The Shadow Ascension breaks free from its shackles; a vow made under the moon will last forever.

The moonlit night at Shrek was as tranquil as water, with only the moonlight outlining two slender figures on the training ground.

Zhu Zhuqing was dressed in a black tight-fitting outfit, her Shadow Soul Power condensing into blades at her fingertips, yet they always dissipated the moment they touched the target.

Fine beads of sweat seeped from her forehead, and the crimson on the tips of her ears became increasingly apparent under the moonlight.

"Still not working..." She bit her lip in frustration, her figure flashing as she transformed into a black shadow, hiding within the shadows of the moonlight, yet she was still precisely locked onto by Su Chen's God-Defying Power.

"Shadow is not meant for evasion, but to become one with you."

Su Chen walked slowly to her, his black-gold eyes gentle yet firm.

"You were too focused on speed and sharpness before, forgetting that the most powerful strength of Shadow is protection and bonds."

He gently grasped her wrists from behind, the God-Defying Power in his palms like a warm stream, slowly surging into her meridians and intertwining with her Shadow Soul Power.

Their bodies were pressed extremely close; Su Chen's chest was against her back, and his warm breath brushed against her ear, carrying a hint of lazy teasing: "Close your eyes, feel my power, and let Shadow become your armor, not your weapon."

Zhu Zhuqing's body stiffened instantly, her heart rate accelerating, but she still obediently followed his instructions.

Under the guidance of the God-Defying Power, she could clearly feel the change in her Shadow Soul Power—it was no longer sharp blades, but had transformed into a layer of gentle black veil, tightly wrapping around both of them, concealing their presence while carrying a faint sense of protection.

"I... I can feel it!"

A flash of surprise crossed Zhu Zhuqing's eyes.

Shadow Soul Power flowed around her, transforming into countless tiny black shadows that darted about like living things, eventually condensing into an exquisite set of Shadow armor that covered her body.

"Is this... Shadow Guardian Form?"

"That's right."

Su Chen released her wrists and walked around to her front, his fingertips gently brushing over the armor on her chest.

"Shadow can not only attack and hide, but it can also form the strongest defense to protect the people you want to protect."

Zhu Zhuqing looked up at him, her eyes full of admiration and deep affection.

She suddenly stepped forward, and the Shadow armor transformed into black shadows, wrapping around Su Chen's waist and trapping him tightly.

"Now, you can't escape."

She looked up at Su Chen, her tone carrying a hint of tsundere provocation, though the surging affection in her eyes could not be hidden.

"I have never thought of escaping."

Su Chen chuckled, his God-Defying Power surging slightly, but he did not break free.

Instead, he reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer.

"I said before, I want to keep you trapped for a lifetime, let you be my Shadow Knight, and never leave my side."

Under the moonlight, the distance between the two was mere inches, their warm breaths intertwining.

Zhu Zhuqing bit her lip, shedding all her tsundere attitude and defenses, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed Su Chen's lips.

This kiss was even more passionate and firm than the last, carrying her unique stubbornness and deep affection, while the Shadow Soul Power gently wrapped around them, forming an invisible barrier under the moonlight.

After a long while, their lips parted.

Zhu Zhuqing leaned in Su Chen's arms, her cheeks flushed red, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz but incredibly firm: "Su Chen, from now on, my Shadow is not just my armor, but also your protection. No matter how many enemies you face, no matter how dangerous the path ahead is, I will stand before you, block all harm for you, and be your sharpest blade and your sturdiest shield."

"I believe in you."

Su Chen lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead, his black-gold eyes full of doting and firmness.

"And I, too, will keep you safe, so your Shadow Soul Power will no longer be tainted by loneliness, only warmth and bonds."

Under the shade of a tree in the distance, Karin crossed her arms and whispered to Xiao Wu beside her: "Sister Zhuqing is too good at this; she actually confessed under the moon. I haven't even had a chance yet!"

Xiao Wu's rabbit ears twitched slightly, and she said with a smile: "Sister Zhuqing really loves Brother Su Chen. Look at her eyes; they are filled with affection."

The phantom of Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda flickered, and her tone was spoiled yet envious: "Next time, I want to cultivate under the moon with Brother Su Chen too, and make him praise me as well!"

Kushina, Hinata, and Qing Lin stood to the side, their eyes filled with blessings—they all knew that Zhu Zhuqing's Shadow advancement was not just an improvement in strength, but also a deepening of her bond with Su Chen.

Zhu Zhuqing leaned in Su Chen's arms, feeling his body heat and protection, her heart filled with sweetness and peace of mind.

Shadow Soul Power flowed around them, resonating with Su Chen's God-Defying Power to form a faint halo.

She knew that from now on, she would no longer be fighting alone; by Su Chen's side was her eternal home.

Just then, Su Chen's brows furrowed slightly, his black-gold gaze sweeping towards the depths of the academy—he sensed Xiao Ling's spirit power fluctuations, along with a familiar cold and sinister aura.

Clearly, Xiao Ling had not given up, but was instead secretly plotting a greater conspiracy.

"What's wrong?"

Zhu Zhuqing noticed his strangeness and immediately became vigilant, her Shadow Soul Power instantly condensing.

"It's nothing."

Su Chen chuckled, tightening his hold on her waist.

"Just some clowns, nothing to be afraid of."

He turned to look at the Heroines in the distance and called out, "Let's head back; tonight's training was very successful."

"Okay!"

The Heroines replied in unison, crowding around them as they walked towards the wooden house.

Moonlight spilled over the training ground, leaving behind two figures huddled closely together.

Zhu Zhuqing's Shadow Soul Power flickered in the night, like the firmest of vows.