Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Young Gilas, Sandstorm King!

"Good lad! Good lad!"

Lou Gao's voice was loud but tinged with a barely perceptible sob, and his crimson-gold eyes shone with emotion.

"You've grown up! You've grown so much! And you've become so...so imposing! So powerful! Good! Excellent! I knew you were no ordinary little guy back then! But this is just too...too damn scary!"

Lou Gao's tone was filled with amazement, pride, and deep heartache.

"Over the years... following Xia, you must have suffered a lot, right? How many tough rocks have you chewed? How many times have you been struck by lightning and burned? Look at your iron body..."

Lou Gao's voice deepened, carrying the blacksmith's unique, profound understanding and empathy for the "materials" that had undergone trials and tribulations.

"It wasn't easy! It really wasn't easy! Good child, you've suffered!"

Bangilas was somewhat bewildered by the sudden, heartfelt embrace and words from Lou Gao.

Its dark red eyes blinked, as if trying to understand these complex human emotions.

But even though it may not understand the specific meaning of words like "suffering" and "not easy," it can clearly feel the unreserved, furnace-like, fervent care and...acknowledgment conveyed in Lou Gao's words and actions!
"Roar……"

It let out a low, gurgling sound from its throat, a sound tinged with confusion and satisfaction.

Immediately, this joy of being recognized quickly translated into more direct physical expression!

Suddenly, Bangiras's armored arms snapped shut, like two giant iron clamps, firmly gripping Lou Gao's waist!

Lou Gao was still immersed in the excitement and emotion of the reunion, and had no idea that Bangiras's "response" would be so "enthusiastic".

"Hey? What are you doing, little guy..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lou Gao felt an overwhelming and terrifying force, as if the earth itself was exerting its power, coming from his waist!

“Ho ho—!!!”

Bangilas roared excitedly twice and exerted force with both arms!

Lou Gao, a candidate for the Phoenix Godhood and a powerhouse at the level of a Contra Douluo, felt as if he had suddenly lost his weight!
Like a light scarecrow, he was easily lifted high above Bangalore's head!
"Wow?!"

Lou Gao let out a scream, followed by an even louder burst of laughter, a mixture of astonishment and glee.

"Hahaha! Good lad! You're even stronger now! You're even more powerful than I was back in the day when I swung that sledgehammer!"

Bangilas seemed to have found a new toy and excitedly spun around in circles!

With each step it took, the black volcanic rock beneath its feet emitted a dull groan.

The building was held firmly in the air by it. As it rotated, the view changed rapidly. The scorching wind swept across his face, and his long, fiery gold hair danced wildly in the air.

"Hahaha! Slow down! Slow down! You little rascal! You're making my head spin! Hahaha! Good! That's powerful! That's fucking powerful!"

Lou Gao was not angry at all; on the contrary, he laughed even more heartily, his voice loud and clear, full of the sincere appreciation of an elder for a junior showing strength and a kind of doting affection that was "offended" but he was happy to accept it.

He could clearly feel the steady yet violent power contained in the arms that were supporting him, a power that startled him and made him incredibly proud—it was the power of the "little guy" he had watched grow up!

"Alright, alright! Bangilas! Put the teacher down right now!"

Lin Xia, watching from the side, found it both amusing and frustrating, and quickly spoke up to stop them.

He knew Tyranitar too well; the little guy would get carried away when he was excited. Tyranitar, hearing its master's command, reluctantly stopped and carefully placed the dizzy but still grinning Lou Gao back onto the ground.

Lou Gao landed on his feet, slightly unsteady, and only managed to stand firm by holding onto Bangiras's strong, adamantite-like arms. His face was still beaming with an incredibly bright smile as he praised Bangiras repeatedly.

"Good! Good! Well done! This strength, this physique, is even harder than the diamond chisel I tempered with divine fire! Little guy... no, you're a grown man now! Your armor, tsk tsk, amazing! A natural-born divine weapon! Good! Excellent! Seeing you like this makes me happier than if I had completed the divine test! Hahaha!"

He patted Bangiras's shoulder hard, making a crisp metallic clang, his eyes filled with undisguised affection and pride.

Lin Xia watched the heartwarming yet somewhat comical scene of the old man and the child reuniting, especially Lou Gao's expression as if he had found a rare treasure, and finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Alright, teacher, Bangiras, there will be plenty of time for catching up and praising later."

He walked over to the two of them, his gaze sweeping over the ravaged volcanic rock ground, still shrouded in heat and residual energy.

"This is not a good place to chat and reminisce. The energy fluctuations are too great, and it would be a shame to attract unnecessary trouble."

Lin Xia's tone returned to its usual calmness.

"It's time for us to go back."

A flash of light appeared on the storage soul tool on his wrist, and a rather luxurious carriage, made entirely of sturdy alloy, inlaid with warm jade and soul guide runes, and pulled by four divine "Swiftwind Horned Horse" soul beasts, appeared on the open ground.

The vehicle was large enough to accommodate the group of people, as well as the shrunken Bangiras.

"Teacher, Zhu Qing, Banjilas."

Lin Xia opened the car door and gestured for them to enter.

“Let’s get in the car first. We’ll have plenty of time on the way back to Gengjin City. I will answer all your questions about the past five years without reservation. Bangiras can also tell you many interesting things.”

He added with a smile that he knew that although Bangiras couldn't speak, he could convey simple emotions and images to those close to him through a mental link.

Lou Gao, upon hearing this, waved his hand with a hearty gesture.

"Okay! I'll do as you say! Let's go home!"

He patted Bangiras's sturdy arm armor one last time.

"Kid, get in the car! Let me hear what earth-shattering things you've done these past few years!"

He was the first to board the carriage.

A relaxed smile appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's usually aloof face. She nodded to Lin Xia and lightly leaped into the carriage.

Bangiras looked at the "iron box" with some curiosity. Under Lin Xia's encouraging gaze, he followed Lou Gao's example and clumsily but steadily "squeezed" in. His huge body caused the carriage to sink slightly, but fortunately the structure was sturdy enough.

Lin Xia was the last to get into the car and close the door.

With a soft shout, and infused with soul power, four swift horned horses neighed, their hooves whipping up the wind as they pulled the carriage carrying a newly ascended quasi-god, a twelve-year-old peak Soul King, an eleven-year-old Soul Venerable, and a Sandstorm King, kicking up a trail of dust as they sped towards Gengjin City.

The wheels rolled over the black volcanic rock, making a rhythmic sound.

Outside the car window, the Norton volcanoes receded into the distance in the afterglow of the setting sun, leaving behind awe-inspiring legends and a journey home filled with both wonder and warmth. (End of Chapter)