Hikaru shook his head gently, a warm smile on his lips.
"It's fine. I like her too."
But the moment those words left his mouth, Xu San and Xu Si's expressions turned instantly alert—like two watchdogs guarding against a thief.
Frankly, their reaction was understandable. To them, Hikaru had already been entangled with Xia He and had stirred up trouble with Chen Duo. It gave off the impression of a textbook scumbag.
Seeing their "hostile formation," Hikaru's brief pang of guilt for messing with them earlier completely evaporated, replaced by exasperated amusement.
At that moment, Zhang Chulan walked over, having clearly overheard Hikaru's earlier comment.
Zhang Chulan's feelings toward Feng Baobao had always been complicated—an intricate knot of familial affection and budding romantic emotions.
But now, it seemed he had come to a realization.
That feeling might have reached its end.
After all, Hikaru had just stated outright that he alone could repair Feng Baobao's soul damage—meaning she might need to leave with him one day.
And that wasn't the only emotional hit Zhang Chulan was dealing with.
He had always believed his grandfather, Zhang Huaiyi, had been hunted down for the Qi Source Technique, a tragic and innocent victim.
But the truth turned out far more complex.
His grandfather had once forcibly pried open the Tian Shi Du, setting off a chain of devastating consequences.
Now, it was clear why he never returned to Mount Longhu—he knew he no longer had the face to meet his sect again.
This revelation fundamentally shifted Zhang Chulan's image of his grandfather.
He even began to question: Was Grandpa truly as innocent as I always believed?
A storm churned in his heart. He wanted to talk to Hikaru but didn't know where to begin.
Noticing his awkwardness and inner turmoil, Hikaru calmly offered a few words:
"The past is history. No matter how much we dwell on it, we can't change it. Instead of obsessing over what was, focus on what's ahead."
As he spoke, he gently nudged Zhang Chulan toward Zhang Zhiwei.
"Why not become the Old Celestial Master's disciple? The future... can wait."
Zhang Chulan looked up and met Zhang Zhiwei's smiling face.
The old master looked at him kindly.
"Chulan, don't overthink it. Huaiyi may have made mistakes, but we never blamed him. From now on, treat me as your grandfather. Come and train under me."
As he spoke, Zhang Zhiwei reached out and patted Zhang Chulan's head, his eyes full of warmth and care.
This gentle, heartfelt moment made everyone watching smile.
Even Zhang Chulan, still wrapped in his grief, felt a hint of comfort and solace.
With everything now settled, Hikaru prepared to return.
By now, Xu San and Xu Si had let go of their earlier suspicion.
They knew Baobao's departure was inevitable.
Still, their eyes couldn't hide the sadness brewing inside.
Seeing the deep emotions they wore so openly, Hikaru was a little moved.
Baobao's condition should be stable now, he thought. Letting her say goodbye herself would be better.
The Xu family had cared for her for so long. Whether out of gratitude or decency, it was only right for her to part with them face-to-face.
So Hikaru reached out with his senses, contacting Feng Baobao inside his personal space.
After receiving her confirmation, he waved his hand.
A brilliant portal shimmered into existence before everyone.
Moments later, Feng Baobao stepped out of the glowing gateway.
Xu San and Xu Si's eyes lit up.
They rushed forward, each grabbing one of her arms with urgency.
"Baobao! Are you okay? Anything still hurting?"
Though a little slow in her reactions due to lingering soul damage, Feng Baobao's emotional intelligence had clearly grown.
She understood that now was a time to reassure them.
So she shook her head gently, offering a soft, serene smile.
"I'm okay now. Really. Don't worry."
Though her voice was quiet, it carried an inexplicable power.
Just hearing it instantly eased Xu San and Xu Si's nerves.
They looked at her with quiet relief, hearts full of emotion.
Over the years, they had watched her grow and change.
She used to be so innocent, even naïve—easily tricked and taken advantage of.
But now, she still had that same pure and kind heart...
Yet there was a new steadiness and maturity that hadn't been there before.
They knew that such growth had come at a great cost.
It was, undeniably, a leap in essence for Feng Baobao.
Looking at her now, their worries faded significantly.
Feng Baobao then expressed her gratitude to them in simple but heartfelt words.
Like a warm stream, those words flowed straight into their hearts.
Even these two tough, iron-willed men found their eyes going red.
Finally, Feng Baobao made a call to Xu Xiang.
When he heard that she was about to leave, his emotions burst forth uncontrollably.
He cried like a child on the other end of the phone.
Still, despite his sorrow, he respected her choice.
After saying goodbye to each of them, Feng Baobao turned and walked back through the portal.
Just as she stepped inside, and Hikaru was preparing to activate the departure sequence—
The world seemed to pause.
Everything fell silent.
Even time itself froze, as if sealed in ice.
But what shocked him was that this power—so absolute—had no effect on him at all.
Eyes narrowing, Hikaru saw a sudden system prompt flash before him:
[Warning: Higher-dimensional entity attempting interference with host. Interference blocked by system.]
The warning made Hikaru's expression turn grim.
He didn't hesitate for a second—immediately preparing to evacuate via the system.
He had once believed that some things couldn't be escaped.
But this? This was way beyond his league.
Only a fool would stay.
At that same moment—outside of the world—Tongtian watched this unfold, his heart shaking.
He had long known that the fortunes tied to Hikaru were extraordinary.
But compared to himself, Hikaru should have still been insignificant.
And yet...
This being—seemingly so small—had just shrugged off his interference like it was nothing.
It upended everything Tongtian believed.
Seeing Hikaru about to flee, Tongtian no longer held back.
He instantly appeared beside him, lightly tapped his shoulder, and smiled:
"Please wait, my young friend."
The words hit Hikaru like thunder.
That line—so familiar—wasn't it how those legendary Western powerhouses always opened their encounters?
Was today really the day he'd meet his end?