NOVPUBFrom that day on, things changed. Training returned to hell.
The grandmaster seemed to have an impossible creativity when it came down to making them suffer. Yin wished back to when he had been torturing her with books.
Instead, it now was physical training. Whenever the others cultivated her, she had to do more physical training, causing her to often end up dead on her feet, unable to do anything but sleep until the next morning. She also turned into a big eater who devoured two breakfasts in a sitting and no longer just one.
Her body started to show some muscle as well. She had always had muscle, but now it turned more prominent. She bet if this continued, she would get a six-pack as well. Since yapping, though, was as useless as crying, she continued silently.
In between all of that, Tang San and her also went to the city on their free days, while he headed to the forgery. Tang Yin went shopping for pans and everything else she usually shared with Tang San for travels. Bickering with the traders on the market and storing it inside a small ring which had been their first purchase.
It only held limited space, but the storage ring was essential; nevertheless, Yin was just unused to wearing it, often fiddling around with it, slightly afraid she may lose it. Ultimately, it caused her to buy a small chain and wear the Ring like a necklace.
Walking through the markets also brought a welcome change when Ning Rong Rong joined as a reliable trading buddy. She was a monster at negotiating, often driving the traders to despair.
Eventually, Oscar joined until it turned into a constant source of fun for all of them. Some did business, and some, like Zhu Zhuquing, Ning Feng and Xiao Wu, ended up in a pink sparkly fluffy bunny bakery, which had the mostly cool-looking Zhu Zhuquing for a moment doubting herself as she was dragged along and felt very much at the wrong place it appeared as she returned with glitter in her hair and slightly paler than before with a bubbly Xiao Wu and a rosy-cheeked Ning Feng.
D-day came, and with all her things packed, her clothes arranged for travel, and a small backpack shouldering right at the cusp of Dawn, Tang Yin stood there and smiled shyly at Tang San, who was standing in front of her. The others wanted to say Goodbye later and left the twins the time they needed together.
Tang Yin looked at him. "Goodbye, bro." She muttered and took his hand. "Make sure you don't skip your meals, take good care of yourself, and don't let Xiao Wu make you cry, or I would need to kick her and..."
He leaned forward and kissed her temple. "It's all right, Sis. I make sure to watch out for myself. But promise me the same thing. Don't get too much into trouble, will you? Make sure to keep your diary updated and eat well. I added another raincoat and a bit of fever."
She put a finger on his lips. "I know. You went through my stuff and added whatever you could think I would miss, including probably enough medicine and weaponry to supply an army."
"I don't know. Maybe you need an army, and I wanted you to be prepared for the possibility, " he said with a sly smile. "I know just how charming my Big Sis can be, charming everyone always."
"Dork, " she said and pouted. But I love you, bro. See you around." She hugged him, and he hugged her back.
"Just so you know, medicine is in the upper drawer of the shelf I put inside your storage ring." He said while hugging her back.
"Bro, " she objected. "I will be fine. I just steamroll all opposition, and I have a Bodyguard."
"I know." He muttered back. "I just worry."
"Mhh." She hummed, and eventually, they let go. "Now say goodbye to the others, " he said, and Tang Yin nodded, looking behind Tang San.
"You can come out!" she shouted, and the other members of Shrek's devils came into sight and smiled. She hugged each of them, even Dai Mubai and Oscar, who went stiff as a board when she did. Rising both her hands, she waved over to the teachers.
"Bye-bye, " she said, and then a hand moved to her head, patting it. Looking upwards, she saw into the grandmaster's stern face.
"Take good care of yourself, Tang Yin." He said, and she grinned at him.
"Always."
"Don't forget either; you will always be one of Shreks Devils." Dai Mubai teased. "We count on you once we fight the big fish."
She turned around and put both hands on her waist. "Wait up. I have become a titled Douluo before all of you."
"I want to see that," Oscar added. "I am going to make it before you just so you know."
"Then, first, you need to catch up." She grinned. "I am higher on the totem pole right now regarding spirit power."
"Ha, just you wait." He grinned, and then Tang Yin found herself hugged by Tang San from the back.
"Miss you already, Sis." He muttered, and she laughed.
"Me too, Bro." Then he let her go and shoved her to leave. Waving both her hands, she waved Goodbye to everyone.
Ning Feng was crying while waving back equally enthusiastically; Xiao Wu was jumping up and down with a bright smile; and Ning Rong Rong waved a lot more conservatively. Zhu Zhuquing, did a simple, elegant bow in her direction as a goodbye. Oscar, who used both hands while grinning like an imp. Dai Mubai, who only stood beside Tang San and the grandmaster, watched her leave. Ma Honjun, who was flying using his wings and waved from up there.
Eventually, she turned around and was left alone. Picking up her pace, she started running towards Nuoding City. Ning Rong Rong said she had arranged for a pick-up from there. Her bodyguard and one of the Seven Treasures Trading Caravan groups were waiting there. Her legs sped up as she continued running into being alone for the first time.
