Decisions for Love
"Indeed, this must be fate."
Gu Yue's eyes held a faint, nostalgic glimmer as she recalled their past encounters with Yao Xuan. "Even before his Dragon God bloodline awakened, our meeting wasn't due to some bloodline pull, but the guidance of destiny. I feel incredibly lucky!"
"Na'er and I share the same feeling about him," she continued, a thoughtful expression on her face. "So, we both come out on top. I've fallen for Yao Xuan, and Na'er doesn't have to fear me causing him harm."
"But," Gu Yue paused, her gaze sharpening slightly with concern, "according to my memories, Yao Xuan also holds deep feelings for Na'er. So, if either of us were to disappear completely, wouldn't he surely be heartbroken?"
"Yes, absolutely," Gu Yue confirmed, her tone firm. "He cherishes Na'er just as deeply. Therefore, merging entirely with Na'er without preserving my own identity would be unfair and hurt him."
"The best solution," Gu Yue mused, her eyes sparkling with determination, "is for both Na'er and me to continue to exist, maintaining our distinct personalities and forms, while integrating our power sources to reach the ultimate 'Perfect Gu Yue Na'er' state."
However, a barrier remained. "My current strength is insufficient to achieve this complete integration. I must acquire the 'Dragon God Core' left behind by the Dragon God. Of course, there's no need to rush; Na'er and I can cultivate independently too. But it is crucial."
She paused, a trace of uncertainty flickering in her beautiful eyes. "Furthermore, although I can sense that the 'Dragon God Core' exists within this world, its precise location remains unknown! This is another critical factor."
"So, finding the 'Dragon God Core' swiftly, enhancing my cultivation, and strengthening myself to keep pace with Yao Xuan are my two primary tasks now," Gu Yue concluded, a renewed sense of purpose filling her. With that, she settled into cultivation, her soul power flowing gently, ready to be refined and strengthened.
Meanwhile, Yao Xuan, deep in concentration, focused his mind, clearing his thoughts, and began to activate the Creation Soul Forging Technique. A vast expanse of pure, refined soul power surged towards his dantian, captured, condensed, transported, and meticulously refined. The sea of soul power within his dantian steadily expanded, while his ancestral dragon bloodline underwent continuous tempering, growing stronger with each passing moment.
Two hours later.
The digital readout confirmed the result: His soul power level had indeed reached the revered Grand Sage Grade (Final Stage). A faint, subtle tremor emanated from his body as the final barriers of the Grand Sage Grade were solidified.
A wave of profound exhaustion washed over him, his eyelids feeling heavy. The rigorous training demanded immense focus and energy. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay alert.
His eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the surrounding area. The training grounds were empty, but the threat remained ever-present. Tang San, the God Realm, and the looming abyss invasion were Damocles' swords hanging over his head.
Strength... strength was the only guarantee of peace. Only true power could ensure he and Gu Yue could live their lives without constant fear.
With a final, resolute exhale, he allowed himself a moment's rest, his mind already planning his next steps – seeking out more powerful artifacts, searching for ancient techniques, and cultivating his ancestral dragon bloodline without rest.
Six o'clock came sooner than they anticipated.
Yao Xuan and Gu Yue, refreshed and ready, left their respective rooms as agreed. They met at the entrance, their eyes meeting in a silent understanding. A shared smile played on their lips.
"Morning, Gu Yue," Yao Xuan greeted, his tone warm.
"Good morning, Yao Xuan," Gu Yue replied, her smile radiant.
They held hands and walked towards the restaurant building of the Celestial Phoenix Douluo Guild.
Compared to the earlier lunch, the dinner portion felt more substantial, and the dishes were even more exquisite, showcasing the culinary prowess of the Celestial Phoenix Douluo Guild. The ambiance was pleasant, and the conversation flowed easily, filled with the simple joys of the day and shared plans.
After dinner, the Celestial Phoenix Douluo Guild did not assign any tasks to the two of them, allowing them a rare moment of freedom.
"Gu Yue, shall we go for a stroll in Shrek City?" Yao Xuan suggested, looking at her with affectionate eyes.
"Sure, let's go together," Gu Yue agreed happily. "I know the city well, so I can show you around. But I need to change first, wait for me."
"Okay, I'll wait for you," Gu Yue nodded, her heart light with anticipation. She turned and headed back towards her room.
Yao Xuan stood outside the main hall, watching her retreating figure. Gu Yue was truly beautiful, and seeing her in this moment of casual preparation only made her more endearing. He suppressed a smile.
A few moments later, Gu Yue emerged again. She wore a simple, elegant white long dress that accentuated her slender figure. It was comfortable and practical for walking, yet still reflected her unique grace.
"Ready?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Yao Xuan looked up, his expression softening. She was indeed ready.
"Let's go, Gu Yue," he said, his hand naturally finding hers as they walked towards the nearby commercial district.
They wandered through the bustling streets of Shrek City, the night sky above casting a warm glow onto the vibrant scene below. Yao Xuan pointed out various landmarks and interesting shops, while Gu Yue listened intently, occasionally sharing her own memories or opinions.
"Over here," Gu Yue said, guiding them to a brightly lit section of the commercial street. "There's a famous ice cream shop. Want to try something?"
"Sounds good, I haven't tried any yet," Yao Xuan admitted, feeling the slight emptiness in his stomach.
They sat at a small outdoor table, enjoying the sweet, cooling flavors. The simple pleasure of the moment was something Yao Xuan cherished.
After a few more minutes of leisurely strolling, Gu Yue pointed towards the Spirit Tower headquarters.
"Yao Xuan, do you still want to visit the Shrek Academy?" she asked.
"No, not really," Yao Xuan sighed slightly. His original plan had been to visit the school, but upon arriving in Shrek City, he realized the academy was closed to outsiders, making it impossible. Besides, he needed to focus his energy on cultivation, and visiting the school might draw unnecessary attention or stir up old memories.
"Alright, then how about we just keep exploring?" Gu Yue suggested, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Good idea," Yao Xuan agreed. They continued walking, the sounds of the city mingling with the comfortable silence between them.
As they walked, Yao Xuan couldn't help but feel a profound sense of happiness. He had found Gu Yue, his beautiful partner, and they were living a relatively peaceful life. He cherished these moments. Yet, within the depths of his heart, he also held the unyielding resolve: he would train tirelessly, surpass all limits, and only then could he truly protect this hard-earned peace, protect Gu Yue, and ensure their love endured forever.
The journey ahead would undoubtedly be fraught with danger, but as long as he held onto the promise he had made to Gu Yue – to become strong enough to keep her safe – he knew they could face any challenge together.