The sunset's lingering glow spilled over Shrek Academy's tree-lined path, stretching their shadows long.
Tang Wulin and Gu Yue strolled side by side, enjoying this rare moment of peace.
As they walked, Tang Wulin seemed to suddenly remember something, and his steps briefly faltered.
He raised his right hand and lightly tapped the empty air with a fingertip.
"Hum—!"
A pale green gate of light slowly unfolded before him, radiating a rich aura of life.
This was the Life Gate.
For Tang Wulin, opening this gate had long since become as routine as an everyday meal. He hardly even needed to channel any soul power to summon the being beyond it at will.
Gu Yue stood beside him, watching calmly without much surprise.
After all, ever since Tang Wulin had completed the life nine trials, he had opened this gate so often that she had almost grown accustomed to it.
The gate of light had barely opened fully when a pale blue figure impatiently darted out.
It was a girl who looked barely into her teens, with long, pale blue hair styled into two adorable buns. Her large, fluttering eyes sparkled with cleverness.
The moment she saw Tang Wulin, she raced over and called out sweetly:
"Master! Master!"
Her voice was clear and lovely, like a lark's song.
As Gu Yue watched the little girl who had suddenly appeared, a flicker of curiosity crossed her beautiful eyes.
She was neither jealous nor angry. She merely raised an eyebrow and looked at Tang Wulin, seemingly waiting for an explanation.
Tang Wulin smiled helplessly, reached out to pat the girl's head, then turned to Gu Yue to introduce her:
"Gu Yue, let me introduce you."
"This is my... disciple, Dong Qianqiu."
Understanding flickered in Gu Yue's eyes at the word "disciple."
Before