The Phoenix's Heart Perches on a Shadow, Mocking the Elder Sister's Name

Ma Xiaotao watched him approach, noting the exhaustion etched into his brow and how his complexion seemed even worse than before. A complex array of emotions flickered in her fiery red eyes, and she habitually stiffened her face, speaking in a tone laced with reproach:

"Are you finished handling things? Look at you, acting all solemn like a little old man. Your body hasn't fully recovered yet, so stop worrying about everything and get back to rest—that's the only sensible thing to do!"

Watching her feign ferocity while failing to hide the concern in her gaze, Long Jinyu felt a smile bloom on his face involuntarily. He followed her lead and replied smoothly, "Yes, yes, Senior Sister is right. I'll listen to everything you say."

He stepped closer, asking in a relaxed tone, "So, how is Tang Ya doing?"

At the mention of Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao's expression grew slightly more solemn. "From the looks of it, her physical wounds have healed and her vitality is abundant, but... her spirit seems very poor. She lacks energy, and even when she speaks, she's just forcing herself to keep going. It feels like she's carrying a heavy burden. Bei Bei has been guarding her, never leaving her side."

Hearing this, Long Jinyu understood perfectly. Tang Ya's current state was likely not just due to the shock of the explosion; the deeper cause was her Blue Silver Grass martial soul being eroded by the darkness lurking within her heart, as well as the secret influence of that "Holy Son" from the Holy Spirit Cult. He nodded calmly. "As long as she's physically fine, the knot in her heart... will just take time."

"Oh, right."

Ma Xiaotao remembered something. "Bei Bei told me that once Tang Ya is better, they want to come visit you together to thank you in person."

"Understood. Let's wait until she's recovered."

Long Jinyu nodded and naturally shifted the topic, his tone carrying a hint of anticipation. "Senior Sister, things here are mostly settled. Shall we... go 'home'?"

The word "home" made Ma Xiaotao's heart skip a beat once more, and her face flushed slightly. She glanced at him and gave a light huff, which served as her tacit agreement.

"I didn't expect it, though."

The corners of her lips curled up, her tone teasing yet unable to hide a touch of admiration. "You little brat... you're actually quite good at winning people over. That display earlier really did have the air of a leader."

"That goes without saying."

Long Jinyu turned his head and flashed her a grin, looking slightly smug. "Otherwise, how could I be worthy of being the junior brother to our Fire Phoenix Heavenly Maiden?"

"Smooth talker!"

Ma Xiaotao gave him a playful, reproachful glare, though the smile in her eyes deepened. "Well then, let's get going, our 'great' Dean Long?"

"Cough, cough! Senior Sister, please don't call me that; it's so awkward."

Long Jinyu immediately begged for mercy, then very naturally opened his arms, looking at her with expectant eyes. "Senior Sister, about the way back... what do you think?"

Watching him switch instantly from "composed Dean" to "lazy brat begging for a hug," Ma Xiaotao felt both annoyed and amused. Finally, she sighed helplessly and, as if resigning herself to her fate, reached out to scoop him up securely once more.

"I really can't do anything with you!"

"Heehee~ Senior Sister is the best~"

Long Jinyu got his wish again, nestling comfortably into Ma Xiaotao's arms and squinting his eyes in contentment.

Ma Xiaotao unfurled her phoenix wings and flew toward Shrek Academy while holding him.

She suddenly remembered something and looked down to ask, "Right, why didn't that elder of yours come to the academy to take a look? Is he really that at ease leaving you alone? Doesn't he need to provide close protection for you, the Young Master?"

Long Jinyu kept his eyes closed and answered lazily, "Mm... he has more important tasks, so I didn't want to trouble him. Besides, don't I have you to look after me, Senior Sister? Hehe."

Ma Xiaotao gave a light snort. "Your mouth is certainly sweet. But, he's at least a Super Douluo, right? With that kind of strength, in your place... he's only an outer sect elder?"

Long Jinyu panicked slightly at the question, but kept his expression calm and bluffed, "Ah... that... yes! Exactly! Our Dragon Valley has a long heritage and deep foundations; everyone is a genius! And they speak so well! Inner sect elders are at least level 96 Super Douluos!"

Ma Xiaotao gasped in surprise. "Really? Your Dragon Valley is that strong? Doesn't that make it even more powerful than our Sea God Pavilion?"

"Of... of course it's true!"

Long Jinyu gritted his teeth and continued to fabricate. "We are all possessors of the noble Dragon God bloodline, so naturally... naturally we have to be a little bit stronger than the Sea God Pavilion!" He buried his head deeper, secretly relieved that Ma Xiaotao couldn't see his guilty expression.

Ma Xiaotao was half-convinced, but seeing his "my family is just that awesome" attitude, she didn't dare ask more, fearing she might be picking at his scars.

Soon, the two landed near the gates of Shrek Academy. Long Jinyu continued to linger in Ma Xiaotao's arms, feigning weakness to enjoy this rare "privilege."

Ma Xiaotao had sharp eyes and noticed that it was currently the end of the school day; the academy entrance was bustling with people. A cunning arc appeared on her lips, and she intentionally kept quiet, wanting to see how this little brat would handle the situation later.

Sure enough, a sharp-eyed student was the first to recognize the inner court celebrity Ma Xiaotao, and immediately, their gaze fell upon the exceptionally conspicuous silver-haired "young lady" in her arms.

"It's the pretty big sister! The pretty big sister is back!" Someone shouted, and the crowd instantly grew restless.

Many students who had personally experienced the explosion at the gate and had been healed by that miraculous light of life immediately swarmed over, speaking over one another to express their gratitude:

"Junior Sister! Thank you for saving us!"

"Junior Sister, your healing soul skill is so magical! I feel even better than before!"

"Junior Sister! You..."

Wait, what the hell is a 'Junior Sister'?

Long Jinyu was stunned by the sudden enthusiasm and the bizarre title. Forced to wake up from his "playing dead" state, he faced the chorus of "Junior Sister" calls. He was so embarrassed he could have dug a hole with his toes, and he asked in confusion, "Cough, cough, that... everyone... could you tell me why you're calling me Junior Sister?"

A student explained loudly, "Because the most powerful and senior person in the inner court is the Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan! You, Senior Sister Long, are so young yet already an inner court student, and your strength is so great—you're not a bit inferior to the Senior Sister, so naturally, you are the Junior Sister!"

Long Jinyu: "..."

He was momentarily speechless. Did that actually make sense? (As if!)

Looking at the pairs of grateful and adoring eyes around him, he rubbed his forehead, gave up on resisting, and waved his hand. "Fine, fine, since everyone is so enthusiastic... then I will... accept this title!"

"Junior Sister is the best!!!"

The cheers grew even louder.

Great... now this is even harder to explain...

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the title "Little Senior Sister"! Reward: 666,666 points!]

The system prompt in his mind made Long Jinyu's mouth twitch.

...Mm... Right, thank... thank you very much.

Ma Xiaotao stood to the side, arms crossed, a playful and delighted smile on her face, looking entirely like someone watching a good show.

She even added fuel to the fire: "Everyone is too enthusiastic. Your 'Little Senior Sister' hasn't fully recovered from her injuries yet, so don't crowd her."

Just then, a familiar voice arrived, carrying a hint of roguishness but providing a timely rescue: "Move aside! Everyone move aside! Didn't you hear? My sister needs quiet rest! I'll get angry at anyone who crowds her again!"

The person who arrived was none other than Xu Sanshi. Although his face still held the pallor of someone recovering from injury, he was full of energy. He darted in front of Long Jinyu, his eyes shining with startling intensity, filled with gratitude and near-worshipful enthusiasm.

"Sister! You've finally returned!"

His voice trembled slightly, and he looked as if he wanted to reach out to support her but was afraid of being presumptuous. "How are you feeling? Is there anywhere else that's uncomfortable? You are my great benefactor! If it weren't for you, I would have..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the lingering fear and gratitude were written all over his face. Ever since he received emotional guidance from Long Jinyu and had his life saved, he truly regarded Long Jinyu as his savior and life mentor, becoming incredibly close to her.

Long Jinyu felt her scalp tingle from his rapid-fire concern and that incredibly natural "Sister," so she quickly waved her hand: "It's fine, it's fine, Sanshi, you're being too polite..."

"Eh! Why be polite with your little brother!"

Xu Sanshi patted his chest and turned to wave at the surrounding students who were still peering over. "Alright, alright, everyone disperse! Let my sister go back and get some proper rest! Just keep this debt of gratitude in your hearts; don't block the way here!"

As he spoke, he carefully offered a light, guiding touch to Long Jinyu, winking as he whispered: "Sister, you go back and rest well first. Once you're fully recovered, I'll come find you! There's something I need to discuss."

Watching Xu Sanshi act even more concerned than he was himself, Long Jinyu felt both amused and helpless, and could only nod: "Alright, thank you for the trouble, Sanshi."

Under the "escort" of Ma Xiaotao and Xu Sanshi on either side, Long Jinyu finally broke free from the circle of enthusiastic students.

Walking along the small path back to Phoenix Perch Pavilion, Long Jinyu was still somewhat dazed, muttering unconsciously: "Little Senior Sister... what even is this... and that guy Sanshi..."

"Pfft, hahahahaha—"

Seeing him look so disillusioned with life, Ma Xiaotao finally couldn't help but burst into laughter, and then laughed even harder, her bell-like laughter echoing through the woods.

"Hey! Senior Sister! You're still laughing!"

Long Jinyu was annoyed and embarrassed, making a move to punch her.

Ma Xiaotao dodged while laughing: "What's wrong? Our Shrek's 'Little Senior Sister'? What an affectionate title!"

"You are not allowed to call me that!"

"I insist! Little Senior Sister~ Little Senior Sister~"

The two of them bickered and played, their figures gradually disappearing at the end of the path. The setting sun stretched their shadows long, intertwining them, filled with the vitality and vigor of youth.