The next morning, a slight chill lingered in the air of Heavenly Spirit City. Tang Wulin and his companions arrived early outside the Spirit Pagoda. Xie Xie's sharp eyes soon locked onto their target—a woman dressed in black, her long hair a vivid red, walking gracefully toward them.
"That's her," Xie Xie said in a low voice.
Ye Xinglan raised an eyebrow and looked at Tang Wulin, her eyes urging him on with a hint of teasing: Your turn, Captain.
Tang Wulin shrugged helplessly, inwardly groaning. Although he was the captain, a task that required him to "act cute" was harder than cultivation. For the team's sake, however, he could only steel himself and go ahead.
He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and forced what he thought was his sweetest, most harmless smile. He even deliberately softened his voice, calling out in a childish lilt, "Hello, big sister!"
The red-haired woman stopped and looked the boy up and down. Although Tang Wulin was already twelve, his slender build and almost excessively exquisite face made him look nine at most. As he blinked his big eyes at her, anyone who saw him would feel their heart soften.
Being called "big sister" made the woman's heart blossom with delight. A sweet smile curled her lips, and she crouched down to ask gently, "Little brother, what's the matter? Have you lost your family, coming out so early?"
"No, big sister." Tang Wulin waved his hands, his eyes clear and sincere. "We're students from Shrek Academy, and we're taking our final exam. We have to spar with a pretty big sister who's stronger than us. You look so powerful, big sister. Could you help us?"
Tang Wulin delivered this flawless little speech with both flattery and innocent sincerity. The woman was even more