Lin Yaoyao held Bai Li's hand, feeling the warmth of her palm. Two fluffy fox tails swayed happily behind Bai Li, as if responding to Lin Yaoyao's touch. The two looked at each other and smiled; in that smile was the relief after enduring hardships, the unspoken understanding of fighting side-by-side, and the warmth of cherishing one another. A gentle breeze blew past, bringing bursts of floral fragrance. Sunlight spilled over them, plating them in a layer of golden brilliance, making everything seem so beautiful and peaceful.
"Yaoyao, the break is almost over." Shen Mo's voice broke the tranquil and beautiful atmosphere. She walked to the two of them and gently patted Lin Yaoyao's shoulder as a reminder. There was a hint of reluctance in Shen Mo's tone. Their time together during this period had deepened their friendship; she cherished the time spent with Lin Yaoyao and Bai Li and felt somewhat loath to face the upcoming separation.
Lin Yaoyao was stunned for a moment, then it suddenly dawned on her. She slapped her forehead and said ruefully, "Oh! I almost forgot about that!" Her tone carried a hint of annoyance and self-reproach. Too many things had happened recently—first searching for the thousand-year snow lotus, then entering the Secret Realm to find the bloodline essence. She had been so busy with her Cultivation and adventures that she had nearly put the academy's opening out of her mind. Originally, at the start of the break, she had planned to find a way to treat her chronic illness, but she unexpectedly met Bai Li and formed a contract with her, restarting her path of immortal cultivation. Since contracting with Bai Li, she had devoted herself entirely to Cultivation, experiencing various adventures and challenges alongside Bai Li and Shen Mo. Her strength had improved rapidly, and she had become completely immersed in the joy of immortal cultivation, almost forgetting everything else. If not for Shen Mo's reminder, she might have truly missed the start of the term.
Bai Li looked at Lin Yaoyao's rueful expression and asked with concern, "Sister Yaoyao, what's wrong? Did something happen?" Her tone held a trace of confusion and worry, and the tails behind her even formed two question marks, as if expressing her current inner unease. Bai Li's concern for Lin Yaoyao was heartfelt; she cared deeply about Lin Yaoyao's emotional changes and hoped to share some of her burdens.
Lin Yaoyao looked at Bai Li's worried eyes, shook her head gently, and said, "It's nothing major, it's just that the academy is about to start, and I almost forgot." Her tone carried a hint of helplessness. The start of the academy was a big deal; as the Eldest Miss of the Lin Family and an outstanding student of the academy, she naturally couldn't be absent without reason. Moreover, many friends and teachers were waiting for her at the academy, and she couldn't let them down.
"So that's how it is." Bai Li nodded in understanding. She knew that the academy was very important for cultivators, being a crucial place to learn knowledge and improve strength. She also hoped that Lin Yaoyao could learn more useful knowledge at the academy, enhance her strength, and become a powerful cultivator as soon as possible.
"Then let's hurry and prepare. We should head back to the villa to settle down first; we've been busy and tired lately, and staying at your father's place all the time isn't ideal either," Shen Mo said. Her tone carried a hint of urgency. Time waited for no one, and they had to prepare as quickly as possible to reach the academy before the term started.
Lin Yaoyao and Bai Li nodded in agreement. The three of them then stood up and returned to the villa.
Lin Yaoyao summoned the flying shuttle, and the three of them quickly boarded. The shuttle's streamlined exterior reflected a metallic luster in the sunlight, and the thrusters at the rear emitted a faint aura of spiritual power, pushing the flying shuttle to rise steadily and Speed toward the Lin Family Villa.
After the three arrived at the villa, they each returned to their rooms to rest and pack their belongings, preparing for the upcoming academy life.
The night passed without a word. The next morning, sunlight spilled through the window into the room, waking the sleeping Bai Li. She stretched and sat up from the bed, her two fluffy tails swaying gently behind her. Bai Li rubbed her sleepy eyes, got out of bed, and dressed. Then she walked to the window, pushed it open, and breathed in the fresh morning air, feeling the warmth of the sun. In the courtyard, the flowers and trees swayed gently in the breeze. The air was filled with the fragrance of blossoms, refreshing and invigorating. The crisp chirping of birds could be heard in the distance, adding a touch of vitality to the quiet morning.
Bai Li took a deep breath, feeling full of energy. She turned and walked to the dressing table, tidied her appearance in the mirror, then left the room and went to Lin Yaoyao's door, knocking gently.
"Sister Yaoyao, are you awake?" Bai Li asked softly, her tone carrying a hint of concern.
"Come in," Lin Yaoyao's voice came from inside the room.
Bai Li pushed open the door and walked in. Lin Yaoyao was already fully dressed. Today, she wore a pale purple long dress, her jet-black hair tied up with a purple silk ribbon. With light makeup on her face, she appeared fresh, refined, elegant, and noble. She was standing by the window looking at the scenery outside. Hearing Bai Li's voice, she turned around and gave Bai Li a gentle smile. "Morning, Bai Li."
"Morning, Sister Yaoyao," Bai Li said with a smile. She walked to Lin Yaoyao's side and looked at her outfit curiously. "Sister Yaoyao is really beautiful today." Her tone was sincere, and her eyes were full of praise. Lin Yaoyao's outfit today was indeed beautiful; the pale purple dress complemented her fair skin, and the purple ribbon tying up her jet-black hair revealed her smooth forehead, making her look even more pure and refined, like a fairy descending to the mortal realm.
Hearing Bai Li's compliment, a shy smile appeared on Lin Yaoyao's face. "Thank you, Bai Li." She patted Bai Li's head.
"Let's go," Shen Mo's voice came from outside the door. Today, she wore black close-fitting combat attire, looking capable, neat, and heroic. In her hand, she held a long sword with exquisite patterns carved on the scabbard and a sparkling gem embedded in the hilt—clearly no ordinary item. A faint smile played on Shen Mo's face, her gaze was soft, and her entire being radiated an aura of confidence and composure.
Lin Yaoyao and Bai Li nodded, indicating they were ready. The three of them walked out of the room together toward the dining room. In the dining room, a sumptuous breakfast was already laid out. There were all sorts of exquisite pastries, fresh fruit, fragrant porridge, and side dishes—everything one could desire, making one's mouth water. The three sat down at the dining table and began to enjoy breakfast. Bai Li had a good appetite; she picked up a pastry and put it in her mouth. The pastry melted instantly, sweet and delicious, making her squint her eyes and show a satisfied smile. Seeing Bai Li's cute appearance, the corners of Lin Yaoyao's mouth also curled up into a doting smile. "Eat slowly, no one is going to take it from you."
Hearing Lin Yaoyao's words, Bai Li smiled sheepishly. She slowed down her eating, savoring the delicious food. Shen Mo ate her breakfast silently. She didn't eat much, and her pace wasn't fast, but every movement carried an air of elegance and composure.
After breakfast, Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo prepared to head to the academy. Bai Li looked at the two of them, her small hands nervously fidgeting with the corner of her clothes. She hesitated, not knowing how to speak. In her past life as an ordinary person, her grades during school were not good, which had become a lingering shadow in her heart. Now that she had to step through the school gates again, she couldn't help but feel apprehensive, fearing she would repeat the same mistakes and be bullied by people at school once more.
"System Task: Accompany Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo to the academy and complete the enrollment procedures. Success Reward: Random max-level mastery, attribute points +5. Failure Penalty: None." Just as Bai Li was hesitating, system xiao mai's crisp voice suddenly rang in her mind, like a bolt of lightning cutting through the gloom in her heart, instantly clearing her head. She knew she couldn't retreat because of the shadows of her past life; she had to face the challenge bravely and couldn't keep living in the past. Now there were two people who treated her so well, who would take care of her and encourage her; she had to work hard to overcome this. Only by becoming strong could she better protect Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo. Moreover, she also wanted to experience academy life with Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo, make more friends, and learn more knowledge.
Bai Li took a deep breath, gathered her courage, walked to Lin Yaoyao's side, and gently tugged at her sleeve. She looked up at Lin Yaoyao with expectant eyes. "Sister Yaoyao, I... can I go to the academy with you?" Her tone held a hint of pleading, and the two fox tails swayed gently behind her, as if cheering her on.
Lin Yaoyao's heart softened as she saw Bai Li's expectant gaze. She gently patted Bai Li's head and said with a smile, "Of course, Bai Li. You are my contracted Spirit Beast and a very important person in my heart, so naturally, you can go to the academy with me." Her tone was firm, without any hesitation. "But you must protect yourself well and not expose yourself at school. If your Bloodline is discovered by others, I don't know if it will cause any unnecessary trouble."
Bai Li nodded and performed the Shapeshifting Art. The two furry fox ears and tails disappeared, and she turned into a charming and cute little girl with fair, delicate skin and silver-white hair that cascaded down like a waterfall. "Is this okay?" Bai Li gave a sweet smile.
Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo were stunned by the Bai Li before them. "Bai Li, you really are so cute." Lin Yaoyao snapped out of it and rubbed Bai Li's head, while Shen Mo watched the two figures—one tall and one short—with a knowing smile.