147: Parting in the Dragon Realm, love is sealed on the journey home.

Several days later, at the edge of the Dragon Domain, space ripples undulated like water patterns.

Zi Yan, Elder Zhu Li, Hei Qing, as well as Xiao Yan and Xun'er, were all there to see Li Ao and the other two off.

Although Zi Yan was a bit reluctant, she knew that Li Ao's decision to leave was firm. She put the purple scale, which contained a wisp of her own Dragon Emperor Qi, into Li Ao's hand and patted her chest, saying, "Take this. If you encounter trouble you can't solve, crush it, and this King will immediately lead a large force to kill them! Let's see who dares to bully my Zi Yan's friend!"

Her small face showed an expression of "I've got your back," which warmed Li Ao's heart. He solemnly accepted it, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Elder Zhu Li stroked his beard and said, "Young Friend Li, the Dragon Domain will always be your friend. The outside world is treacherous; be careful in all things."

Hei Qing clapped Li Ao's shoulder hard and rumbled, "Kid, take care! Remember to come back and visit when you have time; I still have good wine waiting for you!"

Li Ao thanked them one by one; he kept this friendship in his heart.

On the other side, Xiao Yan also cupped his hands to Li Ao, saying, "Brother Li, let's meet again in Central State. The Hall of Souls is powerful; we should support each other."

"Definitely." Li Ao nodded and exchanged a look with Xiao Yan, everything unsaid. These two Prodigies, equally brilliant, had now subtly become allies who could entrust their backs to each other.

Xun'er also nodded slightly to Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian.

After the farewells, Li Ao no longer hesitated. He took Medusa's hand and then looked at Xiao Yi Xian. Xiao Yi Xian smiled slightly, stepped forward, and gently linked her arm with his other one.

This scene made Zi Yan blink, Hei Qing grin, Elder Zhu Li smile silently, Xiao Yan rub his nose, and Xun'er's eyes flash with understanding.

Li Ao took a deep breath, his Dou Qi and spatial power fused, combined with a trace of the Dragon Clan's spatial imprint contained in the scale Zi Yan had given him. He formed hand seals and sharply swiped forward!

"Tear—!"

A spatial passage, more stable and wider than before, instantly formed! Through the other end of the passage, the landscape of mountains and rivers was faintly visible—it was the Northern Region of Central State!

"Take care!"

Under everyone's gaze, Li Ao, taking Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian, stepped into the spatial passage, and their figures disappeared within it. The passage then slowly closed... Inside the spatial passage, colorful lights flowed, and the speed of travel was far more stable and swift than when they came.

Medusa felt the warmth from Li Ao's palm and looked at his focused profile as he controlled the passage, her purple eyes serene. Since she had made her choice, she would not regret it; no matter if the path ahead was a mountain of knives or a sea of fire, she would walk it with him.

Xiao Yi Xian, holding Li Ao's arm and feeling the firmness of his bicep, had a tumultuous heart. She looked at Medusa, who was peerlessly beautiful on one side, and then at the man beside her who occupied her entire heart. A faint bitterness and an unprecedented courage intertwined in her heart.

She knew that if some words were not spoken now, there might never be another chance.

The time spent traversing the passage seemed to stretch, yet also felt like just an instant.

When the light from the exit of the passage in the distance became clearer and clearer, Xiao Yi Xian suddenly stopped.

Li Ao and Medusa also stopped and looked at her in confusion.

Xiao Yi Xian looked up, her clear eyes fixed on Li Ao, with a hint of nervousness, but more of an unwavering determination. She gently released Li Ao's arm, but her gaze never left him.

"Li Ao." Her voice echoed softly within the passage, with a slight tremble, yet exceptionally clear.

Li Ao looked at her, seemingly anticipating something, and his expression became serious.

Medusa's purple eyes flickered slightly; she stood silently to the side, not speaking.

"I know... I might not be as powerful as Your Majesty, nor do I have as deep a bond with you as she does..." Xiao Yi Xian's voice was very soft, yet every word struck Li Ao's heart. "From Qingshan Town, my fate seemed to sink into a swamp, and it was you who pulled me out of the abyss more than once. In the Ancient Domain of Extinction, you held my hand and dispelled the despair within me... In the Dragon Domain, you taught me to control my power and gave me new hope..."

Her eyes were slightly red, but she stubbornly refused to let tears fall: "I don't want to just passively accept your protection anymore, nor do I want to hide my feelings anymore. Li Ao, I like you. Perhaps this liking is not as profound as Your Majesty's, but it is equally real, and equally... unforgettable."

She took a deep breath, as if using all her strength, and continued, "I don't ask for exclusive possession, I only ask... only ask for a place to stand by your side, to accompany you, to help you. Whether as a friend, or... something else. Can I?"

After saying these words, she seemed to be exhausted, bowing her head slightly, not daring to look into Li Ao's eyes, awaiting the judgment of fate. Her slender shoulders trembled slightly, appearing so fragile, yet so strong.

The passage was silent, with only the faint hum of spatial energy flowing.

Medusa looked at Xiao Yi Xian, her purple eyes filled with complex emotions. She had long seen through the girl's feelings; now hearing her say it herself, she felt little anger, but rather a faint admiration. At least, she had the courage to speak her mind.

Li Ao looked at the woman before him, like a white lotus in the wind, his heart also filled with mixed emotions. From their first meeting in Qingshan Town, to their reunion at Jia Nan Academy, and then to their reliance on each other in the Ancient Domain of Extinction, Xiao Yi Xian's figure had long occupied a place in his heart. Her gentleness, her resilience, her kindness, all made him unable to ignore her.

He was not heartless; it was just that the situation had been critical in the past, leaving him no time for other concerns. Now, in this spatial passage leading to Central State, on the eve of facing new storms, he could no longer avoid this sincere and courageous emotion, nor did he wish to avoid it.

He reached out and gently lifted Xiao Yi Xian's chin, making her raise her head to meet his gentle yet serious gaze.

"Xian'er." He called out this intimate name, his voice deep and clear, "I have received your feelings."

Xiao Yi Xian's heart leaped, and her eyes burst forth with incredible hope.

"In my heart, you and Cai Lin (Medusa's name) are both unique and irreplaceable." Li Ao's gaze was frank and sincere, "The road ahead is perilous; to have you both by my side is my, Li Ao's, good fortune."

He did not directly utter vows of eternal love, but these words already expressed his attitude and choice.

Xiao Yi Xian's tears finally couldn't be held back, but they were tears of joy. She nodded vigorously, too choked up to speak.

Li Ao smiled slightly and reached out to gently embrace her. Xiao Yi Xian's body stiffened for a moment, then completely relaxed, burying her face in his chest, feeling his reassuring Qi and heartbeat.

Medusa looked at the two embracing figures, a flicker of complexity in her purple eyes, but eventually, it turned into an almost inaudible sigh, and a trace of relief. She walked forward, saying nothing, just standing quietly beside Li Ao.

Li Ao released Xiao Yi Xian, then took Medusa's hand, and looked at Xiao Yi Xian, whose cheeks were flushed, eyes tear-streaked, but with a bright smile.

"Let's go." He said softly, his gaze fixed on the approaching light of the passage exit, "Central State, we're back."

This time, he was no longer alone. He had beautiful companions, allies by his side, and power and determination enough to shake the clouds!

The Hall of Souls, ancient races, the calamity of Central State... He would face all of this calmly, and in this magnificent era, carve out a path to the heavens that belonged to him!

At the end of the spatial passage, light burst forth, completely engulfing the figures of the three.

In the sky above the Northern Region of Central State, a spatial crack quietly appeared, and three figures, like exiled immortals descending to the world, slowly landed.

A new journey officially begins!

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