Chapter 3: Tang Ya's Astonishing Words

The Tianling Mountains stretch from east to west across the entire southeastern region of the Tianhun Empire, with parts of the range even extending into the Douling Empire. North to south, they serve as a vital link connecting two great plains: the Tianling Plain in the north and the Lima Plain in the south. Tianling City derives its name from its position at the heart of the Tianling Plain, while Shrek City lies on the southern Lima Plain, beyond the mountains.

This unique geography has made the Tianling Mountains a fiercely contested strategic location throughout history. Ten thousand years ago, the legendary Jialing Pass was situated at a mountain pass here—a site of cataclysmic battles where countless soul masters fell, until Jialing Pass itself was utterly destroyed.

Yet now, the valley that once bore witness to such devastation has become more bustling than ever. As the saying goes, "The world bustles for profit, people gather where fortunes can be made." Many merchant caravans pass through this valley, especially those journeying between the imperial capital Tiandou City and Shrek City.

Ye Xixuan and Tang Ya were taking this very route through the valley.

On both sides, precipitous cliffs rose, but the valley itself was astonishingly wide—five kilometers across, far broader than any ordinary road.

It was late autumn. The valley felt somewhat desolate, the ground carpeted with withered yellow leaves, with the occasional trace of wagon wheels imprinted in the earth.

"Once we cross this valley, we'll reach the Lima Plain where Shrek Academy is," Tang Ya said, her spirits lifted as they drew nearer to their destination. She walked briskly ahead of Ye Xixuan.

"If we hurry, we should be able to reach Shrek City by tonight."

Shrek Academy occupied a vast area, essentially functioning as a city in itself. Shrek City ranked among the largest cities on the continent, home to over two million residents. Situated at the very heart of the original Douluo Continent, its transportation links were unparalleled. Not only was it the seat of Shrek Academy, but it was also the continent's most important trading hub. With Shrek Academy as its guarantee, business here was not only fair but also secure. As a result, merchants from the three great empires almost always chose Shrek City for cross-border trade.

Ye Xixuan, gazing up at the sky, withdrew his eyes and hurried to keep up with Tang Ya.

"Sister Tang, I remember Shrek Academy is on the eastern side of Shrek City, right?"

"Yes, it faces directly toward the direction of the Star Dou Forest," Tang Ya replied, a look of longing in her eyes. She turned and smiled at Ye Xixuan. Before reality shatters one's illusions, everyone harbors a certain awe for what is hailed as the continent's number one academy.

"It's said that in the past, the Star Dou Forest once sent a wave of spirit beasts to attack Shrek City, but it was the powerhouses of Shrek Academy who led the defense and repelled the tide. Impressive, isn't it?"

Ye Xixuan fell silent and bowed his head. In memories from his previous life, he recalled Tang Ya once sought help from Shrek Academy, but the academy, citing its neutrality on the continent, ultimately did not intervene.

Just then, Tang Ya abruptly stopped, clapping Ye Xixuan excitedly on the shoulder.

"Come on, Xixuan, hurry up! The exit is just ahead!"

Roughly half an hour later, the two finally emerged from the southern expanse of the Tianling Mountains. Ahead of them stretched a vast, endless plain, dotted with clear rivers and dense forests.

Bathed in golden sunlight, Ye Xixuan felt a surreal sense of being in another world. The sky was an endless azure, flocks of birds wheeling freely overhead. In this moment, as his two lifetimes' memories merged, the responsibility and hope of his clan weighed on his shoulders. He possessed a talent beyond compare—and an infinite future ahead.

Regardless of Shrek Academy’s reputation, joining it was, for now, his best choice.

Soaking in the gentle sunlight, Tang Ya stretched lazily, then hurried toward a brook fed by the springs of the Tianling Mountains, waving Ye Xixuan over.

"Come wash up first, then we can eat and rest for a while. There should be plenty of merchant caravans passing by on their way to Shrek City during the day. Maybe we can hitch a ride." In matters like these, Tang Ya was far more experienced than Ye Xixuan.

After all, since the decline of the Tang Sect, she had helped her parents manage its affairs from a young age. Unlike Ye Xixuan, who, before awakening his martial soul, had always enjoyed the family's best resources and never had to concern himself with such things.

As for safety traveling with a caravan, with Shrek Academy nearby and the Lima Plain at the heart of the three great empires, no one would dare stir up trouble here.

Ye Xixuan nodded, heeding Tang Ya’s suggestion. He stripped off his clothes and plunged into the brook, washing himself thoroughly. Droplets of water slid down his fair, delicate skin, making even Tang Ya, despite being a girl herself, a little envious. Giggling, she splashed cold water onto his back.

"Give me your dirty clothes, I'll wash them for you."

"That’s not necessary, Sister Tang," Ye Xixuan replied, turning away awkwardly. Though his personality was dominated by his current life, memories of his past life still influenced him. Having a nine-year-old Tang Ya take care of him felt undeniably strange.

Besides, Tang Ya’s outgoing warmth could be hard for most people to accept.

Tang Ya snorted, summoned a strand of Blue Silver Grass, and forcibly wrapped up Ye Xixuan’s dirty clothes, pouting as she spoke.

"Stop being so shy! You shared a blanket with me last night, and now you’re embarrassed? If you must know, we’ve already slept together. As your big sister, it’s only right I look after you!"

"What?" Ye Xixuan was taken aback by her audacious words, experiencing Tang Ya’s unpredictable nature for the first time.

Seeing his reaction, Tang Ya burst out laughing. Yet as she lowered her head to wash his clothes, her eyes grew faintly red.

The truth was, her kindness toward Ye Xixuan, whom she’d known less than two days, stemmed partly from her own gentle nature—but more so from seeing in him a reflection of her once carefree self.

At only nine years old, she had forever lost the chance to be a child spoiled by her parents.

After washing his clothes, Tang Ya lit a campfire by the brook, heating water in an iron kettle and warming up some dry rations.

Ye Xixuan stood in the water, which just reached his knees, scrubbing his bare body, occasionally glancing at the busy Tang Ya.

Though both were burdened by deep-seated vengeance, the scene they created together radiated an unexpected warmth.