Star Luo's Dust Settles, Shrek's Warmth Remains

Adult Tang Wulin looked at Dai Yun'er's proud, stubborn front. There was neither anger nor stirring in his eyes, only a calm sigh born of having weathered countless trials. He did not wish to expose the girl's little thoughts, nor did he wish to leave behind even the slightest lingering sentiment. He merely nodded faintly, consigning that fleeting softness and the girl's feelings alike to a passing karmic encounter.

"Take care, Princess."

With those four words, he gently withdrew the sleeve she had been clutching. His movement was mild, yet held not the slightest reluctance. A golden glow slowly circulated around him as Dragon Emperor soul power silently spread out—not with any overwhelming presence, but with ultimate restraint. His plain-colored robe stirred lightly in the wind, and his figure gradually faded away at the end of the corridor like morning mist. From beginning to end, he never looked back.

Dai Yun'er stood frozen where she was, staring at the empty corridor. The proud facade she had summoned all her courage to maintain shattered instantly. Slowly lowering her lifted chin, she finally felt her eyes redden, yet she bit down hard on her lip and refused to let her tears fall. The touch of his sleeve still lingered at her fingertips, and the warmth of that brief touch seemed to remain on her cheek—but he had truly left.

She slowly raised a hand and lightly touched her lips, then brushed her burning cheek. Yet a faint, relieved smile curved her lips. Proud as she was, this was the first time in her life she had taken the initiative like this. Even without a response, even if it had only been a fleeting affection that came to nothing, she did not regret it.

"Tang Wulin... whether now or in the future, I won't regret it."

She murmured softly, her voice scattered by the wind. Then she fiercely wiped at the corners of her eyes, lifted her little face once more, and returned to being the spoiled, radiant princess of Star Luo. This flutter of the heart had come to an end. There was no entanglement, no regret—only a faint memory hidden in the wind of the imperial palace, never to be mentioned to anyone else.

The Star Luo Emperor approached at an unhurried pace. Seeing his daughter force herself to be strong, he let out a quiet sigh but did not ask further. Some youthful feelings needed no explanation; time would smooth everything over. And this brief episode of the Star Luo journey finally settled into dust with Adult Tang Wulin's departure.

A thousand miles away, within Shrek Forest.

Golden light flickered, and Adult Tang Wulin's figure slowly appeared. He still wore that plain-colored robe, though the serenity between his brows had deepened. He raised a hand and touched the silver dragon-shaped jade pendant Dai Yun'er had given him. It lay quietly in his palm, carrying a faint residual warmth. He neither discarded it nor treasured it, merely tossing it into his storage soul tool and sealing away this Star Luo encounter completely.

To him, romance had long become smoke from the past. Protecting his younger self and his companions, preserving this pure bond, was the mission that had brought him across time. He raised his eyes toward Shrek Inner Court in the distance. His golden eyes were gentle and tranquil as he vanished once more into the dense shade of the trees, returning to his silent vigil.

At this moment, Shrek Inner Court was bathed in perfect sunlight, warmth filling the courtyard.

Na'er had fully adjusted to life here. She was squatting in the grass, teasing the little soul beasts that passed by, her crescent eyes filled with a child's innocent delight. None of the confusion and unease from when they had first been separated remained. Tang Wulin sat on a stone bench nearby, quietly watching his sister with indulgent laughter in his eyes. The guilt and worry he had carried throughout their long separation had finally vanished completely.

Xu Xiaoyan came over carrying two cups of water. She gently handed one to Tang Wulin, while offering a pastry to Na'er, who ran over to her. Her voice was soft. "Na'er, don't play too fast. Have something to eat first and fill your stomach."

"Thank you, Sister Xiaoyan!" Na'er obediently accepted it, taking small bites of the pastry as she clung closely to Xu Xiaoyan's side.

After these past few days together, Xu Xiaoyan had long since completely put aside the scattered feelings of the past. Her heart was now filled with affection for Na'er, while her sibling-like bond with Tang Wulin was pure and unwavering. Sitting beside Tang Wulin, she calmly discussed tomorrow's exchange match without the slightest restraint, and the atmosphere was peaceful and warm.

"Our opponents in tomorrow's exchange match are Star Luo Academy's representative team. I heard they're quite strong. Should we adjust our formation again?" Xu Xiaoyan asked softly, her gaze focused entirely on the competition and the team.

Tang Wulin accepted the cup and nodded. "We'll practice together once more this afternoon, focusing on reinforcing the connection between battlefield control and heavy offense. With you in the control position, I'm very relieved." He paused and looked at Xu Xiaoyan, his tone carrying an elder brother's certainty. "No matter who our opponents are, as long as the Seven Monsters stand united, we'll be fine."

Xu Xiaoyan smiled and nodded. Sunlight fell across her face, soft and clear. Na'er leaned against her embrace, nibbling on her pastry and occasionally looking up at Tang Wulin. The scene resembled a family of three, warm enough to move anyone.

Not far away, Xie Xie, Xu Lizhi, and the others approached together. Seeing the warm scene in the courtyard, they all slowed their steps, gentle smiles on their faces. Gu Yue stood beside the group, quietly watching Tang Wulin with a calm, tacit gaze, without any unnecessary emotion.

"Wulin, Xiaoyan, Na'er, we're here! Let's practice together this afternoon!" Xie Xie spoke first, breaking the courtyard's silence.

Tang Wulin rose to his feet and looked at his companions. His eyes were resolute, his spirit high. "All right. This afternoon, we'll give it everything we've got and prepare properly for the exchange match!"

The youths' laughter echoed through Shrek Inner Court. With sunlight, companions, and family by their side, all disturbances were shut outside. The Star Luo encounter a thousand miles away—its faint ambiguity and fluttering affection—had long since faded into time, never disturbing the youths' pure days in the slightest.

Sibling affection and friendship between companions had all found their proper place. The road ahead was long, and the youths would walk it side by side, charging toward the passion and glory that belonged to them.