Chapter 35: Tang San and Xiao Wu
Returning to Nuoding Academy, Feng Xuan felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. He had been through a lot in his quest for the spirit ring and couldn't wait to share his experiences with his friends. As he walked through the academy grounds, he spotted Xiao Wu and Tang San talking animatedly in the courtyard. He slowed his pace, observing the scene.
Xiao Wu was laughing, her eyes sparkling with joy, while Tang San smiled warmly at her. Feng Xuan's heart sank a little as he watched them. He had avoided Xiao Wu for most of the semester out of fear of Tang Hao's potential reaction, and in that time, it seemed she had grown closer to Tang San. The bond between them was evident, and Feng Xuan couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
As he approached, he heard Tang San speaking. "Xiao Wu, I'm really glad you agreed to become my sister. It means a lot to me."
Xiao Wu smiled brightly, her affection for Tang San clear in her eyes. "I'm happy too, Tang San. We'll always look out for each other."
Feng Xuan stopped a few steps away, not wanting to interrupt their moment. He felt a deep ache in his chest but quickly reminded himself of his own values. Xiao Wu had found her place with Tang San, and he respected that. He had no intention of acting as a harem-seeking character. His journey was his own, and he would not interfere with their bond.
Taking a deep breath, Feng Xuan approached them with a smile, masking his inner turmoil. "Xiao Wu, Tang San," he greeted, his voice steady.
They turned to him, surprised but happy to see him. "Feng Xuan!" Xiao Wu exclaimed, running over to give him a hug. "It's good to see you! How was your trip?"
Feng Xuan returned the hug, feeling a bit lighter. "It was intense, but I managed to get my first spirit ring."
Tang San stepped forward, his curiosity piqued. "That's great news, Feng Xuan. What kind of spirit beast did you find?"
Feng Xuan was about to explain when Xiao Wu interrupted, her excitement evident. "Oh, Feng Xuan, I have some news too! While you were away, Tang San asked me to become his sister, and I agreed. We're like family now."
Feng Xuan felt a pang of sadness but quickly masked it with a smile. "That's wonderful, Xiao Wu. I'm really happy for you both."
Xiao Wu continued, oblivious to Feng Xuan's internal struggle. "It's been great having Tang San as a brother. We've become really close, and it's nice to have someone to rely on."
Feng Xuan nodded, his smile still in place. "I'm glad to hear that, Xiao Wu. Tang San is a great friend, and I'm sure he'll be an amazing brother too."
Tang San knows familiarity between Xiao Wu and Feng Xuan so he placed a reassuring hand on Feng Xuan's shoulder. "So, what kind of spirit beast did you find?"?"
"It was a Phantom Hawk," Feng Xuan explained. "The fight was tough, and I got some wounds, but I managed to defeat it and absorb its spirit ring."
Xiao Wu's eyes widened in admiration. "That's amazing! You must be so strong now."
Feng Xuan smiled modestly. "I've definitely grown stronger, but I still have a long way to go."
Tang San nodded thoughtfully. "It sounds like you had quite an adventure. We're glad you're back safe."
Feng Xuan looked at both of them, feeling a sense of peace. "Thanks. I'm looking forward to our next semester."
As they continued talking, Feng Xuan felt a renewed sense of determination. Xiao Wu and Tang San had found their bond, and he had his own path to follow. He would train hard, grow stronger, and support his friends without seeking something that wasn't meant for him.
Feng Xuan wandered through the grounds of Nuoding Academy, his mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts. He had returned after an arduous journey to acquire his first spirit ring, a hard-earned achievement that marked a significant step in his path as a Spirit Master. Yet, as he interacted with Xiao Wu and Tang San, he couldn't shake the unease that gnawed at him.
The conversation with Xiao Wu lingered in his mind. She had become Tang San's sworn sister, their bond growing stronger in his absence. Feng Xuan couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. He became He knew that, despite his feelings, Xiao Wu had found her place with Tang San. But more than that, a deeper concern troubled him—his future and the choices he would have to make.
He had always known that his path would eventually lead him to the Martial Soul Hall. The guidance and power he needed to master his martial soul, the Celestial Archer, were there. But joining the Martial Soul Hall meant aligning himself with forces that would inevitably come into conflict with Tang San and Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu's mother was killed by Bibi dong, so there were no chance of Forgiveness from Xiao Wu. The thought of becoming an enemy to someone he cared for weighed heavily on him.
During his year at Nuoding Academy, Feng Xuan found himself in a complex and evolving relationship with Xiao Wu. Despite his best efforts to keep his distance, Xiao Wu's vibrant and persistent personality made it nearly impossible for him to avoid her entirely. Her constant nagging, playful teasing, and unwavering cheerfulness gradually chipped away at his defences.
At first, Feng Xuan had been cautious, wary of getting too close to Xiao Wu. He was acutely aware of the potential future conflict between himself and Tang San, and he didn't want to complicate matters further. But Xiao Wu's infectious energy and her ability to draw others into her orbit made it difficult to maintain his emotional barriers.
He admired her spirit, qualities that often reminded him of the siblings he never had. Despite his reservations about the future and the potential conflicts ahead, Feng Xuan found himself caring for Xiao Wu's well-being and happiness. Her presence brought a sense of warmth and normalcy that he hadn't realized he needed.
One afternoon, as they were practicing together, Xiao Wu bounded up to him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Feng Xuan, you're so serious all the time! Come on, loosen up a bit. Let's see if you can keep up with me in a sparring match!"
Feng Xuan couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Alright, Xiao Wu, but don't complain if you end up losing."
She laughed, a sound that seemed to brighten the entire courtyard. "We'll see about that!"
As they sparred, Feng Xuan found himself enjoying the moment more than he expected. Xiao Wu's relentless energy and genuine joy in their interactions had a way of lifting his spirits. Despite his efforts to remain detached, he realized that she had become an important part of his life at the academy.
Later that evening, as he reflected on the day's events, Feng Xuan acknowledged to himself that Xiao Wu had managed to break through his walls. He had developed feelings of affection for her, not in a romantic sense, but as a protective older brother. He cared about her deeply and wanted to ensure she was safe and happy.
As he walked, Feng Xuan made a conscious decision to keep his distance from Tang San and Xiao Wu. It wasn't an easy choice, but he believed it was necessary. He couldn't allow their bond to grow too deep, knowing that one day they might find themselves on opposite sides of a bitter conflict.
He needed to focus on his own path, to prepare for the future that awaited him. His needed to join Martial Soul Hall, and he couldn't afford to let personal attachments cloud his judgment.
After brief thought, Feng Xuan found a quiet spot in the academy grounds to reflect. He thought about the choices he had made and the ones that lay ahead. The path he had chosen was fraught with challenges and difficult decisions, but he was determined to see it through. He would become stronger, not just for himself, but to face whatever future awaited him, even if it meant standing against those he once called friends.