Chapter 29 – “Don’t Move, I’m Just Going to Lean for a Moment~

Unlike Yun Yibai, Feng Xiaotian couldn't be so carefree—Feng had responsibilities: Divine Wind Academy, his parents, and the weight of their legacy. His innate full soul power meant he carried the school's honor.

"Then we settle this in four years."

Four years wasn't arbitrary—it gave both of them time to reach the Soul Ancestor (Húnzōng) level. With enough time to train, whoever lost would have few regrets.

"Four years..."

"Fine!"

"Don't disappoint me by then," Feng warned. "You've already let me down a bit now."

"Hey, don't underestimate me—I am innately full of soul power!"

Yun Yibai: "I only care about results."

Feng fell silent.

"You can visit Divine Wind Academy sometime—if you're welcome."

"Likewise, you're welcome in Tian Dou City to spar with me!"

The Five Elemental Academies' exchange concluded. Yun Yibai didn't take part in many matches, but behind the scenes, Thunderclap Academy's parent clan, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, gained all they wanted.

A month had passed since Yun Yibai's arrival. The moment he stepped back onto the grounds of Blue Tyrant Academy, someone was there waiting.

Yun Yibai's fame had soared in Blue Tyrant Academy—and you know what they say: "Tall trees catch more wind." Word of his return spread fast.

That night, under the full moon at the Thunder Simulation Training Field in the academy's back mountain:

…tap tap tap… footsteps sounded.

"I knew you'd be here!"

"Back to training as soon as you arrive—that's just like you."

A cool, measured voice spoke. Dugu Yan, in her elegant purple cheongsam, carried her distinct charm.

Yun Yibai slowly opened his eyes as the flickering electric strands around them quieted.

"You came!" He stood as if he'd expected her.

"A month away…and your aura feels different. Had a breakthrough again?"

Dugu Yan folded her delicate hands over her chest, her voice playful.

"Made some gains!"

"You are a monster!" she whispered.

She didn't ask what he'd been up to during his absence, nor did she show any resentment. Dugu Yan was smart—though pampered by Dugu Bo, she had graceful manners and poise, unlike other wealthy girls who became spoiled queens of their domains.

"The moon's so full and bright tonight."

Dugu Yan reclined against a thick tree root, gazing at the sky.

Yun Yibai followed her gaze. After returning to the academy, he'd sought solitude here to avoid distractions, and only later had Dugu Yan come to find him.

He quietly sat beside her.

"In some faraway place, people look up at this same bright moon to feel close to loved ones across the miles—though far apart physically, the shared moonlight soothes longing."

"Moonlight carries longing, right, Dad…"

Dugu Yan murmured, memories stirring.

[Flashback]

A younger Dugu Yan asked her grandfather:

"Grandpa, where's Dad?"

Dugu Bo smiled gently: "Your father went to visit your grandma."

He produced a green hourglass. Contained within was sand made from the blood of their Bi‑Lin Snake's royal heir—a unique "life‑sand timer" used to track toxins in the body. Now that he was a Soul Grandmaster (Fēngháo Dòluó), it saw little use.

"Grandpa, what is this?" she asked, curious and innocent.

He hugged her, answering with his chest:

"Yan‑Yan, from now on just we two. No one can bully you or harm you!"

"If they do, Grandpa will bite them back!"

Returning to the present, Yun Yibai felt the weight of Dugu Yan leaning against him. Her head rested lightly on his left shoulder—subtle reliance, like a weary bird finding a safe perch.

"Don't move," she whispered.

"I'll just lean for a moment~" She relaxed gently, breath even, drifting.

Yun Yibai didn't speak. Instead, he tilted his arm around her protectively. Hidden from others' eyes, Dugu Yan smiled quietly.

Time passed. Two years flew by.

[Two Years Later: In Blue Tyrant Academy's Secret Training Hall]

Yun Yibai sat in deep meditation. His churning soul power betrayed restless inner work.

Outside, Oscar—white-haired and anxious—stared at the door:

"Boss, do you think he's okay inside?"

Dugu Yan sat calmly beside him, entirely unbothered.

"Little Oscar, you don't trust him enough, huh? Be careful, he might give you extra tasks when he comes out!" She teased, her words carrying growing allure with age.

"Boss, please stop!" Oscar gasped in mock terror.

"Just wait—that's nothing for him," Dugu Yan assured with gentle confidence.

"A Soul Ancestor (Húnzōng) at fifteen…he's left a huge gap behind."

She thought of her power—Soul Sovereign Level 38, nearly a year ahead of Yun Yibai, despite being numbered only one year older.

Had Yun Yibai stayed purely focused, he might've advanced even faster—but he had bigger ambitions: his Fourth Soul Ring. So he tempered his progress.

"I feel like he's more naturally full-power than me!"

Her words betrayed subtle frustration…but above all, deep admiration.