Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Young Gilas, Sandstorm King!

Chapter 152 Please wait! Please wait!

Zhu Zhuqing didn't look around or in the direction Zhu Zhan left. She just obediently let Lin Xia lead her, her eyelids lowered, and her other small hand unconsciously wiped away the tears on her face.

Then she hugged tightly the picture book about celestial phenomena that Lin Xia had "inadvertently" left with her—it was the only solace in her silent world these past few days.

Lin Xia, leading the seemingly lost little ghost cat and with the wary yet curious baby Giras perched on her shoulder, walked out of the heavy and oppressive gates of the Zhu residence.

The afternoon sun was a bit too bright, shining on Zhu Zhuqing's pale face, making her squint uncomfortably.

The hustle and bustle of the streets rushed towards me, carrying the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life, a stark contrast to the suffocatingly cold rules within the Zhu mansion.

Lin Xia stopped and turned to look at her.

Zhu Zhuqing subconsciously raised her head, her once clear and lively eyes now as calm as a deep pool meeting Lin Xia's gaze.

Gone was the innocence of childhood; there was only a desolate wasteland that had withered prematurely, and a faint sense of bewilderment born of the unknown future.

"Zhu Qing".

Lin Xia spoke softly, with a calming power. He needed to confirm her wishes, not just take her away.

Do you know where I want to take you?

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head very slightly, almost without hesitation.

Her jet-black hair swayed gently with her movements.

She didn't ask "why" or "is it safe?" She just stared at Lin Xia with her calm eyes, as if he were the only piece of driftwood she could hold onto at that moment.

Her voice was soft, yet it carried a resolute determination, like burning one's boats.

"I don't know where to go. But..."

She paused, but her tone remained unwavering.

"I want to go with you."

These simple words, like an invisible key, instantly unlocked the floodgates of complex and indescribable emotions in Lin Xia's heart.

It wasn't pity, nor sympathy, but a heavier responsibility, a shock triggered by her desperate trust, mixed with anger at the Zhu family's cold rules and deep concern for her future.

Looking into her eyes, at the earnestness and trust beyond her years, a faint yet incredibly genuine smile involuntarily curved his lips. There was no ease in that smile, only a heavy sense of commitment.

"it is good."

Lin Xia nodded solemnly again, speaking the word clearly and firmly.

Since she chose to trust him, he must bear the weight of that trust.

"In that case, I'll tell you."

His gaze fell upon the vast skyline outside Xingluo City, his tone carrying a sense of certainty.

"I'm going to find a kind of ore. A very special and rare ore. It's quite far from here."

He didn't specify that he was looking for something to replace the Starshine Crown, nor did he mention the name of the ore; that wasn't important for now. He emphasized this deliberately.

"The scenery along the way should be quite nice, far away from Xingluo City, far away from... those troublesome things. Just consider it a trip to clear your head and get some fresh air, it's better than being disgusted and bullied here."

"Ore... to relax..."

Zhu Zhuqing murmured the two words repeatedly, and in the depths of her lifeless eyes, it was as if a tiny spark had been thrown in. A faint, yet real, glimmer of light suddenly flickered.

It wasn't pure joy; it was more like catching a glimpse of light through a crack in an endless, dark prison—a primal yearning for change itself. She nodded almost immediately, her voice still soft, but now brimming with life:

"Ok!"

Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's reaction, Lin Xia felt somewhat relieved. He knew this trip was definitely not just for sightseeing, but at least, this first step had been taken.

He took Zhu Zhuqing's slightly cool hand and, instead of heading towards the bustling streets, went straight to the guards stationed near the side gate of the Zhu residence.

The head of the guards recognized Lin Xia, the distinguished guest of the blacksmiths' association, as well as the second young lady of the manor who had just been "sentenced" by fate.

Seeing the two of them arrive together, especially Zhu Zhuqing who clearly seemed to be heading out, the captain of the guards felt a jolt in his heart and immediately put on a respectful yet extremely wary smile.

"Young Master Lin Xia, Second Miss. Are you two heading out? Would you like us to arrange for a carriage and escort?"

Lin Xia released Zhu Zhuqing's hand, stepped forward, her expression natural, even carrying a touch of youthful "taken-for-grantedness," and her voice clearly reached the ears of all the guards.

"No need to trouble yourself. I'm taking Sister Zhuqing out to find a special ore needed for forging. The location is quite far, and we may not be back for a while. It'll be a good time to relax and broaden our horizons."

"what?!"

The captain of the guard's smile froze instantly, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.

The guards behind him were also instantly in an uproar, looking at each other in disbelief, their faces filled with shock and bewilderment.

Take the Second Miss away from Xingluo City?
Go searching for ore?
It will be a while before I can come back?!

This is a bolt from the blue!

What makes the second young lady's identity so special?
She was just personally chosen by His Majesty the Emperor as the fiancée of the Third Prince!

Even if the third prince is utterly incompetent, this is still a royal marriage that is set in stone!
Her whereabouts and safety were a sensitive concern for the entire Zhu family and the royal family.

Although Young Master Lin Xia is of noble status, he is ultimately an outsider and still a child!

How could he just casually say he was going to take the second young lady away?

"Young Master Lin... Young Master Lin Xia, this is absolutely impossible!"

The captain of the guard was so anxious that sweat beaded on his forehead and his voice trembled. He hurriedly stepped forward, trying to stop them but not daring to actually do anything. He could only offer incoherent advice.

"Second Miss, your status is too high; how could you possibly leave the manor so easily? This...this is too dangerous! Soul beasts roam freely outside, and bandits abound. If...if even the slightest mishap occurs, we servants will be held accountable! Please reconsider, Young Master! What kind of ore do you need? Just give the order, and we'll immediately send people to find it, we'll be sure to..."

"No need."

Lin Xia interrupted him directly, her tone calm but carrying an undeniable weight.

His dark golden pupils swept over the group of panicked guards before him, and his invisible spiritual power trembled slightly, causing the guard captain to choke on his next words.

"Only I know the location of the ore; no one else can find it. Sister Zhuqing also wants to go out and see the world. You all just do your jobs and guard the mansion."

He deliberately emphasized the word "duty".

After saying that, Lin Xia ignored them, turned around and took Zhu Zhuqing's hand again, her voice softening.

"Zhuqing, let's go."

Zhu Zhuqing followed without hesitation, even subconsciously tightening her grip on Lin Xia's hand, her steps becoming lighter, as if she wanted to completely shake off the huge cage behind her.

"Second Miss! Young Master Lin Xia! Please wait! Please wait!"

(End of this chapter)