Returning to the Inner Court, Dust Settling on the Long Road

Dusk washed over Shrek City, and the streetlights joined into a stretch of warm yellow. Tang Wulin held Na'er's hand as he walked slowly beside Xu Xiaoyan toward the academy.

Na'er clutched a rabbit-shaped flower lantern in one hand and gripped the corner of Tang Wulin's clothes tightly with the other. Her little face still carried the sweet scent of sugar art, and her eyes and brows were filled with a child's delight, completely lacking the lost and distant air she had when they first met. Xu Xiaoyan carried the small fragrant sachets they had just bought for her, occasionally lowering her head to whisper a few words to her, making Na'er laugh softly. The atmosphere was gentle and harmonious.

"When we get back to the dormitory, I'll make up a bed for you first. Tomorrow, I'll take you to meet Mom and Dad. They'll definitely be overjoyed to see you." Tang Wulin looked down at Na'er, unable to hide the affection in his voice. After being separated for so long, he had finally found his little sister again, and the stone in his heart had finally settled completely.

Na'er lifted her little face, her eyes sparkling. "I want to see Mom and Dad soon. I like Brother too, and I like Sister Xiaoyan."

Xu Xiaoyan smiled with curved eyes and gently stroked Na'er's head. "From now on, we'll be together at Shrek. We won't ever be separated again." When she said this, her gaze was open and calm. She had long since let go of the scattered thoughts of the past, her heart filled only with the security of family. To her, Na'er was Tang Wulin's sister, which made her sister as well. This sibling bond was pure and unwavering.

The three had just entered Shrek Inner Court when they ran into their companions approaching from ahead. Xie Xie, Xu Lizhi, and the others were returning after strolling through the streets. When they saw the unfamiliar little girl beside Tang Wulin, they all stopped, their eyes full of curiosity.

"Wulin, who is this?" Xie Xie was the first to speak, his gaze falling on Na'er, his tone full of confusion.

Tang Wulin smiled and drew Na'er close as he introduced her loudly. "This is my younger sister, Na'er. We were separated for a long time, and I happened to run into her on the street today."

"Na'er, these are all my companions: Xie Xie, Lizhi, Xinglan... and this is Gu Yue."

Na'er shyly hid behind Tang Wulin, peeking out to greet everyone softly. She was obedient and adorable. The companions all showed gentle smiles. Xie Xie scratched his head and said with a grin, "So she's Wulin's little sister. From now on, she's all of our little sister too!" Xu Lizhi also smiled honestly and said he would make her the most delicious buns. Ye Xinglan, Yuanen Yehui, and the others nodded as well, friendly in manner and without the slightest exclusion.

Gu Yue stood to one side, quietly watching Na'er with a calm gaze. When she looked at Tang Wulin, there was a trace of warmth, happy for him. She had no other emotions, only feeling that this reunion was meant to be a complete and happy thing.

Xu Xiaoyan stood nearby and softly helped Na'er ease her restraint. "Everyone is very friendly. There's no need to be afraid." She appeared so natural, as though she had long become part of this little family. Seeing how well she got along with Na'er, then looking at Tang Wulin, the companions all understood without speaking—Tang Wulin now had two well-behaved little sisters by his side, adding another measure of warmth to the team.

Everyone returned together to the dormitory area. Tang Wulin carefully made up Na'er's bed, while Xu Xiaoyan helped pass things to him, busying herself without a word of complaint. By the time everything was settled, the night had grown deep. After a whole day of excitement, Na'er soon fell soundly asleep, a satisfied smile still on her little face.

Tang Wulin looked at the sleeping Na'er, then at Xu Xiaoyan, who was helping tidy up beside him. His voice was sincere. "I really have you to thank today. If you hadn't been here, I wouldn't even have known how to take care of her."

"Brother, we're siblings. We should help each other." Xu Xiaoyan shook her head, her tone natural. "Go back and rest. There's still the exchange match tomorrow. I'm in the dorm next door, so call me anytime if something comes up."

Her openness and purity put Tang Wulin completely at ease. He had always worried that Xu Xiaoyan might feel awkward, but now it seemed that all their relationships had settled into the most secure familial affection, without the slightest impropriety. The two exchanged smiles. No words were needed; this sibling understanding had already taken deep root.

Meanwhile, on the official road at the border of the Star Luo Empire, Adult Tang Wulin was walking forward at an unhurried pace.

Everything at Star Luo Palace had already been settled. He had carefully placed that silver dragon-shaped jade pendant in an inner pocket close to his body. He had neither deliberately thrown it away nor looked at it often, merely keeping it as a faint trace of a passing encounter. Recalling Dai Yun'er's flushed cheeks and timid gaze when she handed him the pendant, his heart remained unmoved, leaving only a faint sense of relief. That slight ambiguity had merely been the thoughts of a young girl. To him, the Dragon Emperor who had weathered life's vicissitudes, it was no more than a wisp of smoke in the mortal world, scattered by the passing wind.

He raised his head toward Shrek, his golden eyes full of calm. The youths' days were peaceful and warm, their bonds pure. Na'er had been reunited with her family, the sibling relationship had been firmly settled, and his ties to Star Luo had also been severed. Everything was moving in the best possible direction. The purpose of his journey had been fully achieved.

The evening breeze swept across the wilderness, carrying away the dust of the journey. Adult Tang Wulin's aura flickered faintly, and his figure turned into a pale streak of golden light as he sped toward Shrek. He no longer needed to appear before the youths. It was enough to remain hidden in the shadows, silently protecting them, watching them grow through peaceful days, watching familial love and companionship take root and flourish.

Night was quiet within Shrek Inner Court. Moonlight fell upon the dormitory windows, gentle and serene. Tang Wulin looked at Na'er's sleeping face, his heart filled with peace. Xu Xiaoyan was also sleeping soundly in the dormitory next door, while the Seven Monsters had all gone to rest.