As Yang Feng, Ling Yun, and Zhao Lei stepped out of the massive alchemy tree, the midnight glow bathed the sprawling academy grounds in a heavenly way. The trio descended the grand wooden stairs carved seamlessly from the tree's base, their steps echoing faintly. Ling Yun stretched his arms above his head, wincing slightly, while Zhao Lei seemed lost in thought, his hand still clutching the shimmering Heaven Pill he had received.
Yang Feng, walking ahead, pulled out the green healing pill from the box he'd received earlier. Turning back to Ling Yun, he held it out. "Here," he said, his tone calm but firm.
Ling Yun blinked at the pill, his brows furrowing. "What?"
"Take it," Yang Feng replied, his voice leaving no room for argument. "You need to recover your spiritual energy after that fight."
Ling Yun hesitated, eyeing the pill suspiciously. "Why are you giving this to me?"
Yang Feng smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Consider it charity. Besides, it wouldn't be much of a fight next time if you're not at full strength."
Ling Yun snorted, grabbing the pill from Yang Feng's hand. "I'll take it," he said grudgingly, popping the pill into his mouth. "But don't think for a second that I'm letting you off easy. I'll return the favor tomorrow."
Yang Feng chuckled softly. "As if you'll ever win one."
Ling Yun shot him a glare, but it quickly shifted into a smirk. "You'll see," he said confidently. "You might have defeated me today, but not many can match me at the Bronze Level. You'd better keep an eye out."
Zhao Lei, who had been silently observing, finally chimed in with a grin. "You two are already pretty famous among the new Bronze Levels, you know. After that fight, everyone in the academy is talking about you."
Ling Yun puffed out his chest, his grin widening. "The more that know me, the better. Fame suits me, after all."
Yang Feng raised an eyebrow, his tone dry. "Do you really want to be that famous?"
Zhao Lei shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "Being famous is troublesome. Too many people watching, too many expectations. I'd rather keep to myself—it's quieter that way."
Yang Feng nodded in agreement, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "I have to agree with Zhao Lei. Staying in the shadows is better. Fame only brings unnecessary attention."
Ling Yun laughed, his voice light but teasing. "Says the guy who just shattered the expectations of the whole school. If anything, I'd say you're more famous than I am, Yang Feng."
Yang Feng didn't respond, instead smirking as the three continued their walk toward the dormitories. The academy grounds stretched out before them, a blend of natural beauty and architectural marvels. Towering trees lined the pathways, their golden leaves rustling softly in the breeze, while crystal-clear streams crisscrossed the land, reflecting the moon like flowing diamonds.
Before long, they arrived at a cluster of buildings that served as the dormitories. The structures were tall and sturdy, their exteriors made from a mix of stone and polished wood. Vines climbed their walls, interwoven with glowing flowers that pulsed faintly with spiritual energy. The dormitories seemed alive, humming with the energy of countless students bustling about.
Ling Yun groaned, stretching his arms again. "Aw, man. I'm so tired. I guess I should get going."
Yang Feng stifled a yawn, his own exhaustion catching up to him. "I guess I'll head out too. That fight took more out of me than I thought."
Zhao Lei nodded knowingly. "It's normal. After a battle like that, your spiritual energy must be nearly depleted. Rest is the best thing for both of you right now."
Yang Feng inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "You're right. Anyway, see you around, Zhao Lei."
As he and Ling Yun turned to leave, Zhao Lei suddenly called out, "Wait! I'm heading in the same direction."
Yang Feng raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Oh?"
Zhao Lei smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, I live in these dorms too. Guess we're all neighbors."
Ling Yun chuckled. "Well, that's convenient."
The three of them began walking together toward the nearest dormitory building, their footsteps echoing faintly on the stone path. As they approached, Ling Yun glanced over at Zhao Lei. "Which floor are you on, anyway?"
"The first floor," Zhao Lei replied casually.
Yang Feng tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Which room?"
Zhao Lei hesitated for a moment, then gave a small smile. "Room 203."
Ling Yun froze mid-step, turning to stare at Zhao Lei with wide eyes. "Wait, what?"
Yang Feng blinked, glancing between the two. "Room 203?"
Zhao Lei nodded, his smile turning sheepish. "Yeah... Why?"
Ling Yun groaned, rubbing his temples. "By the sound of it.Looks like youre the third roommate."
Yang Feng smirked, the corners of his lips twitching with amusement. "Well, this should be interesting."
Zhao Lei scratched the back of his head, laughing awkwardly. "Guess we'll be seeing a lot more of each other."
Ling Yun sighed dramatically, throwing his hands in the air. "I could get used to having an alchemist around."
Despite his words, there was a hint of amusement in his tone as the three of them walked into the dormitory building together, their banter echoing down the hall.