Fang Yang led Na'er by the hand, returning to Zhuo Shi's humble wooden cabin.
Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi awaited inside.
When Fang Yang and Na'er appeared, Wu Zhangkong's emerald eyes flickered with surprise: "Fang Yang—you?"
"Teacher Wu, Teacher Shen," Fang Yang bowed respectfully, voice steady as ever.
Na'er stood quietly beside him, nodding demurely.
"Hm," Wu Zhangkong acknowledged, gaze lingering on Fang Yang.
Shen Yi stepped forward, gentle: "Fang Yang—did you see Master?"
"Elder Zhuo Shi…" Fang Yang paused, then replied, "He should return shortly."
"Understood," Shen Yi nodded.
"Fang Yang! You're back!"
Xie Xie burst from the cabin, scanning him anxiously. "You alright? That commotion was huge!"
"I'm fine—no need to worry," Fang Yang smiled calmly.
Gu Yue, Xu Xiaoyan, Tang Wulin, Zhang Yangzi, and Wang Jinxi followed Xie Xie out.
Concern and curiosity etched on every face.
"Fang Yang—are you hurt?" Tang Wulin asked, eyes earnest.
Fang Yang shook his head, sweeping his gaze over them: "I'm well. Sorry to worry you."
Gu Yue studied him silently, black eyes probing.
He felt her unspoken questions—her quiet dread.
Xu Xiaoyan blinked wide-eyed: "What happened just now?"
Zhang Yangzi and Wang Jinxi said nothing—but their stares demanded answers.
"It's resolved—nothing to concern yourselves with," Fang Yang deflected, tone final.
They nodded in tacit understanding—they knew his silence meant purpose.
"Alright—Fang Yang's safe. Give him space," Shen Yi smoothed tensions.
"We'll regroup when Master returns."
As they dispersed, Xie Xie's eyes locked onto the silver-haired girl beside Fang Yang.
"Hey, Fang Yang—introduce us!"
Fang Yang's face softened.
He draped an arm around Na'er's shoulders: "Everyone—this is my sister, Na'er."
Na'er beamed, voice chiming like bells: "Hello! I'm Na'er!"
Her silver hair glowed in sunlight, aura pure, radiant.
"Welcome, Na'er!" they greeted warmly, smiles bright.
Soon, Na'er charmed them all—her innocence and vivacity winning hearts instantly.
---
Footsteps echoed.
Zhuo Shi appeared.
"Master!" Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi rushed to greet him, respect shining in their eyes.
Zhuo Shi waved them off, gaze sweeping the group: "Let's go inside, we'll talk there."
The cabin fell silent—air thick with tension.
"Master—what happened on Sea God Island?" Wu Zhangkong asked first.
"Resolved—a minor issue. No threat to the Academy," Zhuo Shi replied curtly.
Wu Zhangkong nodded, though doubt lingered.
Shen Yi checked the sky: "Master—it's late. We'll take the children back."
"Go," Zhuo Shi agreed, eyes fixed on Fang Yang—thoughtful.
Wu Zhangkong understood but said nothing.
After farewells, Fang Yang's group left Sea God Island with their teachers.
They boarded a simple wooden boat, gliding across Sea God Lake.
By day, the lake gleamed like a sapphire, life thrumming in its waves.
Cool mist kissed their skin—serenity absolute.
Back in the Outer Court, Shen Yi halted:
"We leave you here."
"Thank you, Teachers!" they chorused.
---
Private Dormitory
Fang Yang sat cross-legged on his bed, eyes closed, mind focused.
He felt the torrent of life energy within him—gentle yet immense, nourishing meridians, organs, bones.
Elder Jin's gratitude—gifted without hesitation.
"Golden Dragon King's divine core…" he murmured.
Tang San left no trace on it—but could still sense its presence.
"This isn't sustainable…"
His consciousness plunged into the Heavenly Flame Orb's realm.
Reality twisted—the Heavenly Flame Plaza materialized:
23 towering pillars wreathed in apocalyptic flames.
At the plaza's heart, Fang Yang conceived a radical plan:
Self-sundering—one soul, two paths.
- Main body: Heavenly Flame Emperor
- Divided soul: Golden Dragon King's core—pure physical ascension.
He focused, tearing a fragment from his soul.
AGONY—
Soul-rending pain seared through him.
He gritted his teeth, sweat beading on his pallid face, forcing the Golden Dragon King's core from his flesh.
The core floated before him—radiating cataclysmic power.
He injected the sundered soul fragment into it.
GOLDEN RUNES FLARED—a second Fang Yang coalesced—identical in form, yet aura utterly distinct.
Two paths diverged:
- Original: Lord of Ten Thousand Flames
- Avatar: Titan of Body Refinement.
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