Luo Chen snapped back to reality, shaking his head awkwardly as he tried to pull his gaze away from Carefree Meng Lan, "I just find her very approachable. I don't know why, but I always feel an inexplicable sense of security around her. If only she was my sister…" His voice grew quieter until it was almost inaudible.

Thunderstorm hummed lightly, evidently unimpressed by Luo Chen's emotional display. Walking ahead, he spoke without turning his head, "Let's go. The gathering of the three great families in West Willow City means something must be happening. Such family gatherings usually hide various interests and disputes. We need not get involved. We'll only invite trouble here."

Luo Chen listened to Thunderstorm's words, and although he felt reluctant, he followed along. However, he was more anxious about the matter of the Heavenly Dragon Manual than Thunderstorm, "But don't you want the Heavenly Dragon Manual? We traveled miles just to find that manual, didn't we?"

Thunderstorm scoffed dismissively, "Hmph, if it could be snatched, I would have acted long ago. It's just a three-star Soul Master; killing him wouldn't take much effort." He paused and continued, "But killing him means we can't leave the Divine Fire Empire. If there's an urgent matter in the sect that requires my return, I cannot afford the consequence."

Luo Chen acknowledged with an "Oh," and although disappointed, he understood Thunderstorm's concerns. He pondered for a moment but then asked, "Is there no other way? We can't return empty-handed, right?"

Thunderstorm's expression turned cold, evidently irked by the previous rejection from Loulan Ergun, "Didn't you see me using the Soul Stone to trade with him? That old guy had such good luck to meet a merchant from the Death God Hall, and even obtained a raw material Soul Stone for Qi Gathering Powder from him." His tone revealed a hint of envy and jealousy.

"Death God Hall? Right, I was just about to ask what is the Death God Hall?" Luo Chen followed up, curious about the unfamiliar name.

Yet Thunderstorm did not answer his question directly but coldly replied, "It's not something you need to worry about. You will encounter it when you're strong enough. For now, think more about how to improve your strength." Having said this, he accelerated his pace forward.

Luo Chen couldn't help but feel a bit wistful as he watched Thunderstorm's back. He knew his strength was far from enough to stand in this world, but he also understood that only by continuous effort in cultivation could he become stronger. Thus, he took a deep breath and kept pace with Thunderstorm.

Thunderstorm glanced at Luo Chen indifferently without directly answering his question. His gaze remained fixed on the bustling street outside the window, as if searching for something or waiting for a particular moment to arrive.

"What's the hurry? Some things, no matter how much you want speed, can't be rushed," Thunderstorm finally spoke, his voice steady and deep, betraying no emotion, "You think we came thousands of miles here just for the Heavenly Dragon Manual?"

Luo Chen was taken aback, looking at Thunderstorm in confusion, "Isn't it? Then why did we come?"

Thunderstorm retracted his gaze, turning to look directly into Luo Chen's eyes, "Some things aren't as simple as they seem. Do you think the Loulan Clan will easily hand over the Heavenly Dragon Manual? Even if we obtain the manual, do you think we can leave West Willow City safely?"

Luo Chen was left speechless by Thunderstorm's series of questions, suddenly realizing how simplistic his considerations for this operation had been. Facing Thunderstorm's deep eyes, a sense of unexplainable awe surged within him.

"So what should we do now?" Luo Chen asked, his voice a bit trembling, clearly unsettled by Thunderstorm's words.

Thunderstorm smiled slightly, patting Luo Chen on the shoulder, "Don't worry; everything is under my control. What we need to do now is wait for an opportunity."

Waiting for an opportunity? Luo Chen was filled with doubt, but he knew asking more now would be pointless. So, he lay back on the bed, closed his eyes, and began to sort through his thoughts.

Meanwhile, in another luxurious mansion in West Willow City, Carefree Meng Lan stood beside Su Lan Ai Yu, quietly inquiring about the Heavenly Dragon Manual. Upon hearing that Su Lan Ai Yu had handed over nearly half of West Willow City's industry to Loulan Ergun, Meng Lan was startled and secretly resolved not to let her grandfather down.

At this point, Luo Chen and Thunderstorm were unaware their actions had drawn attention from multiple forces. The situation in West Willow City had become increasingly complex due to the appearance of the Heavenly Dragon Manual.

These news reached the inn where Luo Chen and Thunderstorm were staying, but they did not act because of this, maintaining their previous composure and patience. Until one evening, Thunderstorm suddenly said to Luo Chen, "The opportunity has come."

Luo Chen was momentarily taken aback and was already being pulled out of the inn room by Thunderstorm, "Where are we going?" he asked while running. But Thunderstorm didn't answer, instead quickening his pace towards a certain direction. Left with no choice, Luo Chen had to closely follow, jogging all the way.

They crossed several streets and turned into a few alleyways, eventually arriving at a secluded corner. Here, there were no lights or pedestrians, only a tightly closed door standing alone in the darkness.

Thunderstorm approached and knocked on the door with a rhythm of three longs and two shorts, as if sending a signal. Soon, the door was carefully opened a crack, and a low voice came from inside, "Who?"

"It's me." Thunderstorm succinctly answered. The door immediately swung open, and the two swiftly slipped inside.

The interior was pitch black; nothing could be seen, but Thunderstorm confidently led Luo Chen inward. They passed through one room after another, finally arriving at a secret chamber.

Thunderstorm gently pushed open the chamber door, and a chilling aura greeted them. The chamber was filled with various strange instruments and jars, resembling an experimental laboratory.

And at the center of the laboratory was a huge glass container filled with green liquid. Inside the liquid was a worn-out book, with four ancient characters written on the cover: "Heavenly Dragon Manual."

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