Sitting in his room after his evening meditation, Yao Xuan pulled up his system interface. The data stream flowed before his mind's eye—Soul Power Level 7, Mental Power 58, Ancestral Dragon Bloodline 3%. A quiet, solid satisfaction settled within him. The past six months in this new world had been a period of foundational, disciplined growth. But today was different. Today was not for cultivation or forging. Today was special.
It was Na'er's birthday.
Half a year under Lin Ximeng's care had worked a gentle magic on the silver-haired girl. The initial, lost silence had been replaced by a quiet vibrancy. While she remained reserved around strangers, within the walls of their apartment, she had blossomed. Her laughter came more easily, and her dependence on Yao Xuan had deepened into a constant, comforting presence by his side. She was his shadow, his quiet supporter, and he cherished every moment of it.
Faced with such pure, unwavering attachment, Yao Xuan felt only a profound, protective fondness. But as a transmigrator with a clear goal, he understood the importance of patience. 'Great trees grow from small seeds,' he reminded himself. His task was to plant the seed of love and trust in Na'er's heart, to nurture it with unwavering care and consistency, and to wait for it to grow strong and true on its own. Any rush, any inappropriate advance, could shatter this fragile trust and create wounds that might never heal, especially once her memories as the Silver Dragon King returned. Thus, their interactions remained beautifully innocent—a ruffle of her hair, a gentle pinch of her cheek, a comforting hand on her shoulder. He was her brother, her protector, her safe harbor.
For her special day, he had even mustered the courage to ask Mang Tian for a day off. The master blacksmith had grumbled, his brow furrowed in disapproval, but one look at Yao Xuan's earnest expression had worn down his resistance. "Fine. But you make up the work this weekend. No slacking," he had finally relented.
And so, after school, Yao Xuan didn't turn towards the familiar, soot-stained path to the studio. Instead, he walked straight home, making a single, purposeful stop at a confectionery shop downtown. He emerged holding a carefully wrapped box containing the finest white chocolate he could afford.
He had discovered Na'er's weakness for sweets early on. It was a charmingly mundane trait for a being of such cosmic origin. It seemed the Dragon Clan, in all its majesty, was not immune to the allure of sugar. And fortunately, it appeared to be a racial perk that she could indulge without any consequence to her slender frame.
Over the past three months, his work at the forge, though paying only a 20% apprentice's share, had allowed him to save a modest sum. The box of chocolates was a significant expense, but he felt no regret. In the grand strategy of his heart, it was a priceless investment in a future he dared to dream of.
His journey home was swift. Standing before the familiar door, he pressed the bell. It was opened almost instantly, revealing Na'er, her face illuminated by a smile that could outshine the soul-guided lamps.
"Brother Yao Xuan! You're home!"
Without hesitation, she stepped forward and pressed her head against his chest in her unique, wordless greeting, a gentle nuzzle that was both an affirmation of his presence and an instinctual marking of his comforting scent.
"Happy birthday, my dear Na'er!" Yao Xuan's voice was warm as he returned the gesture, his hand naturally coming up to stroke her silken silver hair. "I have a present for you."
"Thank you, brother!" she chirped, pulling back just enough to look up at him, her amethyst eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I know! It's something delicious!"
"You're too clever for me!" he laughed, genuinely delighted. "Happy birthday, Na'er. This is for you."
He presented the elegantly wrapped box. Na'er took it with reverent hands, her smile widening as she recognized the confectioner's logo.
"Chocolate! Hehe, thank you, Brother Yao Xuan!" Her joy was a tangible force in the room, pure and unadulterated. The amnesiac Silver Dragon King had indeed developed a profound love for this human invention.
"It's still a bit early for dinner," Yao Xuan said, guiding her to the sofa. "Let's chat for a while. We'll have the cake later with Mom."
Na'er agreed happily, settling beside him and leaning her head against his shoulder, a picture of contentment. She listened, enthralled, as he recounted tales from his day—a funny incident in class, a particularly challenging piece of metal at the studio, the way Tang Wulin had almost hit his own thumb with a hammer.
"Brother Yao Xuan," Na'er asked during a lull in the conversation, her voice thoughtful. "Will I be going to school soon too?"
"Going to school? Yes, of course!" Yao Xuan replied, his tone encouraging. "After today, you're officially six years old. In a few months, you'll have your Martial Soul Awakening ceremony, just like I did. Depending on whether you have innate soul power, you'll be placed in the regular class or the Soul Master class. If you have soul power, you can become a Soul Master, just like me!" He puffed out his chest in playful pride. "And if you do, you can ask me anything about cultivation. I'm the fastest in our grade, you know!"
"Really? That's wonderful!" Na'er's eyes shone with excitement, but then a faint, confused shadow passed through them. "A Martial Soul... I wonder what mine will be?" For a reason she couldn't grasp, the term "Soul Master" sent a strange, almost nostalgic tremor through her soul.
"Your Martial Soul?" Yao Xuan feigned ignorance, though he knew the truth was far more complex than any standard awakening could measure. He reached out and gently booped her nose. "We'll find out when the time comes! But I'm sure it will be something extraordinary. Someone as special as you must have a magnificent Martial Soul."
As they talked, the hour slipped away in a comfortable blur of shared warmth and quiet laughter. Finally, the enticing aroma of cooked food wafted from the kitchen, followed by Lin Ximeng's warm call.
"Coming, Mom!"
Their voices chimed in unison. Yao Xuan and Na'er shared a conspiratorial smile before hurrying to the table.
The sight that greeted them was a feast fit for a queen, or in this case, a dragon king. Na'er's favorite, golden-brown crispy fried pork ribs, took center stage, their savory scent mingling with the rich aromas of braised pork, tender beef, and fresh stir-fried greens.
And in the very middle of the table, resting on a porcelain platter, was the birthday cake. It was beautifully decorated with swirls of white cream and topped with an assortment of colorful, glistening fruits. A small, handwritten card was nestled among the berries, its message simple and heartfelt: "Happy Birthday, Na'er."