While Zhen headed to the Blacksmith Hall for forging practice, Na'er, Bing Xue'er, Xiatao, Lei Wei, and Shi Feng took their time strolling slowly and happily around the academy grounds, chatting casually as they went. Their wandering eventually led them to a small, crystal-clear river that sparkled brightly under the warm sunlight, the gentle water flowing in soft ripples while a refreshing breeze brushed past, making the whole place feel peaceful and inviting.
"The river is very beautiful," Xiatao said softly.
Everyone nodded, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the calm, peaceful atmosphere all around them. But Shi Feng narrowed his eyes, peering at the far bank, his head tilting as if trying to make sense of what he saw. "Guys, look over there. Beyond the river—there's something strange, like another building or maybe part of the academy," he said, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
They all turned to follow where he was looking. Across the gentle, sparkling water stood a section that looked very much like another part of the academy, only it seemed mysterious, distant, and unlike any place they had been before, stirring their curiosity even more.
Before they could say another word, a female senior student suddenly strode up—not looking the least bit angry, but with the calm authority of someone who knew exactly what she was doing. Her presence still hit them like a wall, though it felt more like a gentle but firm reminder than a threat. She stopped right in front of them, eyes steady, and said in a clear, no-nonsense tone that carried across the river, "You juniors are not yet allowed to come here, so please head back for now."
Naer and the others turned to her and greeted politely, "Hello, Senior."
Bing Xue'er's eyes widened. Her aura…! she thought. This senior must be a Holy Shifter.
Lei Wei quickly bowed his head and said in a sincere, clear voice, "Sorry, Senior. We truly didn't realize this place was off-limits for juniors."
The senior's expression softened. "It's okay. But when you become Holy Shifters, you might be allowed here."
"Holy Shifter? Rank above 40?" Naer and the others gasped in unison.
Before the senior could continue, a louder, cheerful voice broke in from nearby, "Come on, Liuyu, we really need to get moving now before we're late!"
When they turned, Bing Xue'er froze. "Elder sister?" she blurted out.
Everyone stared at her in surprise.
The other female senior's eyes went wide, her whole face lighting up with a huge, joyful grin. "Xue'er?! Is that really you? You've grown so much since I last saw you—and wow, look at that, you've already shot all the way up to Rank 11!"
"Yeah… elder sister," Xue'er replied awkwardly.
Naer asked, "Xue'er, who is she?"
"She's my elder sister, Bing Ruoshui," Xue'er answered.
So that's Xue'er's big sister, the others thought.
Bing Ruoshui looked warmly at Naer and the rest. "Xue'er, you've got friends now!" She gave her sister's shoulder a gentle, happy pat. "That really makes me glad."
"Thank you, big sister," Xue'er said.
Ruoshui turned to the group. "Please look after my little sister."
"Big sister! Don't say it like that—it's embarrassing!" Xue'er protested, blushing.
But Naer and the others playfully shuffled behind her, resting their hands on her shoulders in an exaggerated, mock hug. "Don't worry—we'll always make sure our little ice bear stays warm, cozy, and smiling like a happy dumpling."
"Who's your little ice bear?" Xue'er shot back with a half-smile, and she pouted slightly.
Everyone laughed.
Ruoshui then said, "You little ones should go now."
Shi Feng scratched his head. "Oh yeah… we're not allowed here. Let's go."
They all nodded and left.
As they walked away, Shen Liuyu gave Ruoshui's shoulder a big, friendly pat, grinning broadly and calling out in an exaggerated, cheerful tone, "Wow, you look super happy after seeing your little sister!"
"Well, yeah… Xue'er was always alone back then—completely by herself with no one to turn to, no one to laugh with, and no one to share her days. She didn't have anyone at all." Ruoshui's voice softened into a deep, heartfelt warmth. "That's why I'm so glad—truly glad—that she's finally found people who can make her smile, fill her days with light, and keep her heart company."
A huge, vivid memory came crashing into her mind—little Ruoshui, tears streaming, shouting in a voice that shook the walls: Why, Father? Why are you locking Xue'er away? She's just a little girl! Her father's deep, unshakable voice rolled back like a thunderclap: I'm doing this for her own good!
It blazed into her thoughts like a giant, vivid painting—little Xue'er, so small and alone in a cramped, dimly lit room, looking up with wide, innocent eyes and asking in a soft, curious voice, Big sister… what's the outside world like?
The flashback ended as Liuyu spoke again. "Oh yeah, Ruoshui—you said we need to go somewhere."
Ruoshui blinked and nodded. "Yeah. Teacher called us. Let's go."
Meanwhile, in the Blacksmith Hall, Zhen was deeply engrossed in his forging lesson with Ling Hao, his eyes sharp and hands ready. Today's challenge was a big one for him—forge a needle from scratch.
Ling Hao demonstrated first, heating the metal and striking it with practiced precision. "Now you try," he said.
Zhen gave a firm nod, picked out a sturdy piece of metal, and heated it until it glowed like molten gold. Then he lifted the hammer high and began striking with steady, deliberate blows, each hit ringing out loud and clear like a bell across the hall.
Ling Hao leaned in, eyes wide. With each strike, the metal rang like music and lit up with a brighter glow.
Zhen infused his bond power into a powerful blow, the force shaking the anvil. Ling Hao's eyes widened in awe. No one can underestimate the destructive power of pure darkness…
After several strikes, the metal took shape—its form sharp and clear. Then, without warning, it erupted in a blazing light so intense that Ling Hao had to throw up both hands to shield his eyes. "What is this powerful light?!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the hall, utterly stunned by the overwhelming brilliance.
When the blazing light finally faded, there lay on the anvil a perfectly formed, flawless needle—larger than life in its perfection—its surface shimmering with a gentle, faint aura that seemed to hum with hidden power.
"Sir, I'm done," Zhen said.
Ling Hao stepped forward, his eyes still wide with disbelief as he examined the gleaming needle up close. "Amazing, Zhen! This is extraordinary—at such a young age, you've already forged a flawless needle, and one that radiates a light aura no less! Truly, no one can underestimate the destructive power of pure darkness when it's guided by such skill."
Zhen's lips curved into a proud smile.