The morning sun cast soft golden rays across the Lan household, warming the tiled roof and filling the courtyard with a gentle glow. Long Yi stood at the gates, her figure straight and steady as always, her presence carrying both strength and serenity. Zhen, Na'er, and his parents were there to see her off, the atmosphere heavy with gratitude and respect. Lan Hua clasped his hands respectfully, his tone formal yet warm, while Lan Xin bowed deeply, her eyes filled with heartfelt emotion.
"Teacher, thank you for everything," Zhen said earnestly, his young fists clenched with determination. His small frame trembled, not with fear, but with the weight of promise.
Long Yi's lips curved faintly, her eyes softening. "Train hard, Zhen. Na'er, too. I will await your progress when you return to the academy." Her words were calm, but behind them carried an unshakable trust. With a light step, her figure drifted away, fading into the horizon like a passing dream.
Back inside, the Lan house returned to its familiar warmth. The air carried the aroma of herbs Lan Xin had brewed earlier, mingling with the faint smell of polished wood. In his room, Zhen had just finished bathing. Steam lingered in the air as he stood shirtless in front of the mirror, droplets sliding down his hair and tracing paths across his skin. His young frame showed small but budding muscles, hints of strength yet to come, the faint outlines of abs forming on his belly. Tilting his head, he studied himself with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
"Did my body change a bit? I… feel quite strong," he murmured, flexing his arms slightly, the reflection of a boy on the cusp of becoming something more.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Lan Xin tilted her head, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "Na'er, can you go bring Zhen? He's taking too long to change."
Na'er nodded obediently, her steps light as she padded down the hallway toward Zhen's room. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open. "Zhen, are you done chang—" Her words froze in her throat.
Zhen spun around, startled, his eyes widening. He was shirtless, his skin faintly glistening from the bath. Their eyes met in that charged moment, and time seemed to halt. A crimson flush rose to their cheeks, spreading fast as silence stretched unbearably. For a whole minute, neither moved nor spoke, their youthful hearts pounding wildly.
Finally, Zhen snapped out of it, his voice breaking with nervousness. "N-next time… please knock before coming in…" His ears burned red as he hastily turned away, fumbling to grab his shirt.
Na'er's breath caught, her fingers curling against the doorframe. "I-I… s-sorry!" she stammered, retreating as quickly as she had come, shutting the door with a soft thud.
Her heart thumped in her chest as she returned to the living room. Lan Xin noticed at once, her sharp motherly instinct catching the change. She placed a hand on Na'er's forehead, worry flashing in her eyes. "Na'er, what's wrong? Your face is so red. Are you feeling unwell? Do you have a fever?"
Na'er shook her head quickly, blurting out, "It's nothing, Auntie. I'm fine!" Her voice betrayed her, slightly higher than usual.
Lan Xin frowned, puzzled by the girl's reaction. But Lan Hua, observing quietly from the side, chuckled inwardly. Well done, my son. You and Na'er are heading in a good direction.
Lan Xin caught the amused look on her husband's face and narrowed her eyes. "And what are you laughing at, honey?"
Lan Hua snapped upright, coughing lightly. "O-oh, nothing, dear. Just… happy memories."
Moments later, Zhen emerged from his room, finally dressed, though his ears still betrayed him with their faint redness. "Let's go, Mom, Dad… and, uh… Na'er." His voice faltered slightly as he said her name, almost too softly.
Na'er lowered her head, her own cheeks still warm, her fingers twisting the hem of her sleeve. Lan Hua nearly burst into laughter again at the sight, while Lan Xin could only shake her head in confusion, thinking, Why is everyone acting so strangely today?
Together, they set out for a day of shopping. The streets of Star City bustled with life—vendors shouting their wares, the scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced tea drifting through the air, colorful fabrics rippling in the breeze. Musicians strummed instruments at street corners, adding a lively rhythm to the flow of the crowd. After trying on new clothes and exchanging lighthearted laughter, they came across a familiar figure. Lan Hua's eyes lit up instantly.
"Wang Yan!" he called warmly, his voice carrying over the crowd.
The man turned, his weathered face breaking into a broad smile. "Lan Hua! It's been too long!"
The two men embraced like brothers reuniting after years apart, their laughter rich and genuine. Lan Xin, Zhen, and Na'er bowed politely, their voices chiming in unison. "Uncle Yan!"
Lan Hua's grin widened. "It's been one year since we last met."
Wang Yan nodded, nostalgia clouding his gaze. "Yes, when you first arrived in Star City. Time flies so quickly."
Lan Xin inclined her head gratefully. "We owe you much. You helped us greatly when we first arrived here. Without your guidance, we would have struggled far more."
Wang Yan waved a hand dismissively, though his eyes softened. "It was nothing. I'm just glad to see Zhen and Na'er thriving in the Holy Beast Academy. Their potential is extraordinary. Their future shines brightly."
As they chatted, Lan Hua studied his old friend more closely, noticing the faint shadows beneath his eyes. "Yan, did you not sleep well last night? You look tired."
Wang Yan rubbed his eyes and chuckled wearily. "The clouds last night were bursting with such noise. Thunder so fierce, it was frightening. I hardly rested at all."
Zhen froze slightly, his mind immediately connecting the pieces. Thunder… bursting clouds… that must have been Teacher fighting in the skies. He kept the thought tucked away, hiding a faint, knowing smile.
The group continued their stroll, laughter weaving into old stories and fond recollections. They wandered past lantern-lit alleys and crowded markets, savoring the warmth of companionship and the ease of shared memories. By the time they returned home, dusk had settled over the city. Stars twinkled above like scattered jewels, their quiet brilliance watching over the night.
Later, on the terrace, Zhen leaned against the railing, gazing at the endless expanse of the heavens. His voice was soft, thoughtful, carrying the weight of his growing journey. "Now I've reached Rank 19… Teacher said this is the bottleneck, the peak of Spirit-Forged Master." His eyes darkened with resolve. "I wonder how my friends are doing now… are they having fun in their home and with their family too?"
Down in the garden, Na'er sat quietly among the flowerbeds, the moonlight painting her figure in silver. She traced her fingers gently across the petals of a sprouting bud, her lips moving in the barest whisper. "The birth of a living being… the beginning of all." Her heart fluttered, carrying an emotion she was still too young to name.
The night held its breath, the cool breeze wrapping around the two young souls as they stood apart yet connected. Above them, the stars shimmered in silent witness, as if blessing the quiet stirrings of hearts that had only just begun to change.