Douluo Continent: The Eternal Order of the Azure Sky.

But is that heavy, brand-like feeling really so easy to forget?

Wang Dong turned his head to look in the direction Bei Bei had been gazing, where Kong Tianxu's figure was faintly visible.

She didn't know why, even though she should hate this guy who humiliated Huo Yuhao and patted her butt, she couldn't seem to hate him at all. It was as if a voice from the bottom of her heart was telling her to be closer to him. This split between reason and emotion made her feel extremely awkward.

Yuhao, when will you finally come back? There are still three years left. Can I really wait until then? Amidst the glitter and clamor, Wang Dong seemed somewhat lost.

……

Yan Shaozhe looked at the transaction information sheet that the servant had just handed him, then looked at Elder Lin with great surprise. Finally, he let out a long sigh of relief, but his face showed little joy, instead adding a touch of complexity.

He turned to Lin Huiqun, who was resting with his eyes closed, and said, "Elder Lin, you and Elder Zhuang actually took out that Jiamu Divine Pill, which is worth more than ten million? Isn't that a bit too much of a price to pay?"

Lin Huiqun slowly opened her eyes, her gaze calm yet weary.

"If everything goes smoothly and the plan succeeds, Xiao Tao will also gain immeasurable benefits. That girl has a strong personality and high aspirations, and this setback in the competition has been a big blow to her. Consider this pill as a small compensation from me, the old woman who has watched her stumble and fall as she grows up in the academy, on behalf of the academy."

She stood up, her grey robes billowing even without wind, and walked towards the door of the secret chamber, her aged voice still echoing in the air:

"Let's proceed as you've agreed. Hopefully, things will develop as you anticipate. Otherwise, this Jiamu Divine Pill might be the greatest gift we could ever give to our future enemy."

Yan Shaozhe's expression hardened, and he bowed deeply to Lin Huiqun's departing figure, remaining there for a long time.

Shrek Academy is indeed very generous. Knowing that they were a bit unsure about their own martial soul evolution, they gave them something as valuable as the Wood Divine Pill.

Walking back the way they came towards the exit, Shrek City was still brightly lit. Zhang Lexuan gently explained the precautions for taking the Jiamu Divine Pill, and Kong Tianxu turned his head to look at her beautiful profile, which was bathed in moonlight and lamplight, and his mood became more and more relaxed.

Moreover, the thought that Yan Shaozhe would soon personally escort him into the Golden Tree to retrieve the Dragon Pill made him even happier.

It has to be said that Shrek's feng shui is indeed very beneficial, with good elixir, good trees, and good growth.

Feeling Kong Tianxu's undisguised, appreciative, and playful gaze lingering on her, Zhang Lexuan's cheeks involuntarily flushed with a captivating blush.

Before parting, the two had reached the vicinity of Kong Tianxu's dormitory. Zhang Lexuan paused slightly, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Kong Tianxu stopped and turned to look at her with a smile, "Senior Lexuan, my dorm is right here. The night is still lovely, why don't you come in, have a seat, and have a cup of tea?"

This invitation was originally partly joking and partly tentative; given Zhang Lexuan's usual temperament, she would most likely have declined. However, to his surprise—

Zhang Lexuan raised her eyes, her beautiful eyes reflecting the moonlight silently looking at him for a moment, and then gently nodded: "Alright."

The room was simply furnished. The two sat facing each other, the air filled with the aroma of tea. Zhang Lexuan held the warm teacup, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the inside of the cup. After a moment, she finally composed herself, gently set the teacup down, stood up, and faced Kong Tianxu, her expression more solemn than ever before.

"Tianxu, in the Star Dou Forest, you saved my life and helped me fuse my soul ring and soul bone. I have always remembered this kindness. I have never found a suitable opportunity to formally thank you."

After speaking, she took a half step back, took a deep breath, lifted her skirt, and slowly performed a simple and elegant bow of thanks from a noblewoman of the Heavenly Soul Empire towards Kong Tianxu. Her posture was graceful and her expression solemn, as if she were not in a cramped dormitory, but in a grand palace.

"I will always remember your life-saving grace and your kindness in giving me a second chance." She lowered her head slightly, revealing her fair and slender nape.

After the ceremony, Zhang Lexuan straightened up but did not immediately raise her head, seemingly trying to calm herself down.

Just as she was about to turn and leave, she whispered in a very soft voice, yet just loud enough for Kong Tianxu to clearly hear:

"You know my dorm. If you need any help, feel free to come to me anytime."

Zhang Lexuan had said this to Kong Tianxu when they first met, but now that she was saying it again, it clearly carried a different meaning.

After saying that, she quickly walked towards the door as if she were afraid of being chased by something.

Kong Tianxu held his teacup, watching her slightly flustered back, a deep light flashing in his purple eyes.

The smile on his lips deepened slightly as he turned his gaze to the window—the moonlight tonight was indeed exceptionally beautiful.

However, just as Zhang Lexuan had stepped one foot across the threshold, a knock on the door, neither too loud nor too soft, but very clear, suddenly rang out.

Thump, thump, thump.

Zhang Lexuan froze instantly, a clear look of panic flashing across her face, and she subconsciously looked at Kong Tianxu.

Kong Tianxu, however, seemed to have expected this. His expression remained unchanged. He put down his teacup and said loudly, "Who?"

There was a moment of silence outside the door, then Beibei's deep voice came:

"Kong, it's me, Beibei. I'm so sorry to bother you so late. I wanted to apologize to you in person about what happened with Sanshi."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lexuan visibly breathed a sigh of relief and turned to leave quietly from the other side, not wanting to encounter Beibei at this moment and cause further embarrassment.

However, Kong Tianxu suddenly reached out and gently grabbed her wrist.

important Notice

After communicating with the editor, it has been decided to change the book's title from "Douluo: Peerless Sun and Moon Saint Emperor" to "Douluo: Peerless Eternal Order of the Azure Sky".

It's not that we're running away (●'?'●)

By the way, could you guys please let me read this further?

Here's a preview of the later character designs for Cain:

Chapter 190 Stealing the Moon

Zhang Lexuan turned around in surprise, meeting Kong Tianxu's calm yet meaningful gaze. He shook his head slightly, indicating that she should accept it for now.

Then, he raised his voice slightly and said to the door:

"It's late. If it's about Xu Sanshi, there's no need to bring it up now. I haven't taken it to heart. Please leave."

Beibei outside the door was silent for a moment, his breathing seeming to become heavier. Just as Zhang Lexuan thought he would leave, she turned to look helplessly at Kong Tianxu, whose voice rang out again, lower and more strained than before:

"No, it's not entirely about Sanshi. Kong, I want to talk to you about Sister Lexuan."

He was not as magnanimous as he had imagined when it came to the fact that the care and affection he had taken for more than a decade might turn to someone else.

Tonight's visit is also driven by some indescribable emotion, a farewell ceremony to the past.

Zhang Lexuan shuddered, her fingertips digging sharply into her palms. She wanted to immediately open the door and rush out, or find a corner to hide herself in and escape this panic-inducing situation.

Kong Tianxu could feel her trembling. He leaned close to her ear, his warm breath brushing against Zhang Lexuan's cool earlobe. Kong Tianxu's voice was low, but every word seemed to penetrate her heart:

"Don't you want to hear... what he's trying to say?"

Zhang Lexuan was stunned. She looked up, met Kong Tianxu's eyes, and then glanced at the closed door.

Finally, under Kong Tianxu's calm gaze, she bit her lip, nodded very slightly, and subconsciously looked around.

Where should I hide?

Kong Tianxu's gaze swept across the room, landing on the large wardrobe. He gently pulled open the wardrobe door; the space inside was adequate.

Zhang Lexuan instantly understood his meaning, her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment and awkwardness. But Beibei outside the door seemed to be getting impatient and gently knocked on the door again.

"Student Kong?"

Time did not allow her much hesitation. She glared at Kong Tianxu, her gaze less one of reproach and more one of resignation, mixed with a sense of novelty and secret excitement that she herself was unaware of.

Finally, she took a deep breath, bent down, and slipped into the wardrobe. Kong Tianxu considerately left the wardrobe door slightly ajar, allowing her to breathe.

After composing himself, Kong Tianxu stepped forward and opened the door.

Sure enough, Beibei was standing there outside the door. He had changed out of his previous outfit and was now wearing a slightly thin, dark-colored casual dress. The night breeze stirred his clothes, making him appear even more lonely.

His face appeared exceptionally pale under the light, but his eyes were unusually bright, even somewhat excited.

"Come in." Kong Tianxu stepped aside.

Beibei stepped into the room, his gaze quickly sweeping over the simple interior, but he didn't find anything unusual. He was about to sit down following Kong Tianxu's gesture when the other man quietly pulled out the chair and replaced it with another one.

Beibei scratched her head, somewhat confused. "I'm so sorry to bother you so late. Regarding Sanshi's offense today..."

“I said, there’s no need to mention Xu Sanshi again.” Kong Tianxu interrupted his prepared opening remarks, walked to the table, picked up his cup of tea, and looked directly at Bei Bei. “The successor of the Dragon God Douluo has come to visit so late at night, he must have something more important to say. Let’s get straight to the point.”

Beibei was taken aback by his directness, and the apology she had prepared about Xu Sanshi got stuck in her throat. The emotions she was building up were suddenly revealed.

Since that's the case, I'll just say everything I want to say. Anyway, I've already figured it out, and this is all for Le Xuan's happiness, isn't it?

With this thought in mind, Bei Bei felt much more at ease. Looking into Kong Tianxu's piercing purple eyes, he took a deep breath and said:

“I saw that Sister Lexuan went to Jubaoge with you tonight. Her feelings for you… are different.”

He paused, trying to organize his chaotic thoughts into relatively coherent words:

"You might not know, but I used to call her Sister Lexuan. Her relationship with my family and me is rather... complicated. Sister Lexuan has had a very difficult time these past years. She has many things hidden in her heart and carries a lot on her shoulders. You should be able to see that, including Senior Brother, countless outstanding senior students in the inner academy like her, but because of certain vows in the past, she has never been willing to consider her own lifelong happiness and has kept a certain distance from everyone. I feel very sorry for her in this matter."

Inside the wardrobe, Zhang Lexuan's face was full of complex emotions. Her delicate body was slightly curled up in the cramped space, trembling slightly uncontrollably.

She adopted the same posture she had in the Star Dou Great Forest, tightly hugging her other arm with one hand, as if she could wrap herself up in it, or as if she was trying to give herself a weak hug.

Kong Tianxu glanced at the wardrobe, remaining silent. Beibei noticed his subtle movement, but he was already absorbed in his own emotions and didn't pay attention, continuing to speak:

“But you are different. Over the years, I have never seen Sister Lexuan treat other people with such an attitude, such… kindness.”

"So?" Kong Tianxu finally spoke after taking a sip of tea. He had already finished his own cup and was now drinking Zhang Lexuan's.

"I can tell she has feelings for you too. Kong, no, Tianxu, you're exceptionally talented, incredibly capable, and your background must be quite impressive. If... if you also have feelings for Sister Lexuan..."

At this point, Beibei's previously steady voice suddenly became somewhat hoarse, and his gaze seemed to become slightly unfocused, but his eyes quickly hardened, and his speech quickened considerably:

“I hope you two can be together. Sister Lexuan is a wonderful woman. She is kind and excellent, and deserves to be cherished and protected. You two are a perfect match. If you have any concerns, you can tell me, and I will help you make arrangements.”

After pouring out these words that had been swirling in her heart countless times, Beibei's face flushed unusually, but her eyes instantly went vacant, as if all her strength had been drained, and her shoulders slumped.

"Are you done talking?" Kong Tianxu put down his teacup.

"I'm done talking." Beibei nodded subconsciously.

He had thought about these words for a long time. This method might be the only way to free Zhang Lexuan from the burning emotions he could not reciprocate, and also to free himself from the guilt he had felt for so many years.

Since I already have Xiaoya, and since Sister Lexuan seems to have found a better match, why not give them a push and help them be together? That would be better for everyone.

As for the issue of their identities, Beibei had heard some of the academy's arrangements from Moon, and he believed that in the face of genuine feelings, everything else was perhaps not insurmountable.

"What I am like, what my relationship with Zhang Lexuan is, is my business, it's our business." Kong Tianxu stood up, his gaze piercing Bei Bei as if trying to see right through him.

“Zhang Lexuan is a person with her own wishes and choices. In what capacity do you ‘hope’ and ‘arrange’?”

"I just hope she can have a better life! I..."

Beibei's face turned completely pale. She opened her mouth, but faced with Kong Tianxu's sharp, knife-like gaze, she couldn't say anything more.

"It seems you really don't understand." Kong Tianxu walked to the door, making a gesture of seeing him off: "Further words are useless, please leave."

Beibei stood up listlessly and staggered out of the room. Just as she stepped out, she turned to look at Kong Tianxu as if she had something else to say.

But at that very moment, a very low, suppressed, yet extremely familiar sob suddenly echoed in the room.