The morning's cultivation came to an end. Warm light filtered through the branches and leaves in Shrek's courtyard, casting mottled shadows. A breeze carrying the scent of grass and trees dispersed the lingering heat from circulating Soul Power, and everyone went their separate ways.
Xie Xie dragged Xu Lizhi straight to the cafeteria, shouting that they had to snatch up the freshly steamed meat buns; Ye Xinglan took Yuanen Yehui away to spar with their soul skills, quietly discussing the coordination between sword and hammer as they walked; Yue Zhengyu found a corner and closed his eyes to regulate his breathing; Gu Yue was surrounded by upperclassmen asking about the details of her elemental control during yesterday's finals.
Only Tang Wulin and Xu Xiaoyan remained in the center of the courtyard.
Tang Wulin rolled his shoulders, feeling the Gold Dragon Soul Power flow smoothly through his body. He sat beside the stone table and looked at the girl next to him, his tone sincere. "During our practice just now, your Starwheel Ice Staff's field control was incredibly steady. Several times, you helped us keep our rhythm from falling apart."
Xu Xiaoyan sat down softly as well, her hands resting on her knees while the breeze stirred her pale blue hair. Her martial soul was the Starwheel Ice Staff—most members of the Xu Family in Eastsea City possessed ordinary Ice Staffs, but she alone had awakened the rare Ice and Star Wheel mutation. She was one of a kind within her family. "It's nothing," she said softly. "The Starwheel Ice Staff is naturally better at control. As long as it can help, that's enough."
The two chatted idly about the details of their joint practice, discussing everything from formation transitions to the timing of soul skill releases. Their tone was relaxed and natural. With no one else disturbing them, the atmosphere was especially peaceful.
As they talked, Xu Xiaoyan lowered her eyes slightly, and her voice grew softer. "Back home, they always said that an Ice Staff martial soul was too gentle, not as eye-catching as an assault-type one... I rarely told anyone about the Starwheel Ice Staff's details either. I was afraid they'd call me strange."
Tang Wulin paused. He had always been protective of his companions, and as he looked at the quiet, reserved girl before him—who always silently covered for the team—he naturally felt a touch of tenderness toward her.
"You won't have to be like that anymore." His words came out openly, without hesitation. "We're teammates, but we're also partners. Your Starwheel Ice Staff is very strong. It's the steadiest control in the team. No one will think you're strange."
After a pause, he looked at Xu Xiaoyan with clear eyes and added matter-of-factly, "You're younger and so quiet. From now on, think of me as your big brother. If anything comes up, just tell me. I'll look after you."
He said it casually, simply wanting to take better care of this reliable yet reserved teammate. He never gave the idea of taking her as a sworn little sister a second thought; it was merely an offhand expression of concern.
Xu Xiaoyan suddenly raised her eyes, her lashes trembling slightly. Looking at the boy with those clear, sincere eyes, the faint unease in her heart immediately settled.
After several quiet breaths, the tips of her ears turned faintly red. Her voice was soft yet clear, carrying a solemn certainty. "...All right, Brother."
One word, as light as a star falling to earth, yet it firmly established the relationship between them.
Tang Wulin laughed heartily, completely unaware that, through this natural turn of events like a butterfly effect, he had inadvertently gained a sworn little sister. He stood and brushed at the hem of his clothes. "Then it's settled! Come on, let's see how they're doing. This afternoon, we'll practice the formation again and polish our coordination until it's smoother."
"Mm." Xu Xiaoyan nodded gently and rose with him, following steadily at his side.
They still kept their usual distance and wore their usual expressions, as though they were merely ordinary teammates walking together. Yet in their hearts, a gentle understanding of elder brother and younger sister had quietly taken root.
Under the shade of a tree not far away, Adult Tang Wulin leaned against the trunk and watched the scene in silence. A faint relief and gentleness rippled through his eyes—there had been no ceremony, no deliberate arrangement. A casual gesture of concern during an everyday conversation had allowed this bond to settle naturally into place.
The wind continued to blow, and the sunlight remained warm.
A small change brought about by the subtle ripples of time quietly came to completion on that ordinary afternoon.
Before you continue