Rongrong Pouts

"Go home?" Xiao Wu's eyes lit up instantly, her smile widening, her pink scorpion braid swaying with her movements. "Really? A-Zu, we're going home tomorrow? I miss Uncle and Aunt so much, I haven't seen them in so long!"

Since Yan Zu went to the Blue Tyrant Academy in Heaven Dou City, Xiao Wu has come with him. Counting the time, it has been almost half a year since she returned to her home in Nuoding City.

Yan's parents treated her like their own daughter, with tenderness and doting affection. Xiao Wu had long regarded them as her family and missed them dearly.

Seeing Xiao Wu's overjoyed expression, Yan Zu couldn't help but laugh, "Of course it's true. Why would I lie to you? We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning."

"Great! Great!" Xiao Wu excitedly hugged Yan Zu's arm, jumping up and down like a child who had just received candy. "I'll go pack my things right now! Oh, and I also need to prepare gifts for Uncle and Aunt. Let me think... Uncle likes tea, and Aunt likes embroidery, so I'll go get some good tea and embroidery thread!"

As she spoke, Xiao Wu couldn't wait to turn around and pack her things, her steps becoming much lighter. Yan Zu watched her lively back, his eyes full of doting affection, and gently shook his head. Xiao Wu was still so innocent and lovely; she was as happy as a child at the mention of going home.

Yan Zu turned and went to Liu Erlong's courtyard to ask Liu Erlong for leave.

At this moment, Liu Erlong was cultivating in the courtyard. Sensing Yan Zu's aura, she slowly opened her eyes, a hint of approval flashing in them. "A-Zu, you've come. Is there something you need?"

Yan Zu stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Teacher, I would like to ask for a few days' leave to take Xiao Wu home."

"Go home?" A hint of surprise flashed in Liu Erlong's eyes, then he nodded. "That's good. Now that you've settled down at the academy, it's really time for you to go back and visit your parents."

She paused, then said solemnly, "Be careful on the road. Little Jade is fast, but be extra cautious. Also, try to come back as soon as possible. We only have less than a month before we head to Sunset Forest to Soul Hunting. Once we get back, we need to make the most of our training time."

"Disciple understands," Yan Zu replied solemnly. "Disciple will be careful and return as soon as possible, without delaying the Soul Hunting."

"Okay, go ahead." Liu Erlong waved his hand. "Spend quality time with Xiao Wu and your parents. If anything happens, let me know."

"Yes, teacher." Yan Zu bowed again, then turned and left Liu Erlong's courtyard.

Back at the training ground, Yan Zu saw Ning Rongrong holding Xiao Wu's hand, pouting with a wronged expression, while Xiao Wu gently comforted her.

It turned out that Ning Rongrong was very unhappy when she learned that Yan Zu was going to take Xiao Wu home, but couldn't take her with him.

"Little Brother A-Zu!" Upon seeing Yan Zu return, Ning Rongrong immediately let go of Xiao Wu's hand and ran quickly to Yan Zu's side. Her eyes were slightly red, and her tone was tinged with grievance and dissatisfaction. "Why did you take Big Sister Xiao Wu home but not me? I also want to see Uncle and Auntie. I want to go home with you too!"

Looking at Ning Rongrong's aggrieved expression, Yan Zu felt a pang of pity. He gently stroked her hair and said in a tender and patient tone, "Rongrong, I'm sorry, it's not that I didn't want to take you with me. You've now evolved the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, a truly exceptional talent. If this were to be revealed, it would inevitably attract the covetous eyes of some people. Your safety is of paramount importance."

He paused, then continued, "Senior Sword Douluo stayed at the academy to protect you. If you come home with us, it's not safe on the road, and home isn't as secure as the academy. We'll take you home next time we return from our Soul Hunting in Sunset Forest, okay? Then I'll introduce you to my parents and take you to Nuoding City."

Before leaving, Ning Fengzhi specifically instructed Yan Zu to protect Ning Rongrong's safety. The secret of the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was too astonishing, and once it was revealed, it would surely lead to death.

Yan Zu also understood that Ning Rongrong was in a very dangerous situation and could not easily leave the academy or the protection of Sword Douluo.

Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward and gently comforted her, "Rongrong, Yan Zu is right, you can't go out easily right now. Let's wait for them to come back at the academy, and we'll go see your uncle and aunt together next time."

Although Ning Rongrong was still not very happy, she knew that what Yan Zu said was true.

She is now the owner of the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, a sensitive position that makes it unwise for her to travel far. She lowered her head sullenly and whispered, "Then—you must come back soon. Also, please give my regards to my uncle and aunt, and tell them—tell them I miss them very much." Her voice was barely audible as she spoke the last part, her cheeks slightly flushed.

The next day, Yan Zu and Xiao Wu prepared to depart, and everyone came to see them off.

Ning Rongrong bit her lip, her eyes full of reluctance. She looked up at Yan Zu, her face full of grievance, and said, "Remember to take me next time!"

"Okay, I promise you." Yan Zu nodded seriously.

"And bring me a gift!" Ning Rongrong added.

"No problem."

"And—" Ning Rongrong thought for a moment, "And you also want to think of me every day!"

Yan Zu chuckled, "Okay, I'll think about Sister Rongrong every day."

Ning Rongrong was barely satisfied, but her eyes were still full of envy as she looked at Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu made a face at her triumphantly, which earned her a glare from Ning Rongrong.

Zhu Zhuqing watched this scene quietly, a faint smile flashing in her cool eyes. She walked to Yan Zu's side and whispered, "Be careful on the road."

"A-Zu, Xiao Wu, be careful on the road. Send me a message if anything happens." Liu Erlong said solemnly, "Xiao Wu, with A-Zu by your side, you can ask him for help with anything."

"Thank you, Teacher Erlong. We will." Xiao Wu nodded with a smile.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin also spoke up, saying, "Young friend Yan, young friend Xiao Wu, take care on your journey. Although I cannot accompany you, I will rush there as soon as possible if there is any danger."

"Thank you for your concern Sword Douluo." Yan Zu bowed respectfully. "Little Brother A-Zu, Sister Xiao Wu, come back soon!" Ning Rongrong waved, her eyes filled with reluctance.

Oscar joined in, rubbing his hands together and saying with a smile, "Boss Yan, please give my greetings to Uncle Yan and Aunt Su!"

"Must."

Ye Lingling stood a little distance away, watching this heartwarming farewell scene, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She had never experienced such genuine camaraderie during her time at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Dugu Yan patted her on the shoulder and said with a smile, "You'll get used to it. Our group is just that lively."

"Don't worry, we'll be back soon!" Yan Zu and Xiao Wu waved goodbye to everyone.

Little Jade sensed its master's intentions. It let out a soft cry, and its body grew longer in the wind, transforming into a magnificent jade-colored Qilin, surrounded by auspicious clouds, with its four hooves treading on a faint golden halo.

"Little Jade, you'll have to work hard this time!" Xiao Wu happily rushed over, hugged Little Jade's neck, and rubbed against her. Little Jade responded affectionately, pressing her forehead against Xiao Wu's.

The two leaped onto the back of the Qilin. Little Jade propelled herself forward with all four hooves, transforming into a streak of jade-colored light. Her speed far surpassed that of ordinary Soul Master, instantly leaving Blue Tyrant Academy behind. A soft, auspicious light naturally formed around Little Jade, isolating her from the wind pressure.

Xiao Wu excitedly watched the mountains and rivers rushing past her, felt the whistling wind in her ears, and happily opened her arms.

"It's still fastest and most comfortable to be with Little Jade!" Xiao Wu cheered.

Yan Zu sat behind her, feeling the air currents rushing towards him, and was quite moved. With Little Jade as his mode of transport, the journey that would have taken more than ten days could now be completed in just two days.

During the journey, the two reminisced about many past events, from their first meeting in Five Souls Village, to their companionship at the Nuoding Academy, to fighting side by side in Suotuo City, and now to their training at the Blue Tyrant Academy.

Time flies, and so many years have passed in the blink of an eye.

"A-Zu, do you think Uncle Yan and Aunt Su will be surprised when they see us?" Xiao Wu leaned on Yan Zu's shoulder and asked softly.

"Definitely," Yan Zu smiled. "We're already Soul King now. Mom and Dad will be so happy to see our progress."

A warm glint flashed in Xiao Wu's eyes. "Uncle Yan and Aunt Su are so good to me, just like they treat their own daughter."

"They've always treated you like a daughter," Yan Zu said gently. "Do you remember when you were little? Every time you got into trouble, it was my mom who protected you. My dad would say he wanted to discipline you, but he never actually did it."

Xiao Wu chuckled, "Yeah, once I made a mess of Aunt Wang's vegetable garden next door, and Uncle Yan said he was going to spank me, but Aunt Su glared at me and I immediately chickened out."

They looked at each other and smiled, warm memories flowing through their hearts.

Two days later, on the outskirts of Nuoding City.

Little Jade landed slowly in a grove of trees outside the city, transformed back into her small form, and jumped back onto Yan Zu's shoulder.

Yan Zu and Xiao Wu walked towards the city gate. Looking at the familiar city walls and streets, both of them felt a surge of excitement, a mix of trepidation and anticipation for returning home.

Nuoding City is more bustling than I remember. The streets are lined with shops and teeming with people.

The two quickened their pace and headed towards their home in the west of the city.

After walking through several familiar streets, the familiar courtyard came into view. The gate was open, and you could see that the courtyard was clean and tidy, with several blooming roses planted in the corner.

Yan Zu took a deep breath and stepped into the courtyard.

"Dad, Mom, I'm home!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a series of hurried footsteps came from inside the house. Yan Hu and Su Qing rushed out of the house almost simultaneously.

"A-Zu!"

"Xiao Wu!"

Su Qing quickly stepped forward and hugged Yan Zu and Xiao Wu tightly at the same time, her eyes instantly filling with tears. "You two children, you've finally come back!"

Yan Hu stood to the side, his tiger-like eyes also gleaming with excitement. He patted Yan Zu's shoulder forcefully. "Good lad, you've grown taller and stronger!"

Yan Zu looked at his parents and noticed that they both looked very healthy. Yan Hu's body was even more robust, and Su Qing's face looked much younger, which was obviously a result of improved living conditions.