Long Time No See

The endless white desert gleamed with an eerie silver light under the moonlight.

Wang Xun's figure moved among the sand dunes.

Occasionally, the roar of the Void could be heard from afar.

This area seemed quite remote, and no one seemed inclined to linger here.

Behind the sand dunes not far away was a low-lying area where several skeletal remains were scattered.

Broken bone fragments were scattered around, and the mangled body, gnawed and mutilated, was half-buried in the sand, gradually weathering into part of the desert.

Wang Xun raised his head and looked into the distance.

There, several figures could be vaguely seen moving.

Those were several ordinary Hollows, tearing at each other.

Wang Xun's eyes lit up.

He crouched low and moved silently toward that direction.

Soon, Wang Xun had approached the few phantoms.

They were a group of the lowest-ranking Hollows, not even Gillian, just ordinary lower-ranking Hollows.

They are small in size, have low intelligence, and act only on instinct.

Wang Xun hid behind a rock, observing them.

There were five in total, and all of them were injured.

Without further hesitation, Wang Xun leaped out from behind the rock.

The few phantoms were startled by Wang Xun's sudden appearance, but they quickly recovered and roared as they pounced on him.

Wang Xun dodged the first feint's attack by sidestepping, and his claws slashed across its belly.

The creature let out a miserable scream as a gash was ripped open in its abdomen, from which black blood gushed out.

Wang Xun didn't stop; he turned around to face the second one.

Before the second Hollow could react, Wang Xun shattered its mask with a single claw strike.

The same applies to the others.

In the blink of an eye, all five Hollows collapsed.

Wang Xun stood in the center of the corpse, his body covered in black blood, but his eyes shone with an astonishing light.

Wang Xun lowered his head and discovered that the illusory remains were gradually turning into fragments and being absorbed into his body.

[Gained 5 Reiryoku Fragment, +50 Reiatsu Experience]

[Rank: Gillian (730/8000)]

Reishi surged into the body, transforming into power.

Wang Xun could feel that he had become a little stronger, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

He raised his head and continued walking forward.

Ahead, even more illusions awaited him.

Meanwhile, in Soul Society.

Wang Xun walked along the forest path, his pace neither hurried nor slow.

On the surface, he was taking a leisurely stroll.

In fact, his attention was divided in two.

Half of them stayed on the main body, keeping an eye on the surrounding movements.

The other half was on the other side of Hueco Mundo, controlling the clones to approach the Hollows.

That feeling was wonderful.

It's like watching two screens at the same time; both images are clearly presented in your mind.

He can handle both situations simultaneously without them interfering with each other.

Progress is going smoothly in Hueco Mundo. At this rate, this clone may soon accumulate enough fragments to evolve into Adjuchas.

But right now, he has other things to do.

Not far ahead, there was a magnificent mansion.

Wang Xun stopped in his tracks, a long-lost sense of familiarity welling up inside him.

The Shiba Clan.

He rarely comes here since joining the Gotei 13.

Just as he was about to knock on the door, it suddenly opened from the inside.

"Oh my, isn't this young master Wang Xun?"

The brothers Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko came out to greet them, their faces full of surprise.

"Long time no see, Koganehiko Shiroganehiko. Is anyone home?"

"Yes," Koganehiko nodded repeatedly, "The Second Miss is setting off fireworks in the backyard. I'll go inform her right away. Shiroganehiko, please entertain Young Master Wang Xun."

Wang Xun sat on the soft tatami seat in the living room, picked up the teacup, and took a small sip.

Soon after, hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

The door was pulled open, Kūkaku Shiba walked in amidst Koganehiko's flustered attempts to stop her.

"Wang Xun?!"

Wang Xun saw Kūkaku and nodded with a smile.

"Long time no see, Kūkaku..."

Wang Xun then looked at Kūkaku's current appearance and was slightly taken aback.

Seeing Wang Xun's expression, Kūkaku He also looked down at himself.

His kimono was covered in dust and gunpowder, his cuffs were filthy, and his face was probably covered in black and white patches.

Her face flushed instantly.

"Ah!"

She screamed and turned to run away as Koganehiko covered his face and sighed.

A moment later, Kūkaku returned.

She had changed into clean clothes and had her hair combed again.

I'm sorry you had to see this.

She spoke softly, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

Wang Xun shook his head.

"No."

Kūkaku paused for a moment, then touched her neck.

You... have changed so much.

Wang Xun looked at her curiously.

What has changed?

"I can't quite put my finger on it," she said, "It just feels different than before."

She looked up and carefully examined Wang Xun.

After half a year apart, his features seemed more defined, and his eyes appeared more composed.

But the biggest change wasn't in appearance, but in temperament.

Now, he exudes an inexplicable... composure?

Kūkaku shook his head, banishing these thoughts.

"Let's not talk about that," she said with a smile. "Tell me quickly, how are you doing in the Gotei 13?"

Wang Xun down his teacup and began to recount his experiences over the past six months.

Of course, he omitted the parts that couldn't be said.

Kūkaku listened intently, occasionally letting out a gasp of amazement.

The two chatted idly, and before they knew it, quite some time had passed.

Kūkaku glanced at the time and suddenly stood up.

"Oh, right, you haven't eaten yet, have you? I'll have the kitchen prepare something. Why don't you stay and have a meal?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xun smiled helplessly and then stood up.

"No, I should go back."

Kūkaku was taken aback.

"You're leaving already?"

"Yes," Wang Xun nodded, "There are still team affairs to handle tomorrow."

"Not everyone's here today. Let's get together next time when Kaien and Ganju are both available, I'll treat."

Upon hearing this, Kūkaku He looked regretful.

"Okay, then I'll see you off."

The two walked out of the living room, through the corridor, and to the front door.

Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko followed behind, but did not go forward; they simply watched from a distance.

Kūkaku stood at the door, looking at Wang Xun.

The setting sun cast a soft glow on her face.

Wang Xun took a few steps when Kūkaku's voice suddenly came from behind him.

"Wang Xun!"

He stopped and looked back.

Kūkaku stood at the doorway, raised her hand, and waved vigorously.

"Come visit more often when you have time. Next time, let's have a proper get-together with my older brother and Ganju!"

Looking at her, Wang Xun felt a warm current welling up in his heart.

He also raised his hand and waved.

Then he turned and disappeared into the twilight.

Behind her, Kūkaku was still standing at the door, watching that departing figure.

She didn't lower her hand until she could no longer see it.

Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko walked over.

"Young Miss, please go back and rest."

Kūkaku nodded, turned around and walked back into the courtyard.

The door slowly closed behind us.

Night was falling.

Wang Xun walked along the streets of Seireitei, his pace neither hurried nor slow.

Unbeknownst to him, he had arrived at a familiar place.

Shin'ō Academy.

He stopped, looked up, and stared at the familiar door.

But for those still on campus, half a year is neither a long nor a short time.

Wang Xun lifted his foot and walked inside.

The Spiritual Arts Academy was very quiet.

Most students have already returned to their dormitories to rest, and occasionally you can see a few people hurrying by on their way back late at night.

Wang Xun sensed the Reiatsu and walked along the familiar path towards the training ground.

On the training field, a petite figure was sweating profusely under the moonlight.

Wang Xun stood in the shadows of the corner, quietly watching her.

It had been half a year since I last saw Nanao, and she seemed to have grown a little taller and her figure was more upright than before.

Wang Xun remained silent, simply continuing to watch.

Finally, Nanao stopped her training in the Kidō.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead, her mouth feeling a little dry.

Just then, her water bottle was handed to her.

"Oh, thanks..."

The next moment, Nanao was stunned.

She looked up from the bottle of water and saw a familiar face.

Under the moonlight, the person stood before her, a faint smile on his face.

What, don't you recognize me?

That voice, that tone, were exactly the same as they were six months ago.

Nanao was stunned. She just stared at him blankly, her eyes widening.

Her eyes gradually welled up with tears.

The next moment, Wang Xun felt a petite figure suddenly plunge into his arms, causing him to sway slightly.

He looked down at the figure in his arms, who was holding him tightly, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Wang Xun was silent for a moment, then reached out and gently stroked her head.

Sorry, I'm back.