Ya Li

The system had suddenly triggered a reward this time, and Chen Ling instantly understood the key reason.

Most likely, Blue Tyrant Academy had officially been renamed Cloudcrag Academy, completely finishing its transformation. That counted as truly securing one of the territories under his control.

Long before parting ways with Dugu Bo and the others, he had already arranged every trivial matter clearly. From the academy's overall renovation to its subsequent development plans, everything had been properly handled. There was no need for him to worry about any of it.

That was the advantage of having underlings. He had no interest in handling such trivial matters himself, but now that he knew the conditions for triggering rewards, he could be a little more proactive.

Chen Ling's heart stirred, and without the slightest hesitation, he directly activated the character jade token in his hand.

The warm jade token flew from his hand, hovering in midair as it suddenly erupted with a dazzling beam of light that flickered and swirled before his eyes.

The beam's colors shifted unpredictably. At times, it churned with a heavy, steady earthy-yellow glow; at others, streams of black and white light alternated across it. The sight left Chen Ling thoroughly on edge.

After several transformations, the chaotic colors all faded away, ultimately condensing into a pure, crystalline golden radiance.

The golden light gently spilled over Chen Ling's face, carrying a warm aura of light and a soothing, healing heat that instantly calmed his earlier unease.

As the light slowly dispersed, a slender, graceful figure clearly emerged before Chen Ling's eyes.

She was a woman of breathtaking beauty. Even Chen Ling, who was accustomed to seeing beautiful women, found his eyes lighting up at first sight.

Behind her floated the phantom image of an angel. Three pairs of translucent wings spread wide, their feathers not a deathly white but wrapped in a soft pale-green glow, while tiny specks of seven-colored light slowly drifted down along the feathers.

The angel's face was gentle and serene, and a sphere of endlessly flowing life energy rested in her palm. A peaceful aura surrounded her; simply standing there was enough to soothe pain and restlessness.

The woman slowly opened her eyes, a pure and sincere smile blooming across her face. She moved slightly, then rushed straight into Chen Ling's arms.

Chen Ling was a little dazed, his mind briefly going blank. The confusion in his eyes vanished in an instant, and he then opened his arms to steadily catch her.

A faint fragrance immediately filled his nose. It was clean and gentle, like bedding warmed by sunlight on a clear day—soft, warm, and especially pleasant.

"Brother Ling, what are you staring blankly for?"

The woman seemed somewhat puzzled. She waved a hand before Chen Ling's eyes, her tone full of curiosity.

Her eyes held nothing back, brimming with intense attachment and love. Then she tilted her head slightly and blankly surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings.

"It's nothing."

Chen Ling shook his head, feeling a slight headache.

He had just had a dream. More accurately, it had been an illusion similar to the one created by his Sword Intent ability, except this time, he himself had fallen victim to it.

And Ya Li before him was the real-world manifestation of his lover from that dream.

Lyrics had already begun playing in his head.

Kneeling before Buddha for a thousand years, yet never seeing Buddha show mercy; I so dearly wished to see her just once more.

Ahem. He had gone off-topic.

It had to be said that the system's method of triggering this character card was truly unexpected.

He had originally thought it would be nothing more than summoning a character out of thin air, then forcibly altering her memories with a Loyalty Gu.

But the situation now was completely different. To him, it had merely been an immersive illusion, but to Ya Li, their day-to-day companionship within that illusion had been real memories she had personally lived through.

"Alright, Ya Li, let go first."

Chen Ling struggled slightly. She was hugging him a little too tightly, and her ample chest was pressing against him. His blood was already rushing, and combined with her pure, stunning appearance, she was simply lethal poison.

"Alright."

A flush instantly spread across Ya Li's cheeks. She obediently released her arms, raised a hand to gently smooth her slightly rumpled skirt, and instinctively touched the spot that had just been poked.

"Let's head back first."

Chen Ling spoke softly. He knew Ya Li would never refuse him.

But he did not want to act in haste here. Even if she had come from an illusion's manifestation, her memories and emotions were incomparably real. She was by no means a puppet for others to control, so there was no need to be so careless and perfunctory.

"Alright."

Ya Li smiled faintly and docilely stepped onto the flying sword Chen Ling summoned. Naturally, she gently rested her head against his back, without the slightest awkwardness or unfamiliarity.

The way the two leaned against each other was just like a couple who had been in love for years.

The longsword shot through the air, becoming a sharp silver-white streak that carried them swiftly toward Cloudcrag Academy.

Meanwhile, in Chen Ling's room, Ning Rongrong was making arrangements.

"Hehe, Zhu Qing, we have to succeed." Ning Rongrong giggled, her face full of anticipation.

She had made thorough preparations and learned everything from Xiao Wu. All she had to do now was lie down and wait for Brother Chen Ling to return.

Thinking of what was about to happen, an excited flush rose to Ning Rongrong's cheeks. Her naughty little mind raced wildly, already imagining all sorts of scenes. The more she thought about them, the more she looked forward to it.

And after hearing Xiao Wu's account, she felt she probably would not be able to endure it alone. Wasn't that why she had brought Zhu Qing along?

Zhu Zhuqing stood to one side, at a complete loss. I have to join in too?

She did not resist getting close to Chen Ling. She even secretly carried a trace of hidden anticipation, but what she felt more strongly was unease.

Chen Ling was a genuine Titled Douluo. Would he look down on someone as ordinary as her?

Thoughts churned in her heart as inferiority rapidly spread through her.

Could someone like me really do this?

The little kitten lowered her head, completely unable to see her toes, forming a stark contrast with the eager Ning Rongrong beside her.

"I've got it. Zhu Qing, hide here, and I'll hide in the wardrobe." Ning Rongrong had a flash of inspiration and pointed beneath the bed, her face shining with wisdom.

She had already planned everything out. The moment Chen Ling entered, she would leap out from the wardrobe to ambush him, taking the initiative the way Xiao Wu had taught her. Then Zhu Zhuqing beneath the bed would seize the chance to support her. With a two-pronged approach, they would definitely succeed in one go.

Zhu Zhuqing opened her mouth, but in the end, she said nothing and silently went along with the arrangement.

She actually knew that with a Titled Douluo's senses, this childish game of hide-and-seek could not possibly conceal them.

Moreover, she felt this was originally just a private bit of fun between the two of them. If she rashly joined in, she would be somewhat unnecessary. Most likely, if she hid tonight, she would only be a background prop the entire time.

Just then, the faint sound of a door opening came from downstairs.

Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up in delight. She hurriedly pushed Zhu Zhuqing beneath the bed, then nimbly slipped into the wardrobe herself.

"Oh, and this too." After giving it some thought, Ning Rongrong transformed into a legendary pilot.

Xiao Wu had taught her this as well. Otherwise, it would hurt.

The instant the two of them settled into hiding, a green glint flashed through Ya Li's eyes, and invisible spiritual power covered the entire small building.