Chapter 1680: Who They Once Were (Part 1)

Chapter 1680: Chapter 1680: Who They Once Were (Part 1)

Looking at the image in the sky and listening to the sound coming from it, Lan Xuanyu’s eyes couldn’t help but get a bit red. He felt his whole body tense up. This, this is clearly the moment when his parents first met!

At this moment, the image changed, and a brand new scene unfolded before their eyes.

It was the teenage Tang Wulin, slightly grown, and a girl who looked somewhat unfamiliar but whose features slightly resembled his mother. They seemed to be in the academy, but the academy’s students appeared different from the current Shrek.

…

“Why are you wearing iron chains?” Gu Yue asked curiously, her steps light as she ran over to Tang Wulin.

Tang Wulin replied, “To train my body! My teacher’s expectations are stricter. You are impressive.”

Gu Yue smiled and said, “It’s not really impressive. None of my individual elements are strong; I just control them well. Any Martial Soul is the same. As long as you have Soul Power, when you truly understand and can control it, it’ll bring you surprises.”

…

“I can’t eat mine, I’ll give it to you.” At that moment, a voice came from the side, and a snow-white large steamed bun was placed on Tang Wulin’s tray.

Tang Wulin looked up, and the person giving him the bun was none other than Gu Yue herself. Now, however, she had changed into the academy’s school uniform and looked no different from the other students around.

“Thank you.” Tang Wulin nodded to her. He always found himself developing a fondness for those who gave him food.

Gu Yue nodded back and then turned away.

Zhou Changxi leaned over mysteriously, “Wulin, I bet she likes you. She joined our class today and immediately spoke to you. Now she gave you a bun. I’m sure she’s charmed by you.”

…

Once again the scene changed to Sea God’s Lake, a scene very familiar to Lan Xuanyu and Bai Xiuxiu. It was… the Sea God’s Luck matchmaking conference, wasn’t it?

…

“The second love-at-first-sight segment continues, the next participant is…” Tang Yinmeng paused briefly, then her gaze fell on Tang Wulin, “Number fifty-one. Please step forward.”

As the lotus leaves floated beneath his feet, Tang Wulin’s heart beat faster. Three years, more than three entire years, a thousand and more days and nights of separation, they finally met again.

She had grown up; he had grown up too.

They were no longer children; they were adults now.

Over a thousand days and nights, amidst the busy and monotonous days, he had seen clearly into his heart. Over those thousand days, had she remembered him?

Did she not light the lamp for him because she had forgotten him? But regardless, he wouldn’t give up, never give up!

Opposite him, pairs of eyes were fixed on him, watching the most handsome young man present.

Twenty-sixth number gazed at him, number seventeen inadvertently raised her head. Dai Yun’er was excited, seemingly ready to leap off the lotus leaf at any moment; Yuanen Yehui, Ye Xinglan, they were all observing him.

Everyone awaited with anticipation for what he was about to say.

“For certain reasons, I left for three years. During these thousand-plus days, there wasn’t a moment I didn’t long for the academy. Since my parents abruptly left, this place has become my home. Today, I’ve returned, fittingly catching the Sea God’s Luck matchmaking conference. I didn’t hesitate, I came straight here, fearing I might miss it, fearing you might have fallen in love with someone else.”

“More than three years ago, I asked you if you approached me because of my bloodline. In those tedious days following, I thought a lot. I realize now, it was foolish to ask you such a question back then. I shouldn’t have asked. You gave me a clear answer, which made me very sad—sadder than learning I had a wasted Martial Soul and a defective Soul Spirit back then. But I couldn’t show it, because I was the captain, I couldn’t let everyone see my weakness.”

“I always bore the inner pain, leading the team to compete, until we won the final victory. But even then, I didn’t know how to face you. Or how to face myself.”

“Over these three years, during those thousand-plus days, I pondered a lot, a lot. Things I didn’t understand before, I figured them out. Why should I care so much about liking someone? No matter the reason you knew me, since I have come to like you, I’m willing to accept you wholly. If you like me too, we shall be together. If you don’t like me, then I’ll exhaust every effort to make you like me, and we shall still be together. Thus, no matter what, regarding this affection, I will never give up! From now on, I’m yours, and you must be responsible for me.”

…

“So far, only two of you still have your veils and bamboo hats on, so now your first choice is whether to remove them. If you do not remove them now, you won’t have another chance to do so later. Therefore, please choose wisely. However, due to your excellent protection of your veils, after you remove them, you can have priority in the fourth segment: the Three Lives as One. Now you have one minute to consider.”

“I will remove it.” With a crisp and pleasant voice that resounded clearly over the Sea God’s Lake, the speaker was the female participant, number eighteen.

With a flick of her hand, she removed her veil, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful face.

Silvery hair flowing, eyes resembling amethyst, even the starlight faded in comparison upon seeing her true appearance.

On the surface of the Sea God’s Lake, all glows seemed to become her backdrop at that moment. Every gaze instantly fell upon her.

“Dragon Spear Goddess!” Someone shouted in surprise first, and the call quickly spread to the lakeside, filling the air with astonishment.

…

Lan Muzi said, “For fairness to other girls, since Na’er junior already has a crush, why not start with you in choosing your cherished one for this fourth segment, Three Lives as One? We are eager to know, which lucky guy caught the eyes of our Dragon Spear Goddess.”

Na’er nodded, “Alright! Then I’ll go first.”

Lan Muzi gestured as if inviting her, “Alright, then, please, number eighteen Na’er junior, go to the person you admire. I wonder if our boys are feeling the pulse-racing exhilaration.”

Na’er smiled faintly, and without motion, silver light flashed, her feet on lotus leaves swaying gently, tracing a line across the water toward the boys’ lineup.

Tang Wulin could clearly hear the breaths beside him had become rapid, along with the pounding heartbeats. Undoubtedly, the guys were in a state of extreme excitement.

The lotus leaves swayed closer, Na’er’s face always wearing a gentle smile, the closer she got, the more they felt the stunning impact of her beauty, even these Inner Court disciples could not help but be dazzled. What more could one desire than a wife like this?

Pick me, pick me! Almost everyone was shouting in their hearts.

Closer and closer!

A hundred meters, eighty meters, fifty meters, thirty meters!

The beauty was within reach, and everyone’s breathing became even more rapid. A male student couldn’t help but directly released his Martial Soul, circle after circle of dazzling Soul Rings rose from his feet, showcasing his strength. Almost in the next moment, the Soul Ring Light on more than half of the male students lit up, reflecting a myriad of colors on the surface of Sea God’s Lake.

Ten meters! Just the last ten meters.

The lotus leaf beneath Na’er slowed down a bit. She glanced at Tang Wulin, watching him clench his fists, his eyes wide staring at her, and then looking at Long Yue with eyes ablaze, she couldn’t help but lightly cover her mouth with a smile, a “pfft” escaping her lips.

A slight flash of silver light, and the lotus leaf accelerated once more, seeming only three meters away from Long Yue, it silently slid and again rose in a small arc, floating over to Tang Wulin’s side. The lotus leaf lightly touched Tang Wulin’s lotus leaf, and she raised her head, mischievously sticking her tongue out at him.

Long Yue was dumbfounded, the male students were dumbfounded, and Tang Wulin himself was dumbfounded.

Back then, he was still Na’er’s brother!

The seventeenth girl, who hadn’t taken off her veils and bamboo hats, trembled but quickly returned to normal. In the minute given to take off the veils, she never made a move, the only one so far who hadn’t taken off the veils.

Looking at Na’er’s mischievous smile, Tang Wulin couldn’t help but lift his hand to rub her head, “You little girl.”

“Hehe.” Na’er giggled sweetly, sticking her tongue out at him.

His eyes filled with doting affection, her smile brimmed with sweetness. Suddenly, the scene felt torturous to the onlookers, as if the heaven and earth were turning upside down with bitterness! The Soul Ring Light on those inner court male students became obviously stronger. If not for the many old gentlemen on the distant building boats suppressing the scene, they probably couldn’t help but stage a snatching marriage act by now.

Tang Wulin whispered, “You did it on purpose, didn’t you?”

Na’er pouted her red lips, “How can you say I did it on purpose? Can’t I choose my brother? Or do you want me to pick someone else?”

Tang Wulin snorted, “I’ll deal with you after this event is over. You little girl.”

Tang Yinmeng smiled, “Alright, let’s continue this round. Next, we’ll draw lots for the selection. At the same time, before choosing, the girl can ask a question or make a request to the male she wants to pick. The choice can be made based on the boy’s answer. Na’er, did you just forget about this point?”

Na’er waved her hand dismissively, smiling sweetly, “I don’t need to, I think there’s no one in this world who understands him better than I do.”

…

That was Na’er, that was a part of Gu Yuena, and she was once Tang Wulin’s sister, the only disciple of Atlas Douluo Yun Ming. Once Shrek Academy’s Dragon Spear Goddess.

…

“According to the rules, girls who haven’t taken off their veils select last in this round. Seventeenth girl, may I ask, do you choose your favored male?”

Tang Wulin’s gaze crossed the hundred-meter lake surface, landing directly on that girl, and everyone’s eyes focused on her, especially those who had already guessed who she was.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the seventeenth girl was silent for a moment, then gently shook her head.

Her movement was very slight, it looked very simple, yet it made Tang Wulin, standing on the lotus leaf, feel like he had fallen into an ice cave.

She shook her head, she didn’t choose, yes, she didn’t choose him. She didn’t even choose anyone, nor did she take off the veils.

There was no doubt, this meant she had no one in her heart, nor was she intending to find a partner at this dating conference.

Tang Wulin felt like something had gripped his heart, making it hard to breathe suddenly.

His eyes became misty, and a faint bitterness appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Past memories overwhelmed him, why didn’t you choose me?

…

In youth, gentle streams, warm snuggles

On the soul tour bus, the east side was the sea, vast blue stretching endlessly, where water and sky met.

He watched the passing beautiful scenery outside the window, in a daze quietly calling out his sister’s name, a silver figure flashed in his mind. When he opened his eyes again, it was her surprise.

She smiled slightly, handing over a cup of water, merely clear water, at just the right temperature, yet nourishing his heart.

The sunlight spilled onto her face, making her skin seem almost translucent, so that’s how beautiful she was.

The soft glow of the sun gently leaned her against his shoulder, her breathing slowly becoming calm.

Unconsciously, he also closed his eyes, his body warm, fatigue quietly dissipating in this moment of warmth.

There were no excessive words, this scene was like black and white clips of the years.

…

For you, though death comes, I have no regrets

At the Skysea Alliance competition, she was suddenly attacked, unable to react, bound and helpless.

Suddenly, warmth enveloped her body, he embraced her, using his back to endure everything.

Fresh red blood flowers blossomed in her eyes, yet his face showed no sadness nor regret, only a faint smile.

How much I wish to walk the road ahead with you, but I shall not forget my initial resolve. I so want to protect you like this forever, you who I cherish, though perhaps this might be the last time.

She panicked and, sparing no cost to her own life force, summoned the purest light of life to heal his damaged body.

She doesn’t care; she wants him to live well.

You said that there is no bond in this world that can surpass the bond of life and death.

…

When you grow up, you’re still you.

Time flies like a swift arrow, days and months shuttle by like a weaver’s shuttle.

Three years passed, for some reason her attitude towards him changed; she was no longer as close as before, but rather a bit distant.

They came to the highest hall for assessment and succeeded, but she was unwilling.

“Unwilling.”

“She hit you, I’m not happy.”

She turned to look him straight in the eyes, without the slightest hesitation or nostalgia, calmly and unequivocally stating her reason.

Thank you, thank you for still being the one who rushes into danger for me; it turns out nothing has changed.

…

When I have the capability to gain fairness, I will return.

She was being difficult, facing the elders’ majesty, he did not yield, standing by her side without fear and with dignity.

Because the one being difficult was whom he wanted to protect.

“Let me ask, does Shrek Academy have fairness?”

The answer was decisive and disdainful.

He felt powerless, facing absolute strength, could he really not protect even his partners?

He raised his head.

“Three elders, I forgo the qualification to enter Shrek Academy; one day, when I have the ability to gain fairness, I will come back.”

For her, he must give up his dreams.

Even if the world abandons you, I will walk alongside you shoulder to shoulder.

…

He did not return all night; she waited silently.

She leaned against a big tree, eyes closed, her long lashes covered with a few tiny dew droplets that under the dawn sunlight looked like a painting.

He gazed at her, this scene was deeply imprinted in his heart.

“You’re awake.”

“Why are you sleeping here?”

“When it was late and you hadn’t returned, I came out looking for you. Seeing you still in meditation, I didn’t disturb you.”

She said this very plainly, as if talking about something insignificant.

He smiled slightly, for some reason, looking at the girl in front of him, he did not want to utter the words “thank you.”

Life, perhaps, does not need to be fabulous and stunning. Sometimes, simple and tranquil contentment is enough.

…

Even if we part, I will still follow you.

Their group had a disagreement, everyone else opposed his view.

Using spirit refined metal to make Battle Armor was too distant and unrealistic for others.

Yet she completely believed in it, standing by his side without any hesitation.

“Forget it, indeed I was being unrealistic.”

“No, I insist on using spirit refined metal to make my One-Word Battle Armor!”

Witnessing her stubbornness and determination, his heart filled with warmth at that moment.

With you, what harm is there in going against the world?

…

Martial Soul Fusion, you are in me, and I am in you.

Facing a powerful opponent, he still stood before her, knowing surely they would lose, yet showing no fear.

A man who accepts her pride and willfulness for her sake.

A man who would exchange his life for hers to protect her.

Her eyes gradually became lost; she spread her arms from behind, embracing him deeply.

There was no hesitation, only wholehearted trust, as if they had returned to their youthful days.

At that time, he was still a small boy enamored with his senior, and she, a little girl who loved to argue.

Above them seemed to be a vast dome witnessing this grand ritual.

They won, but they also fell unconscious. Yet her hand seemed to have grown onto his body, inseparable, achieving victory and glory with an embrace.

The two people walk on diverging paths; destiny might be severed, but what endures eternally is the bond of Martial Souls and hearts. Were they not each other’s bond?

…

The gigantic image in the air began to turn chaotic, with fragments of memories flashing continuously, dazzling to the eye, yet for some reason an indescribable sadness lingered in everyone’s hearts.

When spiritual power reaches the level of divine consciousness, it is no longer just a mere touch but an infection. That powerful thought manifestation inherently carries strong infectivity, influencing the emotions of everyone present.

Even though the images are chaotic, at this moment, everyone’s heart flows with Tang Wulin’s past feelings, sharing in his sadness.

And at this moment, they all seemed to understand why there was that light shake of the head before, a reluctance for such a day to come, a fear of this moment when, despite deep love, they must become adversaries.

…

“Now, the final one, let’s welcome our Dragon Spear Goddess. Na’er, it’s your turn.”

With Tang Yinmeng’s words falling, the entire Sea God’s Lake, both the surface and the shore, quieted down.

The sky had the light of stars and the moon, with the starry sky casting shimmering waves on Sea God’s Lake, reflecting her silver-haired amethyst-eyed stunning figure as she slowly approached Dai Yun’er.

Her gaze was somewhat infatuated, her eyes rippling.

Her gaze at him was no longer a younger sister’s look towards an older brother.

Tang Wulin slightly trembled, feeling the difference in her gaze.

“Brother!” Na’er softly called out.

“Na’er, you…” Tang Wulin slightly furrowed his brows.

Na’er smiled gently, “Brother, do you know? Back then, when I was three years old, the moment you took me in, I already liked you. For me, you blocked those bad guys with a body that wasn’t strong. You’re not only kind but also brave.”

“You are much stronger than the average peers; at six, your Martial Soul awakened, it was Bluesilver Grass. A universally recognized wasted Martial Soul, yet in the misfortune, you had Soul Power at your Martial Soul Awakening. Your ambition was to become a Soul Master; at that time, you didn’t dare to imagine being a Battle Armor Master, so you said you wanted to control Mechas.”

Na’er looked at Tang Wulin gently; at this moment, in her eyes, there was only him, “However, wanting to become a Soul Master requires a Soul Spirit, which costs a lot of money. Our family wasn’t well-off, and Mom and Dad really tried very hard. So, at only six years old, you chose to learn forging. I remember very clearly in the beginning when every day you were exhausted upon returning home, you couldn’t even make expressions. You lay on the bed, seemingly unable even to hear me calling you.”

“Yet you never gave up, persistently practicing. Whenever you earned a wage, besides saving a part, the rest was spent buying candies for me. Those candies were very, very sweet.”

“Do you remember? One day I asked you, if I left, would you miss me?”

Tang Wulin listened dumbfoundedly to Na’er as his mind seemed to return to ten years ago, back to that home of theirs.

…

My ambition is the sea of stars.

He was a boy with black hair, black eyes, and pale skin, setting foot in East Sea City alone, holding dreams, ventured into the unknown road ahead.

The wasted Martial Soul Bluesilver Grass, with a pitiful level 3 innate soul power. In the vast city, he no longer had a home while others were still bathed in the nurturing admonitions of their parents.

That warm silvery light also faded into the distance in the gaze, a slight chill resting in the palm of his hand.

“If one day I leave, will you miss me?”

“Of course, I will, I will miss you a lot, a lot.”

The dewy silver gleam was slowly departing from his sight, chilling his palm.

On his mind, that silver-haired girl had never strayed far, she remained in a corner of his memory, sweetly calling out to her brother.

I am Tang Wulin, and my ambition is the sea of stars.

When the ordinary seed of grass blooms into a lush prairie, will I be able to again hold your hand and return to that starry sky?

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