Rongrong Arrives at Nuoding and Meets Them for the First Time

Year's end.

On New Year's Eve, in a small courtyard in the west of the city.

Su Qing prepared a lavish New Year's Eve dinner, and Yan Hu had bought firecrackers especially for the occasion. Xiao Wu helped set out the bowls and chopsticks, chattering about amusing things that had happened at the academy.

Fine snow drifted past the windows, while warmth filled the house.

Yan Zu gazed at the heartwarming scene before him, his heart serene. Three years had passed. His parents were healthy, Xiao Wu was by his side, his strength was steadily improving, and the Core Flame of civilization was quietly being sown.

Though the road ahead was still strewn with thorns-Tang San's hostility, the pressure from Spirit Hall, Tang Hao's shadow, and the covetous gazes of various factions-at least for now, he was safe and at peace.

"A-Zu, what are you daydreaming about?" Su Qing placed a piece of braised pork in his bowl. "Eat more. You've grown taller again."

Yan Hu raised his wine cup and smiled. "Come, here's to our family being safe and sound in the new year, and to things getting better and better!"

"Safe and sound!" Xiao Wu raised her juice, her eyes curving into crescent moons.

Yan Zu raised his bowl and gently clinked it against those of his family.

"Mm, safe and sound."

Snow fell silently, covering the streets and alleys of Nuoding City, as well as the upheavals of the past year. The new year, however, was destined to be anything but peaceful.

When the morning bell rang in the fourth academic year, Yan Zu had just turned ten.

The boy had shot up to over five chi, his shoulders and back straight as a pine. Even as he walked, he carried himself with a bearing as profound as a still pool and as steadfast as a mountain. Having cultivated the Nine Yin Manual to the seventh level, his skin was lustrous as jade and his dark eyes deep as pools. Even dressed in a coarse-cloth uniform, he possessed something of the refined elegance of a young master from a distinguished family.

Xiao Wu, meanwhile, had completely shed her childishness. The eleven-year-old girl had a graceful figure, her long pink hair woven into an exquisite scorpion-tail braid that reached her hips. Liveliness and delicate beauty mingled in her features; only when she looked at Yan Zu did she still show that tender, clinging affection reserved for him alone.

On the first day of school, as Yan Zu completed his check-in, the system notification rang out especially clearly:

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for reaching the ten-year growth milestone and triggering the annual critical-hit reward!]

[Obtained: Bond · Same-Heart Pendants (10)]

[Effect: Each pendant can be bound to one bonded person. After binding, the person's Soul Power recovery speed increases by 20% and skill cooldowns are reduced by 10% while they are beside the host. When a bonded person encounters mortal danger, the host can activate "Teleportation Protection" (once per month, instantly teleporting to the person's side and releasing a Qilin Shield).]

Yan Zu turned over his palm, revealing ten lustrous white jade pendants lying quietly upon it. Each was carved with an intertwined pattern of Qilin and auspicious clouds, their sheen warm and understated.

He immediately took two, tying one around Xiao Wu's waist and wearing the other next to his skin. The instant the pendants touched their skin, an invisible mental connection formed between them, closer than the Auspicious Beast Same-Heart Talisman, as though they could sense each other's heartbeats.

"Little Brother A-Zu, what's this?" Xiao Wu asked, curiously fiddling with the pendant at her waist.

"A protective charm." Yan Zu straightened her collar. "From now on, no matter where you are, I'll be able to sense whether you're safe."

Xiao Wu's eyes curved into crescent moons. She rose on tiptoe and planted a light kiss on his cheek. "Then I'll protect Little Brother A-Zu too!"

As the first ray of morning light of the fourth academic year pierced the ancient walls of Nuoding City, a luxurious carriage drawn by four snow-white steeds slowly entered the city gate, surrounded by more than ten guards with restrained, weighty presences.

The carriage was crafted from precious agarwood, and its curtains were made of moonlight gauze from the southern reaches of the Star Luo Empire, shimmering faintly silver in the morning light.

On the side of the carriage, a pagoda emblem inlaid with seven-colored gemstones glittered in the rising sun-it was the mark of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the wealthiest of the Upper Three Sects.

Inside, Ning Rongrong leaned against the carriage window, curiously studying the little city so different from Heaven Dou Imperial City, where she had lived since childhood.

The girl was eleven this year. She wore a light-purple embroidered dress, with a silk sash set with soul-conducting crystals around her waist. Her long black hair was arranged in exquisite twin buns and secured with jade hairpins.

Her skin was so fair it was almost translucent, and her features were as delicate as a porcelain doll's. Her clear, glasslike eyes were especially lively, with the charming innocence and pride of someone who had grown up pampered.

"Daddy, is this Nuoding City? It looks so... plain." Ning Rongrong wrinkled her little nose.

Ning Fengzhi, seated opposite her, lowered the book in his hands-it was the latest hardcover illustrated edition of The Song of Roland, its cover depicting the valiant knight Roland standing guard with sword in hand, so vividly he seemed alive.

He smiled gently. "Rongrong, Nuoding City may be small, but it hides crouching tigers and coiled dragons. The Mr. Wen Yansheng you've been longing to meet, as well as those ingenious Soul Tools, all came from here."

At the mention of Wen Yansheng, Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up at once. "Daddy, can we really meet Mr. Wen Yansheng? I read Star Dou Night Tales again last night. That fox was so clever! And Knight Roland's oath in The Song of Roland... I can recite it all!"

As she spoke, she actually began to recite: "'I shall protect the weak and never look down on them for being commoners; I shall honor my agreements and never break a promise for the sake of gain...' Daddy, someone who wrote words like that must be very gentle and amazing, right?"

"Rongrong," Ning Fengzhi said gravely, "I'm sending you to Nuoding Academy in the hope that you can settle your mind and study, and make true friends. As for Mr. Wen Yansheng... if fate truly wills it, you'll meet him. But remember, you mustn't force it and cause him trouble."

"I know, Daddy!" Ning Rongrong nodded obediently, though her eyes sparkled with eagerness.

The carriage stopped in front of Nuoding Academy.

The academy dean, the director of instruction, and a group of teachers, who had already received word, were waiting at the entrance.

When they saw Ning Fengzhi personally step out of the carriage, they hurried to bow in greeting-the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had come in person, an unprecedented honor for Nuoding Academy.

"Sect Master Ning, your esteemed visit brings radiance to our humble academy." The dean's respectful tone carried a note of excitement.

Ning Fengzhi returned the greeting with scholarly grace. "You're too courteous, Dean. My daughter is rather unruly; I must ask your academy to take great care of her from now on."

While they exchanged pleasantries, Ning Rongrong had already hopped down from the carriage and was curiously examining the academy buildings.

A bluestone wall, an old-fashioned teaching building, a somewhat worn playground... everything was far removed from the "Soul Master Academy" she had imagined.

But when she thought of the wonderful stories and miraculous Soul Tools that had come from here, everything before her seemed to take on an air of mystery.

Suddenly, her gaze was drawn to two figures walking side by side along the academy's main path.

The boy walking in front was about ten, with a lean, upright figure. He wore a coarse-cloth uniform washed pale with age, yet it could not conceal a composure beyond his years.

His face was still boyish, but his dark eyes were calm as water, as though they could see through everything. Most remarkable of all was the little jade-colored beast lying on his shoulder, about the size of a puppy. Its body was crystalline and lustrous, with deer antlers and a cow's tail, and it was yawning lazily.

The girl beside him looked eleven or twelve. Her long pink hair was woven into a lively scorpion-tail braid, and her features were delicate and lovely. Her large eyes, especially, were clear and spirited, every glance full of charm.

She stayed close against the boy, occasionally turning her head to talk and laugh with him, her expression full of trust and affection.

Though the two were plainly dressed, walking together they possessed a harmonious, dazzling radiance, as though everything around them had become a backdrop.

"Who are they?" Ning Rongrong asked without thinking.

The dean followed her gaze and smiled.

"Those are Yan Zu and Xiao Wu, the finest students our academy has had in recent years. Student Yan Zu not only excels in every theory class, but is also exceptionally gifted in Soul Beast identification and cultural studies. Student Xiao Wu is extremely capable in actual combat. The two have been partners for years and work together seamlessly."

Ning Fengzhi's gaze fell on the little jade-colored beast on Yan Zu's shoulder, and his pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

As a level seventy-nine Soul Saint and the owner of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul, his perception of Soul Power and Martial Souls far surpassed that of ordinary people. The vitality and auspicious presence the little beast radiated were incredibly pure.

Ning Rongrong, however, was focused on something entirely different. She stared at Yan Zu's still-youthful face, already showing the outlines of handsome features, then looked at the almost excessively adorable little beast on his shoulder. Her eyes grew brighter and brighter.

"Daddy, that little animal is so cute! What kind of Soul Beast is it? Can I pet it?"

Ning Fengzhi came back to himself and rubbed his daughter's hair helplessly. "Rongrong, don't be rude. That should be Student Yan Zu's Martial Soul."

"His Martial Soul?!" Ning Rongrong's eyes widened in surprise. She had never seen a Martial Soul that could exist outside its owner's body and was so lively.

Just then, Yan Zu and Xiao Wu arrived before them. Seeing the dean, Ning Fengzhi, and the others, they stopped and bowed politely.

"Hello, Dean, teachers, and Sect Master Ning."

Yan Zu's voice was clear and steady, neither servile nor overbearing. His gaze passed over Ning Fengzhi as though he were merely looking at an ordinary elder.

The appreciation in Ning Fengzhi's eyes deepened. On meeting someone of his standing, this boy showed not a trace of fear or flattery, only calm respect. Such character was anything but ordinary.

"Student Yan Zu, Student Xiao Wu," the dean said, introducing them, "Sect Master Ning has brought his daughter here to study today. She'll be your classmate from now on."

His gaze fell on Ning Rongrong at Ning Fengzhi's side. The girl was studying him and Little Jade on his shoulder with wide, curious eyes. The moment their eyes met, Ning Rongrong suddenly spoke.

"You're Yan Zu? I've heard Daddy talk about you! Is the little beast on your shoulder your Martial Soul? It's so cute! And... do you know Mr. Wen Yansheng?"

The questions came in a rapid-fire barrage, carrying the frankness and charming innocence particular to a young girl.

Yan Zu merely smiled faintly, his tone still gentle. "Hello, Student Ning. This is my Martial Soul. I call her Little Jade. As for Mr. Wen Yansheng... I have indeed passed on manuscripts for him a few times, but he lives in seclusion and dislikes receiving visitors. I've only heard his name; I've never met him."

Ning Rongrong was not disappointed. Instead, her eyes grew even brighter. "Then you must have read all of his works? My favorites are Knight Roland's oath in The Song of Roland and that wise fox in Star Dou Night Tales! What do you think?"

She looked at Yan Zu expectantly, as though she had found a kindred spirit.

Yan Zu pondered for a moment before saying, "What Roland's oath protects is the Core Flame of civilization, not just one city or place. The fox's wisdom lies in resolving conflict rather than bringing about slaughter. Mr. Wen Yansheng's writing seems simple, but it actually contains reflections on peace, wisdom, and responsibility. That you could read these things in it already puts you above many readers who only seek entertainment."

Ning Rongrong was stunned.

When she had been in Heaven Dou City, the children of the nobility who mentioned Wen Yansheng would either make a show of sophistication by offering a few compliments about his "beautiful prose," or sneer dismissively that his work was "stuff for amusing children."

No one had ever, like Yan Zu, so precisely laid bare the deeper meaning behind those stories.

"You... you really think so?" Her voice softened, carrying a certain delight at finding someone who shared her feelings.

Yan Zu nodded. "The power of words lies in provoking thought. If readers see only the surface, that is the author's failure; if readers can reflect deeply on the meaning within, that is where the value of writing lies."

These words moved even Ning Fengzhi slightly. He gave Yan Zu a long look and suddenly felt that perhaps sending his daughter to Nuoding Academy really had been the right decision.