Socializing.
Getting acquainted.
After all, there were no deep grudges between them. At this academy teeming with prodigies, only fools would make enemies over trivial matters.
The Tang Sect Leader, desperate for recruits, extended an invitation to Wang Dong. Just as in the original story, Wang Dong agreed immediately.
After the meal, they'd become familiar with one another.
Back at the dorm.
Thud!
An Zhen stared quizzically at Huo Yutong, who'd just shut the door. This is my room, right? Why did both follow me in?
"Brother An Zhen!"
Huo Yutong flung herself at him.
Slender white arms wrapped tightly around An Zhen as the teary-eyed loli gazed up at him. "You're really okay?"
Having searched half the morning in near-panic, she'd barely held herself together after Tang Ya's reassurance and seeing his healthy complexion at lunch.
Two small hands roamed over his body, checking for injuries.
"Why would I be hurt?"
Warmth spread from her fingertips, a tingling sensation teasing An Zhen's nerves. He caught her wrists—this couldn't continue. Things might escalate.
"Um…"
Realizing her impropriety—her hands had slipped beneath his shirt—Huo Yutong's cheeks flushed apple-red. She tried to pull back, but An Zhen held her arms fast, leaving her trapped mid-embrace, face buried in his chest.
"My fault."
The handsome boy stepped forward, head bowed, toe scuffing the floor. Shame, regret, embarrassment, worry—all tangled in his voice. "Last night… I shouldn't have kicked you out while you were injured."
"That? It's nothing," An Zhen reassured, releasing Huo Yutong. "Wang Dong's a girl. Staying alone with a barely-known boy? Completely understandable."
Hngh.
Wang Dong's guilt deepened.
"Off you go. Your rooms are tidied." An Zhen gently nudged Huo Yutong toward the door.
Brother An Zhen's embrace… so comforting.
Reluctantly, the blushing girl stepped back.
"Meditate this afternoon. After dinner, we'll sell milk tea."
"Mn."
Wang Dong trailed Huo Yutong out, arms full of bedding, still distracted.
Virtual World.
"Why do I feel… restless?"
An Zhen pressed fingers to his cheek. Huo Yutong's touch had ignited a strange heat. He recognized the feeling—but was he truly that desperate?
"Odd…"
Second Soul Skill: Replicate.
A tall, graceful figure materialized before him—raven hair cascading like a waterfall, gentle smile gracing exquisite features.
Zhang Lexuan.
"Martial Soul."
Soul power flowed. A crescent moon glowed behind her as two pale yellow soul rings shimmered at her sides.
Moon Martial Soul.
No common variant—this was a top-tier lineage.
"But isn't the Moon Martial Soul an heirloom of the Sun Moon Empire?"
Sun Moon Empire:
Sun, Moon, and the ancestral Purple Gold Destruction Dragon—companion to the Dragon God.
Barring mutations, Martial Souls were inherited. Bloodlines were often verified through them.
What parents could produce a Moon variant?
An Zhen shook his head. Not my concern. I'm no Sun Moon royal.
Besides—today's stars are elsewhere.
Opening the door, he returned moments later carrying two figures, laying them gently on his bed.
A petite blue-haired loli.
A stunning pink-blue-haired girl.
"Today's a good day."
Heh.
Snap!
Hair lengthened instantly, cascading to their waists. Their clothes vanished, replaced by sky-blue sundresses that bared creamy shoulders—smooth as frosting, tempting as dessert.
Shoes disappeared. Knee-high white socks took their place.
"Harvest time."
An Zhen's amused gaze lingered on the "sleeping" blue-haired girl. He cradled one white-socked foot—delicate as fine pastry.
Beautiful girls truly are fragrant.
He lowered his head—
"Kya!"
A soft yelp. Huo Yutong bolted upright, white-socked feet scrambling backward on the sheets—until she met An Zhen's knowing smile.
"Brother An Zhen knew I was here?"
"My dreamscape. Did you think I wouldn't sense intruders?" He pulled her into his lap. "But I was planning to continue."
Huo Yutong didn't resist. Nestling close, she savored the safety and warmth.
"Is this Wang Dong's true form?"
Huo Yutong studied the girl beside her: dreamlike pink-blue tresses, delicate brows, cheeks still soft with youth—already breathtakingly beautiful.
"So pretty."
Though they'd "verified" each other's gender, Huo Yutong had never seen Wang Dong's real face.
"My little Yu Tong's adorable too."
An Zhen's handsome face drew closer in her starlit eyes.
Haa…
Eyes fluttering shut, Huo Yutong didn't retreat. She felt damp warmth on her cheek.
Just my cheek?
A flicker of disappointment.
Eyes snapping open with sudden resolve, she leaned forward—clumsily capturing his lips with her own.
This bold?
An Zhen's thoughts raced.
"Does Brother An Zhen think Yu Tong is… shameless?" she whispered afterward, head bowed like a scolded child.
"Never." His hand gently stroked her hair, voice tender. "I like little Yu Tong. The romantic kind of like."
"If Brother An Zhen likes it…"
Still seated on his chest, face flushed, she didn't elaborate. That strange sensation and impulsive courage returned. Slowly, she raised her white-socked feet.
"Teacher Xiao Ya says my feet are cute."
She recalled their first encounter in this dreamscape.
As everyone knows, ice cream is summer's essential delight.
A summer untasted is incomplete.
(Content omitted)
(End of Chapter)