Novel Bin Chapter 1977: No Regrets!
Chapter 1977: No Regrets!
Was this mental manifestation?
This was Tang Wulin in his childhood. As a little boy, he had a pair of large, bright eyes that were filled with vigor, but at this moment, his clothes were a little disheveled.
In the image, Tang Wulin was rushing somewhere as quickly as he could, but he didn't appear to be in the best condition.
His hair was disheveled and unkempt, his face was rather pale, and overall, he was looking quite exhausted.
Where did you run off to? Why did you only come now? Xie Xie snapped at him.
Tang Wulin grimaced as he answered. Its a long story. Lets compete first. Teacher Wu, Im able to battle.
Wu Zhangkong looked towards him with an expressionless face and nodded his head before speaking to Long Hengxu again, We have three participants from our class.
Long Hengxu replied, First grade's class one may select three students to compete as well.
Ye Yingluo tilted her head upward. Fine.
Long Hengxu spoke again, Participants from both classes, please enter.
Gu Yue moved towards Tang Wulins side and whispered, Do you think you can compete? Hows your body? While she could see that there was something wrong with Tang Wulin, his body emitted an aura that further befuddled her.
Im fine. Tang Wulin had regained, once again, that grin of confidence from before.
Gu Yue nodded her head, Lets win together.
Tang Wulin moved to occupy the center position once more. Xie Xie and Gu Yue were positioned behind him as the trio walked together up towards the stage.
On the other side, class ones three students entered the stage as well.
Im Zhang Yangzi, said the calm teenager in the center.
Wei Xiaofeng, weve met a while ago. Wei Xiao Feng reached out his hand and stuck out his thumb before slowly twisting his wrist downward, issuing a provocative move.
You! Xie Xie was infuriated and was about to rush up towards him, but was prevented from doing so by Tang Wulin grabbing his shoulder.
Xie Xie was shocked as he eyed Tang Wulin. This guys strength grew again!
Wang Jinxi. The wiry student from class one introduced himself.
Tang Wulin introduced his side. First grades class five, Tang Wulin.
Gu Yue.
Xie Xie! Xie Xies eyes were brimming with iciness as he stared at Wei Xiaofeng.
......
Tang Wulin's body was sent flying out of the rainbow breath, and the mental manifestation image that he had created was put on pause as a result.
In the image, the trio of Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Gu Yue in their childhood were locked in battle against a group of more powerful opponents.
The rainbow breath receded, and Gu Yuena returned to her human form.
A reminiscent look appeared in her eyes at the sight of the mental manifestation in front of her, but she didn't pause in the slightest as she pounced toward Tang Wulin once again.
At this point, a layer of faint rainbow light had appeared over Tang Wulin's suit of four-word battle armor, but he was appraising Gu Yuena with an extremely gentle expression.
Mental manifestation was an extension of one's memories, which meant that he was currently reliving those memories of their childhood prior to entering Shrek Academy.
It was also at that time that they had begun coming together and developing feelings for one another.
He unleashed his Profound Heavenly Circle once again to dispel Gu Yuena's fearsome elemental attacks, and at the same time, the mental manifestation image had begun to change.
In the image, they seemed to have grown up a little.
......
Instead of Wu Zhangkong, four people sat in the room, one of which was an unfamiliar white-haired woman.
He hadnt seen her during his trip to Skysea City years ago.
Youre finally awake! Xie Xie leaped toward him.
So I woke up in time? Seeing them, his hopes rose. There should still be time before the exam, otherwise, his teammates wouldnt be here.
Xie Xie grumbled, What do you mean in time? Were already late.
Huh? Tang Wulin was so shocked, he even forgot his hunger.
Lets go. Shen Yi stood up, giving Tang Wulin a meaningful look before walking out.
Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue also got up, the former beaming at him while the latter had an apathetic expression. Only, her eyes were far more expressive, concern lingering in their depths.
Tang Wulin nodded to them, then turned to Xie Xie. Who is that?
Xie Xie replied, Shes a friend of Teacher Wus from Shrek. Were already three hours late; Teacher Wu is helping us out at the academy right now, so we need to hurry over, otherwise, we might miss our chance.
Im sorry. This is all my fault. Tang Wulin slumped with shame and hung his head. His stinginess had started a domino-effect, from delaying the evolution of his bloodline to holding his teammates back and possibly missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! And all this, just for the sake of saving money!
Xie Xie chuckled. Whats the point in talking about it now? When you protected us at the forefront all those times, have we ever said thanks? Hows your body? How did your deep meditation go?
Unable to tell Xie Xie about his seals, Tang Wulin could only smile bitterly and say, I dont know either, but I feel great. He had realized that, apart from hunger, he was in good condition. Strength surged through his body, his soul power having grown. He estimated that it was around rank 27 or rank 28 now. Just like the first time, his soul power had not increased by much.
Though hunger still clouded his mind, he sensed that his body had strengthened by a third and, when considering his already immense physical power, it was a tremendous improvement.
What he truly looked forward to, however, was how his bloodline power had evolved, as well as the surprise Old Tang spoke of.
But now was not the time to test it out. In fact, he didnt even have time to eat.
Do you have anything to eat? Tang Wulin asked Xie Xie.
Xie Xie shook his head.
But at that moment, Gu Yue held out a bag to Tang Wulin.
He accepted the bag, immediately knowing what it was just by the weight and feel of it. It was steamed buns and meat! They werent spectacular, but they were better than nothing!
He didnt thank Gu Yue. Although they had grown estranged in the past three years, experiencing life-or-death situations together was a bond that would never break. Thanks was not needed for such a trivial matter.
It was three steamed buns and a portion of meat.
......
Gu Yuena was just about to unleash another round of attacks when she also caught sight of this image.
Of course, she was able to clearly remember what had happened back then. This was when they were undergoing the trials for entry into Shrek Academy, but Tang Wulin was late as he had been delayed after breaking his second Golden Dragon King seal. Everyone was waiting for him to wake up, and thankfully, he did wake up in the end, albeit a little late.
Thankfully, they made it to the trial on time, and the image transitioned to when they arrived at Shrek Academy.
Looking at the Shrek Academy and Shrek City of the past, both Gu Yuena and the spectating Long Yeyue was struck by a surge of emotion. That was the past Shrek Academy that had housed over 20,000 years of glory!
"That's enough!" Gu Yuena yelled as she hurled her Silver Dragon Spear toward Tang Wulin as a streak of rainbow light.
Her loud cry seemed to have snapped Tang Wulin out of his train of thought, and the image behind him abruptly faded, while his eyes also regained their clarity and focus.
The beautiful memories of the past had alleviated some of the pain of the present, and he thrust his Golden Dragon Spear forward with unstoppable might, unleashing his Dragon Emperor Charge1
The powerful blood essence of the Golden Dragon King clashed with the rainbow light, and heaven and earth tremored violently.
The two drew closer and closer to one another, and Tang Wulin looked deep into Gu Yuena's eyes, while Gu Yuena returned his gaze with an unwavering one of her own.
Through his gaze, it was as if Tang Wulin were posing a question to Gu Yuena.
Have you forgotten everything that's happened between us?
How could she possibly have forgotten? The time that she had spent at Shrek Academy was the most wonderful and memorable time she had spent as a human!
"Boom!"
The two clashed once again, and in that instant, the entire heavens warped as an even more powerful mental manifestation appeared.
The giant image stretched for several dozens of kilometers, and it depicted the entirety of the past Shrek Academy.
The majestic Shrek City, the lush Shrek Academy, the blue Sea God's Lake; all of it was so familiar, yet so far away.
It was nighttime in this image, and the perspective gradually zoomed in on the Sea God's Lake, which was decorated by romantic lights.
At this moment, there were two groups of people standing on the lake, and both groups were facing one another from afar.
This was the Sea God Fate Match-making Convention! This was one of the most highly anticipated events held by the past Shrek Academy, and countless incredible matches had been made during the course of the event's history, including the pair of Huo Yuhao and Tang Wutong.
This image was naturally depicting the edition of the Sea God Fate Match-making Convention that both Tang Wulin and Gu Yuena had featured in, and it was a memory that was deeply cherished by both of them.
As the massive image appeared, both Tang Wulin and Gu Yuena vanished, as if they had completely immersed themselves into this memory.
......
"Let's continue. Next up is..." Tang Yinmeng paused momentarily before her eyes settled on Tang Wulin, and she announced, "Number 51, please take the stage."
The lotus leaf beneath Tang Wulin's feet drifted forward, and his heart rate also began to accelerate. Three years; it had been over three years since they'd last seen each other.
They had both grown up, and were no longer children.
During those 1,000 days and 1,000 nights, I labored through one lonely day after another, and I've already confirmed my own feelings. During those three years, did you ever think of me? Did you refrain from switching on your light for me because you've already forgotten me? Even so, I'll never give up!
All of the female participants cast their eyes toward him, the most handsome male participant, and both girls number 18 and number 17 had also turned their attention to him.
Dai Yun'er was so excited that she looked as if she were about to rush off her lotus leaf, and everyone else, including Yuanen Yehui and Ye Xinglan, were also looking at him.
Everyone was looking forward to what he had to say.
"Due to some reasons, I left for three years. I've been away for over 1,000 days, and the academy has constantly been on my mind during every single one of those days. Following the sudden departure of my parents, this place has become my home. I came back today, and this also just so happens to be the day that the Sea God Fate Match-making Convention is being held. I came here without any hesitation as I was afraid that you'd pass me by, and I was even more afraid that you may have fallen in love with someone else already. Three years ago, I asked you if you only tried to get closer to me due to my bloodline. During the next three years after that, I thought about many things, and I gradually came to realize how stupid that question was.
"I shouldn't have asked in the first place. You told me yes, and I was heartbroken, even more so than when I discovered that I had a trash martial soul, then obtained a defective soul spirit. However, I couldn't show this to everyone as I was the captain, so I had to put on a strong front. I led all of us to victory despite the emotional agony I was in, but I still didn't know how to face you, nor how to face myself. Three years passed, and I thought about many many things during those 1,000 days and nights. I was able to attain enlightenment on many things that I was unable to wrap my head around in the past.VIsit n0(v)eLb(i)n.𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience
"If you love someone, then who cares about all that? I don't care what motives you had for approaching me; I love you, so I'm willing to accept every part of you. If you also love me, then let's be together. If you don't love me, then I'll do everything in my power to change your mind, and we'll still be together in the end. Hence, no matter what happens, I'll never give up on my love for you! From this day forth, I'm yours, so you must take responsibility for me!"
......
The image blurred before becoming clear again.
......
Lan Muzi and Tang Yinmeng exchanged a glance, and the latter said, "At this stage, we are already past the halfway mark of this Sea God Fate Match-making Convention. However, what I must tell you all is that the most exciting segment is just beginning. All male participants, you can pray to your lucky stars now as this upcoming fourth segment will decide whether you'll have a chance to court the woman of your dreams."
Lan Muzi nodded, and continued from where Tang Yinmeng had left off. "That's right, we are about to commence the most exhilarating fourth segment of this Sea God Fate Match-making Convention. According to statistics gathered from past editions of the event, at least 70% of all of the matches will be made during this segment. As such, I must remind all of our celestial maidens to choose wisely as your decisions are final. Look deep into your hearts, and don't do anything that you'll regret in the future."
All of the women adopted serious expressions upon hearing this.
Lan Muzi glanced at girls number 17 and 18, who were still wearing their veils, and he said, "At this point in time, we have two of our celestial maidens who are still wearing their veils. Would you like to remove your veils now? If you turn down this opportunity, then you'll have no further opportunities to remove your veils, so make sure to choose wisely. Due to the fact that you two have been able to protect your veils for so long, if you choose to remove your veils now, you two will be given priority during the fourth segment, Affinity Spanning Three Lives. I will give you one minute to consider."
"I'll take off my veil," a heavenly voice rang out across the entire Sea God's Lake. The one who had spoken was none other than Girl Number 18.
She raised a hand to remove her veiled bamboo hat, revealing a set of breathtakingly beautiful features.
Her long silver hair spilled down her back like a luscious waterfall, and her large purple eyes were like shimmering amethysts. Even the lights of the moon and the stars seemed to have paled in the face of her stunning beauty.
All of the lights on the Sea God's Lake seemed to have become her backdrop, and everyone instantly focused their eyes on her.
"It's the Dragon Spear Goddess!" someone suddenly exclaimed, and their cry of surprise was instantly echoed by countless spectators on the shore.
......
The Dragon Spear Goddess in the image wasn't the current Silver Dragon Princess, and to those who hadn't witnessed this scene in person, this was a rather confusing scene.
Unbeknownst to them, this wasn't Gu Yuena; it was Na'er instead.
......
Lan Muzi continued, "In order to make things fair for all of the other celestial maidens, we'll get Junior Disciple Sister Na'er to choose the man of her desires first in this fourth segment. We all really want to know which lucky man has caught your eye."
All of the female participants heaved faint sighs of relief upon hearing this, while their male counterparts immediately became quite nervous. Over 90% of them puffed out their chests in an instant. If one of them could be chosen by the Dragon Spear Goddess, then that would be the most fortunate thing to have ever happened to them!
In contrast, all of the female participants were quite relieved as after she made her choice, all of the other male participants would give up on her, so the impact of her participation in this event would be reduced to a minimum.
Na'er nodded, and agree, "Alright, then I'll go first."
Lan Muzi made a hand gesture for her to proceed. "We'll invite Junior Disciple Sister Na'er to approach the man of her desires. I'm sure the heart rates of all of our male participants have already spiked through the roof!"
Na'er smiled, and silver light flashed from her body as the lotus leaf beneath her feet drifted forward, taking her toward the male participants up ahead.
Tang Wulin could clearly hear the breathing of the male participants around him accelerating at a rapid rate. It was undoubtedly the case that all of the men were in a state of extreme excitement and anticipation.
The lotus leaf drifted closer and closer, and Na'er wore a faint smile on her face the entire time. As she drew closer, the effect that her breathtaking features had on the inner court male disciples became even more pronounced, and all of them were completely entranced. If a man could make her his wife, then they'd have nothing else to wish for!
Choose me! Choose me! Almost all of them were screaming internally.
She's coming closer!
100 meters, 80 meters, 50 meters, 30 meters...
At this point, all of the male participants were drawing short and sharp breaths. One man was unable to hold back any longer, and he released his martial soul as a series of soul rings emerged beneath his feet as a display of his powers. Immediately thereafter, over half of all of the male participants summoned their soul rings, putting on a dazzling display over the surface of the Sea God's Lake.
On the boat.
"Does Na'er really have someone she likes?" Light Dark Douluo Long Yeyue asked in a surprised manner as she turned to the master of the Sea God's Pavilion, Yun Ming.
Yun Ming was also quite taken aback by all of this. "I've never heard her say anything about this! She sure hid it quite well. I don't see anyone here who's worthy of my disciple, though."
Long Yeyue chuckled, "Are you unwilling to let her go? When a girl comes of age, it's inevitable that she'll marry herself off. Then again, it really is a little early; can't she at least wait until she turns 18?"
Yun Ming's brows were slightly furrowed. In his heart, Na'er was like a daughter to him. The fact that she had set her sights on a man had him feeling both shocked and also rather indignant.
Holy Spirit Douluo Yali gently squeezed his hand and smiled as she whispered to him, "Na'er is a very smart girl, so the man she's fallen for must be very special. Let's just watch and let her make her decision."
10 meters! She was only 10 meters away, and the male participant who was situated closest to Na'er already had his eyes opened wide with excitement.
The feeling of watching such a breathtaking celestial maiden slowly drifting toward him was far too stimulating.
Tang Wulin had killing intent pouring out of his eyes, and his fists were tightly clenched as he glowered at that man. If Na'er wanted to be with him, then he was going to immediately challenge that man to a battle. If he couldn't even beat him, then how was he going to protect Na'er? It was said that direct challenges were allowed during the final segment of the Sea God Fate Match-making Convention, so whomever Na'er chose would have to face him in battle!
Right at this moment, the lotus leaf beneath Na'er's feet suddenly changed directions, circling around in a graceful arc before drifting toward Tang Wulin's direction.
No, to put it more accurately, she was drifting toward Long Yue's direction.
Long Yue shuddered upon seeing this. He had never paid too much attention to members of the opposite sex, and even though he'd chosen Dai Yun'er, that was only because in his heart, only a woman of Dai Yun'er's beauty and status was a match for him.
However, Na'er outstripped Dai Yun'er and all of the other female participants in both appearance and disposition, and the sight of her slowly approaching him was making his heart thump in an erratic arrhythmic manner. He was suddenly struck by the feeling that this was love at first sight. He had never had a girlfriend in his entire life; could it be that he'd been waiting for this moment this entire time?
Just as these thoughts were racing through his mind, Na'er continued to draw closer and closer to him.
Tang Wulin's eyes widened with alarm.
No, Na'er, you can't choose him! He's from the Star Luo Empire! He...
Tang Wulin wanted nothing more than to strangle Long Yue to death.
All of the outer court disciples on the shore had already erupted into a frenzy. It would be an unacceptable outcome if their Dragon Spear Goddess were to choose an exchange student from the Star Luo Empire as her partner.
The lotus leaf beneath Na'ers' feet decelerated a little, and she glanced at Tang Wulin to find him staring at her with wide eyes while his hands were clenched into tight fists. She then looked at Long Yue's scorching gaze, and she couldn't help but cover her mouth as she burst into laughter.
Silver light flashed, the lotus leaf sped up again. Around three meters away from Long Yue, it swerved away in a graceful manner again before arriving beside Tang Wulin. Her lotus leaf came into contact with Tang Wulin's lotus leaf, and she raised her head before sticking her tongue out at him in a cheeky manner.
Long Yue was rooted to the spot, all of the male participants were rooted to the spot, and Tang Wulin himself was also rooted to the spot.
All of the commotion from the shore instantly died down at this moment.
Girl Number 17, who was still wearing her veil, shuddered, but she quickly recovered her composure. During the one-minute timeframe she'd been given to remove her veil, she had refrained from doing so, so she was the only one who still hadn't taken off her veil.
After a brief stunned stupor, Tang Wulin came to his senses, and he didn't know whether he should laugh or cry. This little sister of his was trying to get him killed!
Tang Wulin couldn't help but ruffle her hair at the sight of her cheeky smile. "You little rascal."
"Heehee," Na'er giggled as she stuck out her tongue at him.
His eyes were filled with doting affection, while her smile was filled with bliss. Their interaction was a horrendous act of dog abuse!
The soul rings beneath the feet of the inner court male disciples began to glow even brighter. If it weren't for the fact that all of the Sea God's Pavilion elders were present on that boat in the distance, they'd most likely have mobbed Tang Wulin already.
Tang Wulin whispered, "Causing trouble for fun, are we?"
Na'er pouted in response. "How am I causing trouble? Can't I choose you? Or do you want me to choose someone else?"
Tang Wulin harrumphed, "I'll get you for this after the convention, you little rascal!"
Tang Yinmeng smiled, and said, "Alright, let's continue with our current segment. From here onward, we'll be drawing numbers. At the same time, prior to making your choices, all of the female participants can state a question or a request for the man of their desires, then make their decisions based on the responses. Did you forget about this detail, Junior Disciple Sister Na'er?"
Na'er merely waved a hand, and smiled as she said, "I don't need to ask him anything. There's no one in this world who knows him better than I do."
......
That was Na'er, a part of Gu Yuena and Tang Wulin's little sister.
She was also once Yun Ming's only disciple, as well as Shrek Academy's Dragon Spear Goddess.
......
"According to our rules, any female participants who haven't removed their veils can only make their choices at the end. Girl Number 17, would you like to choose a man?"
All of Tang Wulin's awkwardness instantly vanished in that instant. He cast his gaze toward the veiled woman around 100 meters away, and everyone else also had their eyes on her, especially those who had already deduced who she was.
Xie Xie and Yuanen Yehui had also fallen silent as they appraised Girl Number 17. They then glanced at the three women by Tang Wulin's side, and grim expressions appeared on their faces.
Why was she still unwilling to reveal herself? Wasn't she supposed to be elated by his return? Just what had happened between the two of them?
Following a brief silence, Girl Number 17 gently shook her head right before everyone's expectant eyes.
It was only a very minute shake of her head, but Tang Wulin felt as if he'd been plunged into a glacier upon seeing this.
She had shaken her head. She hadn't chosen anyone, which meant that she hadn't chosen him. She didn't even take off her veil.
This undoubtedly indicated that she had no love interests, and nor did she have any intention of finding a mate during this match-making convention.
Tang Wulin felt as if his heart had been constricted by something, making it difficult for him to breathe.
Tears welled up in his eyes as a wry smile appeared on his face.
Memories of the past began to surface in his mind.
Why? Why didn't you choose me?
......
All encounters were reunions following lengthy separations.
He was written off by everyone due to his lackluster aptitude, he got into a fight with his roommate on his first day of school, and he was split into the worst class, class five. Everything had been designed by fate.
He had once been lost and helpless. Regardless of how much mental fortitude he had, in the darkness, he was still only a vulnerable child.
All of a sudden, a ray of light shone down onto his life.
It was a beautiful day with only a few light clouds in the sky, and the gentle breeze carried with it the faint fragrance of flowers.
He was sweating profusely on the running track when he had a chance encounter with a girl in white. She had a set of delicate facial features, a head of long black hair, and a pair of bright black eyes. There seemed to be a unique presence about her.
"Why are you wearing metal chains?"
"To improve my physical constitution! The teachers are a bit stricter with me. You're really impressive, though."
During mealtime, she seemed to have noticed his astonishing appetite and gave him her steamed bun.
"I can't finish this; you can have it."
It was a simple gesture, but it immediately brought them closer together. Everything was so natural, as if she were an old friend of his.
Her name was Gu Yue. She had secrets hidden deep within her like an ancient well, yet she was also like the bright moon that lit his way as he traversed through the darkness.
He was a pitiful blade of Bluesilver Grass, while she was blessed by the elements. He was struggling to keep himself afloat, while she was constantly on the ascendancy, and they met again following a long separation.
......
No matter what your agenda is, I'll always love you.
Their cooperation during the Class Promotion Tournament and the mutual assistance they gave one another in the Spirit Ascension Plane had cemented their friendship.
After he'd returned with his entire body smelling like roast meat, she was able to immediately detect that he'd met another girl. When his crystallized body had plummeted from the sky, she'd caught him without any hesitation so his body wouldn't shatter.
She was cold and aloof to everyone else, but she always had a warm smile for him.
When asked whether she wanted to join the Tang Sect, her answer was no.
He was afraid, afraid that she would leave him, just like his parents and his little sister had.
"Who says I'm leaving? I'm only choosing not to join the Tang Sect; it's not like I'm leaving class zero. The organization I'm joining doesn't change where I'll be. I won't leave; I'll always be with you."
......
During their youth, their relationship had been like a gentle nurturing stream.
On the soul bus, the sea was situated to the north, and a vast expanse of blue stretched for as far as the eyes could see as the sky fused as one with the sea on the horizon.
Beautiful scenery flashed past the window as he dozed off, and he called out his little sister's name as a silver figure flashed through his dreams. When he reopened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of a surprised Gu Yue.
She gave him a gentle smile and handed him a glass of water that was of just the right temperature. It was only plain water, but it nurtured his heart and soul.
The sunlight shone down onto her face, giving her skin a translucent appearance. He suddenly realized that she was so beautiful.
She gently lay her head on his shoulder, and her breathing became slow and steady.
Before he knew it, he'd also closed his eyes, and all of his exhaustion seeped away in her warm and comforting presence.
This was a completely wordless scene, like the silent films of old.
......
For you, I can die with a smile.
During the Skysea Alliance Tournament, she was targeted by a surprise attack that was too abrupt for her to evade, and she could only resign herself to a horrible fate.
All of a sudden, her body was enveloped by warmth. He'd used his own back to shield her.
Crimson flowers of blood blossomed before her eyes, but there was no sorrow nor regret on his face; only a faint smile.
He really wanted to be with her forever, but if one of them had to die, he'd much rather let it be himself. He really wanted to protect her for all of eternity, but this would be the final time.
She panicked. She unleashed lifes light of the highest degree of purity, repairing his grievously wounded body at the expense of her own life force.
She didn't care about anything else; all she wanted was for him to live.
There was no bond in this world stronger than that forged between two people who had been through life and death together.
......
Even after growing up, you're still you.
Time flew by like a speeding arrow.
Three years passed, and for some reason, her attitude toward him had changed. She wasn't as close with him as she'd been in the past, and she'd grown quite distant.
They passed the sternest test, but she was unwilling to accept her reward.
She hit Wulin so I dont want to be her disciple.
She turned to him without any hesitation nor regret, and gave her reason in a completely calm yet implacable manner.
Thank you, thank you for still being the same person who would do anything for me. I can see now that nothing has changed.
......
I'll return when I obtain the power to fight for fairness.
She was picked on, and he remained completely fearless in the face of the elder's authority, standing by her side in a manner that was neither arrogant nor humble. He was fearless because the one being picked on was someone whom he had to protect no matter what.
"Is there fairness in Shrek Academy?"
The answer was final and disdainful.
He felt completely powerless. In the face of absolute power, was he really unable to protect even his closest companions?
He raised his head.
"Esteemed elders, I relinquish the right to enter Shrek Academy. I'll return someday when I have the power to fight for fairness."
For her, he was willing to give up on his dreams.
Even if the entire world were to turn its back on you, I would remain by your side.
......
He didn't return for an entire night, and she waited in complete silence.
Her body was leaned against a large tree, and she had her eyes closed. There were several drops of dew on her long eyelashes, under the light of the morning sun, she was like the most beautiful artistic masterpiece.
He stared blankly at her, and that scene became a memory that would remain with him for the rest of eternity.
"You're awake!"
"Why are you sleeping here?"
"You didn't come back last night, so I came to look for you. I saw that you were still meditating, so I didn't disturb you."
She had said this in a calm and nonchalant manner, as if she hadn't done anything worthy of note.
He wore a smile on his face, and for some reason, as he looked at her, he didn't want to say the words "thank you".
Life didn't need to be filled with excitement and exhilaration. At times, peace and serenity were enough.
......
Even if we disband, I'll still follow you.
There was a dispute in the group, and everyone else opposed his opinion.
To everyone else, using spirit alloys to construct battle armor was far too much of a distant pipe dream.
However, she believed in him unconditionally and stood by his side without any hesitation.
"Alright, maybe I really am being overly ambitious."
"No! I won't use any metal other than spirit alloy to make my one-word battle armor!"
Her stubbornness and determination had filled his entire heart with warmth.
With you by my side, I'd have nothing to fear even with the entire world as my enemy.
......
Soul fusion, I become a part of you, and you become a part of me.
In the face of an unfathomably powerful opponent, he still stood resolutely before her. He knew that defeat was certain, but he wasn't fearful in the slightest.
He was a man who could accept her haughtiness and wilfulness.
He was a man who could lay down his life without any hesitation to protect her.
Her eyes gradually glazed over, and she spread open her arms before enveloping him in a tight hug from behind.
There was no hesitation; only unconditional trust and sacrifice. It was as if they were back to their childhood days again.
At the time, he was still a little boy who admired his senior disciple sister, and she was a little girl who liked to get into verbal arguments.
It was as if the boundless sky were hanging above their heads to bear witness to their glory.
They had won, yet they were also unconscious. Even so, her hands seemed to have become a part of his body, and they refused to be pried open no matter what. Thus, they sealed their victory and glory with an unbreakable embrace.
Their affinity may be severed from time to time, but there was an eternal connection between their hearts and martial souls. They were like each other's unbreakable chains that clung tightly onto one another.
......
The image in the sky was beginning to become quite chaotic as memory fragments flashed in and out of focus, creating a dizzying sight to behold, but for some reason, a sense of indescribable sorrow had welled up in everyone's hearts.
Once one's spiritual power reached the divine sense level, their emotions would become infectious to others, and the emotions present in this mental manifestation were affecting all of the bystanders on the scene.
The images were scrambled and impossible to make sense of, but they were somehow able to tell a coherent story through displaying the emotions that Tang Wulin had once felt.
At this point, it was clear to everyone why Gu Yuena had initially rejected Tang Wulin during the convention; she had done so in fear of this very situation.
It was inevitable that they were going to be enemies, so she didn't want them to fall for each other.
......
"Alright, then our final celestial maiden with be our Dragon Spear Goddess. It's your turn, Na'er."
As Tang Yinmeng's voice trailed off, the entire Sea God's Lake fell completely silent.
Starlight and moonlight shone down from above, illuminating the rippling water of the Sea God's Lake, as well as the Na'er's exquisitely beautiful features. She slowly drifted over to Dai Yun'er's side, and her eyes were rippling with a special kind of emotion.
She was no longer looking at him with the eyes of a little sister looking at her big brother.
Tang Wulin shuddered slightly as he also sensed the shift in her demeanor.
"Big Brother!" Na'er called out gently.
"Na'er, you..." Tang Wulin's brows furrowed slightly.
Na'er smiled, and continued, "Big Brother, did you know that I'd already developed feelings for you from the moment you took me in when I was just three years old? You were nowhere near as strong as you are now, but you stood in front of all of those bad people to protect me. Not only are you kind, you're also courageous, and you possess far more mental fortitude than anyone else of your age. When you were six, you awakened your marital soul, only to find that it was Bluesilver Grass, widely renowned to be a trash martial soul. The silver lining was that you also awakened soul power at the same time. You aspired to become a Soul Master. At the time, you didn't even dare to imagine becoming a battle armor master, so you said that you wanted to become a mecha pilot."
Na'er appraised Tang Wulin with a gentle look in her eyes, and in that instant, it was as if he were the only person she could see. "But in order to become a Soul Master, you'd need soul spirits, which cost a lot of money. Our family wasn't very wealthy, despite the fact that our parents really did work very hard, so you took up forging at just six years of age. I recall when you first started that you were so tired after returning home every day, you couldn't even muster up any facial expressions. You'd always slump straight onto the bed, and you couldn't even hear me when I tried to talk to you.
"However, you didn't give up. You continued to practice forging, and after receiving your wages, you'd use all of it that you didn't save up to buy lollies for me. I still remember those lollies; they were really, really sweet. Do you remember how I asked you one day if you'd miss me if I were to go away?"
Tang Wulin listened to Na'er's words in an entranced manner, and his mind wandered back to his childhood home where he'd lived over a decade ago.
......
My aspirations lie among the stars.
He was a fair-skinned young boy with black eyes and black hair, and he traveled to Eastsea City alone, wading into the unknown with nothing more than his hopes and dreams.
He had his trash martial soul, Bluesilver Grass, and his pitiful rank three innate soul power. In that massive city, he was like an insignificant grass seed drifting around, trying to achieve the dreams he held dear to his heart.
When other kids of his age were still basking in the love and adoration of their parents, he had already lost his home.
"If I were to leave one day, would you miss me?"
"Of course I would. I would miss you very very much."
The cool balmy breeze in the night massaged his cheeks, and a warm sensation welled up in his heart, and he smiled. This was not a wry smile, but instead, a reminiscent one.
In his heart, that silver-haired girl had never strayed far away. She was always tucked away in a certain corner of his memories, standing under the sunset, calling him "Big Brother" in her sweet voice.
I am Tang Wulin; my aspirations lie among the stars.
When an ordinary seed grows into a lush grassland, would I be able to reunite with you?
......
"Big Brother, I like you; I love you. I'm willing to spend every single moment of the rest of my life by your side. Can you let me love you? I'm serious." Na'er's expression was indeed very serious, so serious that even Atlas Douluo was rather stunned by her resolve.
Ripples began to surge through Tang Wulin's heart, which had just been plunged into complete despair not long ago. If he had to pick the most important woman in his life, then he honestly wouldn't be able to make a choice between his mother, Na'er, and Gu Yue.
However, never did he think that Na'er would say something like this to him in front of so many people during the Sea God Fate Match-making Convention.
"Na'er, you're my little sister!"
"No, I'm not. I'm only your Na'er, and we're not related by blood. I don't want to be your little sister anymore; I want to be your Na'er," she said in a stubborn manner.
Tang Wulin's body was trembling gently.
"Time's up, Na'er. In order to ensure fairness, I can't let you keep talking." Tang Yinmeng's voice was a little strange, and she simply couldn't help it. Compared to the vast majority of people present, who were looking on with their jaws on the ground, she was already putting on a very calm display.
Na'er lowered her head as tears welled up in her eyes. She had finally said everything in her heart aside from one sentence: "Big Brother, if you don't choose me, then..."
Tang Wulin had been able to harden his resolve and reject Wu Siduo, as well as Dai Yun'er, but Na'er's confession had truly shaken him to the very core.
He had once vowed to never let Na'er shed tears again, but never would he have thought that he would be the one making her cry someday.
Na'er, how can you be so foolish!
For some reason, there was an indescribable feeling deep within his heart. It was just as Na'er had said; they weren't related by blood. Na'er was a little sister that he'd taken in, and he'd looked after her as if she really were his little sister.
Na'er suddenly looked up and appraised him with an intense gaze. "If I'd never left, no one else would've been able to steal your heart!"
Tang Wulin shuddered upon hearing this. If she hadn't left and had always stayed by his side...
After her voice trailed off, Na'er cast her gaze toward the veiled figure behind her.
Meanwhile, Lan Muzi and Tang Yinmeng both focused their attention on Tang Wulin.
Lan Muzi couldn't help but sigh, "I didn't think that I would meet you for the first time under such complicated circumstances, Junior Disciple Brother Wulin. You have so many exceptional junior disciple sisters displaying their love for you, including even our very own little goddess. Now then, it's time for you to make your decision. As a man who's been through this stage of his life, I must advise you that the best way to handle the situation is to be decisive and forthright. Otherwise, you'll only be hurting everyone involved. Make your choice now. As opposed to hurting everyone, it's much better to show them your heart."
If it weren't for Na'er's confession, then Tang Wulin wouldn't be hesitating at all. However, he truly didn't know how to decide now. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Na'er!
What do I do? What do I do?!
Tang Wulin stood on the surface of the Sea God's Lake in a slightly slack-jawed manner, and his resolve had been shaken for the very first time.
If he'd known that this was how the match-making convention was going to turn out, then he would've rather not attended at all.
He truly felt as if he were being tortured as he stared at two of the most important women in his life.
"Junior Disciple Brother Wulin, please make your choice," Lan Muzi urged in a low voice.
Tang Wulin took a deep breath with all his might, trying to muster up all of the strength in his entire body.
He knew the answer in his heart. He didn't want to hurt Na'er, but it was even more unappealing to him to lie to her. Furthermore, despite how complicated everything had become, he didn't want to give up on this chance, no matter how slim it was.
"I'm sorry, Na'er; I choose Girl Number 17!" It seemed to have taken him all of his strength to utter those few words.
......
On this occasion, the image in the sky exploded, and Tang Wulin and Gu Yuena re-emerged, but the latter already had tears streaming down her face.
Those weren't her tears; those tears belonged to Na'er, the little sister who had always deeply loved Tang Wulin and had done everything in her power to influence Gu Yue so that she wouldn't hurt him.
"Na'er..." Tang Wulin called out in a trembling voice.
Hurting Na'er was the last thing he wanted to do, but at that time, he couldn't deny his own feelings.
However, the memory of that rejection still hurt him to this very day. If he had known that his rejection would make Na'er disappear forever, then there was no way he would've turned her down, even if it meant choosing her over Gu Yue.
......
After Tang Wulin had given her his response, Na'er turned deathly pale, and she reflexively took a backward step, only barely catching herself after half her foot had trodden into the water.
Lan Muzi gulped silently before turning to Girl Number 17. "According to our rules, you must remove your veil now, and listen to a one-minute confession from him."
Girl Number 17 hesitated momentarily before slowly raising her hand to remove her veil, revealing a pale face with black hair and black eyes.
Compared to Dai Yun'er and Na'er, her appearance was quite ordinary, and she paled in the face of their beauty.
Tears were already flowing uncontrollably down her face, and her lips were quivering gently.
Tang Wulin smiled a the sight of her tears. She wasn't completely heartless after all. Seeing the tears flowing down her face, he suddenly felt as if all of his suffering had been worth it.
"You should've chosen her." Gu Yue turned toward Na'er's direction.
Na'er remained completely silent.
Gu Yue then said something that was rather inexplicable. "I didn't want to win."
Na'er suddenly smiled, despite the fact that her face was still deathly pale. She raised her head and turned to Gu Yue in a proud manner. "Some things aren't up to you."
Tears began to flow freely as Gu Yue closed her eyes. "But do you know how heavy a price he'll have to pay for this? Do you know how difficult our future will become?"
Na'er remained completely determined as she said, "I don't care. All I want is to give the entirety of myself to him."
......
This memory belonged to Gu Yuena, and this was her mental manifestation.
Tang Wulin closed his eyes with a pained expression as he relived this memory.
Just as Gu Yuena had said, he was going to pay a heavy price for his decision, and that price was being paid now. His body and soul were both racked by agony, but it was also in this moment that he truly felt Gu Yue's love for him.
......
Lan Muzi also had no idea what they were saying, but the show had to go on. "It's your turn, Wulin. You have one minute."
However, Tang Wulin shook his head before turning to Gu Yue. "I don't need one minute; I only need to ask her a single question. Gu Yue, I've only loved one woman in this world, and it's you. Do you love me?"
He wanted to say countless things to her, but that was the only question he could muster up at this present moment. Perhaps just this one question was enough. All he needed was an answer, an answer that could make him cast aside all of his inhibitions.
He raised his right hand and flipped his palm over. Golden scales spread along his exposed wrist before covering his entire hand. Sharp golden claws appeared on the tips of his fingers, and he aimed those claws directly at his own head.
An indescribably powerful blood essence aura abruptly erupted from his own body, and in the instant that aura appeared, all Soul Masters present with dragon-type martial souls let loose muffled groans as their faces paled significantly. Even Long Yue was no exception to this.
How was this possible? How could his blood essence be so powerful?
Long Yue wore a completely astonished look on his face. He had thought that after three years of arduous cultivation, he was on an entirely different level. Three years ago, Tang Wulin had been no match for him in a one-on-one battle, and even though he held a bloodline advantage, there was no way he'd be able to defeat him without Gu Yue's help.
He had thought that following the passage of the last three years, he would've widened that gap even further. He'd become a two-word battle armor master, and if he were to fight with all his might, he could even pose a threat to a Titled Douluo.
However, right after Tang Wulin had unleashed his bloodline aura, Long Yue was astonished to find that his own volatile bloodline power was struck by the powerful urge to concede. He felt as if all of his bloodline power would leave his body to kneel down at Tang Wulin's feet should he will it to be so.
Compared to three years ago, his bloodline aura had become countless times more powerful! How was this possible? How could anyone's bloodline aura be so ridiculously powerful?
"Big Brother, don't!" Na'er screamed, but she didn't dare to move a single inch. She could clearly see that Tang Wulin's golden dragon claws were mere millimeters from his head, and that he'd be able to take his own life in a split second.
"I need to know your answer; the true answer in your heart. Don't try to lie to me; I can sense the authenticity of your words through your eyes and your bloodline." Tang Wulin looked into Gu Yue's eyes with a scorching gaze.
Gu Yue stared blankly at him, and tears no longer flowed from her eyes.
All of a sudden, it was as if her mental walls had been completely razed to the ground. She nodded over and over again with all her might as tears began to flow freely once again. She squatted down on her lotus leaf and threw her arms around her knees as she nodded, seemingly in an uncontrollable manner.
Tang Wulin smiled. It was a smile of immense pride. He stepped forward as he put down his right hand and reached her in a flash. He then wrenched her from her lotus leaf and dragged her into his arms.
......
Never did Tang Wulin think that that moment of happiness would lead to the unbearable pain that he was feeling now. He was forced to face the woman he loved the most in battle, and only by killing her would he be able to resolve this crisis, but how could he possibly bring himself to do something so unthinkable?
Their powerful emotions were affecting everyone in both the human and soul beast camps, and among the Great Beasts, Bi Ji was already weeping uncontrollably. [1]
Even the almighty Bear Lord was trembling with emotion, while Di Tian looked on in a slack-jawed manner.
He was aware of Gu Yuena and Tang Wulin's relationship, but he was unaware of just how strong their feelings for one another were.
With Yun Ming present in the past Shrek Academy, there was naturally no way he would've dared to enter the academy, so only now was he seeing for the first time what had happened during the Sea God Fate Match-making Convention. These intense feelings that they held for one another was the reason that she had been unable to kill him this entire time.
Tang Wulin had only endured true pain for five days, but Gu Yuena had been tormented by this agony for years.
All of a sudden, she raised her Silver Dragon Spear as tears continued to stream down her face, and she said, "There are some things that you deserve to know."
The mental manifestation began to change as she spoke, but on this occasion, the image was visible only to Tang Wulin.
......
The Sea God's Lake was beautiful in a mysterious and intriguing way during early mornings. The entire surface of the lake was covered by a layer of watery mist, and she had been standing by the lake for a long time already.
Her shoulders were wet from the morning dew, but she made no effort to brush away the moisture that had gathered.
Her silver hair swayed gently in the light breeze, and she cast her gaze toward the morning mist in the distance, looking like a gorgeous elf.
Her large purple eyes reflected the rippling surface of the lake, and she wore a faint smile on her face.
Another figure silently strode over before stopping by her side. Her black hair was also swaying in the wind, and her face was flushed in a vibrant manner.
However, the smile on her face vanished as she caught sight of the silver-haired figure.
They stood side by side, casting their eyes out toward the clear lake.
"You won!" Na'er said in a relaxed voice.
"You seem to be quite happy about that." Gu Yues brows furrowed slightly.
Na'er chuckled, "I am! I actually really wanted you to win, and I knew that you'd win from the very beginning because I know him far too well. I was only ever an interlude in his life, and the confession I made to him is only something that will give me a suitable excuse to leave."
"He'll be very sad if you leave," Gu Yue said.
Na'er shook her head in a self-deprecating manner. "I lost, so I have to leave, but I knew that my loss was sealed from the very beginning, and I have no choice but to lose. Otherwise, he really will be killed, isn't that right?"
Gu Yue fell silent upon hearing this.
Na'er sighed, "Back when we first made our bet, I chose to accept the bet as I knew that you were looking for an excuse to kill him without having it weigh on you mentally. I couldn't not accept the bet because at the time, you would've killed him without any hesitation, even if doing so would've cast a shadow over your heart. Do you regret your decision now?" Na'er asked.
Gu Yue faltered slightly upon hearing this. "Do I regret this? I don't know." Indeed, she really didn't know whether she regretted her decisions.
Na'er continued, "If you didn't want all of this to happen, then you shouldn't have chosen to integrate yourself into the human world from the very beginning. You made the right decision; only by gaining a greater understanding of humans can we find the best way to destroy them. As a result, we discovered that humans do have redeeming features. At the very least, their emotional range is something that we don't possess. Hence, I came into existence. In order to make yourself seem like a real human in your youth, you had to seal yourself away in order to truly integrate into human society. Thus, the human part of your soul was born. When you discovered that your human emotions were developing out of your control, it became impossible for you to forcibly get rid of me because that would inflict significant harm on yourself.
"All of this is closely related to my big brother. The warmth and love that he gave me allowed me to understand what human emotions were. In your desperation, you separated me from your body so I could become my own independent entity. However, I'm a part of you no matter what, and we're still a single being. Hence, you made a bet with me that my brother would fall in love with you and abandon me for you. If you win, you'll prove that all human emotions are fake, and I'll fuse back into you. If you lose, you told me that you'll allow me to be my own separate person forever. Unfortunately, I possess your intelligence, as well as human emotions, and it didn't take me long to realize that it was impossible for me to live out my life as a separate being. I take up 30% of your powers; if I'm allowed to live on as a separate being, you would no longer be you. Hence, there's no way you can discard me. If you'd lost, you would've killed my brother and forcibly fused me back into your body, isn't that right?"
Gu Yue's face paled slightly as she listened to Na'er's words.
"Gu Yue, I was willing to make this bet with you in the beginning because I knew that you didn't understand anything about human emotions. In your eyes, the relationship between my brother and me had to be romantic love, but you're wrong. In reality, the relationship between us is more so familial love. Perhaps I love him more than that, but he definitely only loves me as family. In contrast, his love toward you is romantic love rather than familial love. Those two different types of love are completely different, so in reality, he never abandoned me, and nor did he betray me, even though he chose you. I lost, but this is not the outcome you wanted, so it's really hard to say who actually lost here."
Gu Yue looked deep into her eyes. "Do you really think I didn't know what you were plotting?"
Na'er smiled. "Of course you knew. You're far too smart not to realize what I was up to. However, when you tried to distance yourself from my brother, that was an indirect admission that you'd already fallen for him. Unfortunately for you, love infiltrates the heart in an extremely subtle way. By the time you realize you've fallen in love, it's already too late because he already has a permanent spot in your heart. I know you've been trying to repress your feelings and deny yourself, but the more you do that, the deeper he takes root in your heart. Gu Yue, have you noticed that us soul beasts, including even beast gods, are too simplistic in our emotions? Regardless of how powerful you are or how immense your spiritual power is, there's no way you can withstand an assault from human emotions. It's not something you can see, but it truly exists."
A wry smile appeared on Gu Yue's face. "Do you really think that you'll be saving him by doing this?"
Na'er sighed, "At the very least, this will allow him to live longer. Once he becomes powerful enough, I'm sure no one will be able to kill him as long as you can't bring yourself to do so. Face your true feelings, Gu Yue. Hatred will only blind you from seeing what's truly important."
Gu Yue suddenly flared up with rage. "You really sound like a human right now."
Na'er smiled. "I've always been a human! At the very least, I've always thought of myself as a human. Hence, I don't want to see the destruction of the human race; I'd rather see everyone coexist in harmony. I love my big brother, I love my parents, I love a world with humans in it. You won, but you also lost. I sincerely hope that you'll have a happy ending with him."
Gu Yue's breathing suddenly began to accelerate. "Do you really think I can't work up the resolve to kill him?"
Na'er shook her head. "Of course you can't; you'll never be able to do it, even without my existence. Otherwise, why would you have waited until now? You've always been so decisive when it came to slaughter; when have you ever hesitated like this? When you hesitated for the first time, perhaps there was a chance that you still could've killed him. However, after you hesitated for the second time, for the third time, there's no way that you can bring yourself to kill him; you and I are both aware of this. After I fuse back into you, you will be me, and I will be you, but you'll be even more heavily impacted by human emotions, and that will only make it more difficult for you to strengthen your resolve. Just love him with all your heart; my big brother really is a very, very exceptional man. We don't know where his Golden Dragon King bloodline comes from, but even you have to admit that he's the only one in the human world worthy of us."
Gu Yue wore a completely defeated expression on her face. "The worst decision I've ever made was to make that bet with you. No, I should've never separated you from myself in the first place. At least I would've been able to gradually erase the effect human emotions have had on you. You lost, and I also lost. You're right; there's no way for me to kill him, so I can only leave him and hope that time and distance will make our feelings fade. Perhaps only then will I be able to kill him without even noticing it. Alternatively, perhaps he'll become powerful enough to kill me someday. You know that there's no way to mediate our conflict. This is a conflict between humans and soul beasts, as well as a conflict between gods and beast gods. There's no way for either him or me to resolve this conflict."
Na'er fell silent upon hearing this, and she was finally beginning to panic. "But if you and I both leave, he's going to be so sad."
Gu Yue shuddered in response. "That's still better than if I were to stay by his side, only for my minions to escape my control and kill him. I'm still far from undoing the seal on my own body. My core has already awakened, but you know just how powerful my subordinates are. There are some of them who should've even become beast gods long ago, and my current self is not powerful enough to completely subjugate them. Hence, I have to go."
Na'er bit down on her lower lip. "Perhaps you're right. You've really changed, Gu Yue; you've learned to think for the sake of others, especially for his sake. I understand now. You're leaving to give him more space to grow. You're hoping that he'll become so powerful one day that even you won't be able to kill him, but you know that's impossible. The Divine Realm had already ceased to exist, so he can never reach your level."
Gu Yue smiled. "You understand things on a surface level, but you don't truly understand. You don't know just how important a position he occupies in my heart, and you don't understand how much of me has become assimilated by humans. You're right; I regret my decision to integrate myself into the human world. However, I have to carry out my mission, but I don't want to hurt him, so let me face this conflict on my own. I don't know what I should do, but I have to keep forging ahead. Come back to me, Na'er. From this day forth, I'm no longer Gu Yue. My name will finally be complete again; I will be known as Gu Yuena!"
Specks of light began to shimmer, and Gu Yue's body suddenly took on a transparent silver color. A hexagram emerged beneath her feet, which conjured up an invisible barrier that enshrouded them within.
If anyone were situated nearby, they'd discover that there were no energy fluctuations seeping out of that silver world whatsoever.
Na'er's body also took on a transparent silver hue. She made her way over to Gu Yue, but tears were already streaming down her face.
"I don't want to part with all of this! I don't want to part with the people around me, with Teacher, and with Big Brother!
Gu Yue sighed, "No matter how much you're unwilling to leave this life behind, you know that you have no essence, so you're destined to return to me or you'll fade into nothingness sooner or later. You said that I'll be a part of you and you'll be a part of me following your return. I'll open my entire being to you. If you're flawed, then we'll accept these flaws together. Perhaps everything will become different then."
The two transparent silver figures overlapped, and both Na'er and Gu Yue spread open their arms. The two figures slowly fused together, and Gu Yue's black eyes turned purple. Meanwhile, Na'er seemed to be quickly maturing at a rate that was discernible to the naked eye.
The two of them took on identical forms, bearing the appearance of a 19-year-old Dragon Spear Goddess, before silver light suddenly flashed, and they both disappeared on the spot.
......
"Na'er..." Tang Wulin murmured as tears blurred his vision.
"If you hadn't forced my hand back then, things wouldn't be so painful. If you had let me leave back then, we would be able to face each other calmly as enemies, and Na'er would've never left. I told you this once before: you should've chosen her."
The image faded, revealing Gu Yuena once again, and at this point, Tang Wulin's eyes were already completely glazed over.
He finally knew the truth behind Gu Yue and Na'er.
Na'er had sacrificed herself in order to allow him and Gu Yue to finally be together.
No matter who won that bet, Tang Wulin would always be the loser.
But even if he were given a second chance, would his choice be any different? He didn't know.
He slowly calmed down, and as he did so, he murmured in a faint voice, " I have no regrets."
[1] [A quick reminder that Bi Ji is the Emerald Swan among the Great Beasts.]