Fang Yang and Tang Wulin reached the gates of Red Mountain Academy. Fang Yang didn't leave right away—instead, he paused outside, waiting.
"Wulin, you go on ahead. I'm waiting for my sister," he said softly.
Tang Wulin nodded in understanding, waved goodbye, and walked off.
Not long after, a glint of silver came dashing out from the direction of the main academic building.
"Na'er, slow down—you'll trip!" Fang Yang called out, his voice brimming with affection.
Na'er still wore her short silver hair. Three years had passed, yet she'd barely changed—only a little taller, still as breathtakingly lovely and adorable as ever. In fact, she looked nothing like someone just a year younger than Fang Yang—more like a forever-young little doll.
She threw herself into Fang Yang's arms, the faint scent of gardenia blooming from her hair.
"Big Brother, I want the noodles you make today," she chirped happily.
"Alright, Na'er. Let's go home—I'll cook for you right away," Fang Yang said, ruffling her hair.
Students passed by on their way out of school, long accustomed to this inseparable pair of siblings.
After being adopted, Na'er had created a stunning miracle on her Martial Soul Awakening Day.
But the miracle wasn't about possessing a powerful martial soul—she had no martial soul at all.
Such a case was exceedingly rare in the entire history of the Douluo Continent.
Without a martial soul, Na'er was enrolled in Red Mountain Academy's ordinary class.
Her extraordinary beauty stirred jealousy among girls and drew excessive attention from boys.
That's when Fang Yang—skipping classes from the Soul Master Class—showed up in her classroom.
He "took care" of her classmates.
Let's just say… the aftermath was brutal. Even a stray dog passing by the classroom door got hit…
After that battle, Fang Yang rose to instant fame.
But since he was a Soul Master Class student, the academy didn't punish him.
From that day on, no one in the entire school—ordinary or soul master class—dared to bully Na'er again.
And ever since Na'er started school, Fang Yang had taken it upon himself to escort her to and from class every day.
Now, hand in hand, they returned home.
To satisfy Na'er's noodle craving, Fang Yang went straight to the kitchen.
Soon, he placed a steaming bowl before her.
"Na'er, eat slowly—it's hot."
She picked up her chopsticks and began eating quietly.
Then—a single tear dropped into the bowl, rippling through the broth.
"Na'er…?"
Fang Yang's heart clenched. He quickly grabbed a tissue and gently wiped her cheek.
"Did I make it badly? I'll cook you another bowl."
Na'er shook her head fiercely. "No… it's just… too good. These are the best noodles I've ever eaten."
She lowered her head, fighting back tears, and finished every strand—even the last drop of soup.
Fang Yang watched her, knowing deep down—this might be the last time he'd cook for her.
"Big Brother… I want to go to the beach," Na'er said softly after setting down her chopsticks.
Fang Yang fell silent, unsure how to respond.
"Please, Big Brother? Just this once?" she pleaded, looking up at him with glistening eyes.
He took a deep breath. "…Alright."
Aolai City was just a small coastal town—but its seaside view was still lovely.
Gentle waves lapped against the shore, their rhythm soothing and calm.
This was the second time Fang Yang had brought Na'er to the beach.
Suddenly, she stopped walking and turned to face him.
"Big Brother… if I left one day—if I went very, very far away… would you miss me?"
"Of course I would," Fang Yang replied without hesitation, his eyes warm with a smile.
He reached out, tucking a windblown strand of silver hair behind her ear.
"You'll always be my little sister."
…
Na'er's face fell. She looked down, her voice trembling.
"What if… you never saw me again?"
"No matter where you are—even across oceans and mountains—I'll find you," he said gently.
"Mm…" Na'er smiled faintly and threw her arms around him, the gardenia scent filling his senses once more.
She whispered against his chest:
"Big Brother… promise me—if I'm really gone one day… don't forget me."
She clung to him, as if letting go would break something irreplaceable.
Fang Yang held her close, then asked softly, "Na'er… when did you regain your memories?"
He felt her body go rigid in his arms.
"Big Brother… what are you talking about?" she looked up, her violet eyes flickering with panic—quickly masked by feigned innocence.
Fang Yang didn't answer. He just kept stroking her silver hair.
After a long silence, Na'er gently pulled away.
"Big Brother… how did you know?"
"You acted perfectly… but some little things gave you away," he sighed.
Before he could say more—silver light erupted around Na'er.
Her innocent, playful aura vanished in an instant—replaced by an air of noble grace and ancient dignity.
"Big Brother… when did you realize?" Her voice remained sweet—but now carried a cool, crystalline edge.
Fang Yang gave a bitter smile. "That night by the sea… when you asked about spirit beasts. And again—at the Spirit Pagoda…"
Na'er's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then why… didn't you say anything?"
"No matter who you are—in my eyes, you'll always be the little sister I need to protect," he said quietly.
Na'er stared at him for a long moment, then asked softly, "What do you want to know? My true identity? My origin? Or…?"
Fang Yang turned his back to her.
"I only have one question: Are you still my sister—Na'er?"
Na'er's voice softened instantly—warm, familiar, filled with that same tender dependence.
"Big Brother… I've always been your Na'er."
Fang Yang's body trembled slightly. He wiped the tears from his eyes.
He now knew—she was the Silver Dragon King's avatar.
But in that moment… he was at peace.
His sister Na'er was still here.
That was enough.
Na'er, too, sensed something shift between them.
After a pause, Fang Yang took a steadying breath and turned back—his face now lit with a gentle, warm smile.
"Na'er… it's time to go home. Mom's probably worried."
Na'er blinked—then beamed brightly.
"Mm! Big Brother, let's go home."
As they walked, Na'er tilted her head to study him.
"Big Brother… were you crying?"
Her voice was soft—but it made Fang Yang freeze mid-step.
"Don't be silly," he said quickly. "The sea wind was just too strong… got sand in my eyes."
Na'er smiled knowingly—but said nothing.
When Fang Yang pushed open the front door, warm lamplight spilled out.
Lin Ximeng stood in the entryway, hands on her hips, brows furrowed.
"Oh, so you're finally back! Do you have any idea how worried I've been?"
Fang Yang immediately bowed his head in repentance. "Mom, I'm sorry! I'll pay attention to the time next time!"
Na'er rushed over and wrapped her arms around Lin Ximeng's, swaying playfully.
"Mama, it's my fault! I wanted to see the ocean—that's why we're late. Don't blame Big Brother~"
Lin Ximeng's scowl melted instantly. She sighed, stroking Na'er's hair.
"Alright, alright—I'll let it slide… this time. But if it happens again, just wait and see!"
Fang Yang nodded earnestly.
"Mom… there won't be a next time. This is the last time…"
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