It's so nice to have met you all.

The moment Jiang Ningshu realized she might face danger yet remain powerless, a wave of fear washed over her.

It's fine, it's fine. You're Jiang Ningshu, once the strongest of them all.

Don’t let something so trivial unsettle you.

She tried to reassure herself, though the effect was minimal.

"You're awake?" Su Luo had just woken up.

"Yeah, let’s go for a walk."

Jiang Ningshu figured it was better to clear her mind outside than to dwell on her worries.

But they hadn’t walked far when a demon beast soared across the sky, aiming to attack them.

With a single glance from Su Luo, it exploded.

"Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you."

He’d said this many times before.

Yet, as long as Jiang Ningshu felt even a hint of panic, he would repeat it.

"I shouldn’t be this scared, right?" Jiang Ningshu forced a weak smile.

"Your heartbeat spiked the moment you saw that beast."

"Ugh, when will I get my strength back?!"

She shouted without a care for her dignity.

To fear even a minor demon beast—how embarrassing.

This was worse than before. At least back then, she could still exert her aura.

Now, without even that, she knew she’d be dead if no one intervened.

That was why she panicked.

Su Luo took her hand. "Stop overthinking. Once your strength returns, you could wipe out that beast’s entire race if you wanted."

"Uh… that’s a bit excessive." Jiang Ningshu found the idea too extreme.

Su Luo wasn’t serious, of course—just teasing to lighten her mood.

The deceased beast, if it had a spirit: Thanks for that.

......

In the distance, Nangong Xiyun and Little Yu watched Su Luo and Jiang Ningshu.

They occasionally gave Jiang Ningshu space, knowing she didn’t want to see Nangong Xiyun right now.

"Little Yu, how much longer do you think Jiang Ningshu needs?"

She’d been monopolizing Su Luo for nearly two days.

Nangong Xiyun felt cheated—she hadn’t even gotten two full days with him this visit.

"It shouldn’t be long. Su Luo said it wouldn’t take much time."

"Fine."

Little Yu added, "Give her this time. We might need Su Luo’s help someday too."

"That… makes sense."

No one could guarantee they’d never need Su Luo’s aid.

So Nangong Xiyun held back from interrupting.

Two days passed.

Outside at night, Jiang Ningshu still couldn’t sense even a trace of her cultivation.

At first, her fear had been manageable, but with time, it grew.

"Su Luo, I’m fine," Jiang Ningshu said with a strained smile.

"Your hands are shaking."

He held them, hoping to steady her.

He’d reassured her countless times—her power would return.

But until it did, her mind remained restless.

Then, almost unconsciously, Jiang Ningshu hugged Su Luo.

Tightly.

Though as a mortal now, her strength was limited.

Still, holding onto him was no issue.

A day ago, her state hadn’t been so bad.

Now, it was different.

"Just let me hold you like this, okay?" Her voice was almost pleading.

Su Luo didn’t answer with words—only actions.

They stood there, embracing in silence.

Gradually, the warmth of Su Luo’s arms calmed her.

"Su Luo, your body has such a magical effect."

"That’s just your imagination. My body’s perfectly ordinary."

"But it soothes me. Makes me feel… safe."

This time, she didn’t cling tightly. Instead, she relaxed completely, melting into his embrace, her head resting on his shoulder.

"Don’t let Nangong Xiyun hear you say that, or she’ll never let me live it down."

Jiang Ningshu had once mocked Nangong Xiyun for being obsessed with Su Luo’s presence.

Now, the tables had turned.

"I won’t tell if you don’t want me to. But I think, despite your bickering, you two aren’t really enemies."

Jiang Ningshu didn’t argue.

Though she often clashed with Nangong Xiyun, she didn’t truly despise her.

Just then, fireworks erupted across the sky.

A deafening boom, followed by a dazzling display of colors.

Half the night was illuminated.

Jiang Ningshu froze, stunned by the sudden spectacle.

So beautiful.

She didn’t need to guess—Su Luo, Little Yu, and Nangong Xiyun had arranged this.

Su Luo’s idea, executed by the other two.

Nangong Xiyun sighed. "Why didn’t Su Luo use this method to win me over?"

Little Yu chuckled. "Next time you need it, I’ll set off fireworks for you."

"You’re the best, Little Yu."

Nangong Xiyun continued launching spells into the sky, each one a brilliant burst.

These past few days, seeing Jiang Ningshu so vulnerable was a first.

The sharp-tongued rival she knew seemed like a different person.

And Nangong Xiyun didn’t want her to stay this way.

After all, their quarrels had been… mildly entertaining.

"Enjoy the show, then snap out of it," Nangong Xiyun murmured.

The fireworks continued, made even more spectacular by Little Yu and Nangong Xiyun’s prowess.

Then Su Luo spoke. "Congratulations. You’ve re-entered the Great Ascension Realm."

As his words faded, a transformation surged within Jiang Ningshu.

Power flooded back.

Her cultivation climbed steadily—

Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment… Void Refinement.

And finally, Great Ascension!

It was seamless.

Instantaneous.

The weight lifted from Jiang Ningshu’s heart.

"Su Luo… thank you."

She hugged him again, her joy beyond words.

Su Luo smiled. "The fragile you was interesting, but this is the real you."

"Fragile? Let’s never mention that again."

Now that her strength had returned, her mindset shifted. Looking back at her behavior these past two days—

So embarrassing.

"Back to your arrogant self the moment your power returns, huh? Forget all we did for you?" Nangong Xiyun approached.

The fireworks had ended.

Too happy to argue, Jiang Ningshu simply said, "Yes, thank you."

Nangong Xiyun hadn’t expected such straightforward gratitude. It left her with no retort.

Little Yu joined them. "I’m glad you’ve recovered."

"Little Yu, thank you too."

Jiang Ningshu gently pinched Little Yu’s cheeks, her elation overflowing.

"Such a happy occasion calls for a celebration. Let’s drink!" Su Luo had already prepared fine wine and food.

That night was filled with laughter.

Jiang Ningshu watched them, warmth blooming in her chest.

Meeting Su Luo had truly been a blessing.

Little Yu was wonderful too.

And Nangong Xiyun… well, today, even she wasn’t so bad.