Tang Wulin's Blue Silver Emperor Evolution

Mu Ye's approach was even more direct.

Every night, Mu Ye took Tang Wulin to a clearing on Back Mountain and tempered his body in every way he could.

Sometimes Tang Wulin ran with weights. Sometimes they sparred bare-handed. Sometimes Mu Ye simply threw him into cold water to soak...

Tang Wulin was exhausted by the end of every day, yet he sprang up full of energy the next morning, ready to do it all again.

Watching his little brother grow stronger by the day filled Chen Xing with pride.

Mu Ye also cooked delicious meals for both of them every day.

Chen Xing had eaten Mu Ye's cooking daily even before Tang Wulin arrived, but every time, he could only say one thing: it was incredible.

Tang Wulin could never stop eating. Every meal, he cleared the table like a whirlwind, then looked at Mu Ye with pleading eyes and asked if there was more.

His appetite made Mu Ye burst out laughing every time.

And just like that, half a year flew by...

Tang Wulin's progress was plain to see.

The golden patterns on his Blue Silver Grass grew more distinct, and his body became sturdier and stronger.

Chen Xing knew those changes came from the Golden Dragon King's bloodline.

One evening, Mu Ye called Chen Xing and Tang Wulin into the hall.

Zhen Hua was there too.

"Starting tomorrow, I'm taking Wulin on a long trip," Mu Ye said without preamble.

Chen Xing raised an eyebrow. "Where to?"

"The East Sea. I've arranged for a naval warship. He'll spend the next six months training at sea."

Something stirred in Chen Xing's mind.

In the original story, Mu Ye had indeed put Tang Wulin through high-pressure training beneath the sea.

He hadn't expected it to happen early because he had brought Tang Wulin here ahead of time.

With him around, things really were changing.

At that thought, Chen Xing looked up and asked:

"What about me?"

Mu Ye glanced at him and shook his head.

"Not you. Your Wish Power system works differently from our cultivation methods. Training alongside us wouldn't do you any good, so you'd best stay in Heaven Dou City."

Chen Xing had no objection.

Tang Wulin's special training was meant to push his Martial Soul to evolve. What Chen Xing had could hardly be called a Martial Soul.

Tang Wulin, though, looked a little nervous.

"Brother, you're not coming?"

Chen Xing patted his shoulder.

"Train hard with Teacher Mu Ye. I'll come pick you up in six months."

Tang Wulin nodded firmly.

Early the next morning, Mu Ye left with Tang Wulin.

Chen Xing stood outside the Blacksmiths Association and watched them disappear around a street corner.

Six months later.

Heaven Dou City's Soul Guidance Train station.

Chen Xing stood by the exit with his hands in his pockets, waiting for the train arriving from the East Sea.

The train slowly pulled into the station.

The doors opened, and passengers began filing out.

Chen Xing spotted the familiar figure at once.

Tang Wulin was more than half a head taller than he had been six months ago. His skin had darkened considerably, but he looked leaner and tougher.

His steps were steady and powerful, and his gaze was much sharper than before.

The most striking change, though, was his short, Blue Silver Grass-colored hair.

Under the sunlight, it held a faint, lustrous sheen, as though its edges had been lined with silver.

His features were more defined than they had been six months ago. The boyish softness had left his face, replaced by a handsome, clear-cut look.

Chen Xing stared for a moment.

Looks like his Martial Soul evolved successfully.

Blue Silver Emperor.

Tang Wulin spotted Chen Xing, broke into a grin, and strode over.

"Brother!"

When he smiled, that familiar, guileless warmth shone through his handsome looks.

So getting better-looking didn't change who he was.

Chen Xing looked him up and down.

"Not bad. You're a lot sturdier—and a lot more handsome."

Tang Wulin blinked, then scratched his head, the tips of his ears reddening.

"Teacher Mu Ye said my Martial Soul evolved. My Blue Silver Grass became the Blue Silver Emperor, and it looks like... my appearance changed a little too."

Chen Xing smiled and patted his shoulder.

"That's a good thing. Come on, let's go home."

The two boarded a Soul Guidance Train bound for Aolai City.

Along the way, Tang Wulin talked nonstop about everything he had been through over the past six months.

Training under the crushing pressure of the deep sea, fighting Demon Soul Great White Sharks, nearly drowning before Mu Ye hauled him back up...

He told it all with shining eyes and sweeping gestures, bursting with energy.

Chen Xing listened and nodded, occasionally chiming in.

When Tang Wulin finally ran out of steam and leaned back in his seat to catch his breath, Chen Xing turned to him and asked quietly:

"What about the Seal?"

Tang Wulin's expression grew more serious, and he lowered his voice too. "Another layer loosened."

"The pressure down there hit harder than I expected. Once I got back, I could feel the changes inside me. I've got another golden ring now."

Chen Xing nodded.

"How does it feel?"

Tang Wulin thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up.

"Great. The Golden Dragon Power feels more natural to use all the time."

Chen Xing nodded again and asked nothing more.

By the time the train arrived, it was almost dark.

They got off and headed home along the familiar streets.

As they neared the beach, Chen Xing suddenly stopped.

A silver-haired figure stood at the edge of the beach, facing the sea as though waiting for something.

Tang Wulin saw her too.

"Is that... Na'er?"

Before Chen Xing could answer, the figure seemed to sense something and spun around.

Her purple eyes sparkled in the dusk.

The next instant, Na'er broke into a run toward Chen Xing.

"Brother!!!"

She threw herself into his arms and wrapped both arms tightly around his waist.

The impact sent Chen Xing half a step back. Then he gently patted her back.

"I'm home."

Na'er buried her face against his chest and muttered:

"You lied again."

"Hm?"

"You said you'd be back in six months, but it's been seven."

Chen Xing paused.

He counted it out. She was right—he was a month late.

"I got held up on the way..."

"That's what you always say!"

Na'er looked up. Her eyes were red, but she couldn't keep the corners of her mouth from rising.

The sight of her, angry and happy at once, softened Chen Xing's heart. He reached out and ruffled her hair.

"All right. I'm not leaving this time. I'll stay home for a few more days."

"Really?"

"Really."

Only then did Na'er let go. She took half a step back and wiped the corners of her eyes.

Then she turned to Tang Wulin beside him, her gaze lingering on him for a couple of seconds.

"Brother Wulin's back too."

There was a note of surprise in her voice.

Tang Wulin smiled and waved to her.

"Na'er, it's been a long time."

Na'er nodded, then turned back to Chen Xing. Her small hand quietly caught the hem of his shirt, as though she feared he might run off again.

Chen Xing glanced down at her and made no move to pull away.

Three years had passed, and Na'er had grown into a young woman.

He had seen how aloof and commanding she was in front of Di Tian and the others.

But with him, she was still just as she had always been: a gentle little sister who loved to cling to him.

At the thought, the corner of Chen Xing's mouth twitched.

She really was an old soul playing at being a child.

Still, the contrast was rather amusing, wasn't it?