Morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the academy, casting a warm glow over the courtyard. Zhu Zhuqing stood beside Jiang Yun, her hand lightly clasped in his, a faint blush still coloring her cheeks. Their relationship had taken a new turn, and though their bond felt stronger, an unspoken warmth lingered between them.
But just as they were lost in each other's presence, a familiar voice broke the quiet.
"Morning, lovebirds."
Dugu Yan's voice carried a teasing lilt, but there was a calm smile on her face. Jiang Yun turned, meeting her gaze. There was something different about her—her emerald eyes seemed sharper, more resolute.
"Good morning, Yan," Jiang Yun greeted with a smile. "Ready for another day of training?"
"Of course. But…" Her gaze softened, lingering on Jiang Yun. "Jiang Yun, I was wondering if we could talk. Alone."
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Dugu Yan, then at Jiang Yun, and gave a soft smile. "I'll be training. Don't take too long."
As Zhu Zhuqing walked away, Dugu Yan let out a quiet sigh. "She's amazing… you're lucky."
"I know," Jiang Yun replied with a soft chuckle. "But something's on your mind, isn't it?"
Dugu Yan nodded, her playful demeanor fading. "Jiang Yun… I've been thinking a lot lately. About you, about everything you've done for me and my grandfather."
"You don't owe me anything, Yan. I helped because I wanted to."
"I know. That's what makes it even harder." She took a deep breath. "I… I've come to like you. More than I should."
Jiang Yun's eyes widened slightly, but he remained calm. "Yan…"
"Let me finish." Dugu Yan stepped closer, her emerald eyes locked with his. "I know how close you and Zhuqing have become. And I won't come between you two. But I won't deny my feelings either."
A faint smile tugged at her lips. "I won't give up. I'll keep standing by your side, not just as a teammate, but as someone who cares about you. And if one day… you find room in your heart for me, I won't hesitate."
Her words were direct, filled with a quiet confidence.
"Yan…" Jiang Yun's voice softened. "I won't lie to you. My feelings for Zhuqing are real. But I value you just as much. You're important to me."
"Then that's enough for now." Dugu Yan smiled, a light blush touching her cheeks. "I won't force anything. I'll just… do my best to stay close."
Jiang Yun chuckled. "Knowing you, I don't doubt it."
Dugu Yan's smile brightened, but before she could respond, a voice called out from the training grounds.
"Jiang Yun! Yan! Are you two just going to stand around all day?" Zhu Zhuqing's voice was clear, and there was a playful tone in her words.
Dugu Yan laughed. "Seems like we've been caught."
"Let's go. We have training to do." Jiang Yun grinned, and they both walked toward the training grounds.
—
Training began in earnest. Bai Ling's Radiant Lotus provided healing and support, her soothing light enhancing the team's endurance. Feng Ming's speed with his Gale Falcon allowed him to outmaneuver the others, forcing them to stay sharp. Qiao Xuan's Earthbind Serpent martial spirit provided a constant threat with its immobilizing techniques, while Hua Yue's Crimson Tiger martial spirit roared with fierce strength.
Zhu Zhuqing's movements were a blur of black and illusory, her Shadow Phantom ability creating illusory duplicates, confusing her opponents while she struck with precision. Her growing strength and speed were clear, an evidence of her constant training.
Dugu Yan's Jade Phosphor Earth Dragon dominated the battlefield, her new Earth Dragon Domain enhancing her poison's power while strengthening her defenses. Poison mist swirled around her, but it was no longer a chaotic storm—it was a controlled force, a proof of hard work achieving her mastery.
As for Jiang Yun, he remained calm and composed, his Kuuga Mighty Form transforming with a flash of light whenever he entered battle. His crimson armor radiated strength, and his Mighty Kick sent shockwaves through the air. His Crimson Lock ensured his attacks would always hit, and when he transformed into Dragon Form, his blue armor shimmered, and a long, elegant Dragon Staff manifested in his hand without any need for a medium.
In Pegasus Form, his green armor shone with ethereal light, and a silver, sleek Pegasus Bow appeared, arrows of light manifesting at his will. His mastery over these forms made his presence overwhelming.
"Hua Yue, time your strikes with my attacks!" Jiang Yun directed.
"Got it!" Hua Yue's Crimson Tiger claws glowed with fiery energy as she launched a fierce slash.
Their coordination improved with each match, their individual strengths blending into a seamless force.
But as the sun began to set, Jiang Yun gathered them all together.
"You've all done well today," he praised, his calm voice carrying a warmth that made his teammates smile. "But we have a long way to go. Our goal isn't just to be strong—it's to be unbeatable as a team."
Zhu Zhuqing stepped closer, her eyes shining with quiet pride. "We will become the strongest."
Dugu Yan folded her arms, a confident smile on her lips. "With you leading us, I don't doubt it."
Jiang Yun nodded. "Rest for now. Tomorrow, we'll continue."
As the team dispersed, Jiang Yun remained behind, watching the sunset. A quiet sense of peace filled him, but his mind was already planning their next steps.
"Stronger… we all need to become stronger," he whispered. "Because one day, we'll face enemies who won't hold back."
Unbeknownst to him, two figures watched him from a distance. Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan stood side by side, their gazes filled with warmth and determination.
"I won't lose to you, Zhuqing," Dugu Yan whispered with a grin.
Zhu Zhuqing smiled, her voice soft but firm. "Neither will I."
Their silent challenge hung in the air, but beneath it lay a bond of mutual respect. Both of them were determined to stand by Jiang Yun's side—no matter what the future held.