Fang Yang's palm glowed with a jade-green orb—pure life essence swirling within, golden threads flickering like trapped stars, radiating serene, revitalizing energy.
This was Ah Yin's life source, stripped from the Hundred-Thousand-Year Blue Silver Emperor—the purest vitality of nature's heart.
"This is enough," Fang Yang murmured, gaze deep. "Let's keep Ah Yin alive—for now. Can't drain her dry… yet."
His eyes shifted to the ancient inheritance altar at the plaza's edge—dusty, rune-etched, dormant for eons, waiting…
He willed five flames to rise:
- Xuanhuang Flame—earthy, unshakable
- Myriad Beast Spirit Flame—roaring with phantom beasts
- Yin-Yang Twin Flame—black and white, weaving life and death
- Green Lotus Core Flame—blooming like lotus petals
- Fallen Heart Flame—transparent, soul-chilling.
"Seventeen Heavenly Flames remain… excluding the Emperor Flame," he mused, watching them dance.
With a flick, they vanished back into his body.
He stored the life essence in the Heavenly Flame Orb's dedicated storage realm, then withdrew an ancient scepter—runes pulsing with primordial power.
Good… but incomplete.
Heavenly Flame surged—coalescing into a radiant gem atop the scepter.
"Perfect," Fang Yang nodded, satisfied.
If only the Heavenly Flame Orb itself could be embedded…
WHOOSH!
An invisible force kicked him out.
"Huh?!"
Reality snapped back—he stood in his dorm room.
"Alright… you win," he laughed wryly, unbothered.
Gu Yue stirred in his arms, waking slowly.
She nuzzled his chest, voice drowsy: "Fang Yang? What happened?"
"Nothing," he soothed, feeding her the jade-green essence.
Warmth flooded her veins—she jolted awake.
"Life energy? Why give it to me?" she asked, puzzled.
"My wounds are healed. This will restore you perfectly," he insisted, stroking her hair.
Gu Yue studied his black eyes, then nodded softly: "Mm."
Gratitude shimmered in her gaze.
They held each other in silence, savoring the quiet.
Then—his comm chimed.
Tang Wulin's voice boomed through:
"Fang Yang—you back at Shrek?"
"Yes. What's up, Wulin?"
"Senior Sister wants to gather everyone tonight! Come join us?"
"Sure," Fang Yang agreed instantly.
"Meet at Shrek's gate later—I'll round up Xie Xie!"
"Oh—and tell Gu Yue and Xiaoyan too!"
"On it," Fang Yang smiled, then hesitated:
"Wulin… can I bring someone else?"
Silence. Then—
"Of course! Who?" Tang Wulin asked, curious.
"Na'er," Fang Yang said plainly. "I'd like her to come."
"Ah—Na'er! No problem! See you soon!"
As the call ended, Fang Yang looked down—to meet Gu Yue's scrutinizing stare.
"Bringing Na'er?" she arched a brow, voice laced with subtle sourness.
Fang Yang chuckled, pinching her cheek: "Jealous of Na'er too?"
Gu Yue huffed, rising to straighten her dress: "I'll find Xiaoyan."
"Mm," Fang Yang nodded.
After she left, he dialed Na'er.
"Brother?" Her voice chimed.
"We're gathering tonight—join us?"
"Yes!" she beamed. "Where?"
"Shrek's main gate—"
A stern voice cut in: "Fang Yang—return Na'er on time."
Yun Ming.
"Understood, Pavilion Master—I'll escort her myself," Fang Yang replied instantly.
---
Soon, knock knock!
Xu Xiaoyan stood at the door, Gu Yue behind her.
"Ready to go!" Xu Xiaoyan grinned, excited.
"Senior Sister booked that new hotpot place—it's packed every night!" Gu Yue added.
"Let's go," Fang Yang said.
As they stepped out, golden sunset bathed Shrek Academy in tranquility.
At the plaza—a silver-haired girl sprinted toward them.
"Brother!"
"Na'er—you're here," Fang Yang smiled, meeting her halfway.
Gu Yue looped her arm through his right, Xu Xiaoyan claimed his left with a playful wink.
Na'er trailed beside them—four walking in step, drawing stares from every passing student.
Near the gate—Tang Wulin and Xie Xie waited, Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi flanking Zhou Hanyou and Zhou Tian'er, Ouyang Zixin chatting with Tang Wulin, both smiling.
"Well, well—someone's drowning in blessings!"
Xie Xie teased, eyes darting between Fang Yang's trio of girls.
Laughter erupted.
Fang Yang shook his head, amused.
Ouyang Zixin stepped forward, graceful:
"All here? Let's go—that hotpot spot books out fast!"
The group strolled into the twilight, laughter trailing behind them as spicy aromas beckoned from the city.
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