Shi Batian let out a long sigh. He knew he couldn't keep these gourd children under control. If they were going to sneak off to rescue their mother anyway, he might as well give his blessing and help them prepare.
He turned to Shi Yi and gently patted the boy's head, praying silently in his heart: Please… let nothing happen to him.
The next morning.
Shi Batian was already up before dawn. Shi Yi was even earlier, waiting patiently beneath the gourd vine, a small pack slung over his back.
"Daddy… tell me everything you know about this so-called Spirit Hall. No matter how powerful they are, I'll crush them!" Shi Yi clenched his fists, voice low and steady.
The other gourd brothers chimed in excitedly:
"Second Brother is unstoppable! Once he's out, Mom and Big Brother will definitely be saved!"
"That's right! Shi Yi is invincible! Shi Yi is invincible!"
Even the youngest, the purple gourd, chimed in with a milky voice,
"Go get 'em, Brother! And you too, Daddy—you're both the best!"
Shi Batian couldn't help but smile at this heartwarming scene. How he wished life could always be like this—traveling the world with Xiaoxue and the seven gourd children, living freely and happily.
But reality was cruel.
His smile faded as he recalled the humiliating day Qian Daoliu had personally come to sever his bond with Xiaoxue, calling his bloodline too lowly to deserve her.
That disgrace… I'll never forget it.
"Alright," Shi Batian said with a serious expression, "let me tell you everything about Spirit Hall…"
"Spirit Hall is the most powerful force on the entire continent. No contest. Their number of Spirit Masters surpasses even the combined forces of the Star Luo and Heaven Dou Empires…"
"They have the largest number of Titled Douluo… and their High Priest, Qian Daoliu, is a Rank 99 Limit Douluo… incredibly powerful."
…
That entire day, Shi Batian taught them everything: the current political landscape of the Douluo Continent, the path to Spirit Hall, the dangers they might encounter, and how to handle different situations.
Shi Yi listened silently, his childish face serious. He was finally beginning to understand why Big Brother was captured—Spirit Hall was that terrifying.
But even so, he remained confident.
My dual pupils… are unbeatable!
The next day, just before dawn.
The forest was still blanketed in mist, everything quiet and peaceful.
Shi Yi stood ready, carrying several small bundles. Beneath him was a massive, lumbering turtle—his ride for the journey.
This had been decided the night before. Shi Yi's spirit—Dual Pupils—possessed immense offensive and illusion power, but lacked defense. A heavy tank like the Black Turtle made for a perfect companion.
Shi Yi waved his small hand toward Shi Batian, his expression full of reluctance, but his eyes were resolute.
"Daddy… take care of the little gourds. I promise I'll bring Mom and Big Brother back."
Shi Batian clenched his fists, overwhelmed with pride and emotion. His voice trembled slightly as he nodded, tears threatening to fall.
"Good boy. I believe in you—you can do this."
Shi Yi beamed, and his smile warmed Shi Batian's heart.
"Remember—if you can't win, run. Don't hesitate."
"I got it, Daddy!" Shi Yi replied obediently.
With that, the Black Turtle began lumbering away with Shi Yi on its back, slowly disappearing into the mist. Shi Batian watched them go, his chest tight with worry and longing. He blinked hard, refusing to cry in front of the vine of gourd children.
Only when Shi Yi was out of sight did he finally exhale.
Good… at least Daddy didn't change his mind at the last second.
Shi Yi glanced down at the turtle beneath him. Something felt… off. The turtle was massive, yes, but its speed was painfully slow. Each step looked like it took all the strength it had.
"Hey, Old Turtle, can you walk a bit faster? Daddy can't see us anymore," Shi Yi complained. "If you move this slow, how are we ever going to reach Spirit Hall?"
The turtle slowly turned its head, giving Shi Yi an innocent look.
"You were the one who told me not to go too fast until your dad couldn't see us anymore," it said, voice slow and helpless.
The Black Turtle was not happy. It had no desire to leave its cozy mountain. It hadn't even seen that demonic-patterned white tiger return from its journey. What were the odds it would fare any better?
Still, it didn't dare say no.
Shi Yi rolled his eyes. "Well, now Daddy can't see us. So move!"
The turtle nodded and began to pick up the pace.
Except… it didn't.
Despite its effort, the increase in speed was negligible.
Shi Yi was getting anxious again.
"Old Turtle, are you kidding me? You call this fast?! We have to get to Spirit Hall! My mom and big bro are waiting!"
The turtle sighed. "Young master, I'm trying my best. I'm slow by nature, and carrying you isn't helping. Why don't you walk instead?"
"No way! I walk even slower! You're a turtle—aren't you supposed to be good at long hauls?"
The turtle groaned but kept plodding forward. Still slow.
After a while, Shi Yi grumbled again. "Come on! At this rate, we'll never make it!"
The turtle looked downright pitiful. "We're still super far from Spirit Hall… and I'm exhausted. Maybe you really should walk—"
Shi Yi narrowed his dual-glowing eyes. A subtle ripple of energy began to gather.
Black Turtle: "???"
Then, out of nowhere, the turtle blasted forward like a rocket.
Shi Yi yelped and clung tightly to its neck. "W-Wait! What just happened?!"
The turtle grinned sheepishly. "Heh… surprise! Not bad, right? I was just messing with you earlier. I am a ten-thousand-year spirit beast, after all—you really think this is my top speed?"
Damn it, the turtle cursed inwardly. If I didn't run, he was about to roast me alive!
Shi Yi's eyes sparkled with amazement. "You were holding back this whole time?! You're awesome, Old Turtle! Let's go! Spirit Hall, here we come!"
With that, the turtle surged forward, carving through the forest at breakneck speed. Shi Yi held on tight, heart pounding with excitement and hope.
Hang in there, Mom. Big Brother… I'm coming!
_
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