Shrek Academy, beside Sea God Lake.
A gentle breeze brushed past, carrying the faint fragrance of lotuses and the scent of lake water.
When Gu Yue and Tang Wulin appeared at the academy gates, the lingering sunset was painting the sky a warm orange-red.
"We're finally back."
Tang Wulin took a deep breath, a relaxed smile spreading across his face. He turned toward Gu Yue beside him, his eyes full of pride and affection.
"Gu Yue, come on. Let's go to Sea God Lake!"
Taking her hand, he headed eagerly toward the Inner Court.
"What are we celebrating?"
Gu Yue smiled faintly, asking despite knowing the answer.
"We're celebrating my Gu Yue becoming a true Dragon God soon!"
A hint of excitement colored Tang Wulin's voice. "We're celebrating the fact that you only need to harmonize your elemental power with your evolved Golden Dragon King bloodline a little more, and you'll stand at the very pinnacle of this entire plane!"
Gu Yue's cheeks flushed slightly, and she gave him a gentle shove. "You really do talk too much."
They passed through familiar streets and walked past the Outer Court freshmen's training grounds.
A group of freshmen was finishing its final training session.
Just as Gu Yue and Tang Wulin passed, a youth practicing with her martial soul happened to lift her head.
The instant Gu Yue passed by, her gaze froze completely.
This youth was so strikingly beautiful that she almost seemed otherworldly.
Her long, cool, watery ice-blue hair was tied loosely behind her head, with a few strands falling across her forehead and lending her an air of unruliness.
Her eyes were a profound dark blue, as though they could reflect the entire starry sky, yet they held a coldness that kept others a thousand miles away.
Her features