The next day.
Gu Han still wore his usual cyan robes, his long white hair neatly cascading down his back. His entire demeanor exuded otherworldly grace.
His height had already settled at 188 cm—not particularly tall by fantasy world standards, but certainly not short either. Gu Han himself was quite satisfied with it. Being too tall would only make him seem like some clumsy giant.
He didn't have to wait long. Bibi Dong soon stepped out of the Holy Maiden Hall, dressed in a flowing pale pink gown that perfectly accentuated her graceful figure. She wore light makeup, and her long burgundy hair was adorned with a single white lily, adding a radiant elegance to her already stunning beauty.
She looked like a celestial maiden descended from the heavens, transformed into the most enchanting spirit of the mortal world.
Gu Han found himself momentarily dazed. Bibi Dong had always been beautiful, even without makeup, but now—clearly dressed with care—she made his heart skip a beat.
"Senior sister, you…"
Seeing Gu Han frozen in place, Bibi Dong's heart fluttered with joy. Yet she maintained a playful smile, stretching out her fair, slender finger to gently tap his forehead.
"What are you spacing out for? Let's get going."
It had to be said—on the Douluo Continent, Soul Masters truly matured fast. Gaining soul rings seemed to accelerate development. Now a five-ring Soul King, Bibi Dong stood at 177 cm—just half a head shorter than Gu Han.
Her dress swayed lightly as she walked ahead, hopping nimbly into the carriage.
This wasn't the type of carriage pulled by flying soul beasts used by Titled Douluo, but a finely crafted one drawn by well-bred horses.
"Hurry up, junior brother!"
Bibi Dong sat on the edge of the carriage, smiling and waving to the still-distracted Gu Han.
He finally snapped out of it, touched the spot on his forehead where she'd tapped him, and let a warm smile curl his lips.
"Coming."
He climbed aboard and took the reins. Noticing Bibi Dong hadn't gone inside the carriage, he asked, "Aren't you going to sit inside?"
Bibi Dong pouted. "I'm not that pampered. Besides, I want to enjoy the scenery."
Gu Han didn't push the matter and drove the carriage away from Spirit City.
By now, both of them were five-ring Soul Kings—considered formidable among most Soul Masters across the continent.
Because of this, Qian Xunji had mostly switched to a hands-off approach in their training. Unless they sought his guidance, he rarely intervened, though he likely still arranged for powerful protectors to watch over them discreetly, just in case a Soul Sage or stronger took unfair action.
Coconut Grove City wasn't far from Spirit City—only about a day's journey by carriage without rest.
However, since the Lantern Festival wouldn't peak for a few more days, the two weren't in a rush. They traveled slowly, taking time to explore and enjoy the journey.
After four days, they finally arrived at Coconut Grove City.
Their timing was perfect. By the time they entered the city, night had already fallen, and the streets had come alive with activity. Laughter and chatter echoed everywhere, with young men and women strolling and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. The whole city was brimming with youthful energy.
Bibi Dong's eyes sparkled as she looked around, her gaze full of curiosity.
She fixated on a row of small boats docked along the riverside, then tugged excitedly on Gu Han's arm.
"Junior brother, let's go boating!"
"Alright."
Gu Han nodded and handed a gold soul coin to a vendor, declining the offer for someone to row them. Taking the long pole himself, he guided the boat gently away from the shore.
The river's surface was dotted with floating lotus lanterns. Their light glowed softly through thin paper, casting golden ripples over the water. The gentle current carried them downstream, their light slowly merging with the night, painting a dreamlike, ethereal scene that was impossible to look away from.
Bibi Dong knelt gracefully at the bow of the boat, reaching into the water to pick up a lotus lantern. She held it before her for a moment, admiring it, then released it gently back into the river.
"Junior brother, it's so beautiful here."
"Yeah."
Gu Han nodded slightly and smiled. "Senior Sister, we've arrived."
They had reached the most lively area of Coconut Grove City. Gu Han stopped the boat and handed it over to the boatman waiting at the dock.
Bibi Dong held out her delicate hand to him.
Gu Han smiled and extended his own hand—long and well-proportioned, with strong joints that conveyed a quiet power without sacrificing elegance.
Despite years of sword training, neither of their hands had calluses. Instead, their skin remained smooth, almost like polished jade.
He grasped her hand gently and helped her onto the dock.
"So pretty~"
Bibi Dong's eyes shone with delight.
Multicolored lanterns lined the streets and alleyways, casting the entire city in a dazzling dreamscape.
She dashed through the crowd, her dress fluttering with each step. Every now and then she'd glance back and wave at Gu Han with a bright smile on her face.
Her joyful expression beamed like sunlight.
She stopped at a stall selling masks, picking up a golden one that covered only the upper half of the face. Shaped like a phoenix, it had elegant tail-like carvings on the right side.
Turning with a playful grin and sparkling eyes, she handed it to Gu Han.
"Junior brother, try it on!"
"Sure."
Gu Han smiled and slipped the ornate mask onto his face. Instantly, his already striking features gained an air of mysterious charm and stoic grace.
His deep gaze peered out from beneath the mask, and the warmth in his slight smile made Bibi Dong's cheeks blush faintly.
But she quickly turned her gaze away and mumbled, "You pick one for me too."
Gu Han nodded and examined the masks on display. His eyes eventually landed on a rabbit mask—he remembered she liked cute animals like rabbits. This one would do.
But the moment she saw it, Bibi Dong's expression froze, her eye twitching slightly.
"Seriously, junior brother? That's so... childish. I'm not a little girl anymore."
"Uh… sorry. How about this one instead?"
Realizing his mistake, Gu Han gave an awkward smile. Although Bibi Dong wasn't very old in years, her physical maturity and mental sharpness made her more like a young woman in her late teens.
The bunny mask really didn't fit her anymore. He picked up a silver fox mask instead.
But then—surprisingly—Bibi Dong puffed out her cheeks, grabbed the bunny mask, and perched it playfully atop her head.
"Fine, bunny it is!"
She winked impishly. "How do I look?"
"Senior Sister is beautiful no matter what she wears."
"Pfft, what a cheesy compliment."
Though she acted dismissive, her heart bloomed with joy. Then her attention was caught by a nearby candy flower stall.
~~~
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