Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Young Gilas, Sandstorm King!

Lin Xia looked at the little girl's face, which was as red as a boiled shrimp, and her embarrassed appearance, as if she wanted to shrink herself away. His handsome eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly.

Young girls' thoughts are hard to fathom, let alone Zhu Zhuqing, who has just experienced a huge change and emotional ups and downs.

Although he hadn't heard her mutterings clearly, her unusual reaction still puzzled him.

"Well, it's almost there."

Lin Xia didn't ask any further questions. She simply reached out and, with a soothing tone, gently and naturally ruffled the top of her soft hair.

The black cat-ear-shaped hair accessory rubbed against his fingertips.

"You're sitting here alone, lost in thought, and your face is so red. Were you feeling a bit stuffy because there were so many people around? Or did you eat too much barbecue and feel unwell?"

His tone carried the concern of an elder brother.

"No... I don't feel unwell!"

Zhu Zhuqing quickly shook her head. Feeling the warm touch from the top of her head, her heart beat even faster, but her panic was also strangely calmed down.

She tried to make her voice sound normal.

"Well... everyone seems so happy... and I'm... a little hot too."

"That's good."

Lin Xia smiled and didn't delve into it further.

"Come on, get some rest tonight. I've arranged a room for you, right next to mine. Starting tomorrow, Gengjin City will be your new home."

He took her still slightly cool hand and led her through the sleeping square toward the interior of the Blacksmiths' Guild headquarters.

Zhu Zhuqing followed closely behind, head down, trying to calm herself, but her flushed cheeks and pounding heart could not be calmed for a long time.

In the darkness, she secretly raised her eyes and looked at Lin Xia's tall and reliable back. The lingering sound of "husband" seemed to still linger in her heart, bringing waves of sweet and shy flutters.

Five years later.

The edge of the Norton Volcanic Group.

The scorching wind, carrying a strong smell of sulfur, swept across the rugged black volcanic rocks.

The sky was a somber, leaden gray, with only the edge of the massive crater in the distance faintly glowing with an ominous dark red light, like a restless heart deep within the earth.

Five years is enough time for a seedling to sprout and for a rough gem to begin to shine.

The once thin and short girl has now blossomed into a graceful young woman.

Zhu Zhuqing was dressed in a well-fitting black outfit that accentuated her slender yet surprisingly powerful waistline.

She stood quietly on a protruding volcanic rock, her posture as upright as a bamboo shoot. Her once tender face had lost the last trace of baby fat, revealing a clear and elegant profile.

Her skin was healthy and radiant from years of cultivation, and the youthful innocence in her eyes had been replaced by composure. Only her eyes remained as deep as ever, though the frost that had accumulated over the years seemed to have melted away, leaving behind a restrained brilliance.

Her long hair was tied into a neat ponytail, the ends swaying gently in the hot wind. Her signature cat ear hair accessories on her forehead were still playful and cute, standing out against the gray background.

Standing next to her, Lin Xia had also undergone a remarkable transformation.

The boy's body grew taller and more relaxed, with broad shoulders and a posture as upright as a pine tree.

Having shed some of his childishness, his facial features are now more defined and sharp, with sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and a jawline that exudes a resolute curve.

Five years of experience and refinement have deepened his calm and reserved demeanor, making him appear like a sharp sword with its edge concealed.

His eyes were calm, yet they seemed to contain all-seeing wisdom and boundless energy, occasionally flashing with a sharp, lightning-like intensity.

Even in a simple gray outfit, he exuded an extraordinary air.

five years.

Five whole years!

Lin Xia's gaze was fixed on the deep volcanic cave entrance in front of him, which was constantly emitting terrifying heat waves—the very entrance where he had watched his mentor Lou Gao step into the volcano to undergo the Phoenix God's near-death trial!
Time seems to stand still here, with only the sulfurous smell emanating from the cave entrance and the faint rumbling reminding us of the passage of time and the dangers within.

Worry, anxiety, anticipation... countless complex emotions surged in Lin Xia's chest, almost making it hard for him to breathe. Five years of silence; the Phoenix God's divine trial was far more difficult than ordinary people could imagine.

Is my beloved teacher... still well?

Are you still persisting? Have you...already...?

Lin Xia clenched his fists involuntarily, his knuckles turning white, and an invisible pressure permeated his body.

A cool yet exceptionally soft hand quietly reached out and gently but firmly grasped his tightly clenched fist.

Lin Xia was slightly taken aback and turned her head.

Zhu Zhuqing was looking up at him. In her eyes, which had seen through his emotions over the past five years of living together day and night and cultivating together, his image was clearly reflected. There was no panic, only calm comfort and complete trust.

Her fingertips were slightly cool, yet strangely, they soothed the turmoil in his heart.

"Brother Lin Xia".

Her voice remained clear and cool, yet it was like a mountain stream flowing over scalding rocks, carrying away the heat.

"It will be alright. Master Lou Gao... He is so powerful and his will is so firm. Since the Phoenix God has chosen him, he will surely protect him and help him succeed."

Her tone was firm, and her eyes showed unconditional trust in Lin Xia's judgment.

Over the past five years, she has witnessed Lin Xia create one miracle after another, from repairing the national treasures of Xingluo Kingdom to lighting up the heart of the mecha "Chixiao" and bringing the Blacksmith Association to an unprecedented height.

In her mind, Lin Xia's judgment was almost the truth.

He said that if Master Lou has a chance, then he definitely will.

Feeling the coolness and firmness in her palm, and seeing the pure trust and concern in her eyes, Lin Xia's tense heartstrings finally relaxed a little.

The taut jawline softened, and the deep worry in her eyes was replaced by a touch of warmth.

Five years have passed, and the little girl who used to timidly hide behind him has grown into a partner who can share his emotions and give him strength.

He raised his other hand, the movement natural and practiced, carrying the unspoken understanding and intimacy cultivated over five years, and gently stroked the top of her head.

Instead of touching her hair, his fingertips gently and almost indulgently twirled the small, fluffy cat ear hair ornaments in her hair.

This has almost become an unspoken, unspoken rule between them.

This action of twirling the cat-ear hair ornament would occur whenever she made progress after her efforts, or whenever he needed a little warmth and comfort.

It represents recognition, a silent intimacy and protection.

Zhu Zhuqing felt the familiar touch, and her body relaxed almost imperceptibly. She even subconsciously moved half a step closer to him, like a small animal seeking a safe haven.

Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and two faint blushes rose on her cheeks. They were not obvious in the dim light of the volcanic ash, but they truly reflected the throbbing in her heart.

Over the past five years, this gesture has gone far beyond mere comfort, leaving a deeper and more hidden mark on her heart.

"Ok!"

Lin Xia's voice was deep and gentle, with a hint of relieved laughter, responding to her comfort.

“You’re right. Teacher… he will definitely succeed. We’ll stay here and wait for him to come out.”

He withdrew his hand from the hair ornament and turned his gaze back to the deep crater. Although the worry in his eyes had not completely dissipated, it had been replaced by a more steadfast vigil.

He believed in Zhu Zhuqing's judgment, and even more so in his teacher Lou Gao's burning passion for craftsmanship and indomitable will.

Time passed second by second, and the smell of sulfur emanating from the crater grew stronger, while the air became increasingly hot and viscous, as if even breathing carried sparks.

The oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on their hearts like an invisible boulder.

Just as Lin Xia's nerves were about to be taut with worry once again—

Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! (End of Chapter)