Shen Gongbao looked deeply at Nezha, seemingly assessing his determination. "Alright, I'll help you devise a plan. But remember, this will be a tough battle, and we need more allies."
"Taiyi Senior can help," Nezha thought. "Although she has been in seclusion for many years, her strength should not be underestimated."
"Taiyi Zhenren is indeed a powerful ally," Shen Gongbao agreed. "However, we need to prepare further. Over the next few days, you should strengthen your control over Demon Sphere Power, especially your ability to remain stable during emotional fluctuations."
Nezha nodded, having made up his mind. No matter how dangerous the road ahead might be, he would do everything in his power to rescue Ao Bing and protect the Dragon Tribe.
"One more thing," Shen Gongbao added. "Demon Sphere Power is powerful, but it is also a crucial part of the Li Yang Sect's ritual. If you fall into their hands, the consequences would be dire. So during the fight, be extremely cautious and do not let them exploit you."
"I understand," Nezha said firmly. "I will not let them succeed."
Shen Gongbao nodded in satisfaction. "Training starts tomorrow. I will teach you some methods to counter the Li Yang Sect's spells. For now, you need to rest well and conserve your energy."
After Shen Gongbao left, Nezha sat by the window, gazing at the distant lake, lost in thought. He rubbed the Dragon Scale Pendant around his neck, feeling its faint energy pulse—this was his only connection to Ao Bing.
"Ao Bing, hold on; I will come to save you..." Nezha whispered.
As night deepened, the campus gradually fell silent. Nezha lay in bed but could not sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, the last kiss from Ao Bing replayed in his mind; that gentle touch seemed to linger on his lips, causing him heartache. He recalled Ao Bing's promise when he left—"I will return to find you once I handle the crisis with the Dragon Tribe." But now it seemed things were far more complicated than he had imagined, and Ao Bing's situation was even more perilous.
In the early hours of the morning, Nezha finally drifted off into a restless sleep but was jolted awake by a strange energy wave. The Dragon Scale Pendant emitted a faint blue light, as if conveying some message. Nezha quickly sat up and focused on this energy.
In a daze, he thought he heard Ao Bing's voice—intermittent and distant: "Nezha... Dragon Palace... danger... don't... come for me..."
"Ao Bing? Ao Bing!" Nezha called out anxiously, but the voice had already faded away, and the Dragon Scale Pendant returned to its calm state.
This brief connection heightened Nezha's worry. Why was Ao Bing warning him not to go to the Dragon Palace? Was it because it was too dangerous and she didn't want him to take risks? Or was there a deeper reason? Regardless, Nezha had already decided to head to the East Coast in three days to stop the Li Yang Sect's ritual and rescue Ao Bing.
The next morning, Nezha rose early and went to meet Aunt Taiyi and Shen Gongbao as planned. Although he outwardly cooperated with their arrangements, deep down he had already devised his own plan—if necessary, he would venture alone into the East Sea; even if it cost him his life, he would bring Ao Bing back.
Life on campus appeared normal; students came and went, chatting and laughing, completely unaware of the impending crisis. As Nezha walked through the crowd, he felt an unprecedented loneliness. Without Ao Bing by his side, this world seemed devoid of color; even the sunlight appeared dim.
"Ao Bing, wait for me," Nezha vowed as he gazed at the distant horizon of the sea. "No matter where you are, I will find you and bring you back."
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