The center of the forest came closer and closer. The landscape was changing as the forest beneath them grew wilder, too. Eventually, they saw the edges of the giant lake that Jiang had told her was the center of Star Dou Forest. The water was crystal clear blue as they flew over it. Tang Yin's eyes widened as she stared at it. It was giant, bigger than any sea she had seen before. The water was moving in ripples as something beneath it seemed to move.

A large serpent rose from the water; it was almost as big as the entire lake. She blinked as she stared, her mouth slacking open in amazement at the fantastical sight. Despite all the wonders she had seen on Poseidon and at the sea, it happened time and time again that she ended up in places that inspired awe with their heartbreaking beauty and wildness.

On top of the bull-headed serpent's head was a small figure clad in white and pink, waving enthusiastically at her with both hands.

"Xiao Wu!" Yin thundered through the sky as she quickened her wingbeats and then rushed right into the young woman's arms.

"Tang Yin." Xiao Wu said, her voice soft and gentle as the two hugged with fierce happiness.

"It has been so long," Yin said as she let Xiao Wu go. "I can't believe it."

"Neither can I. You haven't grown a single inch." She then teased, and Yin pouted as she mock hit Xiao Wu's arm. Xiao Wu turned to Jiang.

"Hi Jiang."

"Xiao Wu." He greeted her with a nod of his head.

"It is nice to see you as well."

"Same here," Jiang said as his gaze wandered to the serpent. "Da Ming."

"Jiang." The serpent said as it lowered its head to the shore with the two women standing on it.

"It has been long." Da Ming said. "Have your intentions changed?" He asked, but Jiang shook his head.

"No."

"Then Di Tian will remain leader of dragon kin." Da Ming sighed. "The arrogant lizard. You would do a better job."

"It is not hard to do a better job. But Da Ming. Di Tian's biggest strength is his spirit power; there will be dragons that can beat him, aside from me, eventually, I am certain."

"I sure hope so."

Yin listened to their conversation and, for a moment, wondered who Di Tian was when Xiao Wu grabbed her hand.

"You have to tell me all that happened on Poseidon." She said with excitement. "How is San? Everyone?"

Yin blinked and then smiled. "Well. I can leave you the letters I got, if you want them, but the quick overview is quickly told."

"Then tell me," Wu said as she led her along.

"Only if you tell me what happened to you. You were the only one who didn't send letters." She said, pouting, and Xiao Wu looked a bit embarrassed.

"Well, it is difficult sending letters from the forest."

"I don't blame you. I can imagine so." Yin waved it off. "Now what happened. Sooooo...last I heard, Mubai and Zhuqing were raising hell in the Sun and Moon Empire. Mubai is now the crown prince and Zuqing his official consort. Believe it or not, but our Honjung, Fatty, is a Duke now."

"No way."

"I didn't believe it either, but apparently Fatty is even doing a good job at being a high noble." Tang Yin told her wile grinning.

"I can't believe it. Feng, Oscar, and Rong Rong?"

"Well, Oscar has joined the mercenary guilds and is now kicking ass. Feng is with Rong Rong at Seven Treasures, training at their school, and causing scratching of heads. Apparently, she is now considered a combat master from Rong's last letter. Rong Rong, by the way, is now Ning Fengzhi's official successor and even handling Clan affairs."

"Wow...everyone...they are getting so much ahead."

"Nah, don't worry, some of us are still quite stuck where we are. I mean, see. Still missing an arm. Barely an exam further and still not an inch taller."

Wu laughed at that. "Sure, sure, it's still a bit...how am I to say. Frustrating."

"Probably. Either way. Bro is now being all badass with my Father. He is training him, seems to be doing well, although I haven't gotten a letter lately, we are to meet up at Moon Pavilion."

"Moon Pavilion." Xiao Wu tilted her head. "Isn't that the school you originally thought to go to over Shrek, the one for artists, music, and etiquette?"

"Yes."

"And she still should if you ask me." Jiang intercepted. "How come I didn't get a welcome hug?"

"Because you are a grandpa." Xiao Wu said, narrowing her eyes at him. "Dragon Grandpa, also, I don't want to hug any other man than Tang San...it doesn't feel right."

"Mhh," Jiang grumbled. "I see. I would love for a certain someone to hug fewer men as well." his gaze shot to Yin, and she narrowed her eyes at him.

"I am not hugging strangers," she pointed out, "and I like hugging people I know. Also I would not object you getting hugged by Gale, my brother or the others from sheck, I cannot demand of you what I am not doing myself."

"I  know," Jiang grumbled. "Doesn't mean I have to be thrilled about it."

Yin got up and hugged Jiang, blinking at him as she tilted her head upwards and stood on her toes. "Better?"

"Better." He agreed with her.

"Good." Then she let him go and turned to Xiao Wu. "Now, how have things been with you?"

Xiao Wu smiled. "Nothing much. Mainly training. With Da Ming and Er Ming. I have grown faster and gained a few more spirit abilities...but other than that. I am pretty much trapped here, and as much as I love this place, sometimes it is just lonely." She looked into the forest. "I miss Tang San."