The soft moonlight spilled into the dense forest. Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze stood side by side, their eyes filled with satisfaction and pride. They quietly watched Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng, who exchanged a smile, their eyes sparkling with determination.
"Zi'ang, you've made great progress," Qi Guze exclaimed, a pleased smile on his face. "Not only has your strength improved, but more importantly, your character has also been tempered."
Upon hearing this, Qi Zi'ang smiled modestly and said, "This is all thanks to my father and mother's excellent teaching."
Tie Chunsheng followed suit, bowing to the two elders and saying, "Grandpa, Grandma, I have been working hard during this time, hoping to catch up with everyone."
Xu Yuehuai gently stroked Tie Chunsheng's head, her eyes full of love: "Chunsheng, you have done very well. Everyone has their own pace of growth. As long as you are willing to work hard, you will definitely make progress."
The four continued their training in the forest, each challenge bringing them closer together. They hunted ferocious beasts in the woods, their teamwork seamless, like a harmonious family. Whenever they encountered difficulties, they would work together to face them.
That day, the four of them sat under a large tree to rest. Qi Guze looked at the children, his heart filled with emotion: "Our training journey this time has not only improved your strength, but also taught you how to face difficulties and challenges. This is a more valuable asset than any training."
Upon hearing this, Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng both nodded solemnly. They knew that this experience had helped them grow a lot and made them cherish their friendship even more.
Just as the four were immersed in the warm atmosphere, a sudden burst of hurried footsteps broke the silence. Xu Yuehuai immediately stood up alertly, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
"Someone's coming," she said softly, her longsword already gripped tightly in her hand.
Qi Guze also quickly stood up, shielding Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng behind him: "Don't be afraid, we're here."
Soon, a group of figures came into their view. These people exuded a sharp aura, clearly coming for them.
"Xu Yuehuai, you've finally shown up." The leader of the group sneered. "This time, you won't be able to escape so easily."
Xu Yuehuai sneered, brandished her longsword, and charged towards her opponent. Her swordsmanship was sharp and swift, each strike containing immense power. Qi Guze followed closely behind, fighting alongside Xu Yuehuai.
Seeing this, Qi Zi'ang and Tie Chunsheng joined the battle without hesitation. Although they were still young, they had already demonstrated remarkable fighting skills. They wielded their weapons with great force, engaging in fierce combat with the enemy.
The battle was exceptionally fierce. The four figures darted through the forest, their swords flashing, each clash producing a deafening sound. After a fierce struggle, they finally repelled the enemies one by one.
"Phew, finally got rid of those guys." Qi Guze wiped the sweat from his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief.
Xu Yuehuai nodded, a determined look flashing in her eyes: "We can't let our guard down. Now that they've come after us, they won't give up easily."
The four decided to return to the Regent's Palace as soon as possible to avoid being tracked by the enemy again. They crossed the forest and began their journey back.
Along the way, the four supported each other, facing various difficulties and challenges together. They shared their experiences and insights, their joys and sorrows. In this process, their friendship deepened further.
When the four finally returned to familiar Kyoto, the gates of the Regent's Palace were already within reach. They looked at each other and smiled, their eyes revealing the joy of victory and the warmth of returning home.
Upon returning to the Prince's residence, Zhou Wan and Qi Zixin greeted him. Zhou Wan looked at Tie Chunsheng with admiration in her eyes: "Chunsheng, you have really grown up a lot. I am so proud of you."
Tie Chunsheng bowed his head respectfully: "Thank you for your praise, Mother. I will continue to work hard."
Qi Zixin then tugged at Xu Yuehuai's hand and said sweetly, "Mommy, you must take me with you next time you go out to play! I also want to see those ferocious beasts and beautiful flowers and plants."
Xu Yuehuai smiled and patted her head: "Okay, I'll definitely take you next time."
As night fell, the palace was quiet. The four sat in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky. The twinkling stars shone upon them, shrouding them in a veil of mystery.
"We really went through a lot on this training journey," Xu Yuehuai said with emotion. "But it is these experiences that have made us stronger and braver."
Qi Guze chimed in, "Yes, as long as we work together and unite, nothing can defeat us."
Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng smiled at each other. They knew that the road ahead was long, but as long as they had love, faith, and courage in their hearts, they would surely overcome every challenge and difficulty and embrace a brighter future.
On this quiet night, the four hearts were closely connected.
That day, just as dawn was breaking, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze got busy. They changed into simple civilian clothes and made some makeup on their faces, making it difficult to recognize their original noble status.
Afterwards, they dressed up Qi Ziang, Qi Zixin, and Tie Chunsheng, transforming them into children from ordinary families.
Qi Zixin blinked her curious big eyes and asked, "Mommy, where are we going today?"
Xu Yuehuai smiled and patted her head, saying mysteriously, "I'll take you to a fun place."
Upon hearing "fun," Qi Zixin immediately clapped excitedly, "Great! Great!"
The group quietly left through the back gate of the Regent's Palace and boarded an inconspicuous carriage.
The carriage moved slowly through the streets of Kyoto, sometimes turning, sometimes going straight, seemingly deliberately avoiding people's sight.
Finally, the carriage stopped on a secluded side street.
Xu Yuehuai said softly, "We've arrived."
Qi Zixin jumped out of the car impatiently, looked around, but saw only an ordinary house, and couldn't help but feel a little disappointed: "Isn't this just an ordinary house? There's nothing there."
Xu Yuehuai smiled and took her hand: "Let's go inside."
The group followed Xu Yuehuai into the house, passed through a dark room, and descended into a dimly lit tunnel.
The tunnel was cold and damp, and the air was filled with an indescribable smell.
Xu Yuehuai took out a token from his pocket and inserted it into a slot. With a "click," a heavy door slowly opened.
They passed through the gate and walked for a long time before a bright and open space appeared before them.
A bustling market unfolded before them, with a dazzling array of stalls and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares.
Qi Zi'ang asked in surprise, "This can't be the legendary ghost market, can it?"
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