She turned around and flashed a radiant smile at the maid, her eyes sparkling as if filled with starlight:
"This place is truly beautiful! Even more beautiful than the castle in my dreams!"
After saying this, she lifted the hem of her skirt and stepped onto the stairs one step at a time, letting out a soft "ah" with each step as if afraid to disturb the tranquility of the palace.
Sunlight fell on her hair, casting a golden halo that intertwined with the brilliance of the Holy Child Palace, resembling a magnificent painting.
"Miss Xue Na, slow down!"
Seeing her dart through the hall like an unbridled fawn, the maid quickly quickened her pace to keep up, worried she might bump into something.
The interior of the Holy Child Palace was even more spacious than it appeared from the outside, with a dome so high it was almost impossible to see the top.
The crystal chandeliers hanging from above refracted fragmented light onto the carpeted floor, scattering it like a layer of crushed diamonds.
Xue Na's gaze was drawn to the paintings hanging on the walls, then captivated by the jade ornaments placed in the corners.
She ran to the window to look at the courtyard outside one moment, then stood on tiptoe to examine the reliefs on the palace pillars the next, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
After wandering around the palace for quite some time, from the bright reception hall to the cushioned resting room, Xue Na finally slowed her pace.
She was led by the maid to sit on a chair draped in brocade.
Resting her small hands on the armrests, her chest rising and falling slightly as she caught her breath, her eyes still sparkling brightly, clearly not yet recovered from her excitement.
"This place... is really huge."
She turned her head to look at the maid, her voice tinged with fatigue but full of delight.
"It's many times bigger than the largest house in our village."
The maid smiled and handed her a cup of warm water: "Please rest slowly, there are still many places in the Holy Child Palace you haven't seen yet."
"After you've rested a bit, I'll take you to see your room; it's also arranged very comfortably."
Xue Na took the cup and sipped slowly, her eyes drifting back to the exquisite decorations in the hall, the curve of her smile never fading.
So this is where Brother Su Yu lives—it really is like a treasure chest full of endless surprises.
Just then, the palace door was gently pushed open, and Su Yu stepped in with the morning light.
Seeing his figure, the maid quickly bowed in respect, her voice reverent:
"Greetings, Holy Son."
Su Yu waved his hand, signaling her to rise, his gaze immediately falling on Xue Na sitting in the chair as he walked over briskly.
He sat down beside her, casually resting his elbow on the armrest, his tone carrying a hint of laughter:
"So, Xiao Xuena, do you like your brother's Holy Child Palace?"
Xue Na looked up at Su Yu, her eyes instantly brightening. She quickly jumped down from the chair, ran to his side, and looked up at him, saying:
"I love it! It's so big and beautiful! Even better than I imagined!"
She tugged at Su Yu's sleeve, pointing at the Glass Lamp on the wall.
"Brother, look at that lamp—it glows! And that carpet, it's as soft as a cloud!"
Su Yu ruffled her hair, his eyes filled with affection:
"I'm glad you like it. You can take your time exploring now that you'll be living here."
He turned to the maid beside him, "Give the order to tidy up the Warm Pavilion on the west side for Xue Na's bedroom, and add some decorations she likes."
The maid promptly replied, "Yes, Holy Son."
Thus, Xue Na settled into the Holy Child Palace. Hu Liena, undergoing a two-month secret training, remained unaware of this news for the time being.
Time flew by swiftly, and a month passed in the blink of an eye.
Under Su Yu's supervision, Xue Na had trained for a full month, and her physical strength had improved significantly.
After careful consideration, Su Yu concluded that in her current state, she should have no problem bearing a Soul Ring of around four hundred years.
On the other hand, he had previously made an agreement with Rongrong to take her to obtain a Soul Ring a month later.
Since both children were to absorb Soul Rings, he decided to take them together.
So that day, Su Yu brought Xue Na and boarded a carriage bound for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
The carriage was lined with soft velvet, cushioning them from the bumps of the road.
Xue Na pressed her face against the window, watching the fleeting scenery outside for a while before turning to Su Yu with bright, sparkling eyes:
"Brother, where are we going?"
Su Yu, who had been flipping through the Soul Beast Bestiary, looked up and smiled:
"We're going to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. There's a sister there who also needs to obtain a Soul Ring. I'll take both of you to find the most suitable ones."
Xue Na turned fully toward Su Yu, her small face filled with curiosity:
"Brother, what kind of place is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? Is it as beautiful as the Martial Soul Holy City?"
Su Yu, who had been reading a booklet about flowers and plants, looked up and chuckled:
"More or less. It's a very beautiful place, and there are powerful Soul Masters there too."
He set the booklet aside and ruffled Xue Na's hair.
Xue Na lowered her head, twisting the hem of her skirt with her fingers, and whispered:
"That sister must be very impressive... What if I end up holding you back?"
Although she had improved rapidly over the past month, she still felt a bit insecure.
"How could that be?"
Su Yu tapped the tip of her nose, his tone firm.
"Our little Xue Na is already very capable. I'll definitely choose the most suitable Soul Beast for you."
Praised by him, Xue Na's cheeks flushed pink, and she couldn't help but smile.
She leaned against the window again, watching the scenery rush by outside. Her heart was filled with both anticipation to meet Sister Ning and eagerness to obtain her very own Soul Ring.
Just as Brother Su Yu had said, once she obtained a Soul Ring, she could become even stronger!
The carriage continued on its way, passing through vast bamboo groves and distant mountains shrouded in mist and clouds.
A day later, the carriage slowly entered the mountain gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and came to a steady stop in the central plaza of the sect.
Before the carriage curtain was fully drawn aside, a clear, bell-like voice cut through the air:
"Husband Brother!"
Ning Rongrong had spotted the exclusive emblem of the Spirit Hall Saint on the carriage at once.
Instantly, her eyes curved into crescents like a joyful little swallow. Lifting her skirt, she dashed toward the carriage, the hem sweeping the ground and stirring a light breeze.
"Rongrong, slow down. Watch your step."
Ning Fengzhi, dressed in a moon-white robe, followed at a leisurely pace behind his daughter, his tone carrying a mix of helplessness and indulgence.
His usually gentle voice held a barely perceptible lightness, and a faint smile shimmered in his eyes.
Su Yu had just stepped down from the carriage and hadn't yet steadied himself when a figure rushed toward him like a gust of wind.
Instinctively, he opened his arms and caught her firmly. Ning Rongrong nestled against his chest like an exuberant little creature, her cheek pressed against his robes.
The sweet fragrance of her body, mingled with the fresh scent of outdoor grass and trees, wafted into Su Yu's nostrils.
"You're not a child anymore, yet still so reckless."
He chuckled helplessly, raising his hand to ruffle her soft hair. His fingertips brushed through her strands, sending a slight shiver through her.
"I don't care!"
Ning Rongrong looked up at him, her eyes curved like crescents bathed in moonlight, her nose nearly touching his chin.