Douluo: Ant Power Breaks the Sky

When they returned to Wuhun City, night had quietly fallen, and the lights on both sides of the street lit up one after another, reflecting a bustling night market scene. Qian Renxue and Shi Yi walked side by side, with slow steps, as if to prolong this rare quiet time. Although Qian Renxue, as the young master of Wuhun Hall and the former crown prince of Tiandou, only practiced in her daily life, and her every move was full of majesty, she put down her reserve in front of Shi Yi, and her eyes were often attracted by the dazzling array of small gadgets on the street, with a girlish curiosity and excitement in her eyes.

Perhaps she realized that her emotions were a bit out of control, Qian Renxue did not speak, but just pursed her lips slightly, her eyes still lingering on those exquisite little objects. Shi Yi followed her gaze, raised a gentle smile at the corner of his mouth, and asked softly: "Do you like it?"

Qian Renxue's cheeks flushed slightly when she heard this. She turned her head away pretending to be indifferent and snorted softly, "No way."

Shi Yi didn't say much, just chuckled, and then took out a carving knife and a piece of rare metal with a golden luster from his soul guide. Seeing this, Qian Renxue's eyes flashed with surprise. Before she could speak, Shi Yi's fingers danced nimbly. The carving knife scratched on the metal, making a slight rustling sound. A moment later, a lifelike six-winged angel statue appeared in his hand. Shi Yi handed the statue to Qian Renxue, with a bit of expectation in his eyes.

Qian Renxue took the statue and gently stroked the delicate lines with her fingertips, her eyes full of joy. The corners of her lips unconsciously lifted up, revealing a satisfied smile, as if at this moment, all the troubles were thrown behind her.

"How about it, my cooking skills are pretty good, right?" Shi Yi asked with a smile, a bit of pride in his tone.

Qian Renxue raised her eyes to look at him, her eyes full of smiles. She gently patted his shoulder and said, "That's really good. I didn't expect you to have such a skill."

Shi Yi smiled slightly, looked at her tenderly, and whispered: "Time is limited, so I can only carve a simple shape. When I have time in the future, I will design some practical soul guides for you." As he spoke, he naturally took Qian Renxue's hand, and the warmth from his fingertips made both of their hearts tremble slightly.

"Yeah!" Qian Renxue nodded gently, a faint blush on her face, but she did not break free from his hand.

The two continued to stroll on the brightly lit street. Qian Renxue was obviously in a very good mood. She pointed at the shops or stalls on the street from time to time and pulled Shi Yi to stop and watch. Shi Yi was always by her side, with a gentle and doting look, as if every smile of hers was the most precious treasure in his heart.

As the night deepened, the noise on the street gradually faded, replaced by a quietness. Shi Yi held Qian Renxue's hand and walked slowly on the stone-paved path. Qian Renxue's fingers were slightly restless, as if she accidentally revealed her inner emotions. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her eyes were wandering, and she seemed a little flustered and shy.

Shi Yi noticed her little movement, the corners of his lips slightly raised, leaned over and whispered in her ear jokingly: "Xue'er, you are not... scared?"

The warm breath brushed past her ears, and Qian Renxue's body trembled slightly. Then she raised her head and glared at Shi Yi fiercely, pretending to be calm and said, "Who is afraid of who? Don't be so self-indulgent."

Shi Yi chuckled, his eyes full of doting, but he didn't tease her anymore. He just held her hand tightly and continued walking forward.

Soon, the two of them passed through several deep alleys and came to a secluded courtyard. The gate was simple and low-key, and the stone steps in front of the gate were covered with moss, which made it look particularly quiet. Shi Yi stopped and turned to look at Qian Renxue with a smile in his eyes: "This is my yard, don't lose the door next time."

When Qian Renxue heard this, the blush on her face that had just faded away quietly reappeared. She snorted lightly, turned her head away, and muttered in a low voice: "Who cares about looking for you..."

"You are the hostess." Shi Yi's eyes were gentle but firm, and his tone was full of unquestionable seriousness.

Hearing this, Qian Renxue's lips slightly raised, a cunning flashed in her eyes, and she snorted and said, "I think it's one of the hostesses."

Shi Yi was slightly startled, an embarrassed look appeared on his face, and he subconsciously raised his hand to scratch his head, with a flattering smile in his tone: "Xue'er, that... hehe..."

A hint of smile flashed across Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes. She glanced at him in a cold manner, and said with a hint of ridicule, "Wait until your little cat and little phoenix come back, and then don't blame me for occupying your nest."

"How could that be?" Shi Yi quickly shook his head with a smile on his face.

Seeing him pretending to be pitiful, Qian Renxue couldn't help but chuckle. The coldness in her eyes had long since disappeared. She shook her head gently, with a bit of helplessness and doting in her tone: "Okay, stop pretending to be pitiful."

Hearing this, Shi Yi's smile became even brighter. He reached out and gently held her hand, whispering, "Xue'er, you are so kind."

Qian Renxue did not break free from his hand, but just snorted softly, with a smile unconsciously rising from the corners of her lips. She let Shi Yi lead her and slowly walked into the yard.

A few days later, Bibi Dong brought her group back to the Spirit Hall.

When Zhu Zhuqing and Shui Bing'er stepped into the courtyard, they saw Qian Renxue and Shi Yi being so close. They were both stunned, with an expression of disbelief on their faces, and their footsteps stopped involuntarily.

Seeing this, Shi Yi quickly stood up from the rocking chair with a slightly awkward smile on his face and a flattering tone: "You're back, Zhuqing, Bing'er, you must have gained a lot this time, right?"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded, her eyes wandering between Shi Yi and Qian Renxue, looking them up and down. Shui Bing'er did not respond to Shi Yi's words, but instead cast her eyes towards Qian Renxue who was sitting not far away, with a hint of inquiry in her eyes.

Although the two had expected the relationship between Shi Yi and Qian Renxue, seeing them so close in person still stirred up a wave in their hearts. Zhu Zhuqing's eyes stayed on Qian Renxue for a moment, and suddenly, she seemed to understand something, and a hint of understanding flashed in her eyes.

"No wonder..." Zhu Zhuqing murmured in a low voice, with a bit of relief and helplessness in her tone. She finally understood why Shi Yi was always unwilling to accept Hu Liena's feelings.

One is Bibi Dong's apprentice and the other is Bibi Dong's daughter. The two have similarities and differences, not to mention the indescribable tacit understanding and closeness between Qian Renxue and Shi Yi.

Shui Bing'er glanced at Qian Renxue, and with a hint of hesitation in her tone, she said softly, "Aunt Dong has already completed the last two spirit rings and spirit bones this time. I am afraid that her current strength is comparable to that of Senior Poseidon. I also obtained the spirit bone of the Titan Snow Demon King during this trip, and my spirit power has reached level 94. I am only two spirit bones away from completing the sixth test."

When Qian Renxue heard Bibi Dong's news, her expression froze for a moment, and a complex look flashed in her eyes, as if she was lost in some memories. After a moment, she slowly stood up from the rocking chair, looked at Shui Bing'er with a gentle gaze, and said softly: "Congratulations, Bing'er." Then, she turned to look at Shi Yi, with a hint of reluctance and determination in her tone: "Xiao Yi, the vacation that Grandpa gave me is almost over, I should go back to continue the test."

Qian Renxue was about to turn around and leave, but Shi Yi gently pulled her wrist. His palm was warm and strong, as if he could convey his inner determination through his skin. Shi Yi stared at Qian Renxue, his voice low and gentle: "Xue'er, do you believe me? Escape will not solve the problem."

Qian Renxue's body trembled slightly, and her wrist trembled gently in Shi Yi's palm. She lowered her head, her eyes wandering, as if she didn't dare to look him in the eye. Shi Yi could clearly feel her inner struggle and anxiety. There was an invisible barrier between the mother and daughter. After a moment of silence, Qian Renxue finally raised her head, with a complex light flashing in her eyes. Her voice was a little trembling, but with a hint of stubbornness: "Xiao Yi, I'm not running away, it's just..."

Shi Yi did not let go of her hand, but held it tighter. His eyes were firm and gentle, as if he wanted to pass on his strength to her: "Xue'er, you don't have to bear everything alone. No matter what you face, I will be with you. Trust me, okay?"

Qian Renxue looked at him, and the stubbornness in her eyes was gradually replaced by a touch of tenderness. The corners of her lips trembled slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just nodded slightly and whispered: "Okay, I believe you."

A relieved smile appeared on Shi Yi's face. He gently let go of her hand, put his arm around her shoulders, and gently held her in his arms. Qian Renxue did not resist, but leaned on his shoulder and closed her eyes, as if at this moment, all the troubles and pressures were melted by his warmth.

Zhu Zhuqing looked at the two of them, her eyes full of smiles, as if she had seen through everything. Shui Bing'er seemed a little embarrassed, with an unnatural blush on her face, and she coughed lightly, trying to break the slightly ambiguous atmosphere.

Qian Renxue came back to her senses instantly after hearing the noise, and her cheeks were slightly flushed. She gently pushed Shi Yi, and although the movement was light, it was a bit shy and flustered.

Shi Yi didn't care. He just looked at Qian Renxue gently and whispered, "Aunt Dong just came back. I think this is a good opportunity. What do you think? Xue'er?"

Qian Renxue nodded slightly, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes. She sorted out her emotions and then returned to her usual composure.

Seeing this, Shi Yi showed a gentle smile on his face. He turned to look at Zhu Zhuqing and Shui Bing'er and said in a relaxed tone, "I'll take Xue'er to meet Aunt Dong. You guys wait for me at home."

Zhu Zhuqing and Shui Bing'er looked at each other and nodded at the same time. Zhu Zhuqing still had a smile in her eyes, while Shui Bing'er pursed her lips slightly, with a little more complexity in her expression, but she didn't say much.

"Let's go." Shi Yi said softly, with a hint of comfort and determination in his tone. Then, the two of them left the courtyard side by side and walked slowly towards the direction of the Pope's Palace.

When Shi Yi brought Qian Renxue to the Pope's Palace, Qian Renxue suddenly stopped, with a look of uneasiness and anxiety on her face. She stared at the towering palace door, as if there was a past behind the door that she didn't want to face.

Shi Yi noticed her emotions, held her hand slightly tighter, looked at her firmly and tenderly, and said softly, "Xue'er, believe me, Aunt Dong will never be the same as before."

Qian Renxue was silent for a moment, and finally nodded slightly, the hesitation in her eyes gradually replaced by a hint of determination. The two of them stepped into the Pope's Palace side by side, and the sound of their footsteps echoed in the empty hall, appearing particularly clear.

At this time, Bibi Dong was sitting in the hall, lowering her head to deal with the official business that had accumulated over the past few days. Her expression was focused and majestic, as if nothing in the outside world could disturb her. However, when she sensed someone entering, she slowly raised her head with a hint of surprise in her eyes.

Shi Yi held Qian Renxue's hand and bowed respectfully to Bibi Dong, saying in a somewhat intimate tone, "Aunt Dong."

Qian Renxue stood aside, looking a little unnatural, as if she was resisting. She lowered her head slightly, her eyes wandering, and she didn't speak for a long time. Shi Yi glanced at her sideways, his eyes full of encouragement and support.

Under Shi Yi's gaze, Qian Renxue finally took a deep breath. Her voice was trembling, but she still spoke clearly: "Mom...Mom..."

These two words seemed to have exhausted all her strength. After the words fell, her fingers trembled slightly and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes.

When Bibi Dong heard the call, her expression froze slightly, and her originally majestic aura disappeared instantly, but she seemed a little uncomfortable with Qian Renxue's attitude, and an imperceptible gentleness appeared on her face. She put down the pen in her hand, her eyes stayed on Qian Renxue for a moment, then slowly stood up, took a deep breath, as if trying to make her tone as gentle as possible, and looked at the two people's clasped hands and said hesitantly: "You..."

Shi Yi smiled generously and said, "As you can see, I hope to get your support."

Bibi Dong did not respond to Shi Yi but instead set her gaze on Qian Renxue.

Qian Renxue raised her head and met Bibi Dong's eyes. At that moment, it seemed as if countless emotions flowed between the two of them, and the years of estrangement and alienation seemed to be slightly loosened at this moment.

"Does your grandfather know?" Bibi Dong's voice was gentle, but with a hint of imperceptible concern. Her eyes fell on Qian Renxue, revealing a touch of complicated emotions.

Qian Renxue still seemed unaccustomed to such a conversation with Bibi Dong. When she heard her question, she subconsciously took it as a question. She frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed her emotions and patiently replied, "I have taken Xiao Yi to see Grandpa."

Bibi Dong heard this and her eyes moved between Shi Yi and Qian Renxue, with a touch of emotion and complexity in her eyes. Her thoughts seemed to be pulled back to the distant past, and two familiar figures emerged in her mind involuntarily. The figures were vague but profound, as if they carried her past regrets and helplessness.

She murmured softly, "Is that so..." There was an indescribable melancholy in her tone, as if she was lamenting the cycle of fate, and as if she was recalling the times that had long passed.

The hall fell into a brief silence, and a subtle atmosphere filled the air. Qian Renxue noticed Bibi Dong's strangeness, and a trace of doubt flashed in her eyes, but she didn't say much. Shi Yi stood aside, silently watching the mother and daughter.

The afterglow of the setting sun poured into the hall through the tall windows, adding a touch of warmth to the somewhat heavy scene. Bibi Dong's gaze gradually withdrew from her memories and fell on Qian Renxue again, with a hint of softness and relief in her eyes.

She sighed softly, with a rare gentleness in her tone: "Since you have already met your grandfather, I have nothing more to say. Xue'er, you... have grown up."

When Qian Renxue heard this, her body trembled slightly, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes. She opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just nodded slightly and whispered, "Yeah."

Shi Yi stood aside, watching this scene silently, feeling emotional. He knew that the knot between the mother and daughter would not be untied overnight, but at least, this was a start. (End of this chapter)