Focus Stones were a type of exceedingly rare mineral, known for their mysterious properties. They constantly emitted a subtle, distinctive fragrance—one with an almost magical quality.
Just being in its presence seemed to calm the spirit and still the mind, clearing away anxiety and restlessness in an instant. For the critical moment of Martial Soul Awakening, the tranquil aura created by the scent of Focus Stones was nothing short of invaluable.
This calming effect stabilized the awakening process, greatly reducing the risk of any unexpected mishaps.
After all, awakening one's Martial Soul marked a defining point in the life of any soul master—one in which even the slightest error could prove catastrophic.
Naturally, such premium treatment wasn't something the average person could ever dream of receiving.
That was why this Awakening Chamber, fitted with Focus Stone pillars, was considered a rare and treasured sanctuary—not just in Haiyuan City, but across the surrounding regions as well.
At that moment, within the silent, rune-engraved chamber, a few figures stood quietly.
Zhang Lexuan had arrived before him. She turned to look at Lu Jingming with a bright, cheerful smile. Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she playfully blinked at him—her lively charm on full display.
Lu Jingming couldn't help but feel a trace of helplessness. The girl before him—vivacious, animated, full of youthful zest—was a far cry from the calm, composed, and elegant senior disciple of Shrek Academy he remembered from the original timeline.
Then again, it made sense.
Ever since Lu Jingming had arrived in this world, the course of Zhang Lexuan's life had veered completely off its original path.
In the previous timeline, she had been burdened with the weight of her family's vengeance, wandering alone through hardship after hardship until she was fortuitously discovered by Dragon God Douluo Mu En and brought into Shrek Academy.
To achieve her revenge, she had even signed a soul contract with Mu En, placing her future in the hands of Bei Bei.
But now, even though she had still suffered the pain of losing loved ones, Lu Jingming's appearance had changed everything.
Under the sharp, sweeping blade of Jingliu's sword, her enemies had been obliterated, and the chains of hatred that once bound her were shattered completely.
Lu Jingming hadn't expected that the sole survivor of the Zhang family—his family's long-time allies—would turn out to be none other than the very same Zhang Lexuan from the original story.
From the surviving elders of the City Lord's Manor, Lu Jingming had learned that the Zhang family's ancestors had migrated across the sea from the Sun-Moon Empire, and were once taken in by a former Lu clan patriarch, despite opposition from many. Since then, the two families had forged an unbreakable bond.
Zhang Lexuan's father and Lu Jingming's father had even sworn brotherhood in life and death. The two clans had arranged a betrothal between their children early on. Though Lu Jingming was nine years younger than her, that difference meant little to soul masters, who lived far longer than ordinary folk.
From a young age, Zhang Lexuan had been clever and sweet. After awakening her Martial Soul, she'd even displayed innate full soul power. Lu Jingming's parents had always been quite satisfied with their future daughter-in-law.
At first, Lu Jingming had only wanted to quell the rebellion in Haiyuan City—but by sheer coincidence, he ended up rescuing his fiancée, Zhang Lexuan.
Because of his memories from his past life—and the deep ties between their families—he didn't hesitate to bring her into the City Lord's Manor under his protection, personally arranging for her to become a disciple of Jingliu.
Their drastically different life experiences naturally shaped their distinct personalities. What's more, Zhang Lexuan was currently only fifteen—still a full eight years younger than the mature version he remembered. She was, for now, still in the radiant springtime of her youth.
Standing beside Zhang Lexuan was the first character Lu Jingming had summoned after arriving in this world—a figure from a game in his past life.
Jingliu.
The peerless sword immortal who had once turned the tide of battle and quelled the chaos of Haiyuan City—she hailed from the mobile game Honkai: Star Rail.
Formerly the Sword Champion of Luofu, one of the Five Heroes of the Clouds, she bore the moniker "Immaculate Flying Light", a name known far and wide.
Her long silver hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, loosely tied with a slender blue ribbon. The strands hung freely, exuding a casual, untamed grace.
Her eyes were concealed behind a black blindfold adorned with silver moon motifs, adding an air of enigmatic mystery to her presence.
A crystal earring, shaped like a water droplet, hung from her right ear—and another on her chest and back. With each subtle movement, the earrings swayed gently, glinting with a cold, pale shimmer.
She wore light armor in hues of icy blue and silver. The fitted plating clung to her figure just enough to outline her tall, graceful form.
The attire didn't merely highlight her commanding presence—it enhanced the chilling, awe-inspiring aura that radiated from her like moonlight in the night sky: distant, lofty, untouchable.
Even with her eyes covered, the moment Lu Jingming stepped into the Awakening Chamber, Jingliu turned her head slightly toward him. It was as if the blindfold meant nothing to her—that even without sight, her gaze could pierce through everything and see into the heart of reality.
Lu Jingming met that gaze head-on, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
He wasn't even late this time—yet for reasons he couldn't quite explain, just standing before Jingliu always stirred a faint, guilty feeling deep in his chest.
Thinking about it more closely, he figured it probably had something to do with her strict supervision over him since the age of three. From that young age, she had relentlessly pushed him to train with the sword. Her harsh discipline, repeated day after day, had gradually transformed his initial admiration for this once-idealized "2D waifu" into the kind of tense reverence a student might feel for a stern head teacher.
Just then, the soft pink fox cradled in his arms suddenly kicked off with its hind legs, bursting forth like a streak of rosy lightning. In a blur, it leapt from his embrace and dove straight toward another woman standing inside the Awakening Chamber.
This woman's hair was striking, a cascading gradient that began with gentle pink at the roots and faded seamlessly into pure white, all tied into a high, elegant ponytail.
At the tips, her hair shimmered in a fiery hue reminiscent of a phoenix's brilliant tail feathers—swaying lazily behind her, full of unbothered grace.
Adorning both sides of her hair were delicate, golden three-ring ornaments that glinted under the ambient light, gleaming with a subtle allure.
Her eyes—golden irises lined with intricate black concentric rings—were mesmerizing. Paired with her deep obsidian pupils, they seemed to hold countless untold stories, a depth that could draw one in and never let go.
Her outfit was a masterclass in contrast and design, centering around a bold tri-color palette of black, white, and crimson.
The main piece was a snow-white, off-shoulder dress that clung gently to her form, accentuating her graceful curves with refined elegance. Draped over it was a sleek black cloak that added an air of mystery and poise, while a vivid red stole across her shoulders acted as a perfect flourish—injecting a splash of passionate color that made the entire ensemble come alive.
This carefully coordinated ensemble struck a flawless balance—sensual yet dignified, playful yet composed. She exuded both the spirited charm of youth and the captivating allure of a mature woman in equal measure.
Under Lu Jingming's envious gaze, the little pink fox dove gleefully into the deep, soft valley of her ample bosom without hesitation—its delighted wriggle drawing a flush to his cheeks.