The finale

As Long Yao passed by the window, he noticed that only a little water had seeped out of the tray.

She looked up and asked him.

Is this enough?

He had examined the soil in the pot.

That's enough.

Shui Yue'er left the remaining water in the bowl, then turned and returned it to the water vat.

On the piece of paper by the window, the fruit pits had already been washed and dried.

She reached out and touched it to make sure it wasn't sticky anymore, then found a small paper bag to put it away.

Long Yao stood by the window and watched her fold the bag opening twice.

The date was written on the bag, along with a line of slightly smaller text.

We'll wait until Teacher Lin says it's okay to plant them.

He put the old books back on the shelf and moved the paper bag to a dry spot.

Shui Yue'er passed by carrying an empty bowl, and stopped by the door.

"Dean, are we going on a boat trip again tomorrow?"

We'll talk about it tomorrow.

She looked out the window.

The small boat beside the rocky shore swayed gently with the lake water, the ropes just the right tension.

She looked away and put the empty bowl back on the wooden shelf.

"Then I'll go finish painting today's boat first."

When Long Yao returned to the platform, she was already sitting under the curtain.

Beside the small boat in the booklet, a horizontal wooden oar has appeared.

She replaced his spot with a teacup.

Long Yao pressed down the bamboo strips sticking out from the edge of the book and sat down opposite her.

The tea on the table was still warm.

As soon as Long Yao put down his teacup, the pages of the book on the table reflected a layer of golden light.

Shui Yue'er raised her head.

On the sky, the seventh-place finisher, who had been lingering for a long time, finally appeared.

[Seventh Place: Sea God Trident]

[A Sea God Inheritance, Bearing the power of the ocean.]

[Currently located on Sea God Island.]

A golden halberd stands amidst the ocean tide.

The waves surged over the halberd, and the sky unfolded to reveal the next line of the inscription.

[Sixth Place: Angel Holy Sword]

[An artifact Angel God Inheritance, Bearing the power of light and purification.]

[Now existing in the land of Angel Inheritance.]

Shui Bing'er looked to her side.

Bibi Dong did not look away.

She gazed at the holy sword, and after a moment, picked up the teapot again.

"Master, the Godhood Inheritance is still intact, so the divine artifact can borrow even more power."

You can also go your own way.

She poured the tea.

"I'm already on my way."

The Myriad Laws Returning to the Origin Tome, opened on its own.

On the first page, the two great Spider Emperor' origins flowed along predetermined patterns.

A purple-gold light shone across the edge of the paper and onto her fingertips.

Bibi Dong withdrew her hand and looked away from the Angel Holy Sword.

The golden light in the sky continued to rise.

[Fifth Place: Silver Dragon Spear]

[Born from the very essence of the Silver Dragon King, it can Bearing Elements and be imbued with divine power.]

[Current owner: Gu Yuena.]

Upon seeing that name, Shui Yue'er immediately looked towards the tower gate.

"Dean, the tea in the Bamboo Box hasn't been delivered yet."

"I remember."

Just as she was about to speak again, the list for fourth place was already posted.

[Fourth Place: The Myriad Laws Returning to the Origin Tome.]

[It can record the original actions, reflecting any shortcomings in one's practice.]

[The road described must be traversed by the holder in person.]

[One cannot create laws out of thin air, nor can one practice on behalf of others.]

[Current owner: Bibi Dong.]

A wisp of clear light rose from the Jade Tome on the stone table.

Water droplets, the Spider Emperor's essence, and the unfinished Demon Scythe patterns appeared one after another in the sky.

Shui Yue'er steadied herself against her booklet.

"My drop of water is in there too."

"The path you've paved will naturally remain."

Bibi Dong turned to the second page.

The two forces alternated, and the water droplet remained stationary.

She had seen the route and closed the Jade Tome.

"However, we still need to practice tomorrow."

Shui Yue'er did not sigh.

She picked up her pen and added a few words to her notebook.

Practice changing hands tomorrow.

Long Yao at it, then continued gazing at the sky.

[Third Place: True Dragon Tower]

[Capable of Bearing multiple origins, isolating from erosion, and protecting cultivation.]

[Current owner: Long Yao.]

The Azure Lotus patterns on the pagoda gradually lit up.

The lamps on the first floor, the flowerpots by the window, and the neatly arranged books on the fifth floor were all gently illuminated by the bluish light.

Inside the seventh level, all the remaining power on the Azure Lotus Platform was gathered together.

Shui Bing'er reached out her hand.

A Six-Petaled Ice Blossom fell into her palm.

There is no longer a thin gap between the flower's center and the petals.

"Turns out we've always lived on the list."

Long Yao picked up his teacup.

Whether it's on the list or not, you're all staying here.

Shui Yue'er nodded.

She moved the booklet on the table further in to make room for the tea tray.

When the second one appeared, the light from the entire True Dragon Tower receded back to its base.

A cyan mark appeared in the center of the sky.

[Second Place: Origin-Returning Realm Seal.]

[It can regulate the origin of a realm, collect scattered power, and maintain the operation of all sources.]

[Current owner: Long Yao.]

There were no waves on the lake.

The bamboo leaves beside the platform didn't stop falling either.

Shui Yue'er, saw that the Soul Power she had scattered into the lake during her practice was returning to the water along extremely fine blue lines.

She used to think that those forces would simply dissipate once they were gone.

Only now does she realize that they always had somewhere to go.

Bibi Dong looked up at the top of the list.

There was only one blank space left.

"Master, the first place is almost here!"

Long Yao put down his teacup.

The Azure Lotus Seal between his brows lit up for a moment.

An Azure Lotus slowly unfolds from the mark.

The lotus flower did not leave his side.

The golden light from the sky all converged on it.

[First Place: Origin Azure Lotus]

[Generated from the very origin of Long Yao.]

[It can accommodate all sources, resolve conflicts, and allow all things to follow their own path.]

This lotus must not be separated or passed on.

[Long Yao is here, Azure Lotus is here.]

[Current owner: Long Yao.]

Shui Yue'er stared at the lotus flower for a long time before blinking.

"I guessed right."

Shui Bing'er looked at her.

"Are you planning to include this too?"

"Of course I'll write it."

She picked up the pen, but the tip hesitated to fall.

The Azure Lotus was located above the stone table.

The petals unfurled, and the soft light fell upon everyone.

Shui Yue'er reached out her hand, then stopped halfway.

"Dean, may I touch it?"

Long Yao did not stop her.

Her fingertips gently touched a lotus petal.

The petal neither scattered nor pushed her away.

She withdrew her hand and looked at her palm.

"It hasn't gotten any worse."

Bibi Dong looked at her.

"You still want to skip tomorrow's training?"

I'm just trying.

Long Yao raised his hand and put away the Azure Lotus.

"Now that I've tried it, I'll finish writing today's record."

Shui Yue'er lowered her head and began to write.

This time, she didn't write her name outside the margin of the paper.

The ten treasures are arranged in order.

The Flower Shadow of the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, falls at the very bottom, while the Origin Azure Lotus remains at the top.

In the sky, the last few lines of golden characters gradually became clear.

[The Treasure Ranking assessment is complete.]

[This concludes the compilation of all the lists.]

[The rankings record today's events, but do not determine the future path.]

[From this point on, spiritual practice will be realized by all sentient beings themselves.]

The golden scroll slowly closed.

Those names that hung in the sky disappeared one after another.

Shui Bing'er put down the Ice Blossom in her palm.

"The Golden Ranking is about to be published."

The Long Yao at the distant sky.

"It has already memorized everything it needed to."

The last glimmer of golden light faded into the twilight.

The clouds on the horizon were reflected again on the lake's surface.

Shui Yue'er looked up for a long time before returning to her seat.

From now on, when you look up, you'll only see the sky.

"And stars."

After listening, she raised her eyes again.

The first star is peeking out from behind the thin clouds.

Suddenly, several footsteps appeared on the stone path in front of the tower.

Long Yao first looked towards the outer edge of the bamboo forest.

Gu Yuena walked out from the shadows of the trees.

Her gaze passed over the stone table and landed on him.

How long are you planning to keep your tea?

Shui Yue'er immediately stood up.

"I'll go get it!"

She ran into the tower gate and quickly returned carrying the Bamboo Box.

Gu Yuena opened the box and took out the wrapped sweet tea.

Only half a jin?

This package contains half of a half-pound.

Shui Yue'er pointed to the tea tray.

"The other half stays at the academy."

Her silver hair fell to the edge of the box.

Gu Yuena looked at Long Yao.

"You're quite discerning."

If you drink here, your partner can drink too.

She placed the Bamboo Box on the table and pulled over an empty chair.

"Then let's drink here."

Shui Bing'er turned around to get a new cup.

As she reached the tower gate, a chill wafted from the end of the stone path.

The Snow Empress and the Ice Empress stopped outside the platform.

Beneath the white robes, a faint glow emanated from the Azure-Gold Scale.

Long Yao noticed the ribbon on the side of her neck.

"Is your Divine Soul still being disturbed by the cold?"

Snow Empress shook her head.

"I can handle it on my own now."

She untied the ribbon and held the scales in her palm.

I'll return it to you.

Shui Yue'er, holding the newly fetched teacup, stopped beside the table.

She remembered Long Yao saying that Snow Empress would not repay it.

Now, that scale has been handed to him.

Long Yao did not answer immediately.

He looked at the Azure Lotus pattern in the center of the scales, then looked at the Snow Empress.

"It is indeed no longer needed for its protection."

Thank you for all these years.

"It was I who thanked you back then."

Snow Empress's hand remained on the table.

A moment later, he retrieved the scale.

The Azure Lotus pattern lit up, and the essence within it slowly returned to his fingertips.

The nine-colored light then faded away.

The scales are still intact.

Long Yao tied it back onto the white ribbon.

"I withdraw the protective power."

He placed the scale back into her palm.

This piece is for you.

Snow Empress looked down at the ribbon.

"I'll keep it for you again this time?"

"This time it's yours."

She closed her palms and carefully put the scales away.

Ice Empress finally stepped onto the platform.

"The tea is almost all gone, and you're still standing?"

Shui Yue'er immediately set out the cups.

"There's still enough to drink."

Bibi Dong added water to the stove.

She glanced at the stone table, then got up and moved the small table next to it over.

Two tables were placed together, and there was just enough room to sit under the bamboo curtain.

Long Yao opened the paper package of sweet tea.

Gu Yuena reached out and pressed down on the opening of the bag.

"This is a gift from you."

"I'll take the other bag."

She looked at him for a moment before removing her hand.

"Use this pack for today."

Shui Yue'er lowered her head to place the cups, but couldn't hide the smile on her lips.

As night fell, Teacher Lin brought over dinner.

A few more pairs of chopsticks were added to the table.

Shui Yuerou arranged the courses for the Outer Court, and was also pulled down to sit by Shui Yue'er.

The Lovesick Heartbreak Red, remain in their jade box.

Even without the Flower Shadow of the flowers in the sky, it still blooms beautifully.

Long Yao ate half a bowl of rice and looked up to see Bibi Dong organizing tomorrow's records.

Beside the Jade Tome, there was another book written by her own hand.

"For new students?"

I only copied the part about Water Control.

She opened the booklet.

There was no Spider Emperor's essence on it, nor any divine artifact patterns.

Each page includes space for students to take notes.

"They can start here."

After reading it, Long Yao put the booklet back in front of her.

"You will teach tomorrow's lesson."

Bibi Dong raised her eyes.

Then she closed the booklet.

"Good."

Shui Bing'er placed her Ice Blossom on the corner of the table.

The six petals unfold in sequence, while the flower's center remains intact.

After Snow Empress looked at it, she stretched out a finger and touched one of the fine lines.

Let's leave some room for maneuver here.

She adjusted as instructed.

When the Ice Blossom reopened, a thin layer of frost appeared between the petals.

Shui Yue'er was so engrossed in watching that she forgot about the rice in her bowl.

Long Yao helped her put the chopsticks back on the edge of the bowl.

Your food is getting cold.

She quickly picked up the bowl.

"I'll ask again after I finish eating."

The next day.

Day three.

The Golden Ranking never appeared again.

Every day, students carrying wooden basins can be seen passing by on the stone path of the Skywater Academy.

Bibi Dong's paper book has new pages.

Shui Bing'er began teaching people how to condense the first Ice Blossom.

Shui Yue'er would still ask a few questions during practice.

But she was finally able to smoothly transfer the Heavy Water between her hands.

She wrote the result in the booklet, leaving a page specifically for comparison later.

Several years later.

The lotus flowers by the lake have bloomed again for another season.

Long Yao sat under the bamboo curtain and turned to the last page of an old booklet.

The handwriting on the paper changed from stiff to neat.

The last line reads, "Change of hands today, without pause."

A test strip was also tucked between the pages of the booklet.

Two names, one above the other.

He put the test strip away and heard someone calling him from the rocky bank.

"Your Excellency, the ship is ready!"

Shui Yue'er held the wooden oar and stood by the boat waiting for him.

The tea baskets on the boat were already set up securely.

Shui Bing'er held onto the edge of the boat, Bibi Dong put the Myriad Laws Returning to the Origin Tome into her sleeve.

Gu Yuena sat at the bow of the boat, with a freshly opened packet of sweet tea beside her.

Snow Empress and Ice Empress walked over from the other side of the stone path.

A white ribbon hung down the side of Snow Empress's neck, and she tucked the scale into her clothes.

Long Yao closed the old book, got up and walked down from the platform.

As he passed through the bamboo grove, he paused for a moment beside a fruit tree.

On the branch, a few small fruits were hidden among the leaves.

A wooden sign stands under the tree.

The date Shui Yue'er wrote back then has faded, and two more lines were added afterward.

The first year, it sprouted.

This year, the results.

He reached out and straightened the wooden sign, then continued walking towards the rocky shore.

"Dean!"

Shui Yue'er glanced down at the tree.

You didn't pick them, did you?

"No."

The stem is still green; we'll have to wait a few more days.

Long Yao stepped onto the deck and sat down in the reserved spot.

"I know."

She untied the rope and picked up the wooden oar.

The small boat left the rocky bank and moved forward along the waterway among the lotus leaves.

Shui Bing'er poured the tea and handed one cup to Long Yao.

He took the teacup and gazed at the True Dragon Tower gradually disappearing into the distance.

Someone was practicing swimming in front of the tower.

Someone is reading under the eaves.

The bamboo curtain has been replaced with several new bamboo leaves, but the two wooden beads at the end of the rope remain the same.

Shui Yue'er rowed a stroke of the oar and looked back at him.

"Dean, this time I didn't steer the boat off course."

"Um."

"I told you, once you've learned it, please have a seat."

Long Yao looked at her and smiled.

"I remember."

The small boat passed through the lotus leaves.

Waterbirds swam past in front of us, one after another.

She stopped paddling and waited until the last oar caught up before starting to paddle through the lake again.

Where are we going today?

Long Yao picked up his teacup.

"Walk along the lake."

He looked at the Kitchen lights that had been lit up on the shore.

"We'll go home for dinner later."

The End.