

Wang Dong felt slightly more at ease, though he couldn't help but feel that without him there, the two of them wouldn't be so well-behaved. He then addressed Ning Fengzhi, "Uncle Ning, the Mysterious Heaven Technique can accelerate a soul master's cultivation. The earlier one starts learning, the better, and it is also beneficial for using those hidden weapons."

Ning Fengzhi nodded. "I intend to have the inner sect disciples begin their training." He looked at Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu, adding, "Including these two."

Seeing that Ning Fengzhi had already made plans, Wang Dong felt relieved. "That would be for the best!"

"Don't worry, Xiao Dong. Xiao Wu and I will definitely work hard on our cultivation. When you come back, we'll go explore the world together!" Ning Rongrong said, waving her fist with an extremely earnest expression.

"Deal!"

The three made their promise, knowing that when they met again, they would all be better versions of themselves.

The carriage soon arrived at the North City Gate. Wang Dong estimated the time and was just about to discard the carriage he had prepared earlier when Chen Xin, sitting opposite him, suddenly grew alert.

"Something's wrong!"

With those words, he grabbed his sword and flew out. The carriage came to a halt. Just as Wang Dong was about to continue his little maneuver, he heard a cold, masculine voice from outside—low but steady, clear but not drifting—deeper even than Xue Qinghe’s voice.

"I have been sent by His Highness the Crown Prince to escort young master Wang Dong."

Upon hearing this, Wang Dong immediately lifted the curtain and poked his head out, with Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong crowding out beside him. Standing opposite Chen Xin was a man of equal height, his long blue hair tied in a high ponytail flowing in the wind. He exuded an unapproachable aura, but...

"Is that a boy or a girl?" Xiao Wu’s voice piped up from the side.

Wang Dong was equally curious. His build and voice were clearly those of a man, but that face, paired with such elegant hair, was far too feminine!

Ning Fengzhi hurriedly intervened. "My children mean no harm; they speak without thinking. Please, do not take offense."

The person across from them was clearly a powerhouse of Title Douluo rank. Given Xiao Wu’s special identity, it was better not to attract any unnecessary attention. Just then, Xue Qinghe’s voice echoed in Wang Dong's mind: "Go with him."

*...So it was him.* How did he know his plans? Never mind, this was for the best; it would save a lot of trouble.

"Uncle Ning, Sword Grandpa, he is the one sent by His Highness the Crown Prince to pick me up," Wang Dong announced immediately.

Chen Xin sheathed his sword upon hearing this, though he remained instinctively wary. He sent a telepathic message to Ning Fengzhi: "This man’s soul power is immense. I fear he does not hail from the Heaven Dou Imperial family."

Ning Fengzhi’s expression darkened. Apart from the Heaven Dou Imperial family, there was only one other place that could produce such a powerhouse.

Xue Qinghe...

Unaware of the tension between the adults, Wang Dong stepped out of the carriage to bid his final farewells to Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong. Xiao Wu realized she had been a bit impulsive earlier and now tried to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.

"Rongrong, Xiao Wu, you must take care of yourselves. Don't worry about me; I will come find you as soon as I return!" Wang Dong held their hands, repeating his instructions.

At this moment, the sense of separation reached its peak. Ning Rongrong’s voice cracked with tears, and she refused to let go of his hand. "Xiao Dong, when will you be back?"

Wang Dong didn't know himself and couldn't make a promise. "I will not delay on this journey. I will return as soon as I have resolved the matter."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the blue-haired man walked toward them. Wang Dong instinctively shielded the two girls behind him.

Chen Xin was about to step forward to intervene, but he received a signal from Ning Fengzhi and stopped. The blue-haired man walked up quickly, hoisted Wang Dong up, and left only a curt "Don't waste time" before heading toward the carriage he had arrived in.

Wang Dong felt helpless and could only shout, "Go back, both of you, and take care of your—" Before he could finish, he was tossed into the carriage. He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the flicker of irritation in his chest.

The man seemed to be in a great hurry; the moment Wang Dong was inside, the carriage sped off toward the north.

Chen Xin watched the direction of the carriage and asked Ning Fengzhi, "Fengzhi, should we..."

Ning Fengzhi shook his head, sensing that the man had no ill intent. He climbed back into his own carriage. "Let’s go. It is time for a proper talk with Qinghe."

Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong’s eyes followed the carriage carrying Wang Dong. The moment Chen Xin helped them into their own carriage, their tears finally spilled over. At six years old, they didn't fully understand Wang Dong's decision or how long it would be before they saw him again, but the bond of family was not something limited by age.

It was reluctance; it was longing.

...

In the nearby woods, Xue Qinghe watched everything in silence. The Pufferfish Douluo stepped forward and asked, "Young Master, did you intentionally let Ning Fengzhi see the flaw?"

Xue Qinghe’s breathing hitched for a split second, and the Pufferfish Douluo immediately knelt. "Forgive me, Young Master. It was not my intent to speculate on your thoughts."

Xue Qinghe snorted coldly. "Go back and receive your punishment."

With that, he flew off in the direction of the carriage.

Meanwhile, Wang Dong, a tiny figure curled up inside the carriage, stared out the window at the path they had left behind. His heart was filled with thoughts of Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu, and he remained completely oblivious to the fact that there was now one more person inside the carriage.

Seeing that Wang Dong was ignoring him, Xue Qinghe leaned in closer.

"Hey, little brat, why do you keep calling me 'His Highness the Crown Prince'? How about... calling me 'Crown Prince Brother' instead?"

...

End of Chapter.