NOVEL NEXT Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Home
Eastsea City, Eastsea Academy. The bus pulled into the academy square. As the students filed out, their faces all shared a common expression of relaxation and joy.
"Alright, kids, you're home!" Ouyang Jian said cheerfully. "Now, enjoy your vacation!"
Upon hearing this, the students of Class Zero didn't react immediately. They instinctively looked toward Wu Zhangkong, and only when he nodded did they cheer and rush toward their dorms.
"Captain, what's everyone planning for the break?" Xie Xie asked excitedly. "I'm going back to upgrade my spirit rings. I bet you all will be shocked by how strong I am after this!"
"I haven't decided yet," Jing Shaoyu replied with a smile. "I might not do much at all."
"Shaoyu, you promised to visit my house during the break!" Xu Xiaoyan immediately hugged his arm, her voice sweet and playful.
"Yes, yes, of course I didn't forget!" Jing Shaoyu said, patting her shoulder. "I'll come over tomorrow. How does that sound?"
"Perfect!" Xu Xiaoyan beamed. "I'll make sure Dad and Grandpa are ready to welcome you properly. They'll make sure you have a wonderful time!"
"Then I'll look forward to it," Jing Shaoyu chuckled.
At that moment, a loud door slam caught their attention. It turned out to be Gu Yue, clearly shutting the door on purpose as a show of her dissatisfaction.
Jing Shaoyu couldn't help but smile wryly at the situation. Xu Xiaoyan glanced at him, grinning. "Remember, Shaoyu, you promised! I'll go get everything ready now!"
"Alright," Jing Shaoyu replied, nodding. "See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow!" Xu Xiaoyan replied, standing on tiptoes to plant a light kiss on his cheek before skipping away happily.
Once Xu Xiaoyan's figure was out of sight, Jing Shaoyu headed toward Gu Yue's room, knocking gently on the door. "Gu Yue, do you have any plans for the break?"
Inside, there was a slight shuffle before the door opened, revealing Gu Yue's blank expression. "If you're planning to take me along to Xu Xiaoyan's house, I might reconsider my plans."
Her words left Jing Shaoyu scratching his head in embarrassment, not sure how to respond. He stood there, wearing a polite smile.
"Hmph." Gu Yue huffed, closing the door with a defiant snap.
"Gu…" Jing Shaoyu tried to say something, but it was clear Gu Yue had no intention of listening. Inside, he could sense faint spatial fluctuations—she was using spatial elements.
"Go find your Xu Xiaoyan!" she called from behind the closed door, and then silence.
Standing there, Jing Shaoyu sighed helplessly. "What's got her jealous again? Everything was fine this morning. She's so hard to read sometimes."
Deciding not to dwell on it, he returned to his own dorm, tidied up briefly, then rode his bike home.
"Mom, Aunt Lin, I'm back!" Jing Shaoyu called out as he arrived, knowing they'd be home on this day off.
Sure enough, his call was met with joyful responses. "Shaoyu, you're home!" His mother, Jing Ziyuan, and Aunt Lin Xin quickly came to greet him, their joy evident.
"Shaoyu, how did the competition go?" Jing Ziyuan asked eagerly. "Did my son win?"
"Of course! Mom, you know my strength well enough," Jing Shaoyu replied, hugging her. "Not only did I win the championship, but I also won two!"
"That's wonderful!" Jing Ziyuan hugged him tightly. "My son is the best!"
"Aunt Lin, how about I go buy ingredients and make a grand meal for lunch to celebrate Shaoyu's win?" Lin Xin offered, her eyes shining with happiness.
"That sounds perfect. Wait for me, I'll go with you," Jing Ziyuan said, then turned back to Shaoyu, pushing him toward the door. "You stay home and rest. We'll be back soon. Anything special you want for lunch?"
"Anything you make, Mom, will be delicious," Shaoyu replied. He paused as he took out two cards from his Phoenix Ring. "Here's my prize money from the championships—please keep it safe for me."
But Jing Ziyuan shook her head, pushing the cards back. "You'll need it in the future as a soul master. Keep it for yourself."
"But…"
"No buts," she insisted. "Now, go sit down on the couch and wait for us."
With that, she led him to the living room and had him sit on the couch before heading out.
Watching his mother leave, Jing Shaoyu felt a familiar peace settle over him. Lying comfortably on the couch, he finally let down all his defenses, a carefree expression on his face.
That's what home is meant to be, he thought, a place where you can let go of all your worries and truly relax.
That afternoon, Shaoyu enjoyed a rare meal with his mother and Lin Xin. The three of them sat around the table, savoring the delicious food and each other's company. It felt like a return to their days back at the Aolai City Orphanage. If only Na'er were here, the moment would be perfect.
After lunch, Shaoyu lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling in a daze. His mind was blank, devoid of any emotion or thought. But then, out of nowhere, a question surfaced: What lies ahead for Na'er?
Na'er was bound to the world as an extension of the Silver Dragon King, meaning her fate was to merge with Gu Yue, allowing Gu Yue to become the fully realized Silver Dragon King. But if that happened, Na'er would vanish forever, and Gu Yue would cease to exist as well. The Silver Dragon King Gu Yuena might emerge, but that wouldn't be the Na'er or Gu Yue he knew.
The more Shaoyu thought about it, the more restless he became. Was Na'er truly just a fragment of Gu Yue, or did she have her own distinct soul? From what he'd read in the original story, the two seemed like separate souls sharing the same body, though the lines between them were blurry.
In the original story, Na'er and Gu Yue had made a bet, where Gu Yue had agreed to allow Na'er a chance at independence if she won. This suggested they were indeed two separate entities.
But the stakes felt different here. The thought of being unable to change this tragic outcome gnawed at him. He was tempted to confront Gu Yue, to make her tell him everything.
Yet, he knew that wasn't possible—not yet. He needed more power, more influence. For now, his only option was to focus on getting stronger and growing closer to Gu Yue, to w
in her trust completely.
At least, for now, it seemed like his best path forward.
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