Yet now that Xu Sanshi is at Shrek Academy, there's simply no way he can return to the Dou Ling Empire; and the Dou Ling imperial clan would never accept an outsider like Xu Sanshi—even if he does carry the royal blood of Dou Ling.

Thus, in this Holy Grail War, the Dou Ling Empire has been ruthlessly excluded, and they failed to notice the sweeping changes occurring across the continent in time.

After all, without a Master, one cannot summon a Servant; naturally, there's no way to know how the emergence of Servants will overturn this world.

"Xiao Ming, I'm sorry. I didn't make it to your coming-of-age ceremony."

The moment Xu Jiujiu saw Lu Jingming, delight and guilt flashed in her eyes, and she threw herself into his arms like a swallow returning to the forest.

She breathed in his familiar scent, her face full of apology.

Recently, because of the Holy Grail War, things have grown exceedingly complicated; coupled with continual shifts in internal affairs of the Star Luo Empire, Xu Jiujiu had been swamped—running around every corner of Star Luo City day after day, handling mountains of tasks.

Even at such an important moment as Lu Jingming's adulthood, she could only spare a brief window to meet him in the Simulated Universe for a hurried reunion.

So once she finally wrapped up her work, Xu Jiujiu didn't delay for a moment and rushed to Haiyuan City at once.

"It's okay, Sister Jiujiu. It's really not a big deal. You've worked yourself too hard lately. I just want you not to wear yourself out."

Lu Jingming smiled and gently caressed her cheek.

He understood well: the Star Luo royal house is short on talent now; the old don't bridge to the young. Among all the affairs, the only ones who can truly shoulder the burden are Xu Jiawei and Xu Jiujiu.

So her being so busy was only natural.

Moreover, in this continent-spanning Holy Grail War, Xu Jiujiu was also chosen by fate as a Master and successfully summoned a Servant.

That only made her burden heavier and her time even more scarce.

Lu Jingming bore her no blame at all. In his eyes, having a wife so career-driven was something to be happy about.

After all, his holdings are vast now with complicated matters all around, and he needs capable people like Xu Jiujiu to share the load.

He's always been the quintessential hands-off boss, focusing only on steering the grand direction; as for the minutiae, he entrusts them all to Changli, Ningguang, and the like.

It's much like the Geo Archon holding the Rite of Descension once a year to announce the policies for the year, leaving everything else to the Liyue Qixing.

However, compared to that relatively responsible deity, Lu Jingming is a bit worse—though at least he's better than a certain perpetually drunk lush.

And of course, better than a certain escapist shut-in girl by quite a margin.

At this moment, with Xu Jiujiu nestled in his arms, Lu Jingming enjoyed the warmth and softness to the fullest.

Unintentionally, his gaze slid past Xu Jiujiu's shoulder to someone standing a short distance behind her.

There, a Servant stood quietly, radiating a distinct aura.

"I knew I wasn't sensing wrong. Wave-Strumming Knight, Hysilens—seeing you again makes me so happy."

With a slight ripple, Cerydra appeared gracefully, staff in hand.

Looking upon Xu Jiujiu's Servant, a genuine smile bloomed on her face, warm and affectionate.

"Cerydra, to stand alongside you again in this otherworld surprises me as well."

Xu Jiujiu's Servant, Hysilens, was a black-haired girl wreathed in oceanic elements.

Compared to the petite Cerydra, Hysilens seemed a touch more mature.

Her stunning face, paired with black stockings over her legs, lent her a hint of mystery and allure.

Yet who could imagine that such a seemingly delicate beauty could erupt with terrifying power on the battlefield—slaughtering sixty thousand by herself, like a war god?

A warrior's overwhelming presence contrasted sharply with her youthful looks.

But more than a battlefield heroine, Hysilens resembled an elegant artist in some respects—a musician immersed in sound.

She was not only Cerydra's capable subordinate but also a noble demigod of the ocean, famed as the Wave-Playing Sword Knight.

"Stand alongside? Not necessarily, Hysilens. There's only one Holy Grail."

Cerydra's lips curled with a meaningful smile as she gently parried Hysilens's words.

In this unpredictable Holy Grail War, the Grail's owner was far from certain, and even former comrades must face rivalry now.

"If we were in Okhema, I would offer the Grail to you without hesitation. But in this unfamiliar world, I have principles I must uphold."

Hysilens smiled too; her voice was soft but unshakably firm.

Her eyes instinctively drifted to Xu Jiujiu nestled in Lu Jingming's arms.

Hysilens is principled. She won't betray her current Master just because the other side is her former commander.

After all, this isn't her true body, and this isn't her familiar Okhema.

"It's fine. Think of it as a dream. Stick to your principles."

Cerydra showed no displeasure. Instead, understanding shone in her eyes.

In her heart, Hysilens was not merely a subordinate but a demigod bearing the spark of hope.

In theory, there was no absolute hierarchy between them.

Hysilens followed Cerydra because she believed Cerydra could lead everyone toward a better future.

But if Cerydra ever strayed, Hysilens would not stay her hand.

"You two don't need to be like this—at least for now, you're not enemies. As for the end, let skill decide."

Lu Jingming led Xu Jiujiu forward to face Cerydra and Hysilens.

Heaven be praised—after unremitting effort, he could finally approach within five meters of Cerydra.

Sensing Lu Jingming draw near, Hysilens first glanced in surprise at the unreactive Cerydra, then appraised the man who was her Master's beloved with interest.

She tried to see what qualities in Lu Jingming had earned Cerydra's trust.

"Hysilens, welcome to the Douluo Continent. I hope this journey of yours becomes a beautiful memory."

Lu Jingming smiled gently, speaking with sincerity.

"A journey, hmm? That's not wrong." Hysilens hesitated slightly, then nodded.

After a moment's thought, she felt his description was fitting. For her, this truly was a journey whose end she might not even remember.

In this otherworld, everything was unfamiliar and uncertain.

After a simple introduction, Lu Jingming took Xu Jiujiu away, leaving time and space for the two comrades to reconnect in this unexpected reunion.

On the way back, from Xu Jiujiu's account, Lu Jingming learned that Hysilens had helped the Star Luo Empire form a unique unit: the Wave-Playing Sword Knights.

She baptized them with her oceanic power, greatly boosting their combat strength.

Hysilens is an experienced commander capable of leading armies; coupled with her demigod power over the sea and Star Luo's lavish investment, they quickly forged a fearsome legion.

This legion's birth would undoubtedly empower Star Luo in the shifting future.

Time slipped away quietly amidst tenderness.

Lu Jingming and Xu Jiujiu strolled hand in hand through Haiyuan City's streets, and before they knew it, night had fallen. Lanterns lit up, making the city dreamlike.

As always, everyone gathered for dinner, enjoying warmth and laughter.

Tonight's chef, as ever, was the gentle and virtuous Raiden Mei, with Jinhsi and Raiden Makoto assisting, preparing a lavish feast.

Jinhsi's specialty was soup dumplings—but not ordinary ones; they were a local delicacy from Huanglong, with unique technique and clever fillings. One bite burst with savory juice, unforgettable.

Among the Servants there were also culinary masters.

For example, Lemuen excelled at desserts—especially apple pie, an absolute masterpiece.

It was her younger sister Exusiai's favorite, and Lu Jingming also loved it.

Each time he tasted Lemuen's apple pie—the fragrance, the crisp crust, the soft filling—it seemed to dissolve all troubles in sweet happiness.

These gatherings were always lively.

Everyone sat together, laughter bubbling as they exchanged stories, teased one another, or even competed over a dish.

Seeing familiar figures he once only saw on a screen now alive and vibrant before him—laughing, bantering, vying for food—filled Lu Jingming with a satisfaction beyond words.

It felt like a dream brought to life, letting him truly feel the beauty and joy of living.

"My, how lively—and so many girls as lovely as flowers! Xiao Ming, you didn't even tell me."

A clear, warm voice rang out like a silver bell.

All eyes turned; the newcomer was the adorable, charming pink fairy—Elysia.

Her pink hair cascaded like a waterfall, lively eyes sparkling, and her signature radiant smile seemed to dispel all gloom.

"This is exactly why I didn't bring you back sooner!"

Lu Jingming curled his lips helplessly, though his heart brimmed with fondness for Elysia.

He knew well her charm—like the sun, warm and dazzling, irresistible. Virtually everyone liked her.

And in that parallel world, Elysia had important duties, serving as the crucial failsafe.

So, though he missed her, Lu Jingming hadn't brought Elysia to this world until now.

But things had stabilized there.

According to Elysia, Bibi Dong had obtained the Rakshasa Scythe and begun preparing to ascend to godhood.

Qian Renxue had returned to Spirit Hall, fully immersed in the Angel God trials.

Soon, that world would welcome two deities.

With the might of the Angel God and the Rakshasa God—even as newly ascended gods—they could suppress the expanding corruption points.

Both Angel and Rakshasa are first-rank gods; their power is not something ordinary true gods can contend with easily.

As the situation improved, Lu Jingming's gains in True Power continued, so he no longer monitored that side constantly.

As for that continent's political outcome, Lu Jingming no longer felt obliged to worry.

With Qian Renxue—the Angel God symbolizing justice—present, the situation had some guarantee.

Though Bibi Dong is known for extreme methods, she hasn't lost her mind completely; deep down she still harbors a mother's love for Qian Renxue.

Thus, the Douluo Continent likely would not fall into utter ruin because of her.

Once Spirit Hall housed two gods, other powers would have to choose: to submit or to resist. Lu Jingming didn't much care.

His foundation was in this world. As for the parallel world, he only needed to safeguard the Jade Chamber and the elemental academy that followed them.

Moreover, given his relationship with Qian Renxue—and with deterrents in hand—even if Spirit Hall unified the continent, coexistence with other factions wasn't impossible.

Based on this assessment, Lu Jingming finally decided to bring Elysia to this world.

Leaving her alone there long-term felt wrong to him.

Although Elysia herself didn't mind and was having a grand time, Lu Jingming believed in equal treatment: since he summoned her, he shouldn't exclude Elysia—she deserved the same company and care.

"E—Elysia!" When Raiden Mei's eyes fell on Elysia, she froze; time seemed to stop.

Memories of the Elysian Realm surged in her mind. She never thought she'd get to see Elysia again in this life—this woman who left an indelible mark on her heart.

She'd thought their parting back then was forever, and Elysia would live only in memory.

"Ah, Mei! You've grown—and even more captivating. What a delight."

Elysia spotted Raiden Mei at once, joy sparkling in her eyes.

She hurried forward, seized Mei's hands, and hugged them to her chest, as if only such closeness could convey her happiness.

The Elysia Lu Jingming summoned was not merely an avatar—she bore the memories and experiences of the Elysian Realm's memory-form as well.

Hence, she recognized Raiden Mei.

After all, Elysia's original body had passed; it was the memory-form in the Elysian Realm who truly knew Mei.

"Elysia—I can't believe I'm seeing you again. I'm so glad."

Mei's voice trembled with irrepressible joy. To see an old friend again is a delight beyond measure.

This reunion felt like warm sun in winter.