Encounter with Hou Yuhao

The entrance to the Star Dou Forest was bustling with activity, the air filled with the mingling scents of earth and fresh foliage. Towering trees cast long shadows under the waning afternoon sun, forming a vast green labyrinth that only the brave or foolish dared to enter alone. For us, it was just another step toward growing stronger.

"Xiao Tian, let's hurry!" Tang Ya called, her excitement palpable as she nearly dragged me toward the forest. "I can't wait to find my third spirit ring!"

Jiang Nannan chuckled beside me, keeping pace with ease. "At least wait until we get past the main road, Tang Ya. We don't want to draw too much attention."

I sighed but allowed myself to be pulled along. We had trained for this moment for years, and now that Tang Ya had finally gotten permission to add her 3rd spirit ring, she was more eager than ever to take the next step. I couldn't blame her; this was the beginning of a new phase in our journey.

As we neared the forest's entrance, my attention was caught by a lone figure standing off to the side. He looked young, maybe around our age, with unkempt dark blue hair and a lean frame. His clothes were worn, and a small, almost imperceptible flicker of wariness danced in his pale gold eyes. Despite his calm exterior, I could tell he was nervous.

It was Huo Yuhao—a boy from the White Tiger Duke's lineage but rejected by his own family, forced to struggle alone with his mother until her death. Now, he was chasing a future at Shrek Academy, just like us.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you. My name is Xiao Tian, and these are my companions, Tang Ya and Nannan." I introduced us, taking a step toward him.

Huo Yuhao glanced at me, his body tensing slightly before he exhaled and nodded. "I'm Huo Yuhao. Just… preparing dinner. You are welcome to join me."

Tang Ya stepped forward with a bright grin. "Thank you, Yuhao."

Xiaoya's love for food was undeniable. There was nothing I could do about it, and besides, it was getting dark. Entering the forest now would be dangerous, so the four of us ended up sharing a huge meal. I had to admit—Huo Yuhao's cooking skills were extraordinary. We rested by the river for the night, with me keeping watch.

Just before the morning light, I noticed Huo Yuhao stirring. He slowly got up, trying to slip away unnoticed.

"Are you going in alone?" I asked, my voice low but firm.

Startled, he turned around and looked in my direction. "I have to." There was a stubborn determination in his voice. "If I don't get a spirit ring, I can't cultivate properly. If I can't cultivate, I can't enter Shrek Academy."

His resolve was admirable, but it was also reckless. The Star Dou Forest wasn't a place for those without experience. Even we, despite our training, knew to tread carefully.

"You know, joining a group would be safer. Why not stick with us?" I suggested.

Huo Yuhao hesitated, his gaze flickering between us. "I… appreciate the offer, but this is something I have to do on my own."

There was something in his tone that made me respect his decision. "Alright," I said, nodding. "Just be careful. The Star Dou Forest isn't forgiving."

He gave a small smile before turning and heading deeper into the forest.

A few hours later, Xiaoya and Nannan woke up and immediately scolded me for letting Yuhao go alone. It was quickly decided that we would look for him and help him obtain his spirit ring.

After half an hour of searching, we found traces of a battle on the path leading deeper into the forest. If I wasn't mistaken, this was where Yuhao had been attacked by a ten-year-old Wind Baboon, nearly losing his life.

Just as we picked up our pace, a distant pulse of energy caught my attention. It was faint but distinct, as if something powerful had been awakened deep within the forest.

Tang Ya must have sensed it too through her connection with the Blue Silver Grass network, as she turned toward me, eyes wide. "Did you feel that?"

I nodded. "Something happened. We should check it out."

Before we could move, a strange wave of energy passed through the area. For a moment, everything in the field of energy stood still. From what I had seen in the Donghua, this seemed to be the work of Tian Meng Ice Silk Worm, blocking off everyone's perception within its domain.

I wasn't sure how long we were frozen, but no one except me seemed to notice. Maybe it was due to my strong mental power from my reincarnation or EVE protecting my mind.

We moved swiftly, following the lingering trace of the energy. As we drew closer, we found an open clearing—and in its center, lying unconscious on the ground, was Huo Yuhao, with a dead Wind Baboon beside him.

Tang Ya gasped and rushed to his side. "Huo Yuhao! Are you okay?!"

I crouched down, examining him closely. His breathing was stable, but his body trembled slightly, as if overwhelmed by something beyond physical exhaustion.

A moment later, his eyes fluttered open. He blinked, momentarily dazed, before his gaze settled on us. "You… came for me?"

Tang Ya huffed. "Of course we did! What kind of people would we be if we left a little brother who treated us to food?"

Huo Yuhao's expression softened. "...Brother?"

I could see something shift in him at that word. He had spent so long alone, carrying his burdens by himself. But now, for the first time, someone was willing to reach out.

Tang Ya grinned. "Say, since we helped you, how about you return the favor? Join the Tang Sect!"

"Tang Sect?" he repeated, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Yup!" she nodded. "If you join us, we'll help you enter Shrek Academy without having to take the entrance test. You'll have a place where you belong—a big brother, two big sisters, and even a Grandpa!"

Huo Yuhao looked at her, then at me and Nannan. He hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Alright. I'll join."

Tang Ya cheered, pulling him to his feet. "Welcome to the Tang Sect, little brother!"

As she spoke, I watched the flicker of warmth in Huo Yuhao's eyes. Maybe this wasn't just about getting stronger anymore. Maybe, for him, this was the first step toward finding a true home.