Douluo Dao : Soul Archer: The Bow of Destiny

Feng Xuan felt the warmth of Dugu Yan's embrace, something he had never experienced before. The feeling was foreign—soft yet firm, warm yet overwhelming.

His body stiffened, and before he could even think about returning the hug, he felt the heat rush to his face.

His ears burned.

His heart pounded.

Dugu Yan, lost in the depth of her emotions, didn't notice it at first. But when she pulled back slightly and saw his completely red face, his stiff body, and his wide eyes, she blinked.

Then, she smirked.

A giggle escaped her lips. "Wait… are you blushing?"

Feng Xuan's reaction was immediate. He turned away abruptly, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed.

Dugu Yan's teasing grin widened. She folded her arms, tilting her head. "Oh? So the great Feng Xuan, the one who casually pulls out spirit bones and saves people's lives, gets shy when a girl hugs him?!"

Feng Xuan cleared his throat, forcing himself to regain his composure. "I-It's not like that. You just caught me off guard!"

Dugu Bo, who had been watching everything from the side, let out a deep chuckle. His old eyes sparkled with amusement. He hadn't seen his granddaughter this lively in a long time.

Maybe… this was fate.

Dugu Yan was strong-willed and sharp-tongued, but behind her arrogance was a girl who had suffered loneliness, heartbreak, and the fear of dying young.

Feng Xuan, on the other hand, was calm, determined, and powerful beyond his years—yet, at this moment, he was just a normal boy, completely flustered by a girl's affection.

'If these two become a match… that wouldn't be bad at all,' Dugu Bo thought with a satisfied nod.

But before he could voice his thoughts, Dugu Yan was already back to teasing.

She stepped closer, narrowing her eyes mischievously. "Oh, I see. Is this the first time a girl has hugged you?"

Feng Xuan's face turned an even deeper shade of red.

Dugu Bo laughed out loud.

"Enough of that," Feng Xuan said quickly, waving his hand in surrender. "We have more important things to talk about."

Dugu Yan sighed dramatically, but the smile never left her face. "Fine, fine. What is it?"

Feng Xuan's expression turned serious. "I want you to join my academy. I'm forming a team for the upcoming tournament."

Dugu Yan blinked, stunned by the request.

"Join your academy?"

Feng Xuan nodded. "You have talent. With proper training, we can dominate the tournament. I want strong people on my team."

Dugu Yan didn't hesitate for even a second.

She smiled. "Of course. I owe you my life, Feng Xuan. This body of mine wouldn't have survived past thirty if it weren't for you."

She placed a hand on her hip and smirked. "And besides, I want to see just how strong your academy really is. You've intrigued me."

Feng Xuan nodded, pleased with her response. Having a powerful spirit master like her on the team would be a huge advantage.

But then, Dugu Yan's expression shifted slightly. Her gaze turned thoughtful.

"You know… I have a friend at Heaven Dou Academy. She's strong—her spirit is one of the rarest in the world. If possible, I'll ask her to join us too."

Feng Xuan's eyebrows raised slightly. "Oh? And who is this friend?"

Dugu Yan grinned. "Ye Lingling. She possesses the Nine-Hearted Begonia."

Feng Xuan's expression finally shifted into one of surprise. Nine-Hearted Begonia—the legendary healing spirit?

There were very few true healers in the world. Most people who had support-type spirits lacked combat ability, but the Nine-Hearted Begonia was different. It was said that only one person in a generation could inherit it, and their healing capabilities were unmatched.

If Dugu Yan could convince her to join… their team would have an incredible advantage.

Feng Xuan nodded. "Alright. See if you can convince her."

Dugu Yan smirked. "Leave it to me. I'll resign from Heaven Dou Academy as soon as possible and come to your academy. But before that, I need to pack my things and handle my resignation."

Feng Xuan extended his hand. "I'll be waiting."

Without hesitation, Dugu Yan placed her hand in his, shaking it firmly.

Dugu Bo watched this exchange with a knowing smile.

"Go, kid. You've gained more than just a teammate today."

Feng Xuan chuckled. "Then, I'll see you soon."

And with that, he turned and left the Yin-Yang Spirit Well, heading toward his next destination—Soto City Arena, where he would hone his skills before the tournament.

Dugu Yan watched him leave, her heart feeling strangely light.

She didn't know why, but… being around Feng Xuan felt natural.

Her life had changed completely in the span of a single day.

And deep down, she didn't mind at all.