ddv2
When Ye Qiu returned to his wooden cabin—
Xiao Wu, who had just bathed, was already sitting at the table in the main room.
With delicate dark eyebrows, large sparkling eyes like a doll's, and wet long hair draped down, she looked like a living porcelain doll. She rested her chin on her hands, staring at the door, waiting for Ye Qiu to come back.
Hearing movement outside, Xiao Wu immediately stood up. But just as she was about to step out, she paused, pouted, and looked at the doorway.
"Ye Qiu, why did you take so long? My stomach's completely empty now!"
Ye Qiu rolled his eyes and looked at the little bunny who seemed completely restored just from a bath. He replied grumpily, "I went to the village entrance to deliver food to Tang San."
Tap!
Ye Qiu placed two lunchboxes on the table and pushed one toward Xiao Wu.
"Here. Eat."
"Thank you, Ye Qiu!"
Xiao Wu responded sweetly, then eagerly opened the lunchbox.
In an instant, her expression changed dramatically and she let out a startled cry.
"Ahhh—! Ye Qiu! W-why is it like this?!"
"Jeez~"
"So noisy! Do you need to warm up your mouth before eating?" Ye Qiu frowned and lightly knocked Xiao Wu on the head before finally looking at the lunchbox.
Inside, there was a fat, juicy rabbit leg.
"Ye Qiu~ why is there a bunny…"
Xiao Wu clutched her head in both hands, her face full of heartache and grievance.
"It's just a rabbit leg. You've seen them all over the streets. What's the big deal?" Ye Qiu gave her a sideways glance and pushed his own lunchbox over.
"Here, eat mine instead."
As he spoke, Ye Qiu opened up his own lunchbox.
Xiao Wu just glanced at it—and her expression grew even more pitiful, almost crying. She whimpered:
"Ah! Big Sister Xiao Wu doesn't want to eat this…"
"Huh?"
Ye Qiu frowned and looked into the box. Realization dawned in his eyes.
Aside from the rabbit leg, there was also a spicy rabbit head inside.
He shook his head helplessly. "Forget it. You better not eat at all. Just chew on a couple of carrots instead."
Xiao Wu leaned over the table, her little face moving closer to Ye Qiu, looking at him with teary, pitiful eyes. She pleaded:
"Ye Qiu, how about we just throw the food away…"
"Throw it away? That's such a waste. Wouldn't that make the rabbit's death meaningless?"
Ye Qiu, who valued thrift and hated waste, frowned immediately.
"But… but…"
Xiao Wu stammered, then ran to Ye Qiu's side, grabbing his arm and speaking softly:
"I… I'll make it up to you."
Ye Qiu glanced sideways at Xiao Wu, unmoved.
"Make it up to me? You still owe me a bunch of money. How are you going to compensate me?"
"I… I can…"
Xiao Wu bit her pink lips with her pearly teeth. Looking at Ye Qiu's young, boyish face, she hesitated.
"Alright, alright."
Ye Qiu didn't want to argue any further. Filling his stomach came first. Without even looking up, he used his chopsticks to pick out the rabbit meat.
"We're not wasting food. I just won't eat the rabbit meat, that's all."
"Ah!"
Xiao Wu widened her big pink eyes in surprise, joy flashing across them.
Ye Qiu turned to look at her.
"Is that good enough now?"
"Yes! Yes!"
Xiao Wu nodded happily, lips pursed with shyness and playfulness.
"I'll compensate you now…"
"Compensate? With what?"
Ye Qiu lifted his head in confusion, looking at this slightly abnormal bunny girl.
"Huh?!"
Just as he looked up, Ye Qiu's black pearl-like eyes trembled. A warm, soft, slightly sweet sensation touched his lips—it was her lips.
Xiao Wu's face was flushed red. Her bright eyes were watery, long lashes trembling, her pink-and-white bunny ears twitching. Her lips moved slightly, while her earlobes and neck turned a delicate shade of crimson.
Smack!
Ye Qiu snapped back to his senses, raised his hand, and smacked her face, pushing her away as he stood up.
"Ah!"
Xiao Wu cried out and stumbled backward, almost falling to the floor.
"Silly bunny! What are you doing?!"
Ye Qiu's youthful face turned a little red. The difference between taking the initiative and being kissed was huge. He hadn't expected Xiao Wu to compensate him by exchanging rabbit for rabbit like that!
"I-I thought you'd like it…"
Xiao Wu looked up, confusion and embarrassment in her eyes. She bit her red lips and lowered her gaze, fidgeting with the hem of her clothes.
"Who said that?! I think you liked it! Otherwise why would you do that for no reason?"
Ye Qiu wiped his mouth and stared strangely at Xiao Wu.
Even if he did like it, this wasn't the time! It was way too childish and awkward!
"You—you're talking nonsense! I didn't…"
Flustered and red-faced, Xiao Wu stomped her foot as if Ye Qiu had hit a nerve. She bit her silver teeth and huffed in shame and anger:
"You even used to bully me before… Hmph! Stupid Ye Qiu! If you don't like it, fine. I already compensated you!"
As soon as she finished, she stormed into the bedroom, which was just separated by a wooden partition from the hall.
The room was a bit bare. The bedding, still damp from her bath, had been taken outside by Ye Qiu to dry. She could only sit on a stool.
Holding her burning face in her hands, she pouted with deep resentment, scolding Ye Qiu under her breath.
She had worked up so much courage...
As she thought of Ye Qiu, Xiao Wu's eyes dimmed a little. Her red lips moved slightly as if unsure what she was thinking, a trace of worry in her gaze.
Did he think I was disgusting?
Ye Qiu wiped his mouth and watched Xiao Wu walk into the room. Then he sat down again—somehow, with a smug little smile on his face.
---
After a while—
Ye Qiu was just about done with lunch.
Sitting in the bedroom, Xiao Wu finally touched her belly. She was already starving.
Looking around, she stood up and walked to the doorway.
With a shy voice, she asked,
"Ye Qiu, where did you put the carrots you brought back? I'm hungry…"
Ye Qiu raised his hand and pointed to the wall between the bedroom and the hall.
"They're hanging there. Go get them yourself."
Xiao Wu saw the cloth bag hanging on the wall and quickly took it down. She pulled out a few carrots and fetched water from the tank to wash them. Then she returned inside.
As she passed Ye Qiu, her eyes flicked toward him. Seeing that he was almost done eating, she sat down at the table again.
Just as she sat, Ye Qiu stood up, carrying the two empty lunchboxes. He needed to wash them before returning them.
Xiao Wu frowned slightly and pursed her lips, glancing at Ye Qiu with some confusion.
As Ye Qiu went out the door, she turned her gaze away. Holding the carrots in both hands, she took small bites from the tip. Crunch, crunch—they were fresh and crisp.
As she chewed, her eyes kept drifting toward the doorway.
When Ye Qiu came back with the cleaned lunchboxes and entered the house, he immediately noticed Xiao Wu's eyes dodging his and her face looking a bit red.
"?"
Ye Qiu looked at her strangely, sat back at the table, and asked in confusion:
"Why do you keep looking at me? Do you have something to say?"
"I wasn't looking at you! Don't flatter yourself."
Xiao Wu took small bites of her carrot, head lowered, making little humphs.
Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow.
"So you do have something to say?"
He waited a moment. The only sound was the crisp crunch of Xiao Wu munching on her carrot. Ye Qiu rolled his eyes and impatiently knocked on the table.
Knock knock!
Impatiently, he said,
"Do you have something to say or not? If not, I'm leaving."
"…Ye Qiu, will you abandon me?"
Xiao Wu lowered her head, nibbling her carrot. Her voice was very soft.
"Huh? What did you say?!"
Ye Qiu was momentarily stunned, not hearing clearly. He leaned in closer and asked again.
Seeing Ye Qiu come closer, Xiao Wu felt a flutter in her heart, her face blushing red. She recalled how he used to bully her in the same way. She put down the carrot in her hand, swallowed the sweetness in her mouth, and said in a clear, melodious voice, "Sister Xiao Wu is asking… would you kick me away?!"
"Uh-haha…" Ye Qiu froze for a moment, then burst out laughing. He hadn't expected Xiao Wu to ask such a question. His interest was piqued. Propping his face with one hand, a teasing glint flickered in his black eyes.
"You can relax about that. I won't kick you now. Maybe when you're older, we'll see. After all, you made me miss out on so much rabbit meat… So, just like earlier—make it up to me using yourself, and feed me."
After saying that, Ye Qiu smacked his lips, his eyes showing a bit of anticipation as he looked at Xiao Wu.
Having felt Ye Qiu's inappropriate thoughts many times before whenever he fantasized about her growing up, Xiao Wu fully understood what he meant by "feed." Her heart suddenly raced, and she bit her silver teeth, her eyelids flushed red with embarrassment as she shouted:
"You—you're not allowed to have those dirty thoughts!"
"Alright, alright, I'll try not to think about them. But tell me, will you or won't you make it up to me using yourself?"
Ye Qiu chuckled and nodded slightly. He was still just a kid, and thinking about these things might not be good for his development.
Looking at Xiao Wu's delicate features, with strands of light brown hair swaying at the corners of her eyes, Ye Qiu showed a faintly teasing smile and reached out, wanting to pinch her soft little cheek.
"Ah! You!"
Just as he was about to touch her, Xiao Wu squealed and dodged away, her face red with shame. "Don't even think about it! You just said you didn't like that!"
Ye Qiu smiled faintly, gave Xiao Wu a once-over, and then formed a frame with his index fingers and thumbs, looking at her through the square. He said with a grin, "I never said I didn't like it. Of course, if you don't turn out pretty when you grow up, then I won't want you anymore."
"What?! But you already…" Xiao Wu's face changed, a hint of panic appearing. She stopped mid-sentence and looked at Ye Qiu with grievance.
He had already kissed her, and she'd kissed him too. According to Ye Qiu's own words, that was equivalent to "stamping" her. How could he say something like that…
Xiao Wu blinked, sniffled, and hurriedly exclaimed, "Sister Xiao Wu will definitely grow up prettier than she is now!"
Her eyes, tinged with red, sparkled with watery light. The delicate and alluring look on her face made Ye Qiu feel much better.
"Alright, alright, enough. Let's talk about that when you actually grow up pretty," Ye Qiu waved it off. He knew he was joking. He believed that once Xiao Wu matured, whether in looks or figure, she'd definitely be top-notch.
Ye Qiu reached into his clothes and pulled out a few lollipops, placing them on the table. "Here, just make do with this for lunch. I'm going to return the lunchbox to Grandpa Jack and let him know not to prepare any more rabbit meat tonight."
"Ye Qiu, where are you taking those bunny meats?"
Looking at the lollipops on the table and seeing Ye Qiu pack up the rabbit meat, Xiao Wu couldn't help asking.
Ye Qiu replied, "Can't waste food. I'll bring it back to Grandpa Jack. Just pretend you didn't see it."
"Oh~"
Xiao Wu gave in and nodded.
After saying that, Ye Qiu ignored her and walked out. Seeing the bedboards sun-drying outside, he didn't forget to remind Xiao Wu: "By the way, the bedboards outside—once they're dry enough, bring them in before they crack in the sun."
"Did you hear me?!"
"Sister Xiao Wu got it!"
Hearing her sweet shout, Ye Qiu finally carried the items and headed toward Grandpa Jack's house.
Xiao Wu looked at the candies on the table, recalling the earlier conversation. Her face burned with embarrassment.
It was all Ye Qiu's fault!
He always talked so shamelessly.
Xiao Wu touched her soft little face with her hand and looked down at her small frame, suddenly feeling a bit anxious. What if she didn't grow up as pretty as Ye Qiu imagined?!
"Ah~ No way! Sister Xiao Wu will definitely grow up beautiful!"
---
At this time, some villagers were heading back out to the fields to continue working. As Ye Qiu walked along, just greeting everyone had made his throat dry.
Still, it gave him a sense of pride, a kind of "returning in glory" feeling. After all, to the villagers, soul masters were indeed prestigious figures.
Time flew.
As the sun began to set, villagers working in the fields picked up their hoes and started heading home.
On a small hillside—where Tang San often trained—three figures stood quietly.
Maybe it was because Tang San had just lost his father and was feeling lonely, cold, and isolated. He actually took the initiative to invite Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu for a walk and chat.
Ye Qiu didn't reject him. Maybe Tang San was hoping to gain a big brother. So Ye Qiu brought Xiao Wu along.
On the hillside, both Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu had newly added silent sleeve darts on their wrists—hidden weapons Tang San had modified and gifted to them.
Ye Qiu didn't quite believe the whole "sworn brothers" thing. He understood clearly—Tang San wouldn't let anyone ride on top of him without resistance.
Standing in the middle, Ye Qiu looked at the setting sun, his smile warm and radiant. He looked friendly and approachable.
Xiao Wu stood beside him, staring at Ye Qiu's profile—still childish, but full of confidence. The sunset sketched his outline in gold.
Tang San silently observed Ye Qiu.
After a year, he had realized Ye Qiu's talent was immense, even surpassing his own. Though he had spent time on theory and hidden weapons, Ye Qiu's talent was undeniable.
He also understood Ye Qiu's temperament—laid-back, not overly concerned about things, able to blend in with kids, without any deep scheming.
Well—except for a bit of mischief now and then.
And maybe a little lecherous?! But still very frugal—not even a single grain of rice wasted in his bowl.
Ye Qiu stretched his arms lazily and turned to Tang San. "Xiao San, it's getting late. Let's call it a day. We'll have plenty more chances later."
"Mm, see you tomorrow then." Tang San smiled slightly. He was quite satisfied with Ye Qiu's look of shock when he saw his hidden weapon.
People admire strength—especially in the soul master world. He was confident he could win Ye Qiu's admiration and eventually, loyalty.
Unfortunately, Tang San didn't know—Ye Qiu's acting skills were superb. That "shock" was all fake.
"Bye, Xiao San!" Xiao Wu waved goodbye. When she turned back, Ye Qiu had already walked ahead. She stomped her feet and chased after him with little steps.
"Ye—Ye Qiu, you're too fast! Wait for Sister Xiao Wu!"
"Run faster yourself!"
Ye Qiu didn't slow down at Xiao Wu's call.
He wanted her to understand—sometimes, even if she shouted "don't go," his steps forward wouldn't stop.
Watching them walk off, hearing their bickering, Tang San couldn't help but smile bitterly. It seemed only Ye Qiu could handle Xiao Wu. But seeing Xiao Wu clinging to Ye Qiu again… made Tang San's smile stiffen unconsciously.
---
Returning to Grandpa Jack's house, once they confirmed that dinner didn't include rabbit meat, Xiao Wu finally sighed in relief. Carrying the food in one hand and holding onto Ye Qiu's arm with the other, they walked along like a little married couple.
Looking at her hand holding the food, Xiao Wu curiously asked, "Ye Qiu, where did Tang San's hidden weapon—the sleeve dart—come from?"
"I'll tell you later." Ye Qiu glanced at her and said indifferently, not stopping his steps. However, his forearm within the sleeve had already undergone Martial Soul Possession.
Hidden weapons have gaps. As long as there are gaps, venom can seep in. As for the inner structure, Ye Qiu could easily figure it out.
He had already seen through Tang San's intentions. But Ye Qiu wasn't someone whose appetite could be satisfied by a mere silent sleeve dart.
Especially since Xiao Wu's identity was now known to Tang Hao. Unless father and son were willing to give up the hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone, there could be no peace between them.
Not to mention—Ye Qiu had secretly joined the Spirit Hall.
"Oh~" Xiao Wu responded softly, her tone a little disappointed. She didn't speak further and simply clutched Ye Qiu's sleeve tightly, following closely beside him.
Night had fallen, blanketing the land in darkness.
Having already eaten dinner and finished washing up, Ye Qiu spread out the old, sun-dried bedding on the wooden bed.
Xiao Wu stood nearby, shyly watching Ye Qiu, a faint blush on her cheeks.
It had been a long time since she had shared a bed with Ye Qiu. What's more, the bedding was the one Ye Qiu had used since he was a child—naturally smaller than the ones at Nuoding Academy. If the two of them so much as shifted apart slightly, they'd end up off the bed.
Seeing Ye Qiu lie down and tuck himself into the covers as soon as he finished making the bed, Xiao Wu pinched her clothes uneasily and asked with uncertainty:
"Ye Qiu, don't you have any other bedding at home?"
"Do you think there's anywhere in my house I could hide anything?"
Ye Qiu's slightly lazy voice came from under the covers. He opened his eyes again to look at Xiao Wu and reminded her, "If you don't want to sleep, then just sit at the bedside and cultivate quietly. Don't disturb me. We walked so much today, I'm exhausted."
With that said, Ye Qiu shut his eyes again, turning to the side and leaving a reasonably sized spot for Xiao Wu.
"Hmph! Sister Xiao Wu is just worried you'd suffer, that's all…"
Xiao Wu pouted, raised her small fist toward Ye Qiu, and, seeing that he ignored her, touched her still-damp hair and sat cross-legged at the edge of the bed, silently cultivating.
About half an hour later, Xiao Wu opened her eyes again.
Feeling Ye Qiu's now steady breathing and gazing at his fair little face, she pursed her red lips, then leaned forward on the bed, unable to resist the urge to reach out and touch his cheek.
But Ye Qiu's earlier warning suddenly echoed in her ears.
Xiao Wu awkwardly pulled her restless hand back. Quietly, with a blushing face, she slowly slipped into the blanket. Perhaps because it had been dried in the sun, the old and worn blanket was surprisingly warm.
Looking at Ye Qiu, who was just ten centimeters away, Xiao Wu slowly inched closer to him. Only when his breath began brushing her face did she finally stop, inhaling his scent… and feeling the strong urge to throw herself into his arms.
…
The next day.
Purple air came from the east, and dawn broke.
While Tang San was still cultivating his Purple Demon Eye, Ye Qiu was still comfortably nestled in a warm dreamland.
His breathing a bit labored, Ye Qiu could faintly smell a familiar fragrance. He slowly opened his eyes—only to see Xiao Wu lying right on top of him. The corners of his mouth twitched.
This rabbit still sleeps so restlessly!
Looking at Xiao Wu's flushed ear tips, her long eyelashes trembling lightly, and her little hand clutching tightly… Ye Qiu originally wanted to pull her off forcefully, but he smiled softly instead and gently pried her off little by little.
Creak!
The door opened, and as Ye Qiu walked out—
Still lying on the bed with her eyes closed, Xiao Wu suddenly opened her eyes. She covered her burning face with both hands and dived back under the covers, wriggling like a furry little caterpillar.
…
Time flew by.
The vacation at Nuoding Academy ended quickly.
Ye Qiu, Xiao Wu, and Tang San returned to their familiar Dorm Seven and resumed their respective cultivation. Even though new students had joined, they couldn't shake the position held by the trio.
Xiao Wu remained the undisputed boss of the entire academy.
Outside the quiet Dorm Seven—
Suddenly, a crisp, excited voice rang out:
"Ye Qiu! Ye Qiu! I'm back!"
A pink blur rushed inside. A pair of big, rosy, dazzling eyes locked instantly onto Ye Qiu, filled with a hint of longing.
"You're back, fine. But do you have to shout so loudly? So noisy. Don't people need to cultivate?"
Sitting cross-legged on his bed cultivating, Ye Qiu's face darkened as he opened his eyes. Looking at Xiao Wu, who had grown noticeably more elegant, he couldn't help but complain.
"Sister Xiao Wu isn't that loud! Look, no one else even reacted." Xiao Wu dashed to Ye Qiu's bedside and pointed around at the others in Dorm Seven—no one dared meet her eyes.
Grinning smugly, Xiao Wu flopped straight onto Ye Qiu's bed and cheerfully pulled out a small cloth pouch, presenting it like a treasure. "Ye Qiu! Look! Sister Xiao Wu has successfully broken through to Soul Elder! This pouch has 100 gold soul coins in it!"
"Oh~"
Already expecting this, Ye Qiu only let out a casual "oh," his expression calm as still water.
"You! What kind of reaction is that? I've even broken through to Soul Elder faster than Tang San, and you're not going to praise me? I'm even stronger than you now! You better watch out!" Xiao Wu sat up angrily, glaring at Ye Qiu and shaking her little fist, looking like she was about to beat him up.
"Stronger than me?" Ye Qiu smirked teasingly and turned to look at her, reaching out to pinch her chin gently and wiggling it. "I'm a Soul Elder too now. You sure you can beat me?"
"Well… well, I'm still stronger! If you dare bully me again, I'll make you suffer! My third soul skill is Teleportation—you'll never catch me!" Xiao Wu blushed and batted Ye Qiu's hand away, flicking her long scorpion braid.
"But it seems like… you like it when I catch you?"
Ye Qiu glanced sideways at her, quietly moving her shoed foot off his bed.
"What nonsense?! Y-You better not say that!"
Ye Qiu had grabbed her by the ankle—Xiao Wu's body trembled slightly, her face turning crimson, her eyes full of bashful panic.
"If you dare put your shoes on my bed again, I'll throw you out." Ye Qiu shot a glare at this cheeky bunny, who was clearly getting bolder.
"I-I didn't do it on purpose! I was just too excited this time, so I didn't notice. And even if it got dirty… Sister Xiao Wu would wash it clean for you…" Xiao Wu lowered her head, lips pursed, patting the blanket where a faint shoeprint remained. Her snow-white face flushed pink with obedience, looking like she'd endure anything for him.
Looking at her expression, Ye Qiu couldn't help but smile. Seems like… his training of her had gone well, though she was still a bit rebellious.
But a bit of rebellion was good. That's what made her herself.
Since entering second grade, Xiao Wu's attitude toward Ye Qiu had become increasingly warm. Not only did she regularly hand over her stipend for him to manage, but when Ye Qiu was feeling lazy, she even helped him wash clothes. Though… she did often haggle for conditions, frequently demanding that Ye Qiu accompany her on strolls.
Nuoding Academy had six grades in total. Ye Qiu, Xiao Wu, and Tang San were currently in the fifth grade. That meant Ye Qiu was now eleven years old.
Cultivating together with Xiao Wu, Ye Qiu's soul power advanced steadily. He had already surpassed Tang San and broke through to Soul Elder even before Xiao Wu.
This rapid progress was largely thanks to Ye Qiu's second soul skill:
> Little Black Parasite Worm!
From a 700+ year-old threadlike bloodsucking leech, it could parasitize the human body, lurking in the meridians and feeding off soul power as it circulated.
Naturally…
Ye Qiu used it on Tang San.
> "A father's debt should be paid by the son," he thought. "Let him pay what his old man owes."
In just a few days, Ye Qiu used the Little Black Worm to obtain what he wanted:
The Mysterious Heaven Technique (玄天功)
The Purple Demon Eye (紫极魔瞳)
And over time, he continued sparring with Tang San, copying his other techniques like:
Mysterious Jade Hand
Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, and more.
It's worth mentioning—
Xiao Wu didn't know any of this.
Ye Qiu had already learned to skillfully control his martial spirit, slightly blurring certain memories…
He only passed the Mysterious Heaven Technique to Xiao Wu.
The Xuan Tian Technique had greatly accelerated Ye Qiu's cultivation speed.
And the Purple Demon Eye had further heightened his perception. Although he practiced secretly and cautiously, the results were unexpectedly excellent.
"Alright, Ye Qiu, I have so many Gold Soul Coins now—how about I treat you to a feast at the cafeteria?" Xiao Wu stood up and pulled on Ye Qiu's arm.
"Sure, I haven't had lunch yet anyway." Ye Qiu didn't decline. He stretched lazily, loosening his body.
Xiao Wu smiled happily, her eyes narrowing with joy as she held Ye Qiu's hand, and the two of them headed out together.
---
Noon.
There were still relatively few people walking around the academy, except for the path leading to the cafeteria, where it was bustling. Every student who saw Xiao Wu would respectfully call her "Sister Xiao Wu." Of course, there were also a few observant ones who would call Ye Qiu "Boss."
Just as they reached the entrance of the cafeteria, Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu spotted a familiar figure.
Dressed in light blue, with a belt adorned with twenty-four embedded jade stones around his waist—it was Tang San. He had just walked out of the cafeteria carrying food, and clearly saw the two of them. Smiling, he approached Ye Qiu.
"Xiao San, why are you alone today?" Ye Qiu greeted him first.
Usually, Tang San had lunch with Yu Xiaogang, and after eating, would return to Yu Xiaogang's room together.
"Teacher isn't feeling well today, so I came to get food for him." Tang San replied with a smile, but his eyes had already drifted to Xiao Wu. With concern, he asked, "Xiao Wu, how did getting your third spirit ring go? Was it smooth?"
Xiao Wu clung to Ye Qiu's arm proudly and nodded. "Of course it was smooth. I'm now a genuine Soul Elder! Xiao San, you better catch up soon."
"Mm, I will." Tang San smiled awkwardly. He had been trying his best to catch up, but the extra academic tasks Yu Xiaogang gave him, along with the time he spent crafting hidden weapons, left him lagging behind. At this point, he was only a Level 26 Soul Master.
"Well then, I won't bother you two anymore." Tang San waved and slowly walked past them. As he looked at Xiao Wu tightly holding Ye Qiu's hand, a faint trace of hidden sorrow flickered in his eyes.
He didn't know when it started, but Xiao Wu no longer even wanted to spar with him. Even though he spent so much time with her… was he not even worthy of being her friend anymore?
Ye Qiu glanced at Tang San's back, then turned and walked into the cafeteria with Xiao Wu.
---
Over the past few years, the relationships among them had grown much closer. At the very least, things were still peaceful, and they could be considered friends. But Ye Qiu wasn't sure how long that could last.
After all, Tang Hao would never give up on a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, and Ye Qiu would never give up on Xiao Wu.
They were destined to be enemies.
There was still something Ye Qiu had left behind inside Tang San's body, after all.
Ye Qiu couldn't go too far, or else that little black snake might get discovered.
There was only a month left before Notting Academy's break, and it was about time for him to go out and explore the world of soul masters, and to see the legendary Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!
Ye Qiu turned his head to glance at Xiao Wu.
"Hehe…"
Xiao Wu looked at him, confused, and gave a sweet, slightly silly smile.
Ye Qiu couldn't help but chuckle.
This silly bunny was so easy to satisfy. He gently took her soft little hand and kneaded it lightly.
Xiao Wu's smile grew even sweeter.
Ye Qiu rarely took the initiative to hold her hand like this.
---
Only a quarter of an hour later, the two of them had already exited the cafeteria.
Xiao Wu skipped along cheerfully beside Ye Qiu. Although the sun was strong, the occasional breeze lifted her short skirt gently. With candy in her mouth, she looked at Ye Qiu beside her—everything felt sweet, even the wind.
"We've already circled the academy once. Let's go back and cultivate," Ye Qiu looked up at the sky, then turned to head toward Dorm Seven.
Notting Academy didn't schedule classes in the afternoons, so Ye Qiu often pulled Xiao Wu onto the bed to meditate for hours straight.
"Huh? Fine…"
Xiao Wu was stunned, then nodded in slight disappointment. She didn't hate cultivating with Ye Qiu—on the contrary, she liked the feeling of being able to connect with him without barriers, to feel everything he felt.
Watching Ye Qiu walk ahead with his hands in his pockets, Xiao Wu pouted, quickly caught up, and wrapped her arm around his as they slowly made their way back.
---
Back in Dorm Seven.
A few students were already scattered about in small groups, chatting.
Xiao Wu waved to dismiss their greetings, skipped forward a couple of steps, and kicked off her shoes—sending them flying—before climbing directly onto Ye Qiu's bed.
Ye Qiu covered his forehead, helpless.
"I mean… can't you get on the bed a little more gently, you silly bunny?"
"I was just trying to save you time for cultivating! Hmph… and I don't need you to pick up my shoes anyway." Xiao Wu pouted, flicked her hair, then sat cross-legged on the bed and held out her hand toward Ye Qiu, charmingly saying, "Come on!"
"Even if you begged me, I wouldn't pick them up. Who knows what they smell like!" Ye Qiu rolled his eyes, waving his hand near his nose.
"Ye Qiu, you're being mean… Sister Xiao Wu's feet don't smell!"
Xiao Wu hurriedly covered her petite feet, not letting Ye Qiu see. She bent down and sniffed them—about the same as after a bath. She glared at Ye Qiu, puffing her cheeks.
"Hmph! You always tease me!"
"Alright, alright. Let's start cultivating."
Seeing her cute, flustered look, Ye Qiu chuckled and reached out. Xiao Wu gently placed her hand in his.
---
Three soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple—rose beneath Ye Qiu's feet. The little black tadpole on his fingertip immediately dispersed, and his hand transformed, releasing its essence onto Xiao Wu's face, earning a glare from the little bunny.
In no time, a black mass enveloped Xiao Wu. A row of white fangs flipped out from behind her head, seemingly about to devour it. Strange fluctuations spread out as the two completed their fusion. Their spiritual and soul powers were fully connected.
At the same time, Ye Qiu's first soul ring flickered.
He had copied Xiao Wu's third soul skill—Teleportation.
Their mental conversation was only audible to the two of them.
"Alright, stop thinking about random stuff. Focus and start cultivating."
"Mm, I got it."
Xiao Wu's voice was soft and sweet.
Every time, she would eagerly search through Ye Qiu's memories, trying to feel what he truly thought of her. Just seeing moments where he praised or acknowledged her would be enough to make her happy.
She hadn't gone astray—Ye Qiu still wanted her.
"I told you to stop thinking nonsense!"
Feeling the wave of shyness and excitement coming from her, Ye Qiu couldn't help but sigh and remind her again.
"Alright!"
Xiao Wu nodded with a sweet smile, her heart secretly brimming with pride. Even though she already had a good idea of Ye Qiu's thoughts, she still asked knowingly:
"How about it? Isn't Sister Xiao Wu's soul skill amazing?"
"Mm, very powerful."
Ye Qiu replied honestly, quite satisfied himself. He didn't mind her asking an obviously rhetorical question.
Xiao Wu's soul skills were indeed impressive.
Waist Bow, Charm, and Teleportation.
She had offense, control, and mobility. That was already a well-rounded combination.
"Hee hee~ I'll get even stronger in the future, so you'd better treat me even better!"
"And what exactly does it mean to treat you well?"
"Hmm? You should take more walks with Sister Xiao Wu. That earlier one was too short… I didn't have enough fun."
…
Aside from training and classes, the only spice in Ye Qiu's life was teasing Xiao Wu. A month passed quickly, and Ye Qiu successfully broke through to level 32.
Right now, he had just picked up his monthly allowance from the Spirit Hall and was casually walking back to Dorm Seven. Along the way, he occasionally saw students carrying luggage, heading out of the academy.
It was vacation time.
Students were already leaving to return home. This was Ye Qiu's fifth school break at Nuoding Academy.
He wore a bright, spring-like smile, full of joy and anticipation—because soon, he would be setting off for Sunset Forest to finally explore the vast world of soul masters.
Before long—
Ye Qiu returned to Dorm Seven.
"Ye Qiu! You're finally back! It was so boring while you were gone!" Xiao Wu jumped off Ye Qiu's bed, flusteredly straightening the messy blankets she had rolled around in.
"If you're bored, go train or something. Why do you always lie on my bed?" Ye Qiu looked at the disaster she left behind and rolled his eyes helplessly.
"I was just tired from packing and accidentally dozed off." Xiao Wu grinned sheepishly and quickly ran to Ye Qiu's side. "So? Did you maybe 'accidentally' get a few extra gold soul coins?"
"What are you imagining? Good things like that don't happen that often." Ye Qiu pushed her face away, amused but annoyed. Her reminder made him remember—he still had to go to a higher-tier city to update his Spirit Hall member ID.
After all, the Spirit Hall had the widest network of influence. When traveling, he might even be able to score free lodging, and it'd make sleeping much easier.
"I'm gonna go wash up first, we can talk more after." Ye Qiu gently flicked her little nose. Tomorrow marked the end of the term—it was also time for him to say goodbye to this rabbit for a few months.
"Okay!"
Xiao Wu nodded happily. Once Ye Qiu left, she dove right back onto his bed. She once hinted about pushing their beds back together during training, but Ye Qiu teased her about it so much she didn't have the face to bring it up again.
Still, she cherished every trip back to Holy Soul Village, because during those times, she and Ye Qiu shared a bed. She would help him do laundry, and he would cook delicious food for her—just the two of them living together.
When Ye Qiu came out from washing up, his bed was neat again, and on the headboard was a small bundle.
"Ye Qiu! I already packed everything you'll need for the trip tomorrow! So? When you get home this time, can you make a few more Blue Silver Grass Cakes for Sister Xiao Wu?" Xiao Wu sat at the edge of the bed, proudly patting the blanket as if claiming credit.
Ye Qiu smiled and shook his head: "That might not happen this time."
"Huh? Why not? I've been really well-behaved lately! I train with you every afternoon and evening!" Xiao Wu started counting on her fingers and looked at him confused.
Ye Qiu answered truthfully.
"Because this year… I don't plan on going home."
"You're not going home?!"
Xiao Wu looked at him, stunned. She jumped off the bed and walked over, hands behind her back, tilting her head upward. Her expression was sweet and curious. "Then where are you going? Sister Xiao Wu will go with you!"
Ye Qiu paused in toweling his hair, smiled slightly, then suddenly draped the towel over Xiao Wu's face.
"Ah~ What are you doing?!"
Xiao Wu quickly yanked the towel off, but Ye Qiu was no longer in front of her. His voice came from behind:
"I'm heading out to see the world."
"Okay! Okay! That's great! I want to see the world too!" Xiao Wu spun around excitedly. Seeing him sitting on the bed again, she gleefully bounced toward him.
Ye Qiu looked at the overly energetic Xiao Wu with a wry smile, paused for a moment, and said, "But… I don't plan to take you with me this time."
"Huh?!"
Xiao Wu froze mid-step, nearly twisting her ankle. The towel slipped from her hands to the floor. But she couldn't be bothered with it—her eyes were filled with confusion and worry.
"Ye Qiu, what did you say?"
"I said, I don't plan to bring you along this time." Ye Qiu repeated.
Xiao Wu blinked, then rushed over and grabbed his arm, her voice urgent. "Why? Why aren't you taking Sister Xiao Wu with you?"
"Uh… because it's not very convenient." Ye Qiu chuckled. The place he was heading to was the Eye of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, hidden deep within Sunset Forest. That was the territory of the Titled Douluo—Poison Douluo Dugu Bo.
Bringing Xiao Wu along? She might just get "boxed" the moment they landed.
And there was still Tang Hao around. He might allow some teasing between Xiao Wu and Ye Qiu, but there was no way he'd let Xiao Wu leave his sight.
The safest and best approach was to have Xiao Wu and Tang San stay in Holy Soul Village for two months.
"What's inconvenient about it?! Is it because I wasn't obedient?!" Xiao Wu shouted, her crimson eyes wide. She hadn't yelled at Ye Qiu like this in a long time.
"Of course not. You've been very obedient lately." Ye Qiu shook his head, chuckling. He pinched her soft, chubby cheek.
"Then take me with you! Staying here alone is boring!" Xiao Wu's eyes brimmed with grievance and pleading. She hugged his arm, gently swaying and pouting. "I promise I'll be good. I won't cause trouble. I can train with you, and even wash your clothes…"
"Enough." Ye Qiu knocked on her forehead, then took her hand in his, gently kneading it. "It's not like I'm abandoning you. I'll be back once the new term starts."
"What do you mean 'abandon'? I—I'm not even yours…" Xiao Wu's face flushed pink, muttering back a retort. But she still didn't want to be separated from Ye Qiu. "Ye Qiu~ Take me with you, please? I promise I'll behave…"
"Ah! Ye Qiu~"
Ye Qiu suddenly pulled Xiao Wu into his arms, gently embracing her slightly-developing frame. Their faces pressed together—and her body quickly turned warm as fire.