"Tomorrow," Dai Chengfeng said. "I need to return to the Star Luo Empire first—to settle family matters, then begin establishing my academy."
"So soon…" Qian Renxue lowered her head, hiding the disappointment in her eyes.
Dai Chengfeng gently lifted her chin. "Parting is just for a better reunion. Five years will fly by. When I stand before you again, I'll be a Soul Douluo—I'll lead my team to continental glory, and marry you properly, with honor."
Her eyes glistened, but she held back tears. "I'll wait for you. Five years—no matter what happens, I'll wait."
"And I'll wait for you to complete your Angel God trials," Dai Chengfeng vowed. "When you ascend as the Angel God, I'll be there to crown you."
By noon, they left the teahouse. Sunlight bathed Spirit City's white streets, turning the metropolis into a dreamscape.
Qian Renxue showed him the Spirit Hall Academy campus, the library brimming with soul master texts, and Hero Plaza—where statues of past legends stood in eternal vigil. At every stop, she explained everything in detail, as if determined to share her entire world with him in one day.
At sunset, they reached Starwatch Tower—the city's highest point. Below, Spirit City sprawled beneath them; the Supreme Pontiff's Palace, Douluo Hall, and Worships' Hall glowed in the twilight, majestic and mysterious.
"When I was little," Qian Renxue leaned on the railing, wind tangling her hair, "I'd come here whenever loneliness or pressure overwhelmed me. I'd watch the city below, gaze at the horizon, and dream of flying so high I could touch the stars."
"And now?" Dai Chengfeng asked.
She turned to him, golden sunset light in her eyes. "Now I know—even soaring alone brings coldness. But with someone beside you, even on the ground, you feel the stars' warmth."
Dai Chengfeng's heart swelled. He pulled her close. "You won't fly alone. We'll soar higher together, see farther horizons."
They embraced on the tower, watching dusk bleed into night, stars igniting one by one. No words were needed—their clasped hands and synchronized heartbeats spoke volumes.
Only when darkness fully fell did they leave. Qian Renxue walked him to the West Gate—the usual exit for non-Spirit Hall personnel.
"This is far enough," Dai Chengfeng halted. "If you walk further, I might not leave."
She forced a smile. "Then hurry back."
"I will." He promised. "We'll write letters. The Spirit Hall and Star Luo have courier channels—it's slow, but better than complete silence."
"I'll write," Qian Renxue said. "I'll tell you about my trials… about Spirit City."
"And I'll share my academy's progress, my training," Dai Chengfeng smiled. "Though mountains and rivers separate us, our hearts stay linked."
Under the stars, they shared a tender, lingering kiss—not fiery passion, but a vow, a covenant, a promise to the future.
"See you in five years." Dai Chengfeng stepped back.
"See you in five years." Qian Renxue stood firm, watching him go.
Dai Chengfeng turned, striding through the West Gate without looking back. Glancing would only make parting harder. He'd channel this ache into resolve—for their reunion, for their future.
Qian Renxue remained until his figure vanished into the night. Only then did she wipe her tears and walk toward the Worships' Hall, steps unwavering.
From today, she'll fight for their future too. She'd accelerate her Angel God trials, prepare for Spirit Hall reforms, and guard their love with her life.
Back at the Worships' Hall, she found Grandfather Qian Daoliu waiting outside her room.
"Grandfather." She bowed respectfully.
He sighed, noting her red-rimmed eyes. "He's gone?"
"Yes." She nodded.
"Five years—neither long nor short," Qian Daoliu mused. "For ordinary folk, it's an age; for soul masters, it might not even equal a single meditation. Xue'er… do you truly believe he can do it?"
Without hesitation: "He can."
Qian Daoliu studied her resolute gaze, complexity flickering in his eyes. "This five-year trial wasn't just for him—it's for you too. Time reveals truths. Five years can change much… and clarify the heart."
"My heart won't change." Her voice was calm, unshakable. "Whether five years, fifty, or a hundred—I've chosen him."
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