The golden rays of the afternoon sun bathed the academy grounds in a warm glow as Yang Feng and Ling Yun exited the bustling arena. Their footsteps echoed softly on the stone pathway leading toward the alchemy tower, where Yang Feng was to collect his reward. The air was fresh, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from the nearby gardens. Ling Yun walked with his arms crossed, his expression one of barely concealed irritation.
Breaking the silence, Ling Yun finally spoke. "You know," he began, his voice tinged with frustration, "why didn't you summon your spiritual beast from the start? What were you waiting for?"
Yang Feng glanced at him, the corner of his lips curling into a teasing smile. "I didn't think you'd be that much of a problem," he said nonchalantly.
Ling Yun stopped dead in his tracks, his face turning a shade darker as he pointed a finger at Yang Feng. "Oh yeah? Well, then fight me again, and we'll see if I'm not!"
Yang Feng turned to face him, his expression calm but his eyes betraying a hint of amusement. He held up a hand, as if to placate his companion. "Alright, alright," he said with a slight chuckle. " You're a very worthy opponent. Isn't that what you want me to say."
Ling Yun wasn't satisfied. "That's not enough," he insisted, stepping closer. "I need a rematch."
Yang Feng raised an eyebrow, his teasing smile returning. "Sure," he said, his tone light, "but are you sure you can keep up this time?"
The two locked eyes, their competitive spirits igniting once again. It was as if the tension from their earlier battle had returned, sparking an unspoken challenge between them. Both of them shifted their stances slightly, as though preparing to fight right there on the stone path.
Just as the atmosphere grew tense, a voice called out from behind them. "Yang Feng!"
Yang Feng turned, his sharp gaze softening when he saw who it was. "Zhao Lei?" he murmured, recognizing the young man approaching them.
Ling Yun stepped closer to Yang Feng, his curiosity piqued. "You know him?" he asked.
Yang Feng nodded, his expression lightening. "I met him a little while ago. He's quite a nice guy."
Ling Yun smirked, glancing toward the figure jogging toward them. "You don't say?"
Zhao Lei finally reached them, panting heavily as he bent over to catch his breath. His face was flushed from running, and beads of sweat trickled down his temples. Yang Feng tilted his head slightly, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Are you okay?" Yang Feng asked.
Zhao Lei nodded quickly, waving a hand to reassure him. "I'm fine," he managed between breaths. Straightening up, he looked at Yang Feng and asked, "But what about you? Are you hurt from the battle?"
Yang Feng smirked and glanced at Ling Yun, his tone turning playfully mocking. "As if he could ever touch me."
Ling Yun bristled at the comment, his frustration bubbling to the surface once more. "Yeah? Why don't you give me a rematch, then?" he snapped.
Yang Feng laughed softly, shaking his head. "No chance."
Ling Yun narrowed his eyes. "Told you so," he muttered under his breath, crossing his arms.
Yang Feng ignored him, turning his attention back to Zhao Lei. "Anyway," he said, "what were you up to, Zhao Lei? Where were you going?"
Zhao Lei's eyes lit up as he remembered. "Oh!" he exclaimed. "I was admiring this huge tree I saw while heading toward the dormitories."
Yang Feng and Ling Yun exchanged curious glances. "Huge tree?" they repeated in unison.
Zhao Lei nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! It's massive. I've never seen anything like it."
Intrigued, Yang Feng tilted his head. "Can you take us there?" he asked.
"Of course," Zhao Lei said, motioning for them to follow. "It's not far from here."
The three of them walked together, their footsteps crunching softly against the gravel path. The air grew cooler as they moved deeper into the academy grounds, where the trees grew taller and more abundant. Zhao Lei led the way, his excitement evident as he occasionally glanced back to ensure the others were keeping up.
"So," Ling Yun began, breaking the silence, "any chance you could tell us what it looks like?"
"You'll see," Zhao Lei replied, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
Yang Feng and Ling Yun exchanged skeptical glances but said nothing more. The path ahead curved slightly, leading them toward a secluded area surrounded by dense foliage. As they rounded the bend, the sight that greeted them left both Yang Feng and Ling Yun momentarily speechless.
Before them stood a tree of extraordinary size and beauty. Its colossal trunk was as wide as a small house, with gnarled roots that stretched outward and disappeared into the earth. The bark was a rich, deep brown, etched with intricate patterns that seemed almost deliberate, as if carved by an ancient hand.
The branches stretched high into the sky, creating a vast canopy that seemed to touch the clouds. Each branch was thick and sturdy, some as large as ordinary trees themselves. The leaves were a vibrant green, shimmering like emeralds in the sunlight. A gentle breeze rustled through them, creating a soothing symphony that filled the air.
The ground around the tree was covered in soft grass and speckled with small, colorful flowers. Rays of light filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the ground. The tree radiated an aura of tranquility and majesty, as if it had stood there for centuries, silently watching over the academy.
Yang Feng and Ling Yun stared in awe, their earlier banter forgotten. "Finally here," they said in unison, their voices filled with quiet reverence.
Zhao Lei beamed, clearly pleased with their reaction. "Isn't it amazing?" he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yang Feng nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the towering tree. "It's incredible," he admitted, his tone uncharacteristically soft.
Ling Yun, still staring at the branches that seemed to touch the heavens, added, "I've never seen anything like it."
For a moment, the three of them stood in silence, each lost in their own thoughts as they took in the breathtaking sight. It was as if the tree held a timeless wisdom, its presence both humbling and inspiring.