Chapter 262
Ten years later.
The afternoon sun was bright and warm, casting golden rays from the vibrant blue sky. A gentle breeze swept through the lush landscape, leaving behind a scene of thriving greenery and vitality.
In the heart of an expansive forest, a winding stream meandered through the trees. The crystal-clear water revealed schools of fish playing and darting beneath the surface.
Several small white birds perched on rocks in the middle of the stream, watching the fish below. Every so often, one would dart its beak into the water and emerge with a small fish in its mouth.
Not far from the stream stood two medium-sized trees nestled close together. A faint, radiant glow surrounded them, as if the light was emanating from within or reflecting off the sunlight.
Beneath one of the trees, a teenage girl wearing a light green dress leaned against the trunk, engrossed in her drawing.
The girl appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen, with long, wavy, ash-brown hair tied into two sections by a green ribbon at the back of her head. The rest of her hair cascaded freely, soft and voluminous, adding to her charming and youthful appearance.
She moved her brush with focused intent.
Suddenly, a breeze rustled through the trees, and something fell from above, landing on her head.
“Jiao Jiao, stop it,” she said softly.
A thumb-sized figure, translucent green like a delicate wisp of light, was holding onto a strand of her hair. The tiny being swayed gently in the air, giggling.
“Hua Hua, play~”
The little figure released her hair and dropped onto her canvas. Its tiny feet, now covered in paint, began to scamper across the blank section of her artwork, leaving a trail of fine footprints behind.
The girl puffed her cheeks in mild frustration as she watched the tree spirit misbehave. Despite her irritation, its small, endearing appearance made it impossible for her to stay mad.
“I’m trying to paint here, and all you do is make a mess.”
She gently poked the tree spirit’s head with her fingertip. “Why don’t you go play with Xiao Lan?”
“Xiao Lan, sleeping~”
As if to prove its point, the tree spirit leaped onto the branches of the other pear tree. With a quick motion, it grabbed another small figure from the foliage.
This new spirit, also glowing softly, was sprawled lazily on a leaf. Its dazed expression turned toward the first tree spirit before letting out a sleepy yawn. Without sensing any danger, it flopped back down onto the leaf and resumed its nap.
“Xiao Lan… sleep… sleeping…” it mumbled drowsily.
The girl, Little Li Hua, sighed.
Xiao Lan was truly the laziest. Ever since it had gained the ability to manifest its spirit form, it spent nearly all its time sleeping. Somehow, the lively Jiao Jiao never seemed to mind.
Yes, this lush forest was once the barren wasteland where Su Ci had replanted the two pear trees years ago. Now, it had undergone a complete transformation.
Aside from the two spirit pears, many other plants in the forest had developed sentience. Jiao Jiao and Xiao Lan, though unique, were far from lonely in this vibrant environment.
“Whoosh—Boom!”
Suddenly, the piercing sound of something slicing through the air echoed from above. A gust of wind swept through, making the treetops sway violently.
Little Li Hua pressed her hands against her head to keep her hair from flying into her face. Looking up, she spotted a fighter jet roaring across the sky, leaving a sonic boom in its wake.
Her face lit up with excitement.
“Lang Ze and the others are back!”
She quickly packed up her things and drew a door on her canvas. With a casual swipe of her hand, the door turned into a tangible object.
Little Li Hua leaned the door against the tree trunk, grabbed the doorknob, and pushed it open. She stepped through and emerged on the other side, where a vast plain stretched out before her. Behind her stood a small wooden cabin, accompanied by another house that resembled the cabin but was actually made of metal.
She closed the door behind her and looked up at the fighter jet circling in the sky.
Waving enthusiastically, she caught the attention of someone aboard.
A figure leaped out of the jet—a teenage boy with wolf ears and a tail. With his limbs outstretched, he let the wind catch his clothing, which fluttered wildly as he fell.
Although he wasn’t equipped with any landing device, just as he was about to hit the ground, a gust of wind rose from below. Harnessing its force, the boy landed gracefully.
“Woohoo! Perfect landing!”
Lang Ze cheered as he pulled off his goggles, revealing a wide grin.
“Lang Ze, Xing Xing, you’re back!” Little Li Hua ran over to greet them.
“Little Li Hua!” Lang Ze waved back with enthusiasm.
From the spirit pouch hanging on his chest, a small cat head peeked out.
The black cat was no longer a kitten, but it was still petite. Its light blue eyes shimmered beautifully in the sunlight, though they lacked the lively spark they once had.
“Li Hua…” Xing Xing softly murmured a greeting before quickly retreating back into the pouch.
Over the years, while Lang Ze’s influence had helped Xing Xing open up a little, he remained introverted, avoiding interactions whenever possible.
Little Li Hua wasn’t bothered; in fact, she was delighted that Xing Xing had greeted her at all.
“How was the mission this time?” she asked Lang Ze.
“Of course it went great!”
Lang Ze pressed a button on the clasp of his protective suit. The bulky outfit automatically retracted into a necklace, leaving him in his training attire—a set designed by A-Yan. Even though he was now an eighteen-year-old young man, the outfit still fit him perfectly.
“With us on the job, it’s always a guaranteed success!”
Little Li Hua chuckled. “That’s a good use of that phrase.”
Lang Ze tilted his chin proudly. “Youyou makes me study all the time. My idioms are getting really good!”
Little Li Hua nodded in acknowledgment. A single compliment had his tail practically wagging, just like when he was a child.
Meanwhile, the fighter jet in the sky slowly descended, coming to a steady stop.
The cabin door opened, and a figure clad in a fiery red training suit stepped out.
He was a young man in his early twenties, with wild red hair tousled by the wind. His handsome, vibrant face still carried traces of boyish youth, but his resolute and steadfast demeanor exuded the strength of a maturing adult.
He strolled down the steps, exuding a cool and nonchalant aura.
“Lie Lie,” Little Li Hua greeted him cheerfully.
“Mm.”
Ran Lie gave a small nod, his gaze briefly sweeping over her and landing behind her as if searching for someone. Realizing she was alone, he paused momentarily before withdrawing his gaze.
Just as he was about to speak, the teleportation array near the wooden house emitted a soft glow. A petite girl in a pink and white dress appeared on the platform.
“Wei Wei!” Little Li Hua, noticing the movement, ran over excitedly.
“Li Hua.”
Xue Wei took her hand and walked toward Ran Lie and Lang Ze. Smiling warmly, she said, “Lang Ze, Lie Lie, you’re back! I saw the fighter jet from afar and came to check. I didn’t expect it really was you.”
In the past ten years, blood mist had nearly vanished from the surface of Earth Star, save for some remote deep valleys.
The monsters no longer actively emerged, forcing teams to seek them out and eliminate them. Ran Lie, Lang Ze, and Zheng Xing formed one such small team, while Rong Heng, Ika, and Lu Li made up another. The latter team was still out on a mission.
Hearing that Rong Heng’s team hadn’t returned yet, Lang Ze puffed out his chest with pride, grinning smugly. “Heh, looks like we won this time.”
Little Li Hua huffed lightly. “My brother’s fighter jet is slower; they’re definitely on their way back now.”
With Zheng Xing’s abilities, Lang Ze’s team never lost in travel speed.
Lang Ze shrugged off her logic. “A win’s a win. Let’s head back. I can’t wait to eat one of Mommy Yan Ya’s meals!”
“Alright, let’s go,” Xue Wei agreed.
Just as she turned to leave, Ran Lie called out to her. She turned back to see him toss something her way. Catching it instinctively, she watched as he strode toward the teleportation array without another word.
“What is it?” Little Li Hua leaned in curiously.
Xue Wei looked down at her hand, examining the object. It was a rough, pale pink and lavender gemstone. Though unpolished and not particularly pretty at first glance, it had the potential to become a stunning piece if properly refined.
“Isn’t this one of those gems Su Su showed us?” Little Li Hua asked.
“Probably.” Xue Wei nodded thoughtfully.
Little Li Hua pouted. “Lie Lie is so biased. He only brought you a gift.”
“Well, he is my senior brother.”
Xue Wei carefully tucked the gemstone away and then looped her arm around Little Li Hua’s, soothing her with a soft voice. “How about I make your favorite strawberry cake later? You can have an extra slice, okay?”
Little Li Hua’s mood lifted instantly. “Then I’ll save Lie Lie just a tiny piece!”
Lang Ze, overhearing their conversation, perked up his ears. “What about me? Can I have an extra slice too?”
“This is Wei Wei’s treat for me!” Little Li Hua exclaimed, puffing her cheeks.
“Don’t be so stingy, Little Li Hua, you’re the best~”
Ran Lie, now standing by the teleportation array, overheard their conversation. Crossing his arms, he scoffed disdainfully.
Strawberry cake? He didn’t even like it…
But as he glanced back casually, his gaze unexpectedly met the smiling eyes of the girl. He froze momentarily, then awkwardly looked away, stepping onto the teleportation array.
“Are you coming or not?” he called over his shoulder.
“We’re coming, we’re coming!”
Lang Ze and the others followed. As the array lit up, they disappeared into its glow.
*
By the Bamboo Grove
The bamboo grove by the river remained unchanged despite the decade that had passed. The rest of Earth Star had undergone a dramatic transformation, but this spot stayed true to its original appearance, save for the bamboo growing a little denser.
Even the young man lounging on the recliner appeared untouched by time. The cubs had grown up, yet he looked exactly the same as when they had first met—unchanged in the slightest.
“Su Su.”
A-Yan appeared by his side, his gaze filled with the same gentle affection as always. “Lang Ze and the others are back.”
“Mm.”
Su Ci lazily opened his eyes, yawning as he looked up at the sky, now tinged with the warm hues of sunset. “Time for dinner?”
“Yes, I’ve prepared a welcome feast,” A-Yan replied.
Su Ci chuckled softly. “The kids will be thrilled today.”
Although A-Yan enjoyed cooking, he usually only cooked for Su Ci. On rare occasions, when he was in an exceptionally good mood, the children would also get a taste.
“Indeed, today is worth celebrating.”
The vast majority of the land’s resentment had been consumed by the purifying plants. Even without the seal, what remained was no longer a threat.
Su Ci caught the underlying meaning in A-Yan’s words, but his expression was inscrutable. He gazed silently at the distant sunset for a moment before finally speaking. “Let’s go. It’s time to see him.”
Their figures vanished from the bamboo grove. When they reappeared, they were in the depths of the sealed underground chamber.
In the dark void, the man in red remained bound by chains, seated calmly as though the past ten years had been but a fleeting moment.
“I’m going to release the seal,” Su Ci announced as he stepped forward.
“Wait.”
The red-robed man raised his head, his golden-red eyes glowing through the white mask.
A-Yan looked puzzled, but the man spoke evenly, “Su Ci, I’ve given myself a name.”
“Su Lü,” he said.
A-Yan blinked in surprise and turned to Su Ci. However, Su Ci’s expression was calm, as though he had anticipated this.
He stared at the other fragment of his soul with a complex gaze and asked softly, “Are you sure?”
Su Lü removed his mask, revealing a face identical to Su Ci’s—flawless and strikingly beautiful.
“Yes,” he said firmly.
He met Su Ci’s gaze, his lips curving into a faint smile. His golden-red eyes shimmered with brilliance.
“From this day forward, I am Su Lü.”
