Outside the station in Shrek City, traffic flowed like weaving silk and voices clamored in the bustling crowd.
A streamlined spirit guidance car pulled up smoothly at the station entrance, its door sliding open silently.
Fang Yang stepped out first, his posture straight and tall, his black hair gently swaying in the breeze.
Gu Yue and Na'er followed closely behind—one as cold and distant as the moon, the other lively and adorable.
The trio's figures stood out conspicuously in the bustling crowd, and they quickly spotted Xu Xiaoyan waiting not far away.
The young girl wore a light blue dress, its hem swaying gently in the breeze.
The moment she saw Fang Yang, her eyes lit up immediately.
"Fang Yang!"
She quickened her pace, her voice filled with uncontainable joy.
Fang Yang naturally opened his arms, steadily catching Xu Xiaoyan as she threw herself toward him.
He looked down with a soft chuckle, his voice tender: "Xiaoyan, did you miss me?"
"I missed you."
Xu Xiaoyan buried her face against his chest, her voice muffled but sweet.
Ahem.
A cough sounded from the side, carrying a deliberate note of reminder.
Fang Yang looked up to see a young man in fitted combat attire standing with arms crossed, watching them with a half-smile.
It was Xu Xiaoyan's older brother, Xu Xiaoyu.
"Fang Yang, aren't you going to let go of my sister yet?" Xu Xiaoyu raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying the particular scrutiny of an older brother.
Fang Yang calmly released Xu Xiaoyan but still held her hand.
He flashed a bright smile at Xu Xiaoyu: "Isn't this my future brother-in-law? Long time no see."
"You rascal..."
Xu Xiaoyu was caught between laughter and exasperation by this address, his originally stern expression crumbling as he could only shake his head helplessly.
Na'er chuckled softly nearby, while a fleeting, barely perceptible smile crossed Gu Yue's eyes.
Xu Xiaoyan's cheeks flushed slightly as she secretly squeezed Fang Yang's palm.
"Alright, enough catching up at the station."
Xu Xiaoyu waved his hand, his gaze sweeping past Gu Yue and Na'er behind Fang Yang as he nodded to them in greeting. "These two must be Gu Yue and Na'er? Xiaoyan mentions you often."
Gu Yue nodded slightly, while Na'er returned a polite smile.
"Good, let's head straight to Shrek Academy," Xu Xiaoyu said.
Fang Yang nodded at this: "Sounds good."
And so, the group boarded the spirit guidance car one after another. The vehicle slowly started, merging into the traffic flow as it drove toward Shrek Academy.
At the magnificent entrance of Shrek Academy.
Xie Xie couldn't help but speak up: "It's been so long, why hasn't that guy Fang Yang arrived yet?"
"What's the rush? Waiting a bit longer won't kill you," Zheng Yiran replied calmly, glancing at him.
As for Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi, they were chatting softly with the sisters Zhou Hanyou and Zhou Tian'er, occasional laughter drifting over, the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant.
Just then, two spirit guidance cars slowly pulled up before the academy entrance.
Fang Yang led Gu Yue, Na'er, and Xu Xiaoyan as they stepped out of the vehicles.
"Fang Yang, you guys are finally here!" Xie Xie's eyes lit up as he immediately went to greet them.
"Xie Xie, long time no see."
Fang Yang smiled and patted his shoulder, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. "Looks like everyone's here."
Xu Xiaoyu stepped out from the other car, his eyes falling upon the magnificent gates of Shrek Academy, a hint of emotion flashing through them.
"So this is Shrek Academy..."
He sighed softly. This number one academy on the Douluo Continent was the sacred land countless spirit masters dreamed of.
"You're... Xu Xiaoyu?" Xie Xie suddenly spoke up.
He naturally recognized him—not only as Xu Xiaoyan's older brother but also as Tang Wulin's love rival.
"That's me."
Xu Xiaoyu responded indifferently, his voice calm.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi also turned to look at Xu Xiaoyu upon hearing this.
"Tang Wulin, that guy didn't come?" Xu Xiaoyu asked Xie Xie.
Xie Xie was taken aback for a moment before answering: "Tang Wulin hasn't arrived yet."
"I see..."
Xu Xiaoyu nodded thoughtfully.
He fell silent for a moment before suddenly speaking: "Pass a message to Tang Wulin for me. Tell him... I'm not worthy of Ouyang Zixin. Ask him to take good care of her."
"This..."
Xie Xie looked surprised but still nodded. "Alright, I'll pass it along."
Xu Xiaoyan, seeing this, asked with concern: "Brother, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, just feeling a bit emotional." Xu Xiaoyu shook his head lightly, his gaze distant.
Since their last parting, after taking the elixir Fang Yang had gifted him, his Ice Staff martial soul had evolved, gaining the Ultimate Ice attribute.
This transformation had completely altered the trajectory of his fate.
Unlike his doted-upon younger sister Xu Xiaoyan, Xu Xiaoyu had never stood out in the family.
However, everything changed after his martial soul evolved.
After deliberation, the family elders decided to cultivate him as the next clan head.
This position had originally belonged to the exceptionally talented Xu Xiaoyan, but her ambitions lay elsewhere.
Thus, this heavy burden fell upon Xu Xiaoyu's shoulders.
Xu Xiaoyu turned to Fang Yang, his tone sincere: "Fang Yang, thank you."
"It's nothing."
Fang Yang smiled indifferently upon hearing this.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."
Xu Xiaoyu spoke: "Xiaoyan, I've delivered you to the academy. I should head back."
"Brother..."
Xu Xiaoyan called out softly, reluctance showing in her eyes.
Xu Xiaoyu gave his sister a gentle smile: "Xiaoyan, come here for a moment. I have a few words to tell you."
Xu Xiaoyan obediently followed her brother to the side.
Xu Xiaoyu spoke to her in a low voice, and Xu Xiaoyan listened attentively, nodding from time to time.
A moment later, the two returned to the group.
Xu Xiaoyu looked at Fang Yang solemnly: "Fang Yang, I'm entrusting my sister to you."
"Rest assured."
Fang Yang held Xu Xiaoyan's hand, his tone firm.
Xu Xiaoyu showed a gratified smile and added: "By the way, find some time to visit home with Xiaoyan. The family elders all want to meet you."
Fang Yang was slightly startled before understanding and nodding: "Alright, definitely."
"I'll take my leave then." Xu Xiaoyu waved goodbye to everyone.
"Take care."
Fang Yang and the others spoke in unison.
The group watched as Xu Xiaoyu's figure gradually disappeared.
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind: "Sorry, I'm late."
Everyone turned to see Tang Wulin hurrying over, holding Ouyang Zixin's hand.
"Wulin, you finally showed up, you rascal."
Xie Xie crossed his arms, feigning displeasure. "You're always the one who's late."
"Well... I'm really sorry."
Tang Wulin scratched his head, showing an apologetic smile.
"Forget it, forget it."
Xie Xie waved his hand, a hint of mischief flashing in his eyes. "Same old rules—the one who's late treats everyone to a meal."
"That's... no problem."
Tang Wulin agreed readily, turning to look tenderly at Ouyang Zixin beside him.
Ouyang Zixin returned his smile, tightening her grip on his hand.
"Let's go, let's go, time for a feast!" Xie Xie eagerly took Zheng Yiran's hand, striding forward first.
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi also laughed in agreement, taking Zhou Hanyou and Zhou Tian'er's hands respectively.
Fang Yang turned back to call out: "Wulin, we're heading out."
"Okay."
Tang Wulin nodded, sharing a smile with Ouyang Zixin as they interlocked their fingers and followed the group.
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