He has even mastered Haki, and you say this is Naruto?

"This creature's entire body is a treasure. Its scales can distort light, creating illusions to deceive perception. Combined with spatial power, it's an extremely powerful ability. Your spiritual power isn't strong enough to break through such illusions yet, so you'd better be cautious."

Shu Yan nodded. Narrowing his eyes, he stopped looking at the creature's eyes and instead drove a long sword, made from the leg of a Death Demon Spider, straight into the brain of the thousand-year Illusion Dragon, ending its life.

A radiant purple soul ring floated up slowly. Shu Junyou stepped back and offered a final reminder:

"Be adaptable. If anything feels wrong during absorption, stop immediately. Don't gamble with your life."

Shu Yan nodded again and sat cross-legged, using his soul power to guide the thousand-year soul ring down upon himself...

…

The absorption process had a few hiccups, but overall it went smoothly.

After completion, Shu Yan stood up. His bones cracked audibly, and he had clearly grown a few centimeters taller.

"How do you feel?"

Shu Junyou asked with a smile. With his cultivation already above level 85, he could tell that Shu Yan had reached level 15. This was the result of absorbing a thousand-year soul ring for his first spirit ring and undergoing rigorous body tempering—it gave him a solid foundation and a five-level leap. Within a year, Shu Yan would likely gain five more levels and reach Soul Grandmaster.

A seven-year-old Soul Grandmaster—such talent was astonishing. With his first two rings being thousand-year level, his configuration would easily eclipse any peer. Even geniuses a rank above would struggle to beat him.

"Not bad at all, but my first soul skill is rather unexpected."

Shu Yan smiled, clearly in high spirits.

Before Shu Junyou could ask, he continued:

"My first soul skill combines the Illusion Dragon's illusion creation and spatial power. It's a domain-like area skill—within its range, enemies are confused by warped illusions, and I myself receive a combat buff."

Shu Junyou was briefly stunned, then smiled.

"Impressive. But Yan, let me remind you again—"

"When adventuring, never easily reveal your soul skills to others. They're your trump card. Unless you completely trust someone, it's best to keep them hidden."

Shu Yan nodded, signaling he understood.

Shu Junyou had the Illusion Dragon's body taken away. As he had said, its body was a treasure—rich in dragon flesh, tendons, and scales—none of it would go to waste.

"Oh right, Yan, we're heading back to Lingdou City in the next two days. That girl from the Han family, Han Ruoruo, is back and waiting for you there. Didn't you used to stick to her all the time? You haven't seen her in a while, so you two can reunite."

Shu Junyou said this casually.

Shu Yan was surprised.

His relationship with Han Ruoruo was incredibly close. Though not real siblings, they were like brother and sister.

She had watched him grow up and felt a complicated affection for him. Even when her studies kept her away, she sent him gifts and treats. Every holiday, she returned just to spend time with him.

In truth, Shu Yan's childhood was simple but rich—and Han Ruoruo was the main reason why.

They were each other's only companions—supporting and growing together...

When Shu Junyou saw Shu Yan spaced out, he simply smiled and left.

By the time Shu Yan returned to his senses, the surroundings were already empty.

Still in a great mood, Shu Yan didn't linger. With all he had learned recently, he needed time to meditate and digest it—something that would greatly aid his cultivation journey.

Chapter 6: Siblings and Farewell Gifts

The room carried a familiar, refreshing scent—Han Ruoruo's fragrance. She must have been waiting a long time.

After half a year apart, she looked nearly unchanged, though her face seemed slightly thinner. Her long hair now reached her waist, loosely draped as always.

"Yes, it's been half a year. I still missed your spirit awakening ceremony…"

She said softly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her voice tinged with regret.

She had attended every important moment of Shu Yan's life—except this one. Though she had tried to make it, she hadn't arrived in time.

Ever since seeing that baby boy smile at her six years ago, she felt deeply moved. That innocent, radiant smile sparked a desire in her to protect him from all harm...

And so she did.

From then on, she made time to visit him, and gradually, he occupied a large space in her heart. Their bond deepened over the years—subtly changing as he grew older…

Now, the child who once cried in her arms was almost grown. Emotion swelled within her, making her expression complicated.

Shu Yan didn't think too much of it. Women were emotional creatures, and he wasn't good at comforting others—so he changed the subject:

"Why are you back now, Ruoruo-jie? I thought Shrek Academy was still in session?"

Han Ruoruo rested her cheek on her hand and smiled slightly.

"I took on a mission—to hunt a pirate gang in the empire's east. It's a two-month job, and I figured I'd stop by Lingdou City to see you."

Shu Yan nodded, understanding. He knew she had entered Shrek's inner court years ago and even became one of the new generation of Shrek Seven Devils—champions of the latest elite tournament.

She was only twenty now, but already a high-ranking Soul King—soon to be a Soul Emperor.

"Is the mission dangerous?"

She tilted her head, stared at him for a moment, then softly said,

"Not too much. Just… troublesome."

Silence returned until she broke it with a playful smile and stretched out her hand:

"Come on, take a walk around the city with me. I already told your parents. I'm taking you out for the next few days. Let's go?"

Shu Yan grasped her cool hand with a smile.

"With pleasure."

...

The next few days were spent wandering Lingdou City together.

Their families were used to this and didn't object—if anything, they encouraged it, knowing it was good for both families.

…

Sunset, atop the Douling Hotel's rooftop restaurant.

A pair of figures stood leaning against the railing, quietly chatting.

"Ah Yan, I'll be leaving tomorrow."

Han Ruoruo pushed her bangs aside, looking regretful.

She had wanted to stay longer. Shu Yan's smile always gave her peace—clearing away the weight of her cultivation and responsibilities.

But the mission couldn't wait. Her time in the city was already pushing the limit.

Shu Yan nodded understandingly.

He had noticed the faint melancholy in her eyes despite her cheerful demeanor.

"Ruoruo-jie, just go and focus on your mission. Don't treat me like a kid forever. Give me a few years, and I'll be fighting by your side."

He smiled. His face had inherited the best features of his parents—gentle and handsome like Shu Junyou, yet noble and striking like Yu Bingyan. Combined, his looks were unforgettable.

Han Ruoruo was a sucker for handsome faces and especially liked his smile. Sometimes she even made him smile on command.

This time, though, she just pinched his cheek playfully and teased:

"Little rascal. You've got potential, sure—but catching up to your big sis won't be that easy. Keep working hard."

Shu Yan let her pinch his face. Then he chuckled,

"If I do catch up, can I ask for a reward?"

Her smile deepened, and for once, a trace of playfulness entered her voice.

"Sure. If you can catch up to me, I'll give you anything you want."

"Really?"

"Your sister never lies."

Shu Yan smiled quietly, saying nothing more.

Han Ruoruo probably didn't realize this playful promise would one day change not just her life—but the fate of the entire world.

Chapter 7: The Golden Sunflower and Shrek

The next morning.

Before Shu Yan could knock, the door opened.

That familiar fragrance greeted him. Han Ruoruo stood there lazily in a silk nightgown, leaning against the doorway.

At twenty, she had grown past girlhood into a unique blend of youth and maturity. With flawless skin and striking beauty, she looked like a snow goddess.

She usually dressed modestly—only those closest to her knew just how alluring she truly was.

Noticing Shu Yan's gaze, she adjusted her gown's strap and flicked his forehead.

"Little perv. What are you staring at?"

Shu Yan looked away and said softly,

"I've got something for you, Ruoruo-jie."

She snorted but pulled him inside and shut the door.

The room was simple—a bed, sofa, dressing table, a few chairs, and some potted plants on the balcony.

Shu Yan had visited often since childhood. The two families were close, and he was well-loved in the Han household. Ruoruo treated him like a real brother—and pampered him no less.

As she tidied a few scattered garments, Shu Yan waited quietly.

When she was done, he took out a radiant golden flower from his storage ring.

A pure golden bloom—each petal like sculpted jade, glowing with a unique light.

"Golden Sunflower!?"

Han Ruoruo was stunned, instantly recognizing the rare herb.

Shu Yan nodded.

"It was gifted to my grandfather by Marquis Yinxue. My grandfather gave it to me. And now... it's yours."

Han Ruoruo stepped forward to receive it, her hands trembling slightly.

The Golden Sunflower—known as the "Golden Miracle"—only grew in mountains with rare metal ores and was fiercely guarded by soul beasts.

Her martial spirit, the top-tier control-type "Golden Light Rope," was perfectly compatible with it.

The Golden Sunflower could temper her body and soul power, enhancing her gold attribute tremendously. It was one of the finest herbs below immortal grade.

If cultivated to ten thousand years and gained sentience, it might even evolve into an immortal herb.

The Han family had once obtained one, and Han Ruoruo had read extensively—so she immediately recognized the flower's significance.

"Marquis Yinxue once owed my grandfather a favor. Our families are close. He gave the Golden Sunflower as a birthday gift when Grandpa turned 100. Truth be told, it was probably meant for you all along."

Shu Yan chuckled, scratching his nose.

After all, no matter the world, elders always seemed to think alike.

Even though there was a 14-year age gap between them, the elders believed it was perfect. After all, she had practically raised him—why not keep doing it for life?