Leng Qingqing and Leng Jing began actively preparing for their journey to the desert.
The Black Bear continued its routine of eating, drinking, and sleeping; none of this concerned it. In contrast, Leng Qingqing and the White Marten were incredibly excited, packing five or six large bundles of food, drinks, and clothing, plus two additional trunks.
The Black Bear asked curiously, "How are you going to carry so much luggage?"
The White Marten replied proudly, "With the Universal Dragon Mount here, he can carry any amount of cargo." After speaking, it fearfully covered its mouth and looked around, only breathing a sigh of relief when it saw that Leng Jing was not nearby.
Meanwhile, the "Universal Dragon Ferrari" was currently reclining in a rocking chair in the courtyard with his legs crossed. He was enjoying the comfort of attendants massaging his legs and back while he sipped fragrant tea.
"Son, do you plan to spend the whole day nesting at home and sleeping in?" Leng Qingqing asked from the side.
"Oh, I suppose I should go out for a stroll. Staying like this is quite boring," Leng Jing said with a yawn.
"Then I want to go too," Leng Qingqing signed up immediately.
"Fine." Leng Jing waved away the servants and stood up, preparing to go window-shopping.
As it turned out, they were merely strolling through the streets of the Lu Kingdom’s capital. Leng Qingqing had initially thought Leng Jing was going to transform into a dragon and soar across the Divine Land.
The streets were bustling and lively. Leng Jing held onto Leng Qingqing’s sleeve, leading him through the crowds. While Leng Qingqing lingered at various stalls, Leng Jing was recognized by many young maidens with spring in their hearts.
"Isn't that Prince Jing, the most handsome man in the world? Why has he returned?"
Soon, a large crowd gathered, pestering him with questions. Leng Jing gave a few perfunctory answers before pulling Leng Qingqing through the throng. A moment later, the two of them appeared in a tavern in a misty water town in Jiangnan. Leng Jing leaned against the railing with his arms open, looking up and sighing with emotion. "The atmosphere of the martial world here is truly nostalgic!"
Several men drinking in the tavern turned their gazes toward them. One by one, they stood up and bowed respectfully. "Alliance Leader, we did not expect to find you here enjoying a drink."
"At ease. Please, sit," Leng Jing said with a grand wave of his hand, every movement exuding the charisma of a Martial Arts Alliance Leader.
Leng Qingqing curled his lip at Leng Jing. Once Leng Jing ordered several bowls of specialty noodle soup for him, Leng Qingqing ignored him and focused entirely on eating his noodles.
Several figures from the martial world sat nearby and began discussing the recent situation in the *jianghu* with Leng Jing. they spoke of many things—martial arts conspiracies, demonic sects, grievances, and passions. To Leng Qingqing, it all sounded like a foreign language.
He turned his gaze toward the river outside the building. The vast river was shrouded in a boundless mist and rain. A few small boats drifted amidst the wind and waves, while willows swayed gently on the banks, creating a scene full of poetic charm.
Having been with his son for decades, he felt that every day was this peaceful and comfortable.
Living a whole life like this would be true happiness. He simply leaned back against his son's body. This intimate gesture caused the martial artists to stare in shock.
Eventually, those people took the hint and departed, leaving only the two of them on the top floor of the tavern.
Leng Jing lowered his head, looking carefully at Leng Qingqing, who was lying across his lap. Leng Qingqing reached up and cradled Leng Jing's head. "Son, it's been a long time since you let Daddy give you a kiss."
"As you wish." Leng Jing’s face moved until it was almost touching his.
"Have the scales you injured last time grown back?" Leng Qingqing asked with concern.
"They have." Leng Jing’s gaze fell upon the fair skin and elegantly shaped collarbones peeking out from Leng Qingqing’s robes.
"Daddy’s heart truly aches for you, my precious son." Leng Qingqing stroked his face, then hooked his arms around his neck and began to kiss his cheeks.
Leng Jing suddenly pressed him down onto the long bench attached to the railing. He studied him for a long time before finally suppressing his voice to say, "Let’s go. It’s time to head back."
He loved Leng Qingqing.
However, there were many ways to express love. Currently, he did not think much of the reckless way mortals engaged in mating. He did not believe that such a forceful coupling, which violated the natural principles of Yin and Yang supplementation, could bring any substantive breakthrough. As long as he stayed by his side like this, there was still plenty of time.
To him, love was not something to be spoken; it was something to be carried out through action.
Time would bear witness to his love for Leng Qingqing. Because of that love, he would protect everything Leng Qingqing cherished. Though they were the most dissimilar father and son, their hearts were joined. They had walked rugged paths together and experienced joys and sorrows together; they understood each other's hearts.
Therefore, that clumsy mating and the pursuit of hollow, physical stimulation were ultimately optional.
*In the future, continue to walk by my side,* Leng Jing said silently in his heart.
***
The three-day deadline arrived quickly.
Leng Qingqing and the White Marten both carried large bundles on their backs, sitting in the courtyard waiting for Su Luo. Their solemn, battle-ready mood even affected the Ugly Little Snake. Leng Jing had specifically changed into formal attire and was practicing his fist forms in the Prince’s manor courtyard as a warm-up.
From morning until dusk, they waited all day, but there was no sign of Su Luo.
Where had Su Luo gone? The Ugly Little Snake didn't know either; he had never questioned Su Luo’s whereabouts.
Night fell, and the maidservants came to urge them to eat, but Su Luo still hadn't come.
Late into the night, it was time to sleep, yet Su Luo still hadn't come.
And so, the next day arrived.
Over the following two days, Su Luo remained missing.
It was as if this ghost had truly vanished from the world.
"If he doesn't come soon, we'll go on our own!" Leng Jing finally made the decision, earning the agreement of the other two.
The following day was a rainy one.
The grey, overcast weather felt oppressive, but the Ugly Little Snake and the others decided it was time to head for the desert.
On this day, Prince Ling had intended to visit, but he canceled his trip due to poor health. The Queen was thousands of miles away, preparing to rush back to the capital. Mei Xin went on a blind date. The Phoenix Clan was holding a coronation ceremony for their new King. The black wolf who had acknowledged Leng Jing as his boss had just defeated a rival on a mountain peak, becoming the local tyrant. The martial world remained turbulent. The Black Bear was fast asleep.
Overall, the mortal realm was relatively peaceful. But in the northwestern desert, darkness was slowly spreading, threatening to swallow this colorful world.
Leng Qingqing and the White Marten both knew that they might face even more numerous and terrifying monsters this time. However, the moment they stood beside Leng Jing, they suddenly felt fearless.
They were doing the most extraordinary thing in heaven and earth; the mere thought of it filled them with heroic pride.
Even if the world were to end, they would surely follow closely in Leng Jing’s footsteps.
"Let's go!" In front of everyone in the Prince’s manor, Leng Jing unhesitatingly transformed into a majestic white dragon. Amidst the gasps of the onlookers, Leng Qingqing and the White Marten leaped onto the dragon's back, bringing their many bags of luggage with them.
"We're off! Son!!!" Leng Qingqing shouted excitedly. With a draconic roar, a winding white dragon surged into the sky, circling once over the Lu Kingdom before finally vanishing into the heavy crimson clouds.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 露国 | Lu Kingdom | The nation where the capital is located. |
| 净王爷 | Prince Jing | Leng Jing's title in the mortal realm. |
| 盟主 | Alliance Leader | Short for Wulin Mengzhu (Martial Arts Alliance Leader). |
| 凌王爷 | Prince Ling | A noble character mentioned in passing. |
| 梅歆 | Mei Xin | A character mentioned in passing. |
| 凤凰族 | Phoenix Clan | A mythical race mentioned in the world context. |
| 神州 | Divine Land | A poetic name for China/the central realm. |
| 江南 | Jiangnan | Region south of the Yangtze River, known for its water towns. |
| 交尾 | Mating | Literally "intertwining tails," used for animals/dragons. |
