Suddenly, I felt something unusual in my body, and at that moment, the Time Stone appeared in mid-air!
Could it be... that it has chosen a suitable host?!
I glanced around at the dazed faces present; everyone was staring blankly at the Time Stone, except for one person who had a serious expression and furrowed brows.
I was taken aback, as if I understood who the Time Stone had chosen... who else could it be but him?
The Time Stone emitted a dazzling light, as if it were about to burn itself out, then gradually softened and warmed, slowly drifting towards the young man.
"Oh my God, it's actually him?!" Xiaopu exclaimed.
The young man was also startled, watching the Time Stone inexplicably disappear into his palm. He suddenly looked up at me and Xiaopu!
I felt a bit guilty as I half-covered my eyes. I truly didn't want to drag this young man into this war after our brief encounter in the past.
"You all should return to the academy first," Chiba said to the four students.
The four seemed hesitant to leave, glancing between Chiba and me and Xiaopu.
"Don't worry, you four can go back to the academy. I'm not a bad person. If I wanted to attack, why would I wait until now? The battle just now must have attracted quite a few people's attention; this place is ultimately not safe. It's hard to say that Siyimo's people won't come back," I said.
Chiba nodded in agreement with my words, "Mm."
"Alright then, senior, we'll report this to the elders when we get back and ensure no one bothers you," said the boy named Xiao Da firmly, all while keeping an eye on me and Xiaopu.
"Go on," Chiba sighed, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
After the four boys left, neither Xiaopu, Chiba, nor I spoke. Only the occasional roar of magical beasts broke the silence, making the Beast Forest feel even more desolate.
"You've changed a lot," I observed carefully, noticing that his eyes had indeed transformed significantly.
The arrogance he once had was gone, replaced by a sense of calm.
"...You too," Chiba hesitated before replying.
"Chiba, we have a common enemy: Siyimo, right?" I got straight to the point.
"What do you mean?" Chiba asked.
"The underworld is in chaos, and many people in my homeland are dying every day because of Siyimo. I think we both want to put an end to this battle."
"Initially, our group of six aimed to gather all the Life Stones to awaken the Lord of the Three Realms to fight against Siyimo. Now, I'm the only one left... I don't want to hide this from you; this path is indeed fraught with difficulties, and perhaps we are destined to face death."
"I must find suitable bodies for the remaining four Life Stones. Xiaopu is one, and you are one of the chosen for a Life Stone, Chiba."
"In this battle, we cannot stand alone. If you have someone you wish to protect, are you willing to join us in safeguarding them?"
I looked firmly at the boy before me, uncertain of how he would respond. After all, personal willingness is crucial; if he insisted on rejecting it, there could be rejection from the Life Stone later on, and by then it would be too late!
"I am willing," Chiba replied decisively, but I could see a hint of hesitation in his expression.
"Chiba, you—"
"I owe you a life." Before I could finish speaking, Chiba said.
I didn't know what Chiba had gone through during this time of rapid growth, but he always seemed to carry a heavy heart...
"Chiba, to be honest, I certainly hope you can join us. However, please remember that Xiaopu and I are your friends and family. If you still have any concerns in your heart, we can help you resolve them together," I said.
"Well, I'm just worried about the remaining kids at Champion Academy... Although it's said that Azure Dragon Academy and Champion Academy have merged, it seems that we at Champion Academy are left with only those kids. In the future, no one will remember our academy's existence," Chiba said with a bitter smile.
So that's how it is. Although Xiaopu and I hadn't interacted much with Chiba, he left a deep impression on me during that competition.
At that time, Chiba was full of pride and aloofness, yet he was a vigorous and handsome young man. It seems that living under someone else's roof has brought him quite a bit of hardship; his cultivation level was proof of everything.
"Chiba, can you take us to see Azure Dragon Academy?" I asked.
Xiaopu responded happily to my suggestion, "I agree!"
It seemed that Xiaopu resonated with Chiba's words and immediately set aside all previous grievances, smiling foolishly at Chiba.
"It's not that I don't want to take you there... It's just that Azure Dragon Academy has already moved locations, and that's not something I can decide," Chiba said with some difficulty.
Seeing how troubled Chiba was, I realized that our sudden visit would indeed put him in a difficult position. I thought about letting it go and finding another way.
However, Xiaopu suddenly asked, "Where is it? You seem so nervous."
Xiaopu didn't mind at all and was solely focused on helping Chiba resolve his worries. Sigh, what should I say about this Xiaopu...
"..." Chiba fell silent, clearly unsure of how to respond.
"Forget it, Xiaopu, it seems we can't get involved in this matter," I said softly.
"Since Chiba is making things difficult for you, let's leave it at that. However, if you need us, feel free to ask... As for the Life Stone, I will find another way. That life is yours; I only did what I was supposed to do. Your life has nothing to do with me," I sighed.
I didn't want Chiba to feel indebted to me for joining us; since his concerns were here, I wouldn't force him anymore.
"Xi Meng, you misunderstood. I am willing to fight for Champion Academy. As for the debt of saving my life, I have never forgotten. I have always wanted to repay that kindness."
"Dark Corner, we are currently residing there... Sigh, that place is the territory of the Demon Dragon Clan. There are many things we can only comply with; after all, this is a place where the weak are preyed upon by the strong," Chiba said.
"What do you mean, where?!" I asked in surprise.
"Dark Corner, once known as 'The Forgotten Place.'"
"Let's go, Chiba... take me there."
...
Dark Corner.
I looked in astonishment at all the changes in Dark Corner. The Demon Dragon Clan and other races were surprisingly coexisting peacefully in this place; there was a hint of vitality everywhere, no longer the desolate sight it once was.
"Wow, what army is that?!" Xiaopu exclaimed.
Indeed, I was taken aback as well. The Demon Dragons had formed an army with those young boys; each person was paired with a dragon in a strict division, training on a patch of black sand and stone.
"Elder Lei," Chiba suddenly called out softly beside me, respectfully bowing down.
I wondered where Elder Lei came from... I remembered that Qingfeng had told me all the elders had already—passed away.
I looked at the newcomer, and to my surprise, he looked at me at the same time and exclaimed, "Miss Xi Dream?!"
"Lei Ting, how is it you?!" I asked.
"Miss Xi Dream, it's so great to see you!"
"Lei Ting, let's talk privately for a moment. This is my friend Xiaopu; please find a place for her to rest," I said.
"Of course, Chiba, take this young lady to the west area and settle her in properly," Lei Ting instructed.
"Yes, Elder Lei," Chiba replied respectfully.
...
At the highest point of Black Horn Hall, Lei Ting and I stood side by side, overlooking the entire Dark Corner.
"Miss Xi Dream, we were unable to assist with the Young Master's encounters along the way, and now the Young Master is still imprisoned; it's all due to our incompetence!" Lei Ting suddenly shouted, about to kneel down.
"Lei Ting, it's not your fault. Enough, we are all elders; let's not be so impulsive," I said, supporting Lei Ting's sturdy arms.
We had initially agreed not to let the Demon Dragon Clan leave Dark Corner for the time being. Although we had temporarily subdued a large portion of the Demon Dragon race, it was still unstable. This matter could not be rushed; otherwise, it would easily backfire.
Moreover, Dark Corner could protect the Demon Dragon Clan; once the seal was lifted, the Demon Dragon Clan would no longer be suppressed.
"Is the Demon Dragon Clan unified now?" I asked.
"Well, everything has been taken care of now."
"You have teamed up with Azure Dragon Academy?"
"Miss, there's no need to worry. The people from Azure Dragon Academy are indeed trustworthy."
I looked at Thunder, waiting for him to continue.
"You've seen what Dark Corner used to be like. I was very young back then, watching my kin struggle every day just to survive here, living without knowing what hope meant..."
"Every day we suffered under the constraints of Nether Energy, avoiding those foreign Dragon Hunters, and always being cautious of the monsters from other races living in Dark Corner... But in such a place, a beautiful love story began to spread."
"The headmaster of Azure Academy, Cang Chu, originally came here to hunt dragons, but shockingly, he fell in love with a mother dragon he had captured. She was the most beautiful dragon of our Demon Dragon Clan, and every male Demon Dragon wished to marry a girl from that lineage."
"That person was the niece of Jade Elder, a Jade Seven-Hole Dragon, a lively and adorable girl. I was once deeply infatuated with her; here she was like a special hue... At that time, Cang Chu had already reached the Realm of the Supreme Lord, and all the elders could do nothing about him. We thought he would forcefully take her away, but unexpectedly, Cang Chu chose to stay here and gradually win her over day by day."
"Cang Chu never stepped out of Dark Corner again. Later, during a confrontation against foreign dragon hunters, he died in the desert. By the time we arrived, he was already gone... Much later, someone claiming to be from Azure Dragon Academy said that Cang Chu left behind a last wish: Azure Dragon Academy must never hunt Demon Dragons and must always heed the orders of the Jade Seven-Hole Dragon clan."
"We endured silently and finally waited for Young Master to grow step by step! In my life, I only owe gratitude to two people: first is Young Master; he is the hope of all of us in Demon Dragon Clan! Second is you, Miss Xi Dream; you have brought vitality to this place."
"...Alright Thunder, I know you've worked hard."
Seeing this sturdy man becoming more and more agitated as he spoke, his trembling arms choked with emotion made my heart ache as well. It was all worth it; soon enough, he would understand.
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