Three years flew by in a blur. Xiaosheng and Ning Rongrong, now six years old, had experienced much in that time.
They managed to convince Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong, and Chen Xin to allow them to travel the world of Douluo Dalu, but only under the strict condition that they be accompanied by hidden bodyguards. Thrilled, they readily agreed to the terms.
Their first year of travel, limited to the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue City, and Sifang City, found Xiaosheng happily savoring each region's culinary delights, his palate a map of diverse flavors.
Ning Rongrong, ever the playful spirit, believing Xue City needed a little more joy, orchestrated a city-wide game of "find the hidden kitten," releasing a dozen adorable, fluffy felines into various shops and public spaces. The ensuing light chaos resulted in the city guards, initially thinking, Great, just what we needed, eventually finding themselves mildly amused.
Their internal grumbling shifted from More paperwork to a resigned Oh, for crying out loud as they gently corralled the escaping felines.
This act of mischievous kindness amused their new friends, Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er, and Huo Wu, who helped her cover her tracks.
Following Ning Rongrong's mischievous escapade with the kittens, they were summoned back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Before leaving, they said goodbye to Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er, and Huo Wu.
They promised to visit again soon, Ning Rongrong vowing to teach them her new game, and Xiaosheng promising to bring back treats from his next trip.
They exchanged small gifts – a smooth, grey river stone for Xiaosheng, a pretty hand-painted fan for Ning Rongrong – their laughter echoing through Xue City before they headed home.
Two years passed since that day, and true to their promise, Xiaosheng and Ning Rongrong were once again allowed to leave the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, during that time.
One day ago was Xiaosheng's birthday, and now, filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, the time had come for his martial soul awakening.
A hush fell over the ornate chamber as six-year-old Xiaosheng, eyes wide with a mixture of apprehension and excitement, carefully walked into the intricate, glowing Soul Awakening Circle.
Five rare herbs – Moonpetal, Starbloom, Sunpetal, Skyroot, and Earthheart – lay arranged at the circle's edge, their potent energies subtly humming.
Gu Rong, a renowned Soul Master known for his mastery over bone-type martial souls, raised his hands. His own powerful bone-type martial soul pulsed with a faint, ethereal light. He began a complex incantation, his voice resonating with ancient power, channeling his soul force into the circle.
Delicate particles of golden light, imbued with the essence of the five herbs, spiraled towards Xiaosheng. The boy's eyes widened as the golden light enveloped him, a gentle warmth spreading through his body. For a fleeting second, Xiaosheng's left eye glowed with an intense blue light before returning to normal.
Then, with a soft gasp, Xiaosheng opened his hand. A single, exquisitely crafted bone, radiating a faint, cool light, rested in his palm. It was unlike any bone Gu Rong had ever seen, imbued with a strange, almost mystical energy.
As Gu Rong examined the bone, he sensed a second, dormant martial soul within Xiaosheng, its nature completely unknown, shrouded in a veil of mystery. Intrigued, Gu Rong placed a crystal ball before Xiaosheng. Hesitantly, the boy reached out and touched it.
Instantly, a blinding blast of bright light erupted from the crystal, revealing the full initial power of Xiaosheng's awakened martial soul – a power far exceeding what one would expect from a single bone.
The air crackled with energy, a silent promise of the power yet to be unleashed. For now, only the singular bone, a testament to Xiaosheng's unique destiny, was revealed, leaving both Gu Rong and Xiaosheng in awe of the immense potential hidden within the seemingly simple bone and the mysterious second martial soul.
Xiaosheng's eyes widened slightly in surprise as Ning Rongrong launched herself at him, but a soft smile quickly spread across his face as he instinctively reached out and caught her, her small body nestled comfortably in his arms.
A faint blush crept onto Ning Rongrong's cheeks as she realized Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rongrong, and Chen Xin were still watching.
Blushing deeply, Ning Rongrong quickly disentangled herself from Xiaosheng's arms, then took his hand and practically dragged him out of the chamber.
As Xiaosheng and Ning Rongrong go outside, Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong, and Chen Xin were laughing at the pair.
The laughter held a note of relief for Ning Fengzhi; the day's anxieties would soon fade, knowing Xiaosheng would be beside Ning Rongrong.
Outside, her blush faded, Ning Rongrong asked, "What's your martial soul's name, and what can it do?" Xiaosheng, still awestruck by the experience, smiled shyly before answering, "It's called the Bone of Judgement. It can summon bones for attacks."
Ning Rongrong's eyes widened, then she giggled, "Wow! It's just like Grandpa's bone soul! A cool bone!"
Xiaosheng chuckled, a little surprised, shrugging slightly. "I guess you're right. It's got some serious... bone to it."
A peal of laughter erupted from Ning Rongrong, a mischievous glint—like a spark of wicked amusement—in her eyes. "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's pretty impressive... for a bonehead!"
As the day progressed, Ning Rongrong and Xiaosheng strolled towards Xiaosheng's courtyard, their playful banter peppered with puns.
Ning Rongrong, with a mischievous glint—like a spark of wicked amusement—in her eyes, teased, "Careful, Xiaosheng, you wouldn't want to bone up on your courtyard etiquette too late!" Xiaosheng chuckled, shaking his head, "Oh, I'm sure I'll mane to manage.
Unless you plan on hairing me with more of your witty remarks." Their laughter echoed through the courtyard as they continued their lighthearted sparring.
The next morning, Ning Fenghzi sent for them. Rongrong and Xiaosheng headed to the main hall, exchanging worried glances. "What's up with this?" Rongrong whispered, a nervous blush creeping onto her cheeks. Xiaosheng squeezed her hand. "No idea," he murmured, equally puzzled.
They found Ning Fenghzi already there. "Took you long enough," he said, smiling. "Sit down. I've got news." he paused for dramatic effect, then hit them with it: "I want you two to get married!" Xiaosheng and Rongrong just stared, speechless. Total shock.
"What?!" Xiaosheng and Ning Rongrong shrieked simultaneously, their voices echoing in the hall.
Xiaosheng's eyes widened, his jaw slack, a mixture of stunned surprise and dawning joy slowly replacing the initial shock.
A faint blush crept onto his cheeks as he stole a glance at Ning Rongrong.
Her expression was a masterpiece of conflicting emotions: wide, incredulous eyes, a slightly parted mouth, and a blush that spread rapidly across her cheeks, intensifying the already vibrant color of her skin.
Their gazes met, and in that shared look, a silent understanding, a blossoming happiness, began to bloom amidst the initial astonishment.
Ning Fenghzi smiled, a twinkle in he's eye. "Well, now that you've both had a moment to process that rather large announcement… do you accept it?"
For a moment, they could only stare at each other, their eyes wide with disbelief and a dawning, tender understanding.
Then, as if drawn together by an invisible force, two soft whispers, barely audible yet filled with a lifetime of unspoken longing, filled the air: "Yes." With trembling hands, they reached for each other, their fingers interlacing, a silent promise whispered between their hearts as they sealed their fate with a tender, loving touch.