Eastsea City

The sea breeze carried the salty, damp scent, scattering the sound of Na'er's departing footsteps and cooling the lingering warmth of the silver pendant at Xu Mengqing's neck.

He stood frozen on the beach, watching that slender silver figure walk step by step toward the black-clad man in the darkness, until the car vanished from sight.

The sun sank completely below the horizon, and the orange-red glow at the edge of the sky faded into deep purple. The waves crashed against the shore again and again with dull thuds, much like the bitterness he could no longer suppress in his heart.

He stood by the sea for a long time, until night had deepened and the sky was filled with stars, before finally dragging his heavy steps home.

All along the way, his mind was filled with every moment from the past three years with Na'er: the way she would rush into his arms with her silver hair tied up and act spoiled, her adorably puffed cheeks while eating barbecue, the pained look in her eyes as she watched him cultivate by the window late at night, and just moments ago, her reddened eyes and choked farewell... Every scene was as clear as if it were right before him, yet utterly beyond his reach.

When he pushed open the door, the lights inside were dim and yellow. Xu Zhan and Meng Ling'er had already been waiting in the living room.

Seeing Xu Mengqing return alone, Meng Ling'er froze for a moment before asking in confusion, "Xiao Qing, why are you back so late today? And... huh? Where's Na'er? Why didn't she come back with you?"

Xu Mengqing lowered his voice sadly. "Mom... Na'er's family found her."

After a pause, he continued, "It all happened too suddenly. She didn't have time to say goodbye to you before leaving with her family. But she asked me to say goodbye for her."

Xu Zhan's gaze flickered slightly, and he nodded gently. "I see."

A trace of disappointment crossed Meng Ling'er's face as well. She sighed softly. "That child, why didn't she say anything..."

"This is good too." Xu Zhan gently patted his wife's hand, his tone as mild as possible. "Na'er found her family. We should be happy for her."

"Yeah! Mom, we'll definitely have another chance to meet again someday."

Meng Ling'er nodded. Both she and Xu Zhan were quite fond of Na'er. Over the past three years, they had long since considered her part of the family.

Although Xu Mengqing was somewhat downcast over Na'er's departure, he did not sink into grief.

After all, he knew they would meet again. All he could do was improve his strength, because only strength held the power to truly change the future.

So, for their future reunion, work hard!

As he thought this, Xu Mengqing's determination to grow stronger swelled ever higher, his will becoming even more steadfast as a blazing fire to continue becoming stronger ignited within him.

Meanwhile, graduation from the junior academy was drawing closer, and the atmosphere in class grew increasingly tense.

With the aid of simulated cultivation, Tang Wulin successfully broke through to Rank 10 and absorbed his first Spirit Soul, smoothly becoming a Spirit Master.

However, what left Xu Mengqing rather speechless was that Tang Wulin, for some reason, had still chosen a random draw just as he had in the original story, despite Xu Mengqing having reminded him long ago.

But then again, considering Tang Wulin's taciturn personality, it seemed perfectly reasonable.

What made Xu Mengqing want to complain even more was that although Tang Wulin had drawn his Spirit Soul more than half a month earlier, that little Grass Snake seemed to be bound to him by fate and still became his Spirit Soul.

After reaching Rank 10, he also received his graduation certificate and an admission notice for Eastsea Academy.

Eastsea City!

The second-largest city along the eastern coast of the Sun Moon Federation on the Douluo Continent, it was not only an extremely important port but also a key city for marine transport and the development of ocean resources.

The city had a permanent population of more than three million. Thanks to its use of marine resources, it was quite prosperous and counted as a first- or second-tier major city even within the Sun Moon Federation.

At the same time, Eastsea City had a long history and retained an ancient style in its appearance. Thanks to the Sun Moon Federation's protection of certain old structures over the past several centuries, visitors could still see many ancient buildings with histories spanning more than a thousand years in this old city.

At Eastsea City's Soul Guidance Train Station, a dark blue Soul Guidance Train slowly pulled into the station.

The train gradually came to a stop, and its doors opened.

People filed out of the train, many carrying large amounts of luggage.

The station immediately became lively as a bustling crowd surged toward the exit.

At that moment, two small figures stepped out of the train. They were Xu Mengqing and Tang Wulin.

Tang Wulin and Xu Mengqing followed the crowd outside. It was their first time in such a big city, and both of them curiously looked at everything around them.

The station's roof was assembled from numerous metal pipes. With one glance, it was clear that these metal pipes were forged metal, made through the most basic stamping process.

However, Tang Wulin's expression showed that he was somewhat downcast.

Faced with the unfamiliar surroundings, it was inevitable that the nine-year-old felt nervous and afraid.

What reassured him somewhat was that Xu Mengqing was still by his side.

Compared to Tang Wulin, however, Xu Mengqing was far more composed.

"Meng Qing, is this your first time in East Sea City too? Do you know the way? Aren't you nervous?"

Xu Mengqing carried the luggage and led the way ahead, while Tang Wulin followed closely behind, asking curiously.

"There's nothing to be nervous about. Don't be afraid. Just follow me."

As for why Xu Mengqing was so composed, all that could be said was that it had been cultivated through attending school in his previous life.

"Come on. Let's find the person from Eastsea Academy responsible for receiving new students."

Xu Mengqing had already heard people discussing Eastsea Academy.

Hearing Xu Mengqing's strong, confident reply, the fear in Tang Wulin's heart immediately faded somewhat.

"Okay!"

Soon, led by Xu Mengqing, the two passed through the bustling crowd and spotted a Soul Guidance Bus parked nearby.

In front of the bus stood a sign with blue lettering on a white background, bearing four large characters: Eastsea Academy.

"Hmm? Are you two little brothers here to register?" A black-haired girl of average build spotted the two approaching and asked with a smile.

Xu Mengqing nodded. "Yes, Senior Sister. My name is Xu Mengqing, and he is Tang Wulin. We're here to register."

When Tang Wulin saw the black-haired girl turn her gaze toward him, he immediately replied, "Hello, Senior Sister."

The black-haired girl gave a soft acknowledgment before saying, "Hello. I'm Liu Yuxin, a first-year student in Eastsea Academy's Advanced Division. I'm responsible for receiving this batch of new students, so you can consider me your senior sister. Here, fill out these forms first, then show me your junior academy recommendation letters."

As she spoke, Liu Yuxin handed a form to Xu Mengqing and Tang Wulin respectively.

The two nodded, quickly filled out the forms, and handed them back to Liu Yuxin.