"Yuhao."
"Teacher Fan Yu." Huo Yuhao looked up from working bench and nodded towards his teacher.
Fan Yu's gaze swept over the intricate setup on the workbench: the fiery Hellfire Devil Gorilla Left Arm Soul Bone, alongside rare metals and finely-tuned components, the kind of arrangement one would only see in the hands of high-class soul engineers.
For a moment, Fan Yu felt a swell of pride—knowing that he had played a role in guiding this prodigal genius.
But he, just like the rest of his colleagues, knew that they had only taught Huo Yuhao very little compared to what the young man had achieved on his own. Most of Huo Yuhao's accomplishments were the result of his relentless self-discipline, creativity, and....a bit of cheating from his clone technique.
'....Should I just join his sect?' It wasn't like the academy prohibited their staff from joining sects or families. Heck, most of the elders are from powerful sects and families from across the three mainland empires. He himself was from a moderately well-known soul master family before he entered the academy.
But joining his student's sect, wouldn't that mess up the status quo?
Fan Yu brought out a several scrolls from his storage-type soul ring, placing them on the side of the working bench, and said. "Here are all the blueprints and other research materials related to making a prosthetic arm that I, as well as seniors Qian and Xian, have gathered from the department's vault as well as from our knowledge and experience."
"Oh! Thanks teacher Fan Yu." Huo Yuhao said with a smile.
Fan Yu softly smiled, a hint of sadness flickering through his eyes as he stared at Huo Yuhao's empty left sleeve.
"....Yuhao. I heard that you, and some of your friends, decided to hold back on the Pavilion Master's reward at the moment. Why is that?"
"Hmm." Huo Yuhao hummed, analyzing through a scroll in a few seconds before moving on to the next. "Honestly? I really wanted to just relax for a day, especially after coming back from a long journey, and that there were a few things I needed to do."
Fan Yu crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Couldn't you just wait until after you receive the reward?"
Huo Yuhao shrugged. "I had to make preparations. I don't know why, but I had a feeling that whatever reward that Elder Mu was going to give us — it won't just take a few days."
Fan Yu smirked, inwardly commenting, 'Yuhao's instincts are sharp as always. Cultivating in the academy's Underworld usually takes at least a month to finish. During that entire time, he and the others would be completely focused on their meditation, cut off from the outside world. He's right to tie up loose ends beforehand.'
"....This won't be enough." Huo Yuhao's mutterings snapped Fan Yu out his thoughts.
He glanced down and sighed, "Having trouble with the prosthetic you're going for? I don't blame you. Making a workable prosthetic is simple, even for combat and such, but making one out of a soul bone? Not only do you have to refine the soul bone itself to an almost absurd degree in order to contain its tremendous energy, but you also need to ensure it seamlessly integrates with your body, both physically and spiritually."
"Normally, when you absorb soul bones, they merge with the respective limb," Fan Yu continued, gesturing to Huo Yuhao's empty left sleeve. "The process is natural and aligns with your body's essence. But in your case, you're trying to attach a soul bone to replace a missing limb."
"That's like attaching a Gorilla's arm to a human—which, in this case, is literally what you're attempting. It's unnatural, Yuhao. The soul bone is designed to integrate seamlessly with a compatible limb, not to create one out of thin air."
Huo Yuhao nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, Teacher. The Hellfire Devil Gorilla's left arm soul bone wasn't made to replace a limb; it was made to enhance one. I'm trying to rewrite its very purpose, which goes against its innate nature."
Fan Yu sighed, leaning against the workbench. "Exactly. The soul bone will resist. Even if you refine it perfectly, its energy might still destabilize when it interacts with your body. And let's not forget the Hellfire Devil Gorilla's inherent aggression—they're called a Devil for a reason. The remnant consciousness within the soul bone will certainly cause trouble for you...."
Huo Yuhao wryly smiled and said, "It's remnant consciousness isn't what I'm worried about, I'm worried if I can get it to function properly."
He patted the soul bone, a deep look in his eyes. "I chose this specific soul bone because of its high fire attribute—it would naturally repel against the divine curse in my stump. But the problem lies if whether it would function as an arm, or simply a seal."
He then glanced over the stack of scrolls and sighed.
"I don't mean to sound ungrateful or mean, Teacher Fan Yu, but these scrolls are...not enough to say the least."
"You already read through them all?!" Fan Yu exclaimed, but then recalled how his clone went through an entire library of books within just a day.
'But wait a minute. It's one thing if he read through them, but why did he sound certain that the scrolls wouldn't be enough? Don't tell me...'
Fan Yu's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. "Yuhao....did you already simulate the process in your mind? All of it?"
'All the while talking to me?' what was left unsaid.
Huo Yuhao nodded nonchalantly. "I did. I ran the calculations, envisioned the integration process, and considered every possible outcome. The results....weren't promising."
He gestured to the scrolls. "These are a good foundation, but they lack the advanced techniques and insights needed to handle something as volatile as this soul bone, especially given my unique circumstances."
A genius soul master, and a genius soul engineer! Two difficult professions, yet one had managed to become prodigy in both fields!
Fan Yu, everyone else for that matter, knew just how talented Huo Yuhao was—but it looks like they were still underestimating his talents.
But he should've expected this, this was the boy that had encountered a God and survived, that's something that even a Titled Douluo couldn't even do!
'Now it feels like bringing up the Ultimate Soldier plan to him feels redundant; he already looks like he surpassed the Ultimate Soldier that we originally envisioned. By Sea God, what should I tell the deans?' That was a matter for another time.
Fan Yu closed his eyes, appearing to be deep in thought.
"....Looks like there's only one way for you to learn advanced research about prosthetic-type soul tools."
Huo Yuhao nodded, a serious expression on his face.
"The student exchange program with the Sun Mon Empire."
Sea God's Lake, Outer Courtyard Coastal Road
A boy and a girl walked along the winding coastal path of the Sea God's Lake, the serene waters reflecting the silvery moonlight. The faint sound of rippling waves filled the air, a tranquil contrast to the day's hustle in the academy.
The setting sun had painted the sky in hues of crimson and gold, its last rays shimmering on the lake's surface before slowly fading into twilight.
"....When was the last time since we went on a walk like this?" Bei Bei muttered softly, yet loud enough for Tang Ya to hear him.
"Hm." Tang Ya slowly nodded.
Bei Bei stopped, causing Tang Ya to stop right behind him with a confused look.
"Bei Bei?"
"Xiao Ya—"
"Teacher Xiao Ya." Tang Ya interrupted, narrowing her eyes at him as she placed her hands on her hips.
Bei Bei blinked and let out a chuckle. "Apologies, teacher Xiao Ya."
"That's right! Although I'm no longer the sect master, I'm still your teacher." Tang Ya cheekily said, smirking.
Bei Bei's chuckle deepened, his usual calm demeanor tinged with warmth as he regarded Tang Ya. The moonlight caught her figure, illuminating her smiling expression as she stood with her hands on her hips, a spark of her old self shining through.
'She changed so much....' Bei Bei's expression softened, though a faint sadness flickered in his eyes.
The woman standing before him, still vibrant, yet bore little resemblance to the Tang Ya who once shouldered the weight of their dreams for the Tang Sect with unyielding resolve and boundless enthusiasm.
He saw glimpses of that woman now—hidden beneath the surface, a faint echo of the youthful mischief she once carried herself with.
Now, however, she carried herself differently. Mature, composed, yet sometimes cold. The warmth that once radiated effortlessly from her seemed dulled, replaced by a sense of pragmatism born of opening her eyes to the harsh reality once more.
Her demeanor was no longer guided solely by hope and dreams, but tempered by experience and self-acceptance.
Tang Ya noticed his changed of expression and place her hand against his face. "Bei Bei, is something the matter?"
Bei Bei closed his eyes, feeling her warm and familiar hand — a sensation he felt numerous times.
"....Xiao Ya, do you still like me?"
Tang Ya's eyes widened and after few moments of silence, she let out a sigh.
"I still like you, Bei Bei. I always have. But...." Tang Ya's voice softened, her hand lingering against Bei Bei's face as she looked at him with a mixture of affection and sadness. "after some thinking to myself over the last few months, I realized that liking you isn't enough."
Bei Bei's brows furrowed slightly, his eyes opening to meet hers. "What do you mean?"
Tang Ya withdrew her hand, her gaze shifting to the shimmering waters of Sea God's Lake. "Back then, I was so caught up in chasing my dreams for reviving the Tang Sect, that I forgot to really understand myself."
"I buried my feelings of anger and hatred for the people that took the lives of my parents and what remained of our sect, that was because....I wanted to forget it all for just a moment."
Her voice trembled slightly, but she steadied herself. "Living here in the academy, I lived a dream of just being a normal girl; growing stronger, making friends, and even.... falling in love. It felt like I could leave everything behind—the pain, the anger, the hatred. I convinced myself that if I focused on rebuilding the Tang Sect, I could somehow heal."
She let out a bitter laugh, her gaze hardening as it fixed on the lake's surface. "But it was all a lie. The thought of taking revenge lingered, and the moment I had the slightest bit of opportunity; I took it and left you behind. I didn't hesitate. And I even toss aside the dream of rebuilding Tang Sect. It was then that I realized—I had woken up from my beautiful dream."
Bei Bei grabbed her shoulders gently but firmly, his deep eyes locking onto hers. "Xiao Ya, stop blaming yourself. I understand why you did what you did. You weren't running away from us—you were chasing what you thought would give you closure."
Tang Ya's lips trembled, but she didn't pull away.
"That's the thing, Bei Bei. I don't blame myself. I don't regret following after Yuhao and giving him the sect in exchange for my revenge."
"What...? Xiao Ya, I-I don't.... why are you breaking up with me?" Bei Bei was completely distraught, not knowing what the correct thing to say.
Tang Ya smiled, though it was faint and tinged with melancholy. "Because I'm no longer the same Tang Ya you fell in love with, Bei Bei. The girl who dreamed of rebuilding the Tang Sect, who believed she could create a better future for all of us, a weak person who couldn't fight for her own future.... she's gone."
Bei Bei's breath hitched, his grip on her shoulders tightening slightly. "No, Xiao Ya! You've changed, yes, but that doesn't mean I love you any less. It doesn't mean we can't find a way forward together...."
Tang Ya gently placed her hands over his, her touch firm yet tender. "Bei Bei, listen to me. You deserve someone who can meet you as an equal, someone who can share in your dreams and walk alongside you. But I....I've lost that part of me. I'm not the woman you fell in love with, and I can't pretend to be."
Tears welled in Bei Bei's eyes, his voice breaking. "You don't have to pretend, Xiao Ya. I don't care how much you've changed! I just want to be by your side, to help you heal and rebuild, no matter what it takes."
Tang Ya's gaze softened, but her resolve remained unwavering. "That's exactly why I can't stay with you. Bei Bei, you've always been my anchor, my light in the darkest moments. But I've been leaning on you for too long. I need to find my own strength, to learn how to stand on my own again. If I stay, I'll only drag you down with me."
Bei Bei shook his head. "You're—"
Tang Ya gently placed a finger on his lips, her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she cupped his face. "I love you too, Bei Bei. I always will. But love isn't enough if I can't love myself first. Please....let me go, just for now. Let me find my way back to who I'm meant to be."
Bei Bei's heart shattered at her words, but he saw that look in her eyes—the spark of the Tang Ya he had always admired.
Slowly, reluctantly, he nodded, his voice trembling. "If that's what you need, Xiao Ya.... I'll respect your decision. But I'll be here, waiting for you, no matter how long it takes!"
Tang Ya's tears finally spilled over as she pulled him into a tight embrace, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Bei Bei. For everything."
The two stood there, bathed in the moonlight, holding on to each other one last time before letting go.
"Yuhao's having a barbecue at our regular hangout place, are you coming with?"
Bei Bei shook his head. "No, not yet. I'm... I'm gonna stay here for a bit, if you mind?"
Tang Ya paused, her gaze lingering on Bei Bei's face. She could see the turmoil in his eyes, the pain he was trying so hard to hide. Her lips parted, as if to say something, but she stopped herself. Instead, she offered a gentle smile.
"I don't mind," she said softly. "Take all the time you need, Bei Bei."
Turning back toward the coastal path, Tang Ya hesitated for a moment before walking away.
She didn't look back, afraid that if she did, she might lose the resolve she had only just mustered.
Bei Bei watched her go, his heart aching with every step she took. When her figure disappeared into the distance, he let out a shaky breath, his hands clenching into fists at his sides.
He looked up at the sky, the stars shining brightly.
"Ah, it looks like it's beginning to rain..."
.....
"How dare you...."
Tang Ya stopped, not turning her head towards Zhang Lexuan who was slowly walking out of the tree near her.
Zhang Lexuan clenched her fists, her eyes wide with fury. "How. Dare. You! To crush his heart like that with such a flimsy excuse! I trusted you!"
Tang Ya closed her eyes, the faint sound of Zhang Lexuan's furious voice cutting through the night. She didn't turn, didn't react immediately, letting the words hang in the air like a storm about to break.
After a long pause, she finally spoke, her tone calm yet tinged with exhaustion. "Isn't this an opportunity for you, big senior sister Lexuan?"
"....What did you just say to me?" Zhang Lexuan's voice rose, her emotions bubbling over. A wave of soul power emanated from her body.
Tang Ya stood her ground, unfazed by the rising tension in the air.
"You heard me," Tang Ya said, her voice steady. "This is your chance. Isn't this what you wanted all along? To be by his side without me in the picture?"
Zhang Lexuan's soul power flared, the silhouette of a silver full moon flickered above her—a manifestation of her anger and frustration.
She took a step closer, her eyes blazing. "How dare you?! You think this is about me? About some petty, selfish desire to take your place?!"
The two women stood in silence, the tension between them palpable. Zhang Lexuan's soul power slowly receded, leaving an aching void in its wake.
"You're wrong," Zhang Lexuan said quietly, her voice filled with sadness. "He doesn't want me. He wants you."
Tang Ya turned away, her figure silhouetted against the shimmering waters of Sea God's Lake.
Tears flowing down her face, a look of heartache and sadness.
"Then he'll have to learn to let go."
With that, she walked away, leaving Zhang Lexuan standing alone.
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AN: Ah, the end of a first love and the start of a new. The Soul Land franchise has either a good love story or one of the worst crap you'd ever read about. Ngl, I was going to go with the — timeskip, they fallen out of love offscreen, and Tang Ya confesses her love to Huo Yuhao. Yeah, that just sounds boring af and makes Tang Ya out as shallow.
When I make a fucking romance subplot, I try to make the characters go through a character development or bring out their charms! So expect chapters dedicated to the love interests in the future!
Visit my patreon...? patreon.com/FroztDouluo
1/3 chapters this week because I'm sick.