Wushuang

All along the way, Reilo felt uneasy, his steps somewhat stiff.

It had only been a few days since leaving Lake Onyx Town, yet Reilo had already seen so many new things he had never encountered before: speaking face-to-face with a noble like Orn, confronting the bloodthirsty and powerful Black Demon Wolf Mercenary Group, the pitiful elf girl who had been abducted, Magical Beasts, magic, scholars, the High Tower, and Bailing ahead of him, brimming with warmth and concern.

Though Bailing's warm concern had come suddenly, Reilo could clearly feel the sincerity that came from her heart.

It was like a child raised in love and happiness who, as they gradually grew up, could not wait to give that same love and happiness to others—sharing beauty while declaring their own growth.

Once, as a devout believer, Reilo had resolved to become a Missionary and travel alone to remote, untamed lands to spread the light. Thus, he had learned to be independent and strong. The lack of a mother's love since childhood had also left him somewhat withdrawn deep down, unwilling to rely on others.

Yet at this moment, Bailing gave Reilo a feeling he had never experienced before.

It was like the selfless devotion of an older sister—or even a mother!

The sky had completely darkened.

The Magic Crystal lamps within the academy lit up. On both sides of the quiet streets stood ancient-looking grayish-white stone buildings. This was the academy's high-end residential district.

Bailing skipped merrily ahead, carefree as she continuously told Reilo amusing stories about the academy. She spoke most often of Shatuo, Jiahei, and Wushuang, as well as her mother, Lianyi.

"We're here! This is my home!"

Bailing pointed at the three-story building before them.

The garden before the small building was filled with red flowers, their fragrance permeating the air. Through the white marble windows, warm light could be seen inside, bright and beautiful.

Standing before the garden gate, Reilo hesitated, unable to make up his mind.

Bailing did not notice these details. After opening the garden's iron gate, a huge shadow suddenly lunged from the corner of the garden with a shriek, startling Reilo.

Bailing was also stunned for a moment by the huge shadow rushing at them, but she quickly reacted and cried out joyfully, "Little Shadow!"

Reilo froze.

He saw a giant eagle over two meters tall when standing upright. Yet it now behaved like an endearing goose, constantly rubbing its neck against Bailing and chirping. Though it had a tall and ferocious appearance, it acted so obediently and adorably before Bailing, continually seeking affection. It was truly both amusing and absurd.

Reilo swallowed. He had no doubt that if this giant eagle bore him any hostility, it could tear him apart within a few breaths. This was a true Magical Beast!

Bailing giggled, hugging the giant eagle's head and constantly stroking its feathers while its wings wrapped around her.

"Hehehe, long time no see. How could Senior Brother bear to bring you over this time?"

Amid her delighted laughter, Bailing shouted into the house, "Senior Brother Wushuang!"

Creak.

The wooden door opened in response, casting the bright light from inside outward.

A tall figure draped in a black feathered cloak slowly emerged from the house, exuding an indescribable mystery. His black silk-like hair was tied behind him, and the marks of time upon his bronze skin had not made him seem old or weathered. Instead, they added a restrained sharpness to him, along with the elegance and composure of a mature man.

His bright eyes resembled an endless starry sky. As he looked at Bailing, he seemed like an older brother who had been away from home for a long time, watching his mischievous and adorable younger sister.

"Isn't it because you plucked so many of its feathers last time?"

Hehehe.

Bailing could not help laughing aloud.

The man merely smiled as well and beckoned. "Come inside. Mistress has already prepared the meal and is waiting for you to return."

"Mm!"

Bailing released the giant eagle, then suddenly remembered something. Turning around, she grabbed Reilo's hand and said with a grin, "Right! Senior Brother, let me introduce you. This is our new junior brother, Reilo!"

Somewhat shy and bashful, Reilo looked at the tall man, unsure what to say. He revealed the instinctive timidity of a village child who had never seen much of the world.

"A junior brother? The mentor didn't tell me just now!"

At Wushuang's words, the hand Bailing held trembled involuntarily.

Upon hearing Senior Brother Wushuang's words, Bailing immediately puffed up in anger. "Hmph! If he won't say it, I will! Why am I always the youngest at home, always having to listen to everyone else? From now on, Reilo is my junior brother. I'm his senior sister, I'll take care of him, and he has to listen to me from now on!"

Wushuang instantly understood everything. Seemingly noticing Reilo's subtle change, he let out a hearty laugh.

"Hahahaha."

Walking over to Reilo, Wushuang draped his strong arm over Reilo's shoulder as though embracing him. Lowering his head to look at the boy, who was somewhat shorter than himself, he said, "So the mentor wanted to give me a surprise! Come inside!"

Feeling the warm, powerful hand on his shoulder, as if it had given him tremendous encouragement, Reilo could not put his true feelings into words. At last, he understood why Senior Brother Wushuang was so respected by others.

Reilo knew that the truth was nothing like what Wushuang had said. He was the so-called surprise Mentor Gubo had prepared.

Great strength came from the hand on his shoulder, moving Reilo's feet against his will. As if in a dream, he followed the skipping Bailing into the brilliantly lit hall.

Creak.

The wooden door closed behind them. The hall was dazzlingly bright, the tablecloth on the table was new and spotless, and the carefully prepared dishes were arranged in abundance. The crimson wine in exquisite glass goblets was crystal-clear, warm and beautiful.

Three people sat beside the dining table.

One looked at Bailing and smiled awkwardly, his dark skin making his teeth appear especially white. It was Shatuo, the mentor Reilo had seen during new student registration.

There was also an elegant, gentle-looking woman who resembled Bailing somewhat but was even more beautiful. Her smile was graceful and sweet. She must be Mentor Lianyi, Bailing's mother, whom Bailing had mentioned continuously along the way.

Directly facing the door was a stern old man with graying hair, looking at Reilo. The lenses of his black-framed glasses glinted faintly, but Reilo could still detect dislike and helplessness in his severe gaze.

The Black Cat meowed, its dark green eyes deep and mysterious.

"Mother!"

Bailing giggled and went to sit beside Lianyi. The two embraced each other intimately like twin sisters, foreheads pressed together as they smiled sweetly.

The woman was perceptive and noticed Reilo standing helplessly by the door. In a low voice only Bailing could hear, she smiled and said, "Who is he? Don't tell me this little girl of mine tricked herself a boyfriend? He looks rather young!"

"Ah? You're awful!"

Bailing pouted coquettishly. "He's my new junior brother!"

Then Bailing stood up and declared proudly, "Junior Brother Reilo, come sit here. Let me introduce you. This is my beautiful, gentle, learned, and wise mother, Mentor Lianyi of Grand Natural Sciences Academy!"

Reilo hurriedly bowed. "Greetings, esteemed Mentor Lianyi."

"Ah?"

Shatuo looked at Reilo, recognizing him as the new student who had carried that strange badge during the day. He looked at Gubo in surprise. "Mentor, so you accepted him as a junior brother!"

"Bullshit! With a blockhead like you already ahead of him, how could I possibly accept another blockhead? Do you want the two of you to drive me to death?"

Gubo snapped irritably.

"This disciple is dull-witted!"

Shatuo was already used to this. With a bewildered expression, he looked at Bailing, not understanding why.

Lianyi also looked at her daughter in confusion.

"I'm already twenty-one. Why am I always the youngest at home? Why can everyone order me around? Why? I don't care! Starting today, I'm Reilo's senior sister, and he's my junior brother! Hmph!"

Bailing shouted and made a fuss.

Beside Reilo, Wushuang smiled calmly and addressed Gubo evenly. "Mentor, I see that this Junior Brother Reilo, like Second Junior Brother, comes from a commoner background. If he can work just as diligently, he will surely achieve something in your exploration of the academic knowledge behind the mysteries of evolution."

After a pause, Wushuang smiled and continued, "Furthermore, in recent years, the academy's graduates have not only fallen far behind Xilan Natural Academy in the assessments, but Balda Natural Academy has also shown signs of catching up! Since you are responsible for this year's new students, why not accept this junior brother? With your profound knowledge and wisdom, even if this junior brother's talent does not meet your requirements, he can still win some honor for the academy in three years."

"Hmph, of course!"

Gubo snorted. "With my brilliance, wasn't even a blockhead like Shatuo back then... No! I never agreed!"