Grandfather's Advice
However, having just ended a relationship that lasted for several years, with the wounds still fresh, Dugu Yan was filled with hesitation and uncertainty about starting a new relationship immediately.
She was afraid of getting hurt again, and she was also afraid that her hasty decision would betray Oscar's sincere feelings.
Therefore, when faced with Oscar's attentiveness, although she no longer deliberately avoided him as she had at first, her responses were always somewhat restrained and reserved, and she would occasionally appear somewhat at a loss for how to respond.
Dugu Bo saw all of this. During a rest stop one day, he deliberately lagged behind a few steps, walking at the back of the group with his granddaughter.
"Yanyan, are you still worried about that boy?" Dugu Bo's voice was now deep and resonant, but his tone still carried the loving kindness of a grandfather.
Dugu Yan sighed softly, "Grandpa, I—I don't know. Oscar is fine, but—"
"But you haven't completely moved on from the last part, and you're afraid you can't see things clearly anymore, right?" Dugu Bo saw right through his granddaughter's thoughts.
Dugu Yan nodded silently.
Dugu Bo patted her shoulder, glanced at Oscar who was busy distributing Sausage to everyone, and said slowly, "Grandpa won't interfere with your choices. Ultimately, it's up to you to feel and decide about matters of the heart. However, as someone who's been through it all, Grandpa does have a few words to say."
He paused, then continued, "First of all, Oscar comes from a commoner background. Don't underestimate that, even though it might seem like he's from a lower social class than the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family."
A family may be distinguished, but sometimes, the simpler one's origins, the cleaner one's life may be.
Without the tangled web of interests and backstabbing within large families, if you marry him, your future will be much smoother.
No matter how many troubles you have, you don't need to worry about suffering any inexplicable grievances.
Our Dugu Family, with Grandpa still alive, doesn't need you to arrange marriages to strengthen our family's reputation. Your happiness and contentment are the most important things."
"Secondly, this kid's talent and temperament are truly remarkable."
Food System with Innate Full Soul Power —unheard of. Now, with his Martial Soul Evolution and acquiring Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring and Soul Spirit, his future is limitless. Most importantly, he has that brat Yan Zu standing behind him."
A glint of light flashed in Dugu Bo's eyes. "This young man, Yan Zu, is mysterious and unpredictable, with boundless potential, and he values loyalty above all else. With his help, Oscar's future achievements will likely be no less than those of any direct descendant of a major sect. More importantly, he is Auxiliary System, and you are Control System; one controls the battlefield, and the other provides support, making for a naturally harmonious tactical partnership."
"Finally," Dugu Bo's tone softened, "Grandpa's judgment of people is quite accurate. That kid Yu Tianheng is too arrogant, with sharp edges, like a sharp sword. He looks powerful, but it's easy for sparks to fly when you get along with him, hurting both himself and others."
Oscar, on the other hand, is more like a piece of warm jade, understanding and caring. When looking for a partner, sometimes it's not about finding the most dazzling or the most compatible; finding someone who understands you, who cherishes you deeply, might lead to a longer and happier relationship.
Dugu Yan listened to her grandfather's words, her mind was in turmoil. Every word her grandfather said hit the nail on the head and pointed out the source of her subconscious affection for Oscar.
Yes, perhaps what she needs is not a "comrade-in-arms" who needs to fight alongside her and compete with her at all times, but a warm harbor where she can let down her guard and rely on with peace of mind.
"Grandpa, I understand. I'll think about it carefully," Dugu Yan said softly, her gaze involuntarily drifting back to the busy figure in front of her. The layer of ice in her heart seemed to melt away slightly.
Dugu Bo smiled with satisfaction and said no more. Some paths, in the end, are for young people to walk on their own.
Several days later, the team returned safely to the Blue Tyrant Academy.
After a brief rest, the daily, intense, and regular training resumed. Everyone who had obtained new Soul Ring and new Soul Skill was eager to familiarize themselves with and master their newfound power, and the training ground was bustling with activity.
Liu Erlong is adapting to her Eighth Soul Skill, "Dragon Flame Heaven-Burning Array," and coordinating with her Soul Spirit, "Earthcore." Ning Rongrong is practicing more precise and rapid switching between defensive buffs. Zhu Zhuqing is integrating "Shadow Assault" into her existing combat system, making her assassination abilities even more unpredictable. Oscar, on the other hand, is immersed in optimizing the production of the Excited Pink Sausage" and communicating with his Soul Spirit, " Little Red."
However, amidst this vibrant and positive atmosphere, one person stood out as unusually silent, even somewhat forlorn – Ye Lingling.
She still appears at the training ground on time every day, diligently cultivating her skills. The light of the Nine Heart Begonia remains pure, and her healing abilities are steadily improving.
But everyone could sense that the gap in ability between her and the other members of the team was widening rapidly.
Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar broke through one after another, Ning Rongrong also obtained a powerful Fourth Soul Skill, and even Dugu Yan's strength steadily improved through her exchanges with Yan Zu.
She alone seemed to be stuck in the same old routine.
What makes her even more uneasy is that she clearly knows her own Martial Soul, the Nine Heart Begonia, and its cruel fate of "only two survive in a generation." Back then, her grandfather chose to commit suicide to make way for her Martial Soul awaken, sacrificing his life to make room for the inheritance, which has caused Ye Lingling pain to this day.
Watching her friends make rapid progress and have bright futures, while her own future seemed to be firmly imprisoned by an invisible shackle, that sense of powerlessness and vague anxiety quietly Entanglement her heart like vines.
Dugu Yan saw all of this. One day during a training break, she found Yan Zu, who was instructing Xiao Wu on her cultivation, and pulled him aside.
"Little Brother A-Zu, there's something I'd like to talk to you about." Dugu Yan's expression was unusually serious.
"Sister Yanyan, what do you say?" Yan Zu gestured for Xiao Wu to practice on her own, then looked intently at Dugu Yan.
"It's about Lingling," Dugu Yan said in a low voice. "As you've seen, everyone's progress has been rapid lately, but Lingling —she seems to be falling behind. I'm not saying she's not working hard enough; quite the opposite, she's more diligent than anyone else. But—"
She paused, a look of worry in her eyes. "Lingling's Martial Soul, Nine Heart Begonia, you know about it, right? That curse that only two survived in a generation, and the inherent fragility of Healing System Soul Master."
I'm worried that if this continues, the gap between her and the team will widen, and she might even start to feel like a burden. Besides, I heard Lingling mention before that her family has had a very difficult time because of this flaw in their Martial Soul; they are small in number and face immense pressure.
Yan Zu listened quietly, his face showing little surprise. He nodded. "Sister Yanyan, I understand your concerns. I've actually been keeping an eye on Lingling's situation."
"Then—do you have a way?" Hope ignited in Dugu Yan's eyes. "Like how you helped me and Grandpa, and Rongrong and Oscar? I know this might take a lot of your effort and resources, but Lingling is really good. She's resilient, kind-hearted, and wholeheartedly devoted to the team. She's a trustworthy partner. If possible—"
Yan Zu pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Sister Yanyan, helping my companion is my duty. I also have some understanding of the Nine Heart Begonia's flaws, so I'm not entirely without ideas. However, some things cannot be rushed."
Seeing Dugu Yan's puzzled look, he explained, "First, Lingling's Martial Soul problem stems from its inherited rules and fundamental composition, which is far more complex than simply compensating for ordinary flaws, requiring more thorough preparation and a suitable opportunity. Second—"
His gaze fell on the other side of the training ground, where Ye Lingling was practicing Soul Power control alone. Her profile appeared cool and focused in the sunlight.
"I'm more interested to see how Lingling will choose when faced with this seemingly unfair setback," Yan Zu's voice was calm and profound. "Will she blame fate, give up on herself, and turn her resentment into jealousy or alienation towards her companions? Or will she calm down, continue to work hard, do her best based on what she has, and accept the help of her companions with equanimity?"
"A person's true character is often revealed most clearly during adversity and setbacks. If she chooses the former, then even if I help her solve her Martial Soul problem, she might still waver or even betray me due to other setbacks in the future. Such a..."
"Even if we invest more resources to cultivate our partners, the risks are too great."
"If she chooses the latter," a hint of admiration flashed in Yan Zu's eyes, "Then such a resilient, grateful person, who can maintain her integrity and keep moving forward even in the depths of despair, truly deserves our full support and will undoubtedly become one of the team's most reliable pillars in the future."
Dugu Yan suddenly realized, and her admiration for Yan Zu's foresight grew even stronger. Indeed, power can be bestowed, but character is hard to change. The core of a team is not only its strength, but also the unreserved trust and reliance among its members.
"I understand." Dugu Yan nodded. "I believe Lingling won't let you down. However, A-Zu, if possible, please pay more attention to Lingling, even if it's just simple guidance or encouragement. She might need that right now."
"Don't worry, Sister Yanyan, I know what to do," Yan Zu replied with a smile.
Over the next few days, Yan Zu began to consciously observe Ye Lingling.
He discovered that this aloof girl had been cultivating for longer than anyone else, and her control over the precision and range of the Nine Heart Begonia's healing techniques was meticulous.
When Ning Rongrong or Oscar excitedly share their insights on the new Soul Skill, she listens quietly, occasionally asking questions about healing coordination. Her eyes are filled only with genuine joy for her partners' progress and her expectation for the team to become stronger, without a trace of gloom.
What moved Yan Zu even more was that during a team training exercise, Zhu Zhuqing was injured by Simulation attack due to a mistake while trying a new tactic. Ye Lingling treated her almost instantly, with astonishing speed.
When Yan Zu asked her about it later, she whispered that she had practiced her fastest healing response in various situations countless times in private, because she knew that her attack power was weak, so she had to make sure that she could protect her companions at any time.
On several occasions, Yan Zu noticed Ye Lingling gently stroking the petals of the Nine Heart Begonia in a secluded corner, a hint of undisguised loneliness and anxiety flashing in her eyes. Seeing her companions' strength rapidly increasing, it was impossible for her not to feel anxious at all.
But she never showed these emotions to anyone, nor did she ever complain. Whenever she faced others, she always wore a gentle and serene smile. Behind that smile lay strong self-control and a kind and resilient heart.