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Seagod Island, in the courtyard of Yali's residence.
Looking at the slightly worried young girl before her, Yali seemed to see a reflection of her younger self. She smiled and asked, "Have you really thought this through?"
"Yes. But, Mistress, I won't leave for good. I just hope to visit him often."
In the future, Bai Xu and Gu Yue would be at the Spirit Pagoda, and Na'er naturally wouldn't join them. She only wanted the chance to visit from time to time.
"Of course you can. Were you afraid we'd misunderstand?" Yali chuckled.
"A little. After all, Master is the master of the Sea God's Pavilion, and the relationship between the Spirit Pagoda and Shrek isn't exactly good…"
"You don't know your master well enough. He isn't that petty. Besides, you're so determined—he wouldn't make things difficult for Bai Xu. But… there's something else I'm worried about."
Yali's expression grew serious. "Na'er, as long as we live in this world, we can't avoid forming bonds. If, in the future, Shrek and the Spirit Pagoda were to clash… where would he stand? Between you and the Spirit Pagoda? Would he choose duty to the Spirit Pagoda, or love? You'll have to think carefully about this based on what you know of him before deciding whether to stay with him…"
To Na'er, however, the answer was simple. They had misjudged Bai Xu. Here, Shrek would never be his home—and neither would the Spirit Pagoda.
She already knew the answer. Bai Xu would never let such a conflict happen. If it ever did, it would mean that neither Shrek nor the Spirit Pagoda wanted peace.
She knew Bai Xu had the power to ensure that.
Did Shrek matter to Na'er?
No. She would never risk her life for Shrek's glory. What she cared about were the people here—her master and his wife.
But in the future, Shrek would be gone. Yun Ming would be gone.
Suddenly, Na'er hugged Yali tightly. A wave of sorrow washed over her, startling Yali, who quickly asked, "Why are you crying? Don't worry, Ming-ge won't make things hard for him. If necessary, I'll talk to Yun Ming myself. Don't be sad, Na'er."
"It's not that, Mistress. Even if there are changes between Shrek and the Spirit Pagoda in the future, this life is different. There's still hope for everything. I believe Bai Xu will turn the tide."
Na'er's words were profound, leaving Yali puzzled. But she didn't dwell on it, assuming it was just a young girl's worry for her beloved.
Where would the final outcome lead?
Would Bai Xu bring ruin to the world? Or would the Douluo Continent become nothing more than the Tang Family's garden?
Every choice now was a thread leading to the final outcome. They had to tread carefully.
"Alright, I believe in Bai Xu too." Yali gently patted Na'er's back to comfort her.
Then, she suddenly nudged Na'er and said, "Your little sweetheart is already waiting for you. Go on, but remember not to stay out too late. You're still young—some things can wait until you're older."
"Okay."
Na'er wiped her tears and gave Yali a smile before rushing out the door.
By the Sea God Lake.
Bai Xu stood by the shore, watching the fish in the lake. Sensing Na'er's arrival, he turned leisurely and saw her stepping out of the courtyard. Her eyes were still misty, her nose slightly red, and tear stains marked her cheeks, making her look pitifully delicate.
Seeing this, Bai Xu smiled faintly and opened his arms.
Na'er grinned and ran toward him at the fastest speed she had ever mustered, throwing herself into his embrace.
"Why were you crying again?" Bai Xu asked.
"It's nothing. I was just a little worried."
"Don't be. It's all over now. You can visit me and Gu Yue at the Spirit Pagoda anytime. There's no need to force yourself to join if you don't want to."
"Mm. Bai Xu…" Na'er hesitated.
"Hm?"
"Never mind…"
Bai Xu found her behavior odd but didn't press further. The two walked toward the outer academy together.
Outside the Working Students' Dormitory.
The Shrek Seven Monsters were saying their goodbyes to Gu Yue. After all, they had been classmates. From now on, their paths would diverge, and so would their allegiances.
Not everyone would abandon their duties the moment Shrek called for them.
"Gu Yue, I'm really going to miss you…" Xu Xiaoyan hugged her tightly, reluctant to let go.
"Do you really have to leave?" Xie Xie was also downcast. They had known each other since their days at Eastsea Academy, and now, after just a few years, they were heading down different paths. He had thought someone as outstanding as Gu Yue would surely enter the inner academy.
Perhaps, once their captain returned, they could have reunited as the same team.
"Yes. As Bai Xu says… to each their own." Though sad, Gu Yue smiled as she bid them farewell.
"Anyway, back in the Star Luo Empire, I said some harsh things. I'm sorry—I was impulsive." Xie Xie apologized.
"I'd already forgotten." Gu Yue laughed.
Xie Xie was stunned. In that moment, he felt Gu Yue had surpassed them all. She had truly changed—grown more mature, more rational.
Unlike the Gu Yue from Eastsea Academy who had always defended Tang Wulin and disliked him, she had evolved from the inside out. Her transformation made Xie Xie feel, for the first time, that Tang Wulin's innocent and naive demeanor seemed mismatched beside her.
Ye Xinglan and the others stood behind Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan. They weren't as close to Gu Yue, so they simply exchanged a few parting words.
"Take care in the future."
"You too."
But Gu Yue didn't leave immediately. She remained standing in place.
Xu Xiaoyan and the others also stayed, waiting as they all gazed toward the end of the path.
Only when two figures appeared in the distance did they understand everything.
Bai Xu and Na'er walked hand in hand, chatting and laughing. From afar, Na'er spotted Gu Yue and waved excitedly.
Bai Xu saw her too and approached with a smile.
Though surprised, Xu Xiaoyan and the others found themselves at a loss for words at the sight.
As Bai Xu drew near, he and Na'er nodded politely at the group behind Gu Yue before extending a hand to her.
Understanding, Gu Yue glanced at Na'er, then shot Bai Xu a playful glare before taking his hand. She turned back to the others and said, "I'm leaving now. Take care, everyone! We'll meet again if fate allows!"
"We'll meet again!"
The group watched the three figures depart, unsure of what to say. All they could think was that Bai Xu was truly remarkable—somehow managing to make two proud girls like Gu Yue and Na'er willingly stay by his side.
"Sigh… I wonder how the captain will react when he returns and finds out his little sister left with someone else while he was gone," Xie Xie lamented.
Yuanen Yehui consoled him, "Don't be upset. Maybe, as Gu Yue said, no news is the best news."
"Yeah, I know. We still have to keep working hard. Even though we've entered the inner academy, we're still no match for Bai Xu. Let's keep pushing forward. When the captain returns, we'll give him a pleasant surprise."
The Shrek Seven Monsters stacked their hands together, vowing to pour their sweat and effort into achieving greater heights.
——————
Spirit Pagoda Headquarters.
Leng Yaozhu was stunned when she saw Gu Yue and Na'er standing beside Bai Xu. She could hardly believe it. "You actually managed to bring back Yun Ming's disciple?"
"Wait—no, that's not the point. Why is Gu Yue willing to share you with another girl?"
*****
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