Chapter 11: Tiandou City – An Ancient Capital

A few days later, Chen Junting and Ning Tian finally stepped out of the dense Star Dou Great Forest, their bodies worn from battle but their spirits intact.

Just as they reached the clearing, a shadowy figure materialized beside them—his presence strong yet composed.

Elder Zhang Ming.

Having silently watched over them throughout their journey, the Titled Douluo finally revealed himself.

Thud!

Two jade-scaled horses, their bodies still trembling, were thrown onto the ground before them.

Chen Junting glanced at the creatures, a complicated look in his eyes.

Ten-year-old soul beasts… hunted down by a Titled Douluo.

What an honor.

Zhang Ming's gaze swept over them, his sharp eyes assessing their condition.

"Your trial ends here," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Though outwardly expressionless, there was a hint of approval in his tone.

This wasn't just a soul hunt.

It was also a test—an evaluation of Chen Junting's progress over the past two and a half years.

"I'll report to my brother about your performance," Zhang Ming continued, looking directly at Chen Junting. "Your training regimen will be adjusted accordingly."

Chen Junting nodded without hesitation.

This was his master's arrangement—how could he object?

With a flicker of golden light, Zhang Ming's storage soul guide activated, summoning a massive soul-guided carriage into existence.

Sleek. Durable. One of the finest carriages crafted by the Sun and Moon Empire, designed for both comfort and speed.

The jade-scaled horses, their fate now sealed, were harnessed to pull the carriage.

"Get in," Zhang Ming ordered.

As Ning Tian climbed inside, Chen Junting hesitated.

"You're not riding with us, Elder Zhang?"

"No need," Zhang Ming said simply, already moving to the driver's seat.

The reins snapped.

With a low hum from the carriage's soul-guided formations, they were on their way—smooth, steady, and fast.

For a while, the journey was silent.

Chen Junting, eyes closed, reflected on his battles—analyzing every strength, every mistake.

Until—

"Are we going straight back to the sect?"

Ning Tian's voice was soft, almost hesitant.

Chen Junting opened his eyes and looked at her.

The golden hues of the setting sun illuminated her features, but what struck him wasn't her beauty—it was the glimpse of longing in her eyes.

And then it hit him.

Since joining the sect, Ning Tian had never had a day off.

Always training. Always studying.

Never stopping.

"Where do you want to go?" he asked.

Ning Tian's eyes brightened, her usual composed demeanor cracking just a little.

"Tiandou City," she admitted, excitement creeping into her voice. "I've never been there before. And there's supposed to be a top-tier auction happening in a few days!"

Chen Junting glanced at Zhang Ming.

"Old Zhang, can we make a detour?"

The reins paused.

Then, without a word, Zhang Ming turned the carriage toward Tiandou City.

Inside the carriage, Chen Junting and Ning Tian grinned at each other.

The moment they crossed the city gates, the weight of history pressed down on them.

Towering stone walls, aged by time yet still standing tall, bore the scars of wars long past.

The streets—wide and orderly—held the echoes of ancient footsteps.

This city had witnessed empires rise and fall.

And now, it welcomed them.

As the soul-guided carriage slowed, Ning Tian leaned out the window, eyes shining with curiosity.

"This feels completely different from Jiubao City!" she marveled, spinning around to face Chen Junting. "It's like stepping into a history book."

Chen Junting chuckled.

"That's because Jiubao City is an anomaly," he replied. "Tiandou City… this is what a true imperial capital looks like."

With their guardian's approval, they were given free rein to explore.

And so, they did.

The city was alive with energy—bustling crowds, merchants advertising their wares, the scent of grilled skewers and sweet pastries lingering in the air.

For the first time in years, Ning Tian relaxed.

She darted between stalls, eyes sparkling at the trinkets and jewelry on display.

"Brother Junting, what do you think of this hairpin?" she asked, holding up a delicate jade ornament.

Chen Junting froze.

His mind scrambled for an answer.

"Uh… it matches your temperament?"

A bright laugh escaped her lips.

She set the hairpin down, picking up a silver necklace instead.

"This one's nice too…" she mused.

This time, Chen Junting acted on instinct.

He took the necklace, carefully fastening it around her neck. Adjusting it slightly, he took a step back.

"It suits you," he said—this time with confidence.

Ning Tian smiled.

Not out of vanity, but because, for once—

She wasn't a prodigy. She wasn't a disciple.

She was just a girl, enjoying a rare moment of normalcy.

Without hesitation, she tossed five gold soul coins onto the vendor's stall.

And just like that, the necklace was hers.

As they wandered deeper into the city, they stopped before a grand mansion.

Or rather—what used to be one.

A once-glorious sect headquarters… now rebranded.

Above the entrance, three bold characters stood out:

"Iron Blood Sect."

Ning Tian frowned.

"Wasn't this… the Tang Sect?"

Chen Junting's expression darkened.

It was.

Once the home of the legendary Tang San.

Now?

Forgotten. Replaced.

A bitter reality settled between them.

But instead of dwelling on the past, they moved on.

They had come to Tiandou City to live in the present.

And so, as the sun dipped beyond the horizon, casting the city in golden hues—

They walked hand in hand, embracing the moment.

Because tomorrow, new challenges awaited.

(End of Chapter)