The trio continued their journey toward what Tang San and Xiao Wu considered the heart of the city, the twilight deepening into a velvety blue overhead, punctuated by the warm glow of lanterns. As they walked, Ning Rongrong found herself irresistibly drawn to Tang San's side.
She clung to his arm, her earlier poise replaced by the unbridled curiosity of a child. "So, tell me everything!" she implored, her eyes glimmering in the lantern light.
"What soul level are you now? It must be impressive! And your martial soul—what is it? Last time, I was too scared to even ask. And your face! You look so different now; you've grown so much taller and... sharper!"
With each question, she unconsciously tightened her grip on his arm, leaning in closer. The physical proximity and the barrage of personal questions were a stark contrast to the reserved child he met in the mountain village.
A few steps away, Xiao Wu felt a hot, prickling sensation crawl up her neck. She watched Ning Rongrong's hands on Tang San's arm, saw how close she was standing, and a strange, uncomfortable feeling coiled in her stomach. I
t was an emotion she couldn't quite name—annoyance? Possessiveness? She bit her lip, suppressing the urge to pull them apart, and instead focused ahead, her steps becoming a little more brisk.
Tang San, for his part, remained the picture of calm politeness. He offered her a patient, if slightly strained, smile. The intensity of her attention was a bit overwhelming, but he answered with characteristic fluidity and care, avoiding his deepest secrets.
"My spirit power is at the fifteenth rank," he said, giving a level that was impressive but not unbelievable for his age.
"Thirteenth? That's wonderful!" Ning Rongrong exclaimed. "And your martial soul?"
"It's Blue Silver Grass," Tang San replied simply.
Ning Rongrong's step faltered for a second, a flicker of confusion on her face. "Blue... Silver Grass?" The common, almost useless spirit was not what she expected from the boy who had seemed so extraordinary even then. But her faith in her hero quickly overrode her surprise. "Oh! It must be a very special strain! I'm sure you've mastered it brilliantly!"
Tang San's smile became a touch more genuine at her immediate, unquestioning support. "I do my best. As for my appearance," he continued, smoothly moving the topic along, "it's just what happens when you grow up. I suppose life at the academy has been good to me."
"But it's such a big change!" she insisted, peering at his face. "You were so... sharp before! Now you look softer!"
Before Tang San had to formulate a response to that, Xiao Wu, who had been silently fuming ahead, suddenly spun around. Her voice was a little too bright. "We're here!"
They had arrived at a large, open plaza, already filling with a cheerful, expectant crowd. In the center of the plaza was a simple but well-constructed wooden stage, adorned with colorful ribbons and lanterns. The air hummed with anticipation.
"This," Xiao Wu announced, her arms spread wide, a proud smile finally returning to her face, "is the real star of Nuoding City!"
Ning Rongrong looked around, intrigued. "A stage? What for?"
Just as Tang San was about to explain, a slightly breathless voice called out from behind them. "Tang San! Xiao Wu! There you are!"
They turned to see Mei approaching, her expression a mixture of profound relief and lingering anxiety. Her cheeks were flushed, and she was slightly out of breath. Unbeknownst to them, she had spent the last few hours waiting in a near-panicked state, imagining every possible worst-case scenario after Tang San had rushed off.
"I was so worried something terrible had happened!" Mei exclaimed, reaching them and placing a hand on her chest to calm her breathing. Her eyes scanned over them, ensuring they were truly unharmed.
"Mei!" Tang San said, feeling a pang of guilt for having forgotten to send word. "I'm sorry for making you worry. The situation was... not what we expected."
He quickly began explaining the series of events—the unexpected client being a girl his age, the surprising reunion with Ning Rongrong, and the discovery of their past connection.
As Tang San spoke, Ning Rongrong leaned closer to Xiao Wu, her eyes fixed on Mei. "Who is she?" she whispered, her voice low. "She and Brother San seem very familiar."
Xiao Wu, still feeling the residual annoyance from earlier, replied a bit flatly, "That's Senior Mei. They're quite close, like brother and sister."
Ning Rongrong's eyes narrowed slightly. "Brother and sister?" she repeated, her tone dripping with skepticism. She didn't believe it for a second. Her gaze intensified as she openly sized Mei up and down.
And as she looked closer, a sudden, unwelcome feeling of inferiority washed over her. Mei possessed a natural, effortless beauty that was difficult to ignore. Her long, silky pink hair seemed to catch the lantern light perfectly, her skin was like translucent jade, flawless and radiant, and her features were delicately charming enough to captivate anyone who looked at her.
Compared to this vision, Ning Rongrong felt acutely aware of her own youthful, somewhat childish appearance. The feeling was foreign and irritating.
By this time, Tang San had finished his explanation. Mei smiled warmly and turned to the new girl, offering a graceful bow. "So you are Miss Rongrong. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Mei, a friend and senior of Tang San and Xiao Wu."
Ning Rongrong straightened her posture, her young mistress persona snapping back into place, but her eyes held a sharp, competitive glint that hadn't been there before. She met Mei's gaze directly, her chin tilting up just a fraction.
"I see," Ning Rongrong replied, her voice polite but edged with steel. Then, to everyone's surprise, she added a quiet but firm declaration, meant for Mei's ears alone, yet carrying the weight of a vow. "I will not lose to you."
Mei blinked, taken aback by the sudden and unexplained challenge. A confused but still polite smile lingered on her lips as she glanced at Tang San and Xiao Wu, who looked equally puzzled. The peaceful evening had just acquired a new, complicated layer.