Spirit Domain

The morning sunlight bathed the gate of Xiyuan Street, making the three bold characters on it appear especially striking in the golden glow.

Qin Gongming glanced up at them briefly before striding in without pause.

Xiyuan Street, in the morning light, exuded a serene beauty.

The sunlight created dappled patterns across the path, and the air carried the fresh scent of greenery.

Yet, Qin Gongming's expression remained calm, his steps steady with a hint of resolve.

In the courtyard, Jay leaned casually on a chair, eyes half-closed as he basked in the sunlight, seemingly blending into the tranquil morning.

A faint smile played on his lips, as if he were savoring the peace, but his murmuring betrayed a hint of frustration.

"What's with this lately? Trouble seems to find me every day. Yesterday was chaotic, and today looks no different," he muttered with a slight frown, a trace of helplessness in his tone. "I hope today's visitor isn't here to cause trouble. I'd hate for another beautiful morning to be ruined by a fight."

He opened his eyes and rose slowly, stretching lazily.

Humming softly, he strolled toward the courtyard entrance, unwilling to wait any longer.

He knew someone was coming—and he wasn't in the mood to prolong the anticipation.

Stopping at the gate, Jay leaned against the post, arms crossed, his gaze fixed lazily on the distant path.

The golden sunlight bathed him, casting a long, relaxed shadow on the ground.

As the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, a figure emerged at the end of the path.

It was Qin Gongming, his expression calm but layered with subtle meaning as his eyes remained fixed on Jay, as if scrutinizing him.

Jay smirked faintly, his tone tinged with playfulness. "Well, looks like we've got another uninvited guest."

Qin Gongming halted just outside the gate, standing still as he studied Jay.

After a moment, he spoke, his voice even and deliberate.

"It seems the rumors are true. Jay, you really are an extraordinary bonded mortal."

Jay raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he replied, half-jokingly, "Rumors? About me? I didn't realize I'd become so famous. Go on, tell me—what do they say?"

The sunlight spilled between them, casting a golden glow over the scene, but a subtle tension began to fill the air, hinting at an invisible clash of wills yet to unfold.

The morning sunlight bathed the courtyard gate, casting a warm glow on Qin Gongming's neatly tailored dark coat as he strode steadily toward Jay. His calm demeanor exuded an air of authority, momentarily freezing the atmosphere around him.

Stopping before Jay, Qin Gongming spoke slowly, his deep and resonant voice breaking the silence: "I've come here today with no ill intentions."

Jay looked up at the man before him, sensing an invisible pressure that made him frown slightly. Still, he showed no signs of alarm or retreat. He silently compared this presence to others he had encountered before—apart from Vilk and Xue Ying, he hadn't felt such an aura from anyone else.

With a faint smile, Jay replied, his tone calm but resolute: "I know you mean no harm. Otherwise, I wouldn't be standing here waiting for you."

His gaze sharpened as he continued, his voice now tinged with cool defiance: "If you're from Domain Spirit City, let me save you the trouble. My answer will never change—I won't join you."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Qin Gongming's eyes, though his tone remained composed. "Jay, I acknowledge your incredible strength and your guardian spirit's extraordinary power. If I'm not mistaken, its rank far surpasses that of ordinary spirits. But you must also realize—you've already provoked the Wolfshade Gang."

His piercing gaze seemed to probe Jay's resolve as he asked, "Can you guarantee you'll remain unscathed in the face of their pursuit?"

Jay didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stood in silence for a moment before turning away, his back now to Qin Gongming. He began walking toward the courtyard, his voice calm yet filled with finality: "I'm not alone now. Don't worry. As long as you don't trouble me, I won't go looking for it."

At the gate, he paused and glanced over his shoulder at Qin Gongming, his tone carrying a hint of ambition: "And if the day ever comes when I need protection, I'll create my own. I'll build a force that shelters me. No need for Domain Spirit City's help."

Qin Gongming's brow furrowed slightly. Clearly, Jay's response left him at a loss. After a moment of silence, he sighed, his gaze complex as he watched Jay's retreating figure. "It seems I underestimated your determination."

Jay didn't look back. He simply waved dismissively, his tone lazy but firm: "Leave early, will you? Bye."

The courtyard gate slowly swung shut, sunlight filtering through the gaps to cast stripes of light across Qin Gongming's face. He stood there for a moment, silently contemplating, before turning to leave. The hem of his coat traced a sharp arc in the sunlight as he walked away.

Xiyuan Street remained tranquil in the morning light, as though nothing had happened. But Qin Gongming's footsteps echoed heavily, betraying the weight on his mind. He understood all too well—this young man would soon rise as a force to be reckoned with.

Jay returned to the courtyard, feeling the familiar air and the warmth of the sunlight.

A gentle breeze brushed past, carrying the scent of fresh grass.

The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

The tranquility of the courtyard stood in stark contrast to the turmoil outside.

As soon as he entered the yard, Jay heard Vilk's voice: "Who was that person just now?"

Jay didn't answer immediately.

He just smiled faintly and walked over to a large tree, sitting down.

He let the sunlight bathe him, enjoying the warmth and comfort. Leaning against the tree trunk, he closed his eyes and relished the quiet around him.

"He's from Domain Spirit City," Jay said casually, as if it were a trivial matter. "He invited me to join Domain Spirit City, but I turned him down."

Vilk furrowed his brow, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"Domain Spirit City? I've heard things aren't going well there lately. There seems to be internal strife, and external forces are also eyeing them. You turned him down? Aren't you worried they'll come after you again?"

Jay smiled lightly, showing no sign of panic, only calmness.

"If they really have the ability, they might be worth my attention. But as it stands, I don't seem to be their enemy. In fact, it seems more like they're trying to recruit potentially powerful forces."

Vilk was silent for a moment, his brow furrowed.

"You're right. The situation in Domain Spirit City is indeed complex, and their enemies are certainly not small forces. If Domain Spirit City falls, the Spirit Domain will likely descend into chaos, especially with those Domain Spirit Generals from Domain Spirit Street. Without their superiors in control, other forces will undoubtedly seize the opportunity to fight for power."

Jay remained silent for a while, seemingly lost in thought.

He looked up, gazing at the distant sky, his eyes passing through the branches, staring at the vast blue horizon.

A sense of contemplation stirred in his heart.

"If that happens, what will become of the Spirit Domain?"

Vilk's tone carried a hint of worry, and his gaze followed Jay's to the horizon.

"We can't control the rest," Jay finally spoke, his voice calm but firm.

"The chaos of the Spirit Domain is something we can't easily change. Whether Domain Spirit City falls or not, that's their issue. For now, we just need to ensure our safety in this tumultuous world."

With those words, Jay turned his gaze back to Vilk, a deep, meaningful glint in his eyes.

"The reason we want to establish a force is that the original goal of creating a force is to ensure we aren't left homeless in this chaotic world. "

"We're not just seeking power for its own sake. Our goal is broader. "

"Although it seems distant now, if the Spirit Domain really falls into chaos as you say, someone will need to restore stability.

" Our force might become a new power then, one that could shape the future of the Spirit Domain."

Vilk listened to Jay's words and immediately understood. There was no impatience in Jay's eyes, only calmness and resolve.

This young man wasn't simply fighting for immediate benefits—he had a much grander goal. Though it seemed far away, he was willing to take it step by step.

"You're right," Vilk's eyes gleamed, and he took a deep breath. "Our current goal is to establish ourselves firmly in this chaotic world, ensuring we survive the coming storms. As for the future, who can predict it? Perhaps, as you said, our force will one day change this chaotic world."

Jay nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"There's no need to rush when it comes to the future. What matters is now. The road ahead is long, and every step must be solid. As long as we can stand firm in this chaotic world, even if it's just a small piece of land, we'll gather the power to make a change."

Vilk's eyes flickered with light, clearly moved by Jay's determination.

"You're right, Jay. No matter what the future holds, we must start now, accumulate strength, and move forward steadily."

The two of them sat facing each other, seemingly lost in quiet reflection under the sunlight, both pondering their future plans and possibilities.

Meanwhile, the tranquility of Xiyuan Street and the turmoil outside seemed to drift further apart, as if time had stopped for a moment, leaving only their inner strength and resolve.