Found a Na'er

"Hmm..."

Fang Lin stood in the hallway, looking at the office door that had already been shut before him, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness. "Let me think... where to next?"

He could be considered "kicked out" by his teacher.

Of course, calling it "kicked out" wasn't exactly an injustice; after all, Han Tianyi's burst of spiritual power had been clean and decisive, not even giving him the chance to say another word.

It felt as though he had been gently pushed out by a breeze that brooked no refusal.

Fang Lin stood where he was, silent for a moment.

Go back to his room? He hadn't been awake long, and lying back down would be a waste of such a beautiful morning.

Cultivate? That was a serious matter, but given his current state, there didn't seem to be any rush.

After turning two or three thoughts over in his mind, he gradually settled on an idea.

Since the weather was so nice, he might as well go out for a stroll.

This was Shrek City, the city that never sets.

The three great organizations of the Douluo Continent—the Tang Sect, Shrek Academy, and the headquarters of the Spirit Transmission Pagoda—were all located within this city.

"Fine, I'll go out and wander around."

Fang Lin chuckled softly and turned toward the private elevator. He pressed the button, and the elevator doors slid open silently.

He stepped inside, pressed the button for the first floor, and the elevator began a smooth descent.

"Ding!"

A crisp chime rang out; the first floor had arrived.

Fang Lin stepped out of the elevator, and the scene before him was even more expansive than he had imagined.

The lobby of the Spirit Transmission Pagoda was vast and magnificent, with a soaring dome.

Constructed entirely from high-grade, mirror-smooth marble, every detail exuded luxury and refinement.

The walls of the lobby were carved with exquisite murals depicting the long history and significant moments of the Spirit Transmission Pagoda.

Huge soul-guided crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, emitting a soft, bright light that illuminated the entire hall as if it were broad daylight.

Fang Lin was naturally no stranger to the stories on the murals; that was the famous "Sea God's Dog Training Plan."

The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, but he didn't linger, heading straight toward the exit of the lobby.

The lobby was bustling with people: students wearing Shrek Academy uniforms, soul masters from all over, and ordinary people moving through the crowd.

Stepping out of the Spirit Transmission Pagoda, the fresh air rushed to meet him, carrying the distinct chill of early morning.

Fang Lin took a deep breath, feeling his entire being brighten significantly.

On the streets of Shrek City.

Fang Lin stood by the roadside and looked around, not knowing which way to go for a moment.

"Forget it."

He laughed under his breath. "I'll just wander aimlessly."

Since there was no specific destination, he would go wherever his feet took him and see whatever he happened to find.

This kind of aimless strolling was actually more relaxing than being on a mission.

With no place he had to reach and no schedule to keep, everything was done on a whim.

Fang Lin walked slowly along the street.

The morning in Shrek City was quiet and orderly; shops were opening one after another, and shopkeepers were arranging their wares.

The morning breeze blew from the end of the street, carrying a hint of daily life and the aroma of food drifting from some unknown shop.

Catching the scent, Fang Lin realized he was actually a bit hungry.

He followed the aroma to a breakfast stall.

The shop was small but kept clean and tidy.

White mist mingled with the scent of meat rising from the steamers. The owner was busy organizing the bamboo baskets, his movements nimble and practiced.

The steamers were stacked high, each layer venting steam, looking especially tempting in the chilly morning air.

"Boss, give me two meat buns," Fang Lin said.

"Coming right up!"

The owner replied in a booming voice.

He deftly picked up the buns with tongs, wrapped them in oil paper, and handed them over. "Fresh out of the pot, eat them while they're hot!"

Fang Lin paid, took the buns, and took a bite.

The soft, fluffy dough wrapped around the tender, juicy meat filling, and the rich, savory aroma instantly spread through his mouth.

The temperature was just right—not too hot to burn his mouth, yet warm enough to soothe his heart.

He strolled along the street while eating the bun, enjoying the leisurely morning light.

The morning sun spilled onto the street, gilding everything in a faint, golden hue.

However, at that very moment, Fang Lin's peripheral vision was suddenly caught by a petite figure at the corner of the street.

It was a little girl who looked only five or six years old, crouching alone by the roadside, curled up into a tiny ball like a kitten abandoned on a street corner.

Her body was slightly hunched, her small hands wrapped around her knees, her chin resting on her arms as she squatted there quietly.

A head of long silver hair draped over her shoulders, the strands somewhat disheveled, shimmering with a faint glow under the morning light.

The little dress she wore was filthy, covered in dust and mud stains, with a small tear at the hem, as if she had been wandering for a long time.

Fang Lin's footsteps faltered slightly, and he subconsciously took a second look.

It wasn't because the child looked pitiful, but because of that silver hair, those violet eyes, and that small face—smudged with dirt, yet still impossibly exquisite...

His heart gave a violent jolt, and he nearly dropped the bun in his hand.

No way?

This... isn't this the Silver Dragon King's world-shaking appetite?

Fang Lin's mouth twitched, and countless thoughts surged through his mind in an instant.

Silver hair, violet eyes, looking five or six years old, wandering the streets alone. With all these traits combined, the implication was far too clear.

It seemed that this world had undergone some unexpected changes.

Before he could even clear his thoughts, the little girl seemed to sense Fang Lin's gaze and slowly raised her head, looking over with a thoughtful expression.

Her eyes landed on him, lingering for two seconds before she slowly stood up and walked toward Fang Lin with her short little legs.

The little girl arrived in front of Fang Lin and tugged gently at the corner of his clothes with her dirty little hand.

She tilted her face up, her violet eyes gazing at him with timid nervousness.

"Big brother..."

Her voice was soft and sweet, tinged with a hint of cautious anxiety. "I'm hungry..."

Fang Lin looked at her, and a certain place in his heart was gently touched. He couldn't describe the feeling; it was just an inexplicable sensation.

He handed the remaining bun in his hand over to her.

The little girl's eyes lit up instantly. She took the bun and began to eat it in small bites.

She ate very earnestly, her cheeks puffed out, her violet eyes curving slightly as if she were eating the most delicious food in the world.

Within a few breaths, the bun had vanished completely.

Fang Lin looked at Na'er, his voice softening involuntarily. "My name is Fang Lin. What is your name?"

"Na'er..."

The little girl spoke, her voice soft and sweet, enough to stir one's pity.

"Na'er, what a lovely name."

Fang Lin smiled and reached out to gently ruffle her hair.

Na'er's small face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head in shyness.

Fang Lin continued to ask, "Na'er, do you remember where your home is?"

Na'er tilted her head and thought for a moment, a flash of confusion crossing her violet eyes. "I don't remember..."

"Then do you remember who your parents are?" Fang Lin asked again, his tone gentle.

Na'er lowered her head, her small hands unconsciously twisting the hem of her dirty dress.

Her voice grew even quieter, laced with a hint of grievance. "I don't remember that either..."

Fang Lin fell silent for a moment. Looking at Na'er's slightly bowed head of silver hair, he had already made up his mind.

"Then... Na'er, would you like to come home with me?" he asked, his tone calm.

"Okay."

Upon hearing this, Na'er nodded immediately.

In that instant, a glimmer of light flashed through her violet eyes, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, revealing a smile of triumph.

"???"

For some reason, Fang Lin suddenly had the feeling that he had become the prey.

It wasn't that he had found Na'er; it was that Na'er had been waiting for him.

The thought flashed by, leaving Fang Lin slightly stunned.

"Big brother... I'm still hungry."

Na'er spoke, her violet eyes filled with sincere hunger.

Fang Lin snapped out of his daze, amused by her earnest little expression. "Alright, Big Brother will take you to get your fill."

"Mm!"

Na'er nodded obediently.

Fang Lin took Na'er's hand, a faint, cool sensation traveling from her palm.

Her hand was small and soft, yet she gripped his fingers quite naturally.

The two of them walked back along the street.