She jumped into his arms, clinging to him proudly. While nestled against him, she peeked back at Shui Yue'er and the others, sticking her tongue out mischievously as if to declare: See? Master likes me best!
The playful antics of the girls made the time fly quickly. Soon, the enrollment day was drawing to a close.
Tianshui admitted new students only once a year, for three days.
With Liu Erlong investing heavily in the academy's resources, the quality of education was more than guaranteed.
Just as the sun dipped lower, Shui Bing'er stretched lazily, her voice carrying relief. "Phew… finally. Xue Wu, we're done for the day."
"Mm-hmm." Xue Wu grinned but quickly jabbed her friend's cheek with a finger.
"You liar. Didn't you say you wouldn't hog Instructor Yuan all to yourself? Yet you dragged him for special yoga training all alone!"
Shui Bing'er blushed faintly, but smiled slyly.
"Fufu, but Brother Yuan is mine. You'll see."
She lifted her chin proudly, as if declaring sovereignty, leaving Xue Wu fuming in mock frustration.
Before their bickering could continue, a clear and youthful voice rang out from the distance:
"Wait! Sisters, wait for me!"
Everyone turned their heads. A young girl in a light-green dress was hurrying toward the gates, her small figure moving with urgency.
Yuan Longxuan's eyes narrowed in recognition.
"Oh? That little witch, Ning Rongrong… She's come too? Ah, that's right. Ning Fengzhi, that old fox, mentioned this to me last year."
The night at Tianshui Academy was quiet, with only the sound of crickets outside the courtyard walls. Inside the women's dormitories, warmth and laughter filled the air.
"Little sister, don't be nervous," Shui Bing'er said softly, her eyes full of care as she watched the girl in front of her.
"We're all still here. Take a rest before you do anything else."
She was speaking to a young girl who had just arrived, panting slightly from the long trip. Shui Bing'er couldn't help but feel pity .... such a beautiful young lady, coming here all by herself… in these troubled times, wasn't that dangerous?
"Rong Rong! You're here too!" A surprised voice suddenly broke the silence.
The speaker was Wu Ling, her eyes wide with delight as she rushed forward.
"Wu Ling!" Ning Rongrong gasped happily. "So it really is you!"
The two girls had met briefly two years ago. Though their time together had been short, it was enough for them to recognize each other instantly. They hugged tightly, both overjoyed to reunite.
After the excitement settled, Ning Rongrong politely introduced herself to the older girls nearby.
"Hello sisters, my name is Ning Rongrong. My martial soul is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
I'm twelve years old, already at the twenty-seventh rank, an auxiliary-type spirit master."
The others nodded in approval. Her talent and background were indeed impressive.
Ning Rongrong's eyes soon fell on Yuan Longxuan, the man who had escorted her. "Brother Yuan, is this where I'll be living from now on?"
Before them stood a small but elegant blue-colored residence.
It was two stories tall, not overly large, perhaps one hundred square meters in total. Still, for students, it was a luxurious double dormitory.
"Yes," Yuan Longxuan nodded. "From today, this will be your dorm.
Wu Ling also stays here, so the two of you can keep each other company."
At that moment, Wu Ling emerged from the house, having prepared the room earlier.
"Hehe, Rongrong, come on in! The beds are all ready. Tonight we can sleep together and talk the whole night if we want!"
Laughing, she pulled Ning Rongrong inside. Though their earlier friendship had been brief, both girls considered each other their first true friend, making this reunion especially precious.
Watching the two young ones chatter happily, Han Ruyin, the Dean of Tianshui Academy, couldn't help but sigh.
"They're all such adorable children."
Yuan Longxuan, standing at her side, nodded but added in a quieter tone, "Yes… though Wu Ling's childhood wasn't very happy.
Her father is a selfish nobleman, and her mother was only a servant in his family. Wu Ling has carried many wounds since she was small."
Hearing this, Han Ruyin grew curious. "Then how did you meet Wu Ling?"
Yuan Longxuan shrugged. "It was by chance. She was only six at the time, being hunted down by a group of arrogant noble students.
I happened to pass by and saved her."
His voice turned faintly bitter. "The corruption of this world… sometimes I truly cannot understand it."
Han Ruyin tilted her head, her ice-blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"What about Second Sister Erlong? How did you two meet? Before you arrived, she always talked about you."
Yuan Longxuan smirked. "Guess."
"…Eh?" Han Ruyin blinked, flustered, earning a chuckle from him.
Later that evening, Han Ruyin arrived at her residence. It was a quiet villa located near the western teaching grounds, surrounded by bamboo groves and tall trees.
Unlike the dormitories, this place was serene and elegant, perfect for someone of her position.
She stepped lightly up the stairs, her pale feet as white as jade. Yuan Longxuan was about to leave when her voice suddenly stopped him.
"Brother Yuan… would you like to hear my story?"
Her gaze was shy, almost hesitant at first, but then firmed with determination.
Yuan Longxuan turned back, meeting her eyes. "I would."
She nodded softly. "Then… please, come in."
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