The adrenaline from the intense battle against Zhao Wuji slowly begins to recede, replaced by a sense of camaraderie amongst the five youngsters who had faced the formidable Soul Saint together. Ning Rongrong is the first to break the slightly awkward silence.
"Well, that was… exhilarating!" Ning Rongrong exclaims, her cyan eyes sparkling with excitement. She turns to Tang San and Xiao Wu, a friendly smile on her face. "We should probably get to know each other better, don't you think? Especially since we just faced a Soul Saint together."
Zhu Zhuqing, standing beside her, nods in agreement, her dark eyes also softening slightly as she looks at Tang San and Xiao Wu. She pointedly avoids looking in Dai Mubai's direction. "It would be good to know who we'll be studying with." She glances at Su Qing, a silent acknowledgment passing between them, careful to maintain the appearance of not knowing him well.
Tang San steps forward, taking Xiao Wu's hand in his. "My name is Tang San," he says, his deep blue eyes earnest. "And this is my… sister, Xiao Wu." He emphasizes the word 'sister' slightly, a subtle hint to their close relationship.
Xiao Wu beams, her magenta eyes bright. "Nice to meet you all! You were all so amazing out there!" She looks at Ning Rongrong. "You especially, with that incredible pagoda!" Then she turns to Zhu Zhuqing. "And you were so fast and powerful!" Finally, she looks at Su Qing. "Your vines were really helpful too!"
Ning Rongrong giggles, pleased by the compliments. "Thank you! My name is Ning Rongrong." She then gestures towards Zhu Zhuqing. "And this is Zhu Zhuqing." She pointedly doesn't mention knowing either of them beforehand.
Zhu Zhuqing offers a curt nod to Tang San and Xiao Wu. "It's a pleasure."
"And I am Su Qing," Song Qing says, maintaining his alias, his red eyes meeting theirs with a friendly smile.
Ning Rongrong then suggests, her head tilting playfully, "Since we'll be seeing a lot of each other, maybe we should use more familiar names? What do you think, Xiao San?" She uses the more intimate form of Tang San's name with a natural ease.
Tang San blinks, a slight flush rising on his cheeks at the unexpected familiarity. "Xiao San?" he repeats, a little surprised but not entirely displeased. "Well… if you like."
Ning Rongrong then turns to Xiao Wu. "And you, Xiao Wu! Such a cute name!"
Xiao Wu giggles. "You can call me Xiao Wu! And you, Rongrong, and you, Zhuqing!"
Zhu Zhuqing nods in agreement. "Xiao Wu it is."
Finally, Ning Rongrong turns to Su Qing, her cyan eyes twinkling. "And you, Su Qing… or should I say… Qing?"
Song Qing smiles, relieved at the opportunity to drop the slightly formal "Su." "Please, just call me Qing. It would be more convenient for me too."
Tang San and Xiao Wu exchange a glance, then both nod. "Alright, Qing," Tang San says, the name feeling natural on his tongue.
Just as their little impromptu introduction concludes, Dai Mubai saunters over, a confident swagger in his step. Behind him walks another young man, noticeably older, with tousled white hair and a rather unkempt large beard. He carries a somewhat goofy grin on his face.
"Well, well, what have we here?" Dai Mubai drawls, his gaze sweeping over the group. "Making friends already, are we?" He claps Tang San on the shoulder. "Not bad, kid. You've got some interesting company."
He then gestures towards the white-haired young man beside him. "This is Oscar. He's also a senior student here at Shrek."
Oscar beams, stepping forward with an outstretched hand. "Pleased to meet you all! I am a Food-Type Support Spirit Master! My spirit is… Sausage!" He then strikes a rather odd pose, his eyes twinkling mischievously, and belts out, "I, your father, have a big sausage!"
A collective look of utter disgust washes over Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Song Qing, and even Tang San. Oscar's spirit and especially his… declaration… are profoundly unsettling.
'A sausage spirit?' Ning Rongrong thinks, her nose wrinkling. 'And what was that he just said? Disgusting!'
'Food-type spirit masters are rare,' Tang San muses, trying to maintain a polite expression despite his inner revulsion. 'But… that phrase…'
Xiao Wu makes a face, her magenta eyes wide with distaste. 'A sausage? Really? And he calls himself 'father'?'
Zhu Zhuqing simply stares at Oscar, a look of utter disbelief on her face. 'That's… certainly unique,' she thinks dryly, a shiver running down her spine.
Song Qing, or Su Qing, feels a wave of nausea rise in his throat. 'That is… incredibly unappetizing,' he thinks, making a mental note to avoid Oscar and his sausages at all costs.
Dai Mubai, oblivious to the silent horror he has just introduced, claps Oscar on the back. "Oscar here can provide some… interesting sustenance during our training."
Oscar winks, completely missing the memo about their shared discomfort. "That's right! My sausages can restore your strength, heal your injuries… the possibilities are endless!"
The five newcomers exchange uneasy glances, a silent pact forming between them: they will politely decline any and all offers of Oscar's "interesting sustenance."
Dai Mubai then turns his attention to Zhu Zhuqing, a more serious expression on his face. "Zhuqing," he begins, his voice softer now, "it's… it's really you. You've changed. Your spirit… it feels different. It's much stronger than the Hell Spirit Cat I remember."
Zhu Zhuqing visibly stiffens at his words. She turns her dark eyes towards him, her gaze cold and distant. "I don't know what you're talking about," she says, her voice flat and devoid of any emotion. She pointedly looks away, her attention shifting back to Song Qing and the others.
Dai Mubai frowns, clearly taken aback by her coldness and her denial. "But… it is you, isn't it? Zhu Zhuqing from the Star Luo Empire?"
Zhu Zhuqing pointedly ignores him, continuing her conversation with Ning Rongrong.
'He expects me to just fall back into his arms, doesn't he?' Zhu Zhuqing thinks, a wave of anger washing over her. 'After he abandoned me? After everything I went through? He can forget it. My past is behind me, and my future… my future is with Qing.'
Dai Mubai stares at her, a mixture of confusion and annoyance flickering in his eyes. He can't understand her reaction. He had expected at least some form of recognition, perhaps even a flicker of their past connection. Her complete dismissal stings his pride.
Ning Rongrong, witnessing Zhu Zhuqing's cold shoulder towards Dai Mubai, can't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. 'Serves him right,' she thinks, a small smirk playing on her lips. 'Trying to act all high and mighty. Zhuqing is way too good for him.'
Tang San and Xiao Wu observe the interaction with a quiet curiosity, sensing the underlying tension between Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing. Song Qing, standing slightly apart, watches Dai Mubai with narrowed red eyes, a protective instinct rising within him towards Zhu Zhuqing. He is ready to intervene if Dai Mubai becomes too persistent.
Dai Mubai, sensing the coldness radiating from Zhu Zhuqing and the subtle hostility from Song Qing, decides not to press the issue for now. He shrugs, forcing a smile. "Alright then. If you say so. But I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to get reacquainted." He casts a lingering look at Zhu Zhuqing before turning his attention back to the group, pretending that nothing unusual had just occurred.
~~
The initial buzz of excitement and nervous energy surrounding their acceptance into Shrek Academy gradually settles as the group disperses, each member seemingly finding their own space to process the events of the day. Song Qing, still going by the alias Su Qing, subtly observes Xiao Wu. He notices her lingering near a vibrant patch of wildflowers, her magenta eyes gazing at them with a soft fondness.
Just then, Ning Rongrong catches Su Qing's eye. With a barely perceptible nod of her head and a slight tilt of her chin towards the flower field, she conveys her message. Zhu Zhuqing, standing nearby, offers a similar subtle cue, her dark eyes conveying a silent understanding. They have created an opportunity.
Su Qing nods almost imperceptibly in return, a silent acknowledgment of their assistance. He makes his way casually towards the flower field, his steps unhurried, as if simply enjoying the scenery.
Xiao Wu is indeed there, her attention fully absorbed by a particularly striking crimson bloom. She gently touches its petals, a small, wistful smile on her face.
"The flowers here are quite beautiful," Su Qing says, his voice gentle as he approaches her.
Xiao Wu turns, a slight startle in her magenta eyes. "Oh, hello, Qing," she says, a friendly smile quickly replacing her initial surprise. "Yes, they are. They remind me of… of a place I used to know." A hint of sadness flickers in her eyes.
Su Qing's heart softens slightly at her melancholic tone. This is it. The moment for the reunion. "Xiao Wu," he begins, his voice carrying a note of sincerity, "I know this might sound strange, but… I would like you to meet your mother."
Xiao Wu's smile vanishes, replaced by a look of confusion and a hint of suspicion. Her magenta eyes narrow slightly as she studies Su Qing's face. "My mother?" she asks, her voice laced with disbelief. "But… my mother is dead." The words are spoken softly, almost a whisper, as if voicing a deeply held sorrow.
Su Qing nods slowly, his gaze gentle. "I know you believe that, Xiao Wu. But trust me. I can explain. It's… complicated." He hesitates for a moment, deciding how much to reveal. He can't tell her the full truth about A'Rou's soul residing within his spirit bone, not yet. "Let me just… show you."
He reaches a hand up to his forehead, his fingers gently touching the area where the Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown external spirit bone is fused. A faint crimson light begins to emanate from his touch. Xiao Wu watches him with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, her previous suspicion momentarily overshadowed by intrigue.
As Su Qing focuses his soul power, channeling it through the Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown, a translucent, ethereal figure begins to materialize in front of them. The figure takes the form of a beautiful woman with long, flowing hair and a gentle, loving expression. It is A'Rou, her spiritual body now strong enough to manifest for a short period.
Xiao Wu's eyes widen in disbelief, her breath catching in her throat. The ethereal woman looks… familiar. Incredibly familiar. A wave of emotions – shock, confusion, and a burgeoning sense of hope – washes over her.
"Xiao Wu…" A'Rou whispers, her voice filled with a mother's boundless love and longing. Tears well up in her translucent violet eyes as she gazes at her daughter.
Recognition dawns in Xiao Wu's magenta eyes. Tears begin to stream down her face as she takes a hesitant step forward, her voice trembling. "Mother…? Is that… really you?"
A'Rou's spiritual body floats closer, her ethereal hand reaching out to gently caress Xiao Wu's cheek. Though her touch feels like a soft breeze, the love conveyed is undeniable. "My dear Xiao Wu… my precious daughter… it's me."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Xiao Wu rushes forward, throwing her arms around A'Rou's translucent form. Though she can't feel a solid embrace, the presence of her mother is enough to send sobs wracking through her small body.
"Mother… I thought… I thought I'd never see you again," Xiao Wu cries, her voice muffled against A'Rou's ethereal chest.
A'Rou gently strokes Xiao Wu's hair, her own tears flowing freely. "I know, my child. I know. It's a long story… a very long story. But I'm here now." She pulls back slightly, her loving gaze sweeping over Xiao Wu. "Look at you! You've grown so much! And you've even made a friend… a brother, it seems." A playful glint enters her eyes as she glances towards the direction where Tang San had been standing earlier. "You recognized him quickly, didn't you, my little mischief-maker? Becoming so familiar with boys without even asking your mother first! I swear, Xiao Wu, you've become too naughty! I'll have to whip your little butt when we have more time."
Despite her tears, a small giggle escapes Xiao Wu's lips at her mother's familiar chiding. It's just like she remembers.
"Mother…" Xiao Wu whispers, her voice thick with emotion as she reaches out to touch A'Rou's face again, her fingers passing right through the ethereal form. The reality of her mother's current state hits her, but the overwhelming joy of seeing her again overshadows the sadness.
A'Rou smiles sadly. "I know, my dear. This form… it's temporary. I reside within this kind young man's… spirit bone." She looks towards Su Qing with gratitude in her eyes. "He has been taking care of me."
Su Qing nods gently, a silent acknowledgment of A'Rou's words. He observes the emotional reunion, a sense of satisfaction mixed with a calculated awareness of the opportunity this presents. He had promised A'Rou he would help her reunite with Xiao Wu, and he has delivered. Now, it is time to leverage this connection.
A'Rou turns back to Xiao Wu, her expression softening. "Xiao Wu, if you want to talk to me more… properly… you will need to speak with this young man, Su Qing. He is the one who allows me to manifest. He is… special." She emphasizes the last word, her gaze lingering on Su Qing for a moment before returning to her daughter. "Meet with him alone, Xiao Wu. He will explain everything."
Xiao Wu looks from her mother to Su Qing, her magenta eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and trust. She nods slowly. "Okay, Mother. I will."
A'Rou smiles, her ethereal form beginning to flicker slightly. "I love you, my dear Xiao Wu. I'll see you again soon." With a final, loving look at her daughter, A'Rou's spiritual body dissipates, fading back into the Crimson Soul Emperor's Crown on Su Qing's forehead.
Xiao Wu stands there for a moment, tears still streaming down her face, her gaze fixed on the spot where her mother had just been. Then, she turns to Su Qing, her magenta eyes now filled with a newfound intensity. "You… you can really let me see my mother again?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Su Qing nods, his red eyes meeting hers with a gentle sincerity. "Yes, Xiao Wu. I can. And I will." He knows that this moment has forged a powerful connection between them, a connection he intends to use to his advantage in his quest for revenge against Tang Hao. Xiao Wu is now another piece on his board, a valuable ally gained through the most unexpected of reunions.