Under the reluctant gazes of his mother and the Duo'er sisters, Lin Jie set off with his younger sister Lin Ran and Zhu Zhuqing, heading back toward Shrek Academy.
Along the way, Lin Jie introduced Lin Ran to some of the academy's details. After a few hours of travel, the three of them arrived at Shrek Academy.
It had been twenty-five days since the end of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, and Lin Jie had been back at the academy for ten days.
Though five days still remained before the next group of students was officially scheduled to begin classes, Shrek Academy was already overflowing with applicants. Among them was a large group of students from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—personally arranged by Flender, who placed great importance on them.
As Lin Jie and Zhu Zhuqing walked through the academy, several upperclassmen who recognized them couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
"Look, that's Lin Jie and Zhu Zhuqing—the champions of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament. They're Shrek Academy's celebrities!"
"No way, it's really them? I thought they graduated already! I didn't expect them to still be here!"
Though the whispers were many, no one actually dared to approach.
Lin Jie and Zhu Zhuqing made their way to the secluded cottage in the back of the academy—the Secluded Forest Cottage—with practiced ease, bringing Lin Ran along with them.
—
Inside the cottage, Liu Erlong was meditating in cultivation. As soon as she sensed their arrival, she opened her eyes.
Three days had passed since Lin Jie left, and she had spent the entire time cultivating in solitude. After taking time to reflect, she had come to accept the relationship between her and Lin Jie. What happened had already happened—things that shouldn't have occurred did, and what was done could not be undone.
She trusted Flender and the others to manage the academy well in her absence, so she hadn't left the cottage. Still, she couldn't help but wonder—what would Flender and the others think once they found out about her and Lin Jie?
She clearly remembered that Flender had once liked her too. But fate played its tricks, and now she no longer cared how others viewed her. She had seen her own heart clearly and didn't want to lose something she shouldn't lose—again.
The Secluded Forest Cottage had always been Liu Erlong's private residence. Normally, no one entered. In fact, it had basically been designated a restricted area within the academy. Apart from a few close acquaintances like Flender, only Lin Jie and Zhu Zhuqing had open access.
Naturally, she immediately recognized the visitor's spirit power signature—it could only be Lin Jie.
"Erlong-jie." Lin Jie smiled brightly as he saw her come out to greet them.
Now, Liu Erlong had a different aura from before. Maturity graced her already breathtaking features, and her skin carried a soft, healthy blush. She looked like a magnolia blossom in full bloom—pure white, touched gently with rouge.
"Xiao Jie, Zhuqing—you're back," Liu Erlong greeted with a smile. She had already come to terms with everything, so she faced them openly now. "Oh? This must be Ranran."
"Hello, Big Sister Erlong!" Lin Ran replied. She had been about to call her 'Aunt Erlong,' but remembered what Lin Jie told her just in time and changed it quickly.
Liu Erlong was somewhat familiar with Lin Ran, having met her a few times when Lin Jie brought her around.
Afterward, Lin Jie explained Lin Ran's situation and his plan to have her enroll at Shrek Academy.
"That's a small matter," Liu Erlong said with a smile. "Leave it to me. And since Ranran is your sister, Xiao Jie, I'm sure Flender will be thrilled."
Enrollment was handled smoothly. Just as Liu Erlong predicted, Flender was overjoyed upon learning Lin Ran was Lin Jie's sister. After all, a monstrous talent like Lin Jie likely had a gifted sibling as well. He personally arranged her registration and housing.
Normally, Lin Jie, Zhu Zhuqing, and Liu Erlong all lived in the Secluded Forest Cottage. Lin Ran would occasionally stay with them.
—
Half a month passed.
During that time, aside from a short return trip home with Zhu Zhuqing and Lin Ran, Lin Jie remained at the Secluded Forest Cottage with Liu Erlong and Zhu Zhuqing.
It was during that trip home that Lin Jie finally learned why his mother and Duo'er had been acting so mysteriously. When his mother revealed the matter, Lin Jie was a bit surprised—but he didn't refuse. After all, Duo'er had been loyally taking care of his mother all this time. He gave his consent.
Currently, Lin Jie's Spirit Power had reached Rank 50. To continue advancing, he needed to find and absorb his fifth Spirit Ring.
However, he hadn't been focused on cultivation lately. Instead, he had been busy researching Soul Tools—like the Railgun, upgraded Spirit Power Grenades, and the T4-class Spirit Bombs. The materials of this world, combined with Spirit Power as an energy source, made his wildest technological designs feasible.
He wondered what kind of chaos his creations could cause if deployed on a battlefield.
—
During his free time, Lin Jie spent moments of warmth with Zhu Zhuqing and Liu Erlong.
With Liu Erlong, he focused on deepening their emotional bond. Their relationship had begun too suddenly. But with Lin Jie's ongoing efforts, he slowly won over her heart.
How did he do it? Well, that should be obvious by now.
By this point, their relationship was solid and stable.
Still, Liu Erlong occasionally felt a lingering sense of guilt toward Zhu Zhuqing, so she treated her with exceptional kindness.
Zhu Zhuqing, meanwhile, poured herself into her training—refining her Spirit Power and sparring regularly with Liu Erlong to improve her real combat skills. And Liu Erlong, perhaps out of that same guilt, devoted herself completely to Zhu Zhuqing's guidance, even passing down some of her personal techniques.
—
That night, the world was silent.
Lin Jie planned to leave at dawn to seek his fifth Spirit Ring.
But before leaving, he wanted to share another intimate moment with Liu Erlong.
He had originally considered spending time with Zhu Zhuqing, but felt that a little restraint with her was better. She was still young, after all, and though she acted mature in many ways, she was still younger than him.
Liu Erlong, on the other hand—mature, voluptuous, and unrestrained—was far more open in intimacy. Every encounter with her was an exquisite experience.
With practiced ease, Lin Jie arrived at Liu Erlong's room.
Creak— the door opened.
Liu Erlong had been resting, but the moment she heard the door, she awakened instantly. Seeing who it was, she turned away and laid back down—but a faint blush still crept onto her face.
Lin Jie closed the door behind him, slipped under the blanket, and leaned in beside her. "Erlong-jie…"
Still blushing, Liu Erlong whispered, "Xiao Jie, why aren't you asleep? What are you doing here?"
"I missed you, Erlong-jie. Don't you miss me too?" he said, pulling her soft body into his arms.
Though Liu Erlong had come to accept their relationship, she still wasn't entirely used to how bold Lin Jie could be. Yet the memory of their past nights made her heart flutter, and the embarrassment couldn't hide the allure she felt.
Soon, she turned and wrapped her arms around him—and the two embraced in a kiss.
Her skin flushed crimson like fine wine, her figure lush and tempting, her brows delicate, her eyes slightly closed, and her breath heavy.
Lin Jie kissed her lips—silky as oil, sweet as sugar, fragrant as orchids, and intoxicating like plum blossoms.
Desire—
It's longing. It's possession. It's indulgence.
It's the descent into forbidden passion.
Their bodies danced across oceans. Their spirits soared to the heavens.
That night, they poured out passion long held back.
That night, they shared something unforgettable.
That night, their hearts intertwined more tightly than ever before.
—
The next morning, the first light of dawn crept over the eastern sky.
The clean blue heavens were tinged with rose-colored hues, like delicate gauze. The air was crisp and fresh. Birds chirped merrily through the branches as sunlight spread across the land. The beauty of this place was undeniable.
Lin Jie and Liu Erlong awoke in each other's arms, still locked in the closest of embraces. Remembering the events of the night before, they exchanged a knowing smile.
Liu Erlong, freshly awakened, radiated a mesmerizing charm. After a night of deep affection, she looked like a lotus after rain—her face blushed, hair cascading softly, and her every move radiating temptation.
Seeing Lin Jie staring dazedly at her, Liu Erlong flushed again and let out a soft laugh—like flowers blooming in spring. Then, with a teasing glance, she sat up gracefully.
Her long, silky hair flowed down her back like a waterfall. As she moved, her elegant, curvaceous body rippled with motion.
She walked to the window without a hint of embarrassment, opened it, and let in a rush of fresh air. Lin Jie took a deep breath and sat up as well.
After getting dressed and freshening up, the two walked out of the room.
Not long after, Zhu Zhuqing emerged from her own room. Seeing the two of them walking together affectionately, she approached quietly.
She had grown used to their closeness over the past few days and didn't think too much of it.
After sharing a quiet moment with both Liu Erlong and Zhu Zhuqing, Lin Jie checked in on Lin Ran. Then he made a brief trip home.
Under the gentle care of Zhu Zhuqing and Liu Erlong, and the warm concern of his mother, Lin Jie finally departed Heaven Dou City.