The sun hung low over the Heaven Dou City horizon, spilling warm gold across the clouds. Li Wei stood just outside the western gate of the city, dressed not in his Diend armor but in a Luocha clothes from Honkai Star Rail with white blazer trimmed with teal, simple and elegant. Beside him, Ning Rongrong adjusted her cloak, the breeze catching her long pale-pink robes lined with her clan's emblem—a delicate golden pagoda. Her usual radiant confidence flickered with something softer: nostalgia.
It had been years since she left.
Now she was going home.
"…You're sure you're ready?" Li Wei asked gently, watching her.
Ning Rongrong smiled faintly, her expression wistful. "I've been ready since the Rift. I just… I didn't think it would feel this heavy."
He nodded, falling into step beside her as they began walking down the path toward the distant Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda territory. "You should know that you've changed a lot since you left them. Stronger. More confident."
"And not just in spirit power, I suppose" she added with a soft laugh. "Back then, I never thought I'd fall in love like this. Or be able to protect people instead of being the one always needing protection."
Li Wei gave her a sidelong glance. "They'll see that right away. Especially your father."
Her step slowed slightly. "Father is… complicated. He's proud of me, but he has very high expectations. For the longest time, I thought I wasn't enough—not strong enough, not obedient enough, not the 'perfect heir'. He more thought myself as a spoil princess well that was true at the time. But I want him to see who I am now. Who I chose to become."
Li Wei reached out and gently squeezed her hand. "Then let him see you. Not just as the daughter of the Seven Treasure Clan, but as Ning Rongrong—the girl who faced the Rift and came out blazing."
She smiled at that, turning to look at him. "You always know how to say the right things."
"No," he replied dryly, "I just have experience dealing with terrifying women."
That earned him a soft smack on the arm.
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The journey to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda clan estate was long, but uneventful. They traveled for a full day and night as Ning Rongrong want to walk slowly, occasionally stopping at rest stations or passing by smaller merchant caravans who gave respectful bows upon seeing the clan emblem on Ning Rongrong's robe.
By the time they reached the outskirts of the Pagoda estate, it was mid-morning. The golden tower that marked the heart of the clan domain rose like a beacon in the distance, surrounded by the elegant courtyards, silver bridges over crystal-clear rivers, and high walls carved with ancient spirit marks.
Rongrong paused just outside the outer gate.
The guards, spotting her, blinked in disbelief. "Miss Rongrong?!"
The older one immediately bowed deeply. "Welcome home!"
Rongrong bowed slightly in return, her voice steady. "I've returned to visit my family—with a guest. His name is Li Wei."
Li Wei nodded politely.
The gates opened swiftly, and within minutes, they were escorted into the inner halls. The Seven Treasure Clan was nothing short of magnificent. Glazed tile architecture sparkled under the sunlight, and spiraling walkways linked countless towers, each housing elders, disciples, and libraries.
As they passed, murmurs followed them.
"That's the eldest daughter…"
"She's back with someone…"
"Wait—is that the one from Shrek Academy?"
They didn't pause. Ning Rongrong held her head high.
Soon, they entered a private hall—a serene garden chamber filled with cherry blossoms and soft wind chimes. At the center, seated on an elevated dais with scrolls spread before him, was a tall, regal man with sharp eyes and hair touched with gray at the temples. He looked up.
His presence was undeniable.
Ning Fengzhi, patriarch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
"Rongrong."
"Father," she said, voice calm. "I've returned." She then run toward her father and hug him.
A pause.
"You've grown," Ning Fengzhi said, standing slowly. His gaze swept over her from head to toe—not just her appearance, but her spiritual aura. Then, to Li Wei. "And this… is your companion?"
Li Wei stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Li Wei. Member of Shrek Academy. Pleased to meet you, Clan Master Ning."
A beat of silence.
"I've heard much about you," Ning Fengzhi said slowly. "The one who survive the rift withbmy daughter."
Li Wei didn't answer. He simply met his gaze, calm and steady.
Rongrong added, "He's my… boyfriend."
The room fell silent.
Ning Fengzhi expression didn't change. But something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
"I see." He walked slowly around the garden, hands behind his back. "The last time you left this house, you were impulsive, impatient, untrained. You return now… stronger. Quieter. With a man."
"I return not just stronger," Rongrong replied, "but clearer. I chose to fight, not to hide behind my family name. I learned from my teammates. From him. I became someone worthy of being more than just your daughter."
Li Wei remained silent, letting her speak.
Ning Fengzhi stopped walking. "You've always been worthy, Rongrong. But now… I see that fire in you." He turned to Li Wei. "And you? You've taken responsibility for her heart. Are you prepared for what that means?"
Li Wei stepped forward. "Yes. I don't make promises lightly. I'll protect her with everything I have."
Another pause. Then Ning Fengzhi nodded.
"Then stay. Both of you. At least for the night. There are many who wish to see Rongrong again, and many more who will ask about you, Li Wei."
He turned, walking back toward his seat while feeling a little headache on what will be coming. "Your uncle bone and uncle sword will not take this kindly."
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That evening, the inner halls glowed with warm lanternlight.
Li Wei sat in a quiet pavilion, sipping tea and listening to the soft music played by clan disciples nearby. Rongrong sat beside him, head resting on his shoulder.
"You handled that really well," he murmured.
"He didn't explode," she replied with a small grin. "I call that a win."
She leaned into him a little more.
"I always thought this place was a cage. But now… it feels a little like home again. Because I know I can leave whenever I want. And come back with someone I love."
Li Wei looked out toward the glowing pagoda tower in the distance.
"Wherever you go," he said, "I'll walk beside you."
Rongrong turned to face him, cupping his cheek gently. "You already do."
They stayed like that—no battles, no cards, no enemies. Just the peace of a long-awaited return, and the quiet comfort of knowing they had each other.
Tomorrow, the journey would continue.
But tonight… was hers.