Soul Land III: Man and Spear

This will take more time than I initially anticipated, so here an upfront pay chapter.

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Eastsea Transport Station

Du Qianyao exits the bus and inhale the air filled with scent of food from nearby food booth.

"Nothing changes, still the same."

A man who look about in his 40s walk over and stand beside him

"Is it? Just 5 years won't change many things except people."

Qianyao look at the middle aged man, he's tan-skin, bald head but majestic mustache just like Freddy Mercury, he's about 2 meters tall with packed muscle like Ronnie Coleman. In short, absolute unit of a man.

He's Jie Hong, Elder of Body Sect, a 92 level Titled Douluo with 3-Word Battle Armor, who decided to tag along to visit his nephew and take the roll of guardian for Qianyao.

"Elder Jie' nephew is just an ordinary person right? What'd he do for living?"

"His martial soul is his eyes but because his innate talent is mediocre and he don't want to be a soul master, he want to be a mechanic for any kinds of vehicles, he's been studying for it all these years."

"Your nephew is quite a odd person? First time hearing of someone who doesn't want to be a soul master."

Jie Hong smile sadly and reminiscing, "It's because his father, my blood brother, died because he was assigned a mission for the Sect and he was ambush by Evil Soul Masters."

"My condolences."

"It's fine, Yinghei didn't blame anyone, but that solidify his dream of becoming a mechanic."

"Life sure has way to guide someone dream."

"They sure is, anyway are you going back directly or take a stroll around first?"

Qianyao look at shawarma beef booth, "I will take my time before sunset, you go ahead Elder Jie, tomorrow we meet at my place."

Jie Hong nods and disappear.

"And now...time for za shawarma ma boi."

Just as he was about to take a step he was bumped by a boy around 7 years old

"Ah! Sorry!"

Qianyao frowns and mvtherfvking stare at the boy, "No problem but next time be mindful where you walking."

"I am truly sorry but i am really hungry so I want to grab a bite and head back home!"

Qianyao relax and squinted his eyes checking this boy infront of him from head to toes

'Black eyes, Black hair, adorable face, fresh scent of grass...could it be?'

'Qianyao! I feels bloodline resonance from his body! Such powerful dragon bloodline must not be any weaker than mine perhaps even stronger!'

'That confirm it.'

"What's your name?"

"Huh? Me?"

"Yes, can you tell me your name?"

The boy look utter confused "Uh okay? My name is...."

"Tang Wulin, a student from intermediate academy of Eastsea."

Qianyao faked a mildly surprised face, "Eastsea Academy? I studied there once too."

Tang Wulin look genuinely surprised, "Really? That means you are my senior! Greeting senior!"

Qianyao waves it off, "No need i have already graduated from there, i just come back for some business."

"I see, then I wish you luck senior! I will be on my way then!"

Qianyao shot him a thumb up, "Sure see you around"

They both walk in the same direction and stop at the Shawarma Beef booth

"..."

"..."

They look at each other for seconds before Qianyao order a Heavy Cheese Shawarma and sat down inside the diners table.

"Uhm.... one- no three large basic Beef Shawarma please." Tang Wulin sat down coincidence right beside Qianyao table.

'Let's hope Tang the Merciful inside him won't notice anything interesting in me, don't want the Tang Family techniques done to me.'

2 minutes later Qianyao' Heavy Cheese Shawarma is done and served to him.

Qianyao smile and took a bite

The waiter ask, "Fancy any drink, mister?"

"Is strawberry shake fine?"

"Of course! We recently take in an intern who specializes in making any kinds of refreshments!"

"Give me one"

"Right away!"

After he order the drink he glance at Tang Wulin who was wolfing down every food infront of him.

'Quite fun watching him eat like that'

Late afternoon with soft sunlight about to set shone across the compound, the Maple Orphanage was familiar and changed for the better.

Du Qianyao parked his bike by the front door and pushed it open.

Inside, the courtyard brimmed with life—the laughter of children, the buzz of small cleaning machines and new air conditioner humming in activity.

"Granny Qing's gone," Aunt Guan said gently as she emerged from the main building. She was the longtime chef, her warm smile just like back then. "She passed away a few years back."

Qianyao's smile slightly and look down slightly, but he nodded. "I know."

Aunt Guan waved him in. "This is now Miss Yue—the new director."

A tall young woman stepped forward. She wore an apron and offered her hand in greeting.

"Xiao Du, long time no see, thank you for your generous support."

Qianyao smiled. "It's nothing. I like knowing you're all doing well."

Around them, caretakers bustled—two new staff monitoring children tinkering with small electronics: a broken mechanized toy car, a half-built spirit energy lamp.

Aunt Guan led him inside. "Want some tea? Or are hungry yet? We still have some Sky Bull Cattle meats left, I can make something for you."

Qianyao walked to a wooden table and placed two neatly wrapped packages on it.

"no thanks, I ate before coming here. Here I made these—new wristbands, a little gifts for our reunion."

He unwrapped them to reveal two Jade bracelets, their surfaces shimmering faintly even in low light.

"They absorb surrounding energy and help gradually relief your body' fatigue and sore muscles, my specialty," he explained. "Should help relax your body problems more or less."

Miss Yue held one carefully. "This... is incredible craftsmanship."

A child approached, eyes bright. "Can I try one on, Mister?"

Qianyao shook his head. "These are for adults. But if you want—next time. I can make a cool necklace for you." The child's smile lit the room.

Aunt Guan chuckled. "That boy from years ago already grown up hm? Time sure spares no one."

The sun dropped lower, painting walls warm orange. Qianyao stood, putting the bracelets back.

"I should head back before dinner, need to check in with the hotel. But still got time for that" he said.

Miss Yue bowed. "Thank you."

Miss Yue and Aunt Guan lead Qianyao to the backyard and enter a blooming garden of flowers, Roses, Tulips, Lilies, Dahlias, and Peonies. Well that's what they seems like at least.

At the center of it all was a tombstone, carved a name, Beloved Qing Ling Er, forever peach and loved.

Qianyao kneel and place a pink diamond necklace on the tombstone and pay his respect.

After a while they walked back to the gate together.

Once outside, Qianyao turned to Aunt Guan. "Granny Qing would've been proud, right?"

She nodded, tears in her eyes. "She always was."

Miss Yue nods and smile, "Safe travel Xiao Du."

"See you both tomorrow."

As Qianyao rode away, he felt light and melancholy —a small warmth in his hand is a small figure of an old pink dove, symbolizing peach and new begiinings, carrying the memories of those who mattered.