Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Young Gilas, Sandstorm King!

Lin Xia looked in the direction she pointed, a smile playing on her lips.

Zhu Zhuqing's changes over the years are obvious.

Having left the suffocatingly oppressive environment of Xingluo City and freed herself from the shackles of fate that constantly hung over her head, the true nature of the six-year-old girl, which had been forcibly suppressed for too long, finally flowed out like a thawing stream.

She was no longer always silent and tense; she would take a second look at the wildflowers by the roadside, and point to the strange clouds in the sky and ask questions. At this moment, she showed a strong desire to explore this unfamiliar yet powerful city.

"What about that? That big tube that's emitting lots of smoke?"

"That's the chimney of a smelting furnace; they're burning ore to make iron inside."

Wow...that smells so good! Is it a biscuit?

"Yes, Gengjincheng's salt and pepper iron helmet sesame cakes are very famous. The outer crust is crispy and the inside is soft. I'll take you to try them later."

"Okay, okay!"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded vigorously, her small face filled with pure joy.

Seeing her excited expression, Lin Xia's smile deepened, without the slightest hint of impatience.

He knew how hard-won this ease and curiosity were.

In that cold room in the Zhu Family West Garden, her childhood had long been robbed by heavy expectations and cruel competition.

Now, let her savor this belated, simple joy of childhood.

As the carriage entered the city gate, the bustling sounds of the marketplace instantly enveloped the carriage.

Zhu Zhuqing's eyes were no longer enough.

The streets were wide and bustling with pedestrians. Blacksmith apprentices, wearing leather aprons and with bulging muscles, hurried past carrying materials.

The exquisitely crafted soul-guided lampposts lit up with a soft glow before dusk.

Roadside vendors enthusiastically hawked various metal trinkets, tools, and food with enticing aromas.

As promised, Lin Xia led her out of the car and, just as promised, they blended into the lively evening atmosphere of Gengjin City.

He held her little hand to prevent her from being separated from the crowd.

Zhu Zhuqing was initially a little reserved, holding Lin Xia's fingers tightly, but she was soon attracted by the dazzling array of sights.

"Brother Lin Xia, that little bird that spins around!"

She stopped in front of a stall selling handmade ironwork, pointing to an iron sparrow that was intricately bent from thin wire and could flap its wings using springs and gears.

"Like it? Buy one."

Lin Xia paid directly.

The little iron sparrow felt heavy and cool to the touch. Its ingenious mechanism made Zhu Zhuqing love it so much that she looked at it over and over again, her little face full of surprise.

"Taste this."

Lin Xia bought two more skewers of freshly grilled rock lamb, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder. The fat sizzled and the aroma was irresistible.

Zhu Zhuqing imitated Lin Xia, carefully took a bite, and gasped when she was burned, but her big eyes narrowed happily as she nodded repeatedly.

"good to eat!"

They also bought golden and crispy salt and pepper sesame seed cakes. Zhu Zhuqing held them in both hands and nibbled on them, her cheeks bulging.

Lin Xia bought her another small bag of maltose wrapped in oil paper and dyed in various colors.

She licked the candy, her eyes sparkling as she watched the puppet show performed by street performers, driven by simple soul-guided devices. Completely immersed in this novel and lively street fun, she giggled.

At this moment, she was not the second young lady of the Zhu family burdened with the destiny of the Netherworld Cat, but simply a six-year-old girl being taken to the market by her brother, full of wonder at everything. The gentle glow of the setting sun shone on the two of them, elongating their figures and blending them into the metallic yet warm twilight landscape of Gengjin City.

As dusk settled, Zhu Zhuqing's belly was round from eating, and she still clutched unfinished malt candy and a few trinkets in her hand. Her face was flushed with satisfaction and a slight tiredness. Only then did Lin Xia lead her toward the most magnificent and brightly lit complex of buildings in the center of Gengjin City—the Blacksmiths' Association headquarters.

Before even reaching the gate, cast from a single piece of fine steel and engraved with the emblem of a giant hammer and anvil, the guards at the entrance, dressed in the association's standard leather armor and exuding a sharp aura, recognized Lin Xia.

"It's Lin Xia! Lin Xia is back!"

The guard's voice was filled with surprise, and he immediately straightened his back, his eyes filled with respect.

Lin Xia's status among the younger generation of the association is unmatched.

The news spread like wildfire.

As Lin Xia led Zhu Zhuqing into the brightly lit hall, filled with the familiar smell of metal and embers, they heard a series of hurried and heavy footsteps coming from the inner room.

"Xia! Is it really you?!"

Before he arrived, his voice preceded his arrival. Senior Brother Silong's booming voice, filled with undisguised excitement and urgency, burst forth like a gust of wind.

Behind him followed several core senior brothers, including Siyu and Sidi, each with a look of surprise, concern, and exhilaration that seemed to have dispelled the weariness of their long journey.

Xia! You're finally back!

Si Long patted Lin Xia's shoulder with his large, fan-like hand, the force of which made Lin Xia sway slightly. His voice was full of concern.

"How was it? Those arrogant guys from Xingluo City didn't give you any trouble, did they? Did anyone make you feel bad? Tell your senior brother about it!"

"Yes, Xia, you've been gone for so long, we were so worried about you!"

Siyu also squeezed forward, looking Lin Xia up and down as if to make sure he wasn't missing a piece of flesh.

Sisi noticed the little girl next to Lin Xia, dressed in black, with a delicate face but a timid expression of someone who had just arrived. A hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes, but at the moment she was clearly more concerned about her junior brother's situation.

Faced with the genuine, familial concern of her senior brothers, Lin Xia felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

A relaxed and genuine smile appeared on his face as he patted Silong's large hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, fellow disciples, I'm fine. Not only am I fine, but I also brought back some good stuff."

"As long as it's okay! Just as long as it's okay!"

Silong breathed a sigh of relief, then frowned again.

"Good stuff? What good stuff could be more important than your safe return? You're the future pillar of our association, you can't afford any mishaps... Huh? Who's this little girl?"

He finally turned his gaze to Zhu Zhuqing, who was standing right next to Lin Xia.

Zhu Zhuqing felt everyone's gaze and subconsciously shrank behind Lin Xia, her small hands gripping his clothes tightly, but there was no fear in her eyes, only the wariness and curiosity of a child.

"Oh, the one I 'found' on the road is called Zhu Qing. He'll be following me from now on. Zhu Qing, these are my senior brothers, and they're the pillars of our blacksmiths' association."

Lin Xia introduced it casually, but the protective intent in her tone was self-evident.

He didn't reveal Zhu Zhuqing's identity; now was not the time.

Although Si Long and the others were curious, seeing Lin Xia say this and seeing that the little girl really relied on Lin Xia, they also showed kind smiles. Si Di even made a face to try to make her laugh.

"Alright, fellow disciples, let's not talk about this for now."

Lin Xia interrupted their curiosity about Zhu Zhuqing, her smile carrying a hint of mystery and excitement.

"Take a look at this first." (End of Chapter)