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"You're awake?"
A gentle greeting jolted Bai Xu awake. It had been a long time since he had slept so deeply. Even when he was with Gu Yue at Shrek Academy, his rest had always been half-awake—perhaps that was his own fault.
Bai Xu saw Gu Yuena sitting on the sofa, reviewing some documents, while he lay on a pristine white bed. Noticing he was awake, she set the papers aside and walked over. "It seems you weren't in the best condition during our battle, otherwise you wouldn't have exhausted yourself so quickly."
She picked up a cup of tea from the table and handed it to him before returning to the sofa.
Bai Xu lifted the blanket and glanced down, then sighed. "Did you change my clothes?"
Gu Yuena paused, then chuckled. "Don't overthink it. I used elemental control—I didn't actually see your body. Besides, even if I had, you wouldn't be at a disadvantage."
Bai Xu took a sip of tea and sighed. "Judging by your demeanor, you've figured things out? That day, you cried so hard your eyes were swollen. Yet now, after I wake up, you're back to your usual self. A woman's thoughts are truly hard to decipher."
"Hmph, of course I've figured it out. Even without you, I would've come to terms with it. I just wanted to confide in you, which is why I was like that." Gu Yuena crossed her arms and turned her head away with a proud huff.
But it was true—Bai Xu was the only one in the world to whom Gu Yuena could bare her heart without reservation. No one else could ever earn that privilege.
Bai Xu smiled faintly, a trace of relief in his expression. "I'm glad those words helped you. To be honest... even though I understand many principles, there are some I might not even be able to follow myself. The true meaning behind words can only be grasped through experience."
Gu Yuena was momentarily stunned. This was the first time Bai Xu had spoken so humbly, as if he had lost his usual confidence. She said solemnly, "It's enough. Those words were enough for me. To you, they might just be trivial platitudes, but to me, they became a pillar of strength—a source of motivation."
Their eyes met, and the atmosphere grew subtly intimate.
Gu Yuena continued, "I don't plan to follow the same path as my previous life."
"Oh?" Bai Xu was intrigued.
"Ultimately, this is a world where strength reigns supreme. If I were to split off numerous spiritual seeds to control soul masters again, my recovery speed would be severely hampered. That's why, even after the Abyss War ended, I had only just regained divine-level strength. If I don't disperse my spiritual seeds, in this life, I should at least reach the level of a second-grade god—strong enough to contend with the Plane's Will and the Abyss Sage Emperor. When the time comes, I'll personally fight for the survival of soul beasts. Plane's Will... you won't object, will you?"
The Plane's Will materialized on Bai Xu's shoulder and said, "As long as the Silver Dragon King doesn't disrupt the balance of the Douluo Continent, striving for the survival of soul beasts is permissible. However... I must warn you: if either soul beasts or humans face extinction, the ecosystem of Douluo Continent will collapse, and the planet will perish."
The Plane's Will was wary of the Silver Dragon King. Beings with such power could act as they pleased. If she recovered too quickly—especially if she regained her peak strength, half-step God King-level power coupled with God King-level spiritual force—it would be like nurturing a tiger that would one day turn on them.
"Don't worry, I understand. The Abyss Plane has delivered itself to us, replenishing Douluo's depleted energy. You and Bai Xu are even scheming against the Demon Plane. The Plane's Will has gained sentience and self-interest, wanting to elevate Douluo to greater heights. Bai Xu only agreed because he owes you some karma—if it were anyone else, the outcome might've been different."
It was baffling that Bai Xu had no intention of becoming the Plane's Will himself or installing a puppet to rule Douluo as an autocrat.
Hearing this, Bai Xu exchanged a glance with the yellow dog on his shoulder, which grinned awkwardly, as if its hidden motives had been exposed.
But Bai Xu was fully aware. "Don't worry. If not for your prayers, I wouldn't have come to this world. Since I'm here, I'll naturally help you reclaim your position as the Plane's Will."
"Then I thank you, great one!"
The Plane's Will wagged its tail enthusiastically, deeply impressed by Bai Xu's magnanimity. If possible, it would've abandoned Douluo altogether to follow him, knowing that a far grander future awaited.
"There's one more thing, great one. Once you reach level 70 and I bestow the Spirit Soul's true form upon you, the last remnants of my authority will fully transfer to you. At that point, you can directly seek out the possessor of the Demon Seed. We can locate the Demon Plane through them and open a portal once we're strong enough!" The Plane's Will fantasized.
"What a bootlicker," Gu Yuena muttered, watching as the Plane's Will wagged its tail so hard it might've fallen off.
"You misunderstand. I, too, have dreams. The Divine Realm is unjust, arbitrarily interfering with mortal planes—take the Sea God Tang San, for example. Even though he ascended from Douluo, he never gave anything back. This time, I want Douluo to have its own Divine Realm!"
The Plane's Will spoke passionately. In truth, the last Son of Destiny, Huo Yuhao, had been its desperate attempt to reconcile the conflict between soul beasts and humans. It had hoped he would ascend and protect Douluo, only for Tang San to hijack him into the Tang family.
Thus, the Plane's Will resolved that once it regained control, it would use even greater planar energy to nurture a new Son of Destiny—one who would revolutionize Douluo's structure, establish a new cultivation system, and create Douluo's own Divine Realm, elevating it to greater heights.
To set everything back on track!
Of course, all of this still depended on Bai Xu.
"We're not there yet. Let's focus on the present first," Bai Xu sighed, recalling the Plane's Will into his body.
Then he studied Gu Yuena. Her silver hair cascaded like crystal, her skin flawless, her violet eyes captivating—a breathtaking beauty even more stunning than Gu Yue, with a far more alluring figure.
He asked, "I'm curious—though your current appearance still bears some resemblance to Gu Yue, how did you explain such a drastic change to the Spirit Pagoda and your teacher?"
"Your focus is strange. I told my teacher it was due to a martial soul evolution, which altered my appearance. I even changed my name. Is there a problem?" Gu Yuena tilted her head.
"She believed you?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't she? It's not like it harms me."
Bai Xu's lips twitched. "Alright, my mistake for asking."
Gu Yuena stood, tying up her hair. "Let's go back to the Spirit Pagoda. This time, you're riding on my coattails."
"What?"
She smirked. "At the Spirit Pagoda, you're the pretty boy I'm keeping. Ever since I appeared like this, everyone's been seething with envy."
Bai Xu's step faltered slightly before he heard her add, "You've spent quite a bit of my money over the years."
It was true. Bai Xu had sent half his salary to his adoptive parents and the other half to Leng Jiuming to repay debts, leaving himself only a meager allowance.
All the precious herbs gifted by soul beasts or bought at auctions had been funded by Gu Yue's money.
"So... my pretty boy, your days at the Spirit Pagoda might not be so comfortable from now on." Gu Yuena laughed and strode ahead, leaving Bai Xu to follow.
---
Spirit Pagoda, Deputy Tower Master's Office
"Master!" Gu Yuena greeted warmly.
Bai Xu nodded respectfully. "Greetings, Heavenly Phoenix Douluo."
Leng Yaozhu smiled at their arrival. "You're back from the Dou Ling Empire so soon?"
"Yes, I returned ahead of schedule and didn't take the Spirit Pagoda's cruise ship," Bai Xu answered truthfully.
"Heh, did Nana tell you about her transformation?" Heaven Phoenix Douluo teased. "The two of you are close, but don't rush things. Take your time. Also, Bai Xu, your reputation isn't the best. Now that Nana has become even more outstanding, you'll need to step up your game."
Bai Xu suppressed a sigh. "Understood."
Once they were seated, Heavenly Phoenix Douluo continued, "Lately, I've had many visitors—all hoping to arrange a marriage with Nana. Even the Tower Master has approached me about it."
"What? Master, even the Qiangu Tower Master came to you?" Gu Yuena was shocked.
"Yes, he seems to hold you in high regard. Nana, you're too exceptional. Your talent is unparalleled, you might even develop artificial ten-thousand-year spirit souls, and you're my disciple. With all these accolades, Bai Xu pales in comparison."
Bai Xu: "..."
Gu Yuena smiled. "It's fine, Master. I don't mind him."
Leng Yaozhu chuckled. "I know, but Bai Xu, you must strive harder. A man can't hide behind a woman forever. If you're willing, I can suggest a few paths for you."
"Please enlighten me, Your Excellency."
"Join the military and earn merits."
!!!
Bai Xu's heart leaped with joy, but his expression remained calm. His acting was flawless. "Join the military?"
"Yes. Some matters can't be discussed openly, but Douluo isn't as peaceful as it seems. There are threats both within and beyond this world. You and Nana can look into the details later. My point is, I hope you'll work harder to become worthy of Nana and silence the critics in the Spirit Pagoda."
Bai Xu and Gu Yuena exchanged a glance before he replied, "Thank you, Heavenly Phoenix Douluo. I'll consider it carefully."
With that, they took their leave.
---
Later, in the Spirit Pagoda.
Gu Yuena's presence turned heads wherever she went. But when people noticed Bai Xu trailing behind her, their expressions soured with envy. Many lamented how lucky he was.
The original Gu Yue had been an intellectual beauty with extraordinary grace. But now, after what was rumored to be a second martial soul awakening or a beneficial mutation, her appearance had transformed into that of a peerless beauty.
And the most infuriating part? Bai Xu had already been her kept man back when she was Gu Yue.
How could anyone not resent him?
In no time, Bai Xu's name spread far and wide.
---
Gu Yuena's Office.
The moment they entered, Gu Yuena shut the door and grinned. "How was the walk?"
"Fine. A bit annoying, but manageable."
"Heh, don't be surprised if people start harassing you, trying to force you to give up your 'pretty boy' status and leave the Spirit Pagoda."
"I'm sure it'll happen. I can already sense it. Even Qiangu Zhangting might step in. Your current appearance... is dangerously captivating. But my resolve is firm—it won't shake me."
Gu Yuena glided closer, curiosity and mischief in her eyes. "Really?"
Bai Xu glanced at her, then sat cross-legged in meditation, ignoring the question.
"Fine, I'll stop teasing. Judging by your reaction earlier... you're considering joining the military to absorb Abyss energy for cultivation?"
"I'm considering it. Haven't decided yet."
"Don't play dumb. I know you've been wanting to go."
"..." Bai Xu stayed silent.
"Once I perfect the ten-thousand-year spirit soul research, we'll go together." Her tone brooked no argument. Without giving him a chance to protest, she left for the spirit soul laboratory.
---
One Month Later .
Qiangu Zhangting finally returned to the Spirit Pagoda, brimming with excitement, confusion, and joy. He couldn't wait to see his grandfather, discuss the Spirit Pagoda's post-Shrek bombing strategy, and share his negotiations with the Dou Ling royalty, seeking advice on his shortcomings.
He hadn't even realized Bai Xu had returned ahead of him.
Spirit Pagoda VIP Elevator.
The doors opened, revealing a silver-haired figure. Zhangting froze the moment he saw her. Even as Gu Yuena ignored him, his eyes followed her until the elevator doors closed without him realizing.
For the first time in years, his heart raced. It was love at first sight!
Who was she? She was clearly worthy of him!
All other thoughts vanished as he rushed to the top floor and barged into his grandfather's office.
"Zhangting, you're back!" Qiangu Dongfeng smiled warmly.
"Grandfather! Who was that silver-haired girl? Why was she using the high-level elevator? I've never seen her before!"
"Hm? You mean Nana?"
"Nana?"
"You've met her—she's Gu Yue. A few months ago, her martial soul underwent a second awakening, altering her appearance. Now, she's the Spirit Pagoda's undisputed goddess. You... like her?"
Zhangting felt as if he'd been struck by lightning. Gu Yue—the girl who kept a pretty boy as her secretary? The one rumored to have made strange noises with Bai Xu in her office?
His world dimmed. "She's already taken."
"Indeed. I advise you to abandon those thoughts. They've been together for a long time, though Bai Xu is somewhat unworthy of her. Zhangting, it's not hopeless. They might not last. But that's irrelevant for now. Tell me about your trip."
But Zhangting was already walking away, soul crushed.
Did love at first sight truly exist?
The image of their elevator encounter replayed endlessly in his mind. Resolved, he decided to see her again.
*
Late Night, Spirit Pagoda Headquarters – Spirit Soul Research Institute.
Gu Yuena emerged, visibly tired, only to freeze at the sight of Zhangting.
"You're Gu Yuena, right?"
"Yes. And you are?"
"Qiangu Zhangting. Qiangu Dongfeng is my grandfather."
"Nice to meet you. What are you doing here?"
"Waiting for you."
"For me?" Gu Yuena feigned surprise, though inwardly, she'd expected this.
"I'd like to be friends."
"Oh." Gu Yuena suddenly spotted someone behind him and brightened. Slipping past Zhangting, she looped her arm through Bai Xu's. "Let's go get supper."
Bai Xu glanced at Zhangting but ignored him. "Sure."
They walked away, leaving Zhangting standing alone in the dim hallway, his world crumbling.
*****
T/N: Is that still count as friendzone?