Yin Zhang smiled. Seeing the two brothers in such a different state of mind compared to when they were in Xuanwu City filled him with satisfaction.
He laughed and said,
"Since you've come to Spirit City, you're now part of Spirit Hall. Cultivate diligently. I believe that in the future, there will definitely be a place for you both among Spirit Hall's Titled Elders."
Qiangu Yunying chuckled to the side, not expecting Xiao Zhang to be so skilled at painting such a promising picture.
Graphite remained calm. As the elder brother, he understood that Yin Zhang was encouraging them.
But before he could speak, he noticed Grinding Stone beside him breathing more rapidly.
Grinding Stone asked nervously,
"Your Highness… is what you said true? Do my brother and I really have hope of cultivating to the level of Titled Douluo?"
Yin Zhang nodded with a smile.
"Rest assured. I have high expectations for you. In a few days, we'll be heading to the Xuanwu Secret Realm together. I believe you'll gain tremendous opportunities there."
If this had been before today, Yin Zhang would have estimated that the two brothers might reach Spirit Douluo at best in this lifetime.
But after learning more about the Xuanwu Secret Realm from Tang Zhen and Golden Crocodile, he understood something important.
The two brothers were very likely connected to the Xuanwu Secret Realm itself.
Previously, the Water-Attribute Stone Tablets obtained from that Secret Realm had allowed the Qian Gu Family—aside from Qiangu Yunying, who was a fire-attribute Spirit Master—to achieve major breakthroughs, including the two Consecrated Elders.
Graphite and Grinding Stone were Xuanwu Turtle Spirit Masters. If anyone was destined to resonate with the Xuanwu Secret Realm, it was them.
In Yin Zhang's view, their cultivation would certainly not stop at Spirit Douluo. Reaching the higher tiers of Titled Douluo was not impossible.
It was an unexpected but welcome surprise.
"The Xuanwu Secret Realm?" Graphite asked. "The one our teacher mentioned—the one related to the patterns on our Xuanwu Turtle shells?"
"That's right," Yin Zhang replied with a smile. "That Secret Realm has never truly been explored. This time, we may discover even more within it, and you'll likely benefit greatly."
As soon as Yin Zhang said this, both Graphite and Grinding Stone began breathing faster.
They had originally thought Yin Zhang was merely comforting them. Their innate spirit power wasn't low, but it wasn't exceptional either. Compared to the true prodigies of the continent, they were lacking.
To reach Spirit Douluo in this lifetime would already have been a blessing. Becoming Titled Douluo had never even crossed their minds.
Yet now, this Xuanwu Secret Realm seemed to be offering them an unimaginable opportunity.
Early the next morning, Yin Zhang and Qiangu Yunying decided to return to the residence to rest.
After all, Xiao Min's due date was approaching. If they stayed out overnight and missed such an important moment, they would definitely be scolded afterward.
That night passed quietly.
In the dead of night, Yin Zhang suddenly sensed movement outside.
A knock sounded at the gate.
Both he and Qiangu Yunying rose immediately and stepped into the courtyard.
The one knocking was a knight clad in iron armor, standing tall and straight.
The gate opened.
The knight was slightly surprised to see them appear so quickly and said respectfully,
"Your Highnesses, the Sixth Consecrated Elder has sent me to summon you. Something important has happened."
Yin Zhang and Qiangu Yunying exchanged a glance and instantly understood.
It must be that Xiao Min had gone into labor.
"Alright, we're coming," Yin Zhang said without hesitation.
He summoned his spirit and took flight, carrying Qiangu Yunying with him as they headed straight for Qian Gu Lifan's residence.
The residence was brightly lit.
Even before landing, Yin Zhang heard the clear sound of an infant crying.
His eyes lit up as he looked at Qiangu Yunying.
"Sister Yunying, the baby's been born!"
They landed and entered the courtyard, immediately drawing a few glances before everyone turned their attention back inside.
Yin Zhang stepped forward and saw Jiang Mo and Qian Jun seated beside Qiangu Yuan. Jiang Mo was holding a swaddled infant, whose cries were strong and lively.
"Grandpa Jiang Mo," Yin Zhang said with a smile, "is this my niece?"
Qiangu Yuan snorted from the side.
"Future niece. Don't get ahead of yourself."
Qiangu Yunying paid no attention to the exchange. She walked straight to Jiang Mo and looked down at the baby in his arms, her eyes filled with warmth.
"Xiao Baibai," she said softly, smiling, "guess who I am?"
She gently reached out and touched the baby's tender cheek.
Nearby, Qian Gu Lifan and Xiao Min rested on the bed, watching the scene unfold with gentle smiles.
Five days later.
Golden Crocodile, Tang Zhen, Yin Zhang, Qiangu Yunying, Graphite, and Grinding Stone set off together toward the Hurricane Forest.
Although it was called the Xuanwu Secret Realm, it was located deep within the Hurricane Forest.
After Tang Zhen's previous withdrawal from the forest, he had ordered the local Spirit Hall branch to regularly inspect the depths. Spirit Beasts were to be driven away if possible, or at least recorded for later handling.
After all, this was the location of the Xuanwu Secret Realm.
If conditions allowed in the future, the forest itself might even be cleared, leaving the Secret Realm fully under Spirit Hall's control.
"Whoosh—"
The group moved at incredible speed, tearing through the air and leaving ripples behind them.
After confirming the correct location, they descended directly onto the island at the center of the lake within the core area of the Hurricane Forest.