Morning light filtered through the half-open window, brushing across Ye Fang's face in a faint golden hue. The air carried the gentle scent of morning dew and warm sunlight.
He stirred slightly, feeling something soft and warm pressing against his chest. When his eyes opened, the first thing he saw was a pair of tiny, glimmering eyes staring straight at him — bright as embers and filled with innocent curiosity.
A small, red-scaled creature sat atop him — his little dragon.
The creature tilted her head, letting out a soft, melodious sound.
"Ga-wu…"
Ye Fang blinked, then smiled faintly. "You're awake already?"
The tiny dragon tilted her head again, studying his face as if trying to understand her master's words. She let out another quiet "Ga-wu," softer this time — almost like a greeting.
Ye Fang gently reached out and rubbed her small head. Her scales were smooth, warm, and pulsed faintly with heat.
"I know, you're hungry, aren't you? Just wait until we get into the secret realm. There'll be plenty of things to eat there."
At that, the little dragon's eyes lit up. She licked his cheek happily, leaving faint warmth against his skin. Ye Fang chuckled, pushing her gently off his chest as she fluttered down to the bed, tail wagging like a small ember whip.
But as he sat up, his expression shifted slightly.
He couldn't tell Yue about this little dragon — not yet.
How could he explain that he had simply *found* a dragon egg after returning from a secret realm? No one would believe that. The world hadn't seen a true dragon in centuries, not since the Great Rupture five hundred years ago.
He exhaled slowly. *I'll say I found the egg in the secret realm and tamed it there,* he decided. That was the most believable story — for now.
His gaze returned to the little dragon. She was perched on the blanket, wings folded neatly, tiny horns gleaming faintly. The room filled with the faint scent of smoke and warmth, like a fireplace in winter.
Ye Fang looked at her quietly for a while. Then a thought crossed his mind.
"It's about time I give you a name," he murmured. "I can't keep calling you 'little dragon' forever."
The dragon tilted her head, eyes blinking curiously, as if she understood.
Ye Fang leaned back slightly, folding his arms, lost in thought. He wanted something that carried meaning — something that matched the flame's beauty and strength sleeping within her.
Moments passed. Then a faint smile touched his lips.
"Yanhua" he said softly.
The dragon blinked.
(Yan)— Flame, the burning fire of life.
(Hua) — Radiance, splendor, and the beauty that blooms from the ashes."
He whispered, "It means The Radiant Flame that Blossoms Amidst Destruction."
The little dragon froze for a heartbeat — then her tail started wagging excitedly. She spread her tiny wings and took off, circling Ye Fang in a whirl of scarlet light. Sparks danced in her wake, scattering like stars.
Ye Fang couldn't help but smile. "So you like it, huh?"
"Ga-wu!" she chirped proudly, spinning in the air before landing neatly on his shoulder, pressing her head affectionately against his cheek.
"Alright, Yanhua," he said quietly. "Let's get ready."
He rose from bed, brushed his teeth, and took a shower. Warm water ran down his skin as his mind began to sharpen again. Today wasn't an ordinary day.
The secret realm awaited.
After dressing, Ye Fang opened the door to the small apartment's main room. Yue was already there, humming softly while cooking breakfast. The scent of rice porridge and fried buns filled the air.
She looked up the moment she heard him.
"Brother, you're awake? Breakfast will be ready in a minute."
Ye Fang smiled lightly. "Alright."
A few moments later, they sat together at the small table. The sunlight streaming in from the window painted soft patterns on the floor. Yue served him a bowl of porridge, her movements practiced and gentle.
Ye Fang ate quietly for a while before speaking. "Yue, I'll be going to the secret realm today."
Yue froze slightly, chopsticks pausing mid-air. "Today?"
He nodded. "I need to level up before the academy trial next week. I'll be back by nightfall."
She looked at him, worry flickering across her face. "Brother, the secret realms are dangerous. Even experienced awakeners sometimes…"
Her voice trailed off.
Ye Fang placed his bowl down, expression calm but steady. "I'll be careful. I've planned everything."
Yue lowered her gaze, biting her lip slightly. She knew she couldn't stop him. Her brother was all she had left — and yet, he had his own path to walk.
"Alright," she finally whispered. "Just… come back safely."
Ye Fang smiled faintly. "I will."
After finishing breakfast, he rose, grabbed his black coat, and walked toward the door. Yanhua peeked out from his collar, her small body hidden but her fiery eyes alert.
"Stay quiet," Ye Fang whispered. The dragon gave a soft chirp of acknowledgment.
He stepped outside. The streets of Zhaotian City were already lively — carriages rumbling past, awakeners in light armor walking with weapons slung across their backs, merchants shouting about spirit stones and elixirs. The sky shimmered faintly with protective barriers — marks of the city's ancient defenses.
But Ye Fang didn't linger. His destination was the "Secret Realm Management Office", located near the heart of the city.
The building stood tall, constructed from black spirit-steel and luminous runes that pulsed with a soft azure glow. It was here that all awakeners registered their entries into the realms. Each realm was classified by level and difficulty — from "easy", "meduim", "hard", "difficult", and lastly "nightmare."
As Ye Fang stepped through the main gate, several voices drifted across the hall.
"Well, look who it is," a mocking tone called out.
He turned his head slightly. A few of his academy classmates stood by the counter, sneers curling on their lips.
"Isn't that the so-called SSS-rank trash?" one of them laughed.
"After awakening such a powerful rank, he still couldn't summon a real ability. Guess he's here to commit suicide in a secret realm."
"Maybe he'll choose "easy" difficulty and hide somewhere," another jeered. "That'd suit him perfectly."
Their laughter echoed faintly through the hall.
Ye Fang's expression didn't change — but deep within his eyes, something dark flickered. For a brief instant, the air around him turned cold, as if something invisible coiled within his shadow.
Let them laugh,he thought silently. Sooner or later, I'll silence every last one of you.
His lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible grin — quiet, but deadly.
Without another word, he walked past them and approached the registration counter.
The lady in charge of the secret realm management glanced at him, verified his identification, and confirmed his entry with a polite nod. After completing the process, Ye Fang proceeded to the area designated for the 1–10 level secret realms.
Rows of glowing portals shimmered before him, each leading to a different world of danger and opportunity. His gaze swept over the names until one caught his eye — Ember Valley.
Stepping forward, he stood before the swirling crimson gate. Without hesitation, Ye Fang selected the Nightmare difficulty, and the portal flared to life. As the light enveloped him, his figure vanished silently into the blazing realm beyond.