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"Xiao Wu, will you really behave well?" Ye Qiu leaned close to her ear and asked softly.

"Of course, of course! I will definitely listen to you, as long as you don't bully me," Xiao Wu said, unsure where to place her hands, feeling a bit awkward.

"Then you better behave and go back to Sacred Soul Village to spend this holiday," Ye Qiu's voice suddenly turned serious. He looked at Xiao Wu intently and gently let go of her.

"But I don't want to..." Xiao Wu paused, her small lips pouting as she looked at Ye Qiu with a wronged expression.

"You have to go even if you don't want to."

Ye Qiu frowned, speaking firmly. With no other choice, he forcibly grabbed her hand. Their fingers intertwined, and a black fluid wrapped around Xiao Wu's hand.

Through their connected hearts, Ye Qiu immediately told Xiao Wu that the place he was going had an existing Title Douluo.

Xiao Wu shivered, her face turned pale, and a flicker of fear arose in her heart.

Sensing her fear, Ye Qiu gently pinched her cheek:

"Now can you behave and stay in Sacred Soul Village?"

Xiao Wu stared at Ye Qiu, dazedly nodding, but looked at him with concern and asked,

"Ye Qiu, why do you have to go to such a place?"

"I can't tell you yet, but I promise that when I come back, I'll bring you a gift." Ye Qiu smiled softly, released her hand, and pinched her cheek again. "Alright, be good and help me pick up the towel."

Thinking Ye Qiu was about to leave her alone, Xiao Wu felt unhappy. She ignored the gift he mentioned, clenched her teeth, slapped Ye Qiu's hand away, and like a little scorned wife abandoned, said softly,

"Pick up your own stuff yourself. I'm Sister Xiao Wu! I'm not here to serve you."

After that, Xiao Wu glared at Ye Qiu and swiftly returned to her bed. She lay down motionless, curled up like an injured kitten.

"Quite a temper," Ye Qiu shrugged and ignored her. He turned around to get his little treasury, counting out dozens of Gold Soul Coins.

Soul Masters receive one Gold Soul Coin each month, Great Soul Masters get ten, and Soul Lords get one hundred. Over the years, he had saved quite a bit. Every year when he returned to Sacred Soul Village, Ye Qiu would give Old Jack dozens of Gold Soul Coins.

After gathering the money, he took out his little cloth bag wrapped around a lollipop and put everything together. Just as he was about to go to Xiao Wu's side, a figure appeared at the door, wearing a jeweled belt around his waist.

Before entering, Tang San greeted Ye Qiu:

"Ye Qiu, I heard you broke through to level thirty-two?"

"Xiao San, didn't expect you to have such fast news. No need to envy me, you'll get there sooner or later too!" Ye Qiu smiled brightly, lightly patting Tang San's shoulder.

His smile was more radiant than ever. He was still hoping Tang San would give him more hidden weapons so he could draw those blueprints.

"Although I'll eventually become a Soul Lord, I'm still far behind you and Xiao Wu." Tang San gave a bitter smile. At first, his cultivation was clearly ahead.

But Ye Qiu had indeed worked very hard, dragging Xiao Wu day and night to train.

"By the way, what's wrong with Xiao Wu?" Tang San looked at Xiao Wu lying still on the bed. He had never seen her like this except when Ye Qiu had beaten her badly, but Ye Qiu hadn't hit her in a long time.

"Oh, maybe she's just tired from training recently," Ye Qiu chuckled lightly, giving a plausible excuse.

Xiao Wu lay on the bed listening to Ye Qiu's voice, biting her silver teeth in silent annoyance. She was willing to train with Ye Qiu to help him and did not feel tired at all!

"Hmph!"

A cold snort came from Xiao Wu's bed.

"Ye Qiu, don't tell me you bullied Xiao Wu again?" Tang San looked at both of them oddly, teasing with a smile, sure they had quarreled again.

"No way!" Ye Qiu waved his hand. This time he really didn't bully her.

"Then why does Xiao Wu seem so unhappy?" Tang San looked surprised. Ye Qiu would admit it every time he hit Xiao Wu.

"Maybe it's because I won't be able to play with her this holiday. She's a little unhappy about that," Ye Qiu said casually, stuffing his little treasury into the bag Xiao Wu had prepared for him.

"I see." Tang San nodded but soon sensed something was off. "Hmm? Isn't Xiao Wu coming back to Sacred Soul Village with us this year?"

"Not her. It's me."

"You?" Tang San looked at him, full of confusion.

"Yes, it's me. I want to take advantage of this last holiday before graduation to go out and see the world." Ye Qiu spread his arms wide like an idealistic young man about to set his dreams free, his face full of conviction.

Tang San's mouth twitched slightly. Ye Qiu's demeanor was completely different from his usual carefree self. It felt somewhat out of place.

"Well then, I'll wish you a good trip in advance!" Tang San didn't try to stop him. He knew Ye Qiu was always strong-willed, and instead started worrying about what to do with Xiao Wu.

"By the way, what about Xiao Wu?!"

"That depends on her," Ye Qiu shrugged casually and turned to look at Xiao Wu, who had now sat up, her eyes full of grievance.

...

In the end, Xiao Wu decided to go with Ye Qiu's plan and spend the holiday at Sacred Soul Village. At least there she could eat well at Old Jack's place and be the big sister of Sacred Soul Village!

Night spread across all of Notting City, enveloping it in darkness. There was still light shining from Dormitory Seven.

Xiao Wu quietly packed her things alone.

Ye Qiu and Tang San sparred outside the dormitory.

Because Ye Qiu was hiding some of his abilities, he did not use full power.

Likewise, Tang San also did not go all out.

But even if Tang San used full power and his hidden weapons, Ye Qiu was completely unafraid; Tang San's hidden weapons couldn't hurt him.

Besides, Tang San currently didn't have any powerful hidden weapons, not even decent poisons.

Ye Qiu's third soul skill, however, perfectly countered Tang San's various toxins.

Third Soul Skill: Devouring Poison Fang!

To Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, Ye Qiu only said his teeth were simply poisonous. Actually, his third soul skill could comprehensively absorb any toxin, then transport and store it in the rows of pearly white sharp teeth soaked in venom.

If any powerful toxin was stored inside, anyone bitten would only be able to wish themselves good luck.

This was also why Ye Qiu dared to go alone to the Sunset Forest and wrestle with the solitary Bo Hu Xu.

On the open ground surrounded by flower beds.

Ye Qiu transformed and let out a roar toward Tang San, looking fierce and wild, his muscles bulging with explosive power like a beast.

Puff!

Ye Qiu once again used brute force to break through Tang San's Blue Silver Grass binding. Using his chest, he absorbed the strike of the Xuan Jade Hand, but his body turned into soft liquid to absorb and disperse the force. Standing firm, he stretched out his hand and slapped toward Tang San.

"Ye Qiu, your defense is really something," Tang San said as he stepped on the Ghost Shadow Footstep and quickly dodged away.

"Of course, otherwise, my cultivation wouldn't have improved for nothing," Ye Qiu laughed, patting his chest as the second spirit ring on his foot lit up.

Swish!

Black tendrils immediately sprouted inside Tang San's body, wrapping around and devouring his soul power, growing wildly.

"You're not the only one who can parasitize!" Tang San smiled, not in a hurry. He knew this was Ye Qiu's second soul skill, similar to his own second soul skill of parasitism.

As he finished speaking,

Blue Silver Grass began growing on Ye Qiu's body.

After multiple fights, Tang San had already learned how to counter Ye Qiu's attacks. His soul power surged and washed over his body, spending a lot of power to shake off Ye Qiu's bindings. Even so, Tang San had to admit, Ye Qiu's martial soul and soul skills were superior.

During the time Tang San freed himself, Ye Qiu had already torn apart the Blue Silver Grass and rushed to his front.

"Let's stop fighting, I still need to hit the road tomorrow." Tang San's breath was a bit hurried as he looked at the charging Ye Qiu and quickly waved his hand.

"Alright! I'll let you off for today," Ye Qiu said proudly as he dispelled the martial soul possession.

Tang San said annoyed, "Hey, what do you mean 'letting me off'? If I got serious, you wouldn't necessarily beat me."

"Ah, yes yes, our Xiao San is hiding his true strength, I know," Ye Qiu said perfunctorily, nodding repeatedly while patting Tang San's shoulder. "If there's a chance, let me see it?"

"There will be a chance," Tang San smiled. He wasn't angry at Ye Qiu's underestimation. Showing off unnecessarily was the worst strategy. Only revealing strength at critical moments makes a deeper impression and earns genuine respect.

"Then I'll be looking forward to it."

Ye Qiu ignored whatever Tang San thought and headed toward Dormitory Seven.

Since Ye Qiu surpassed Tang San in cultivation, their sparring, once evenly matched, gradually tilted in Ye Qiu's favor, with the gap widening.

Blue Silver Grass's control was good but limited against Ye Qiu. His venom naturally grew tendrils, and wrapping was a skill he could easily replicate.

Tang San's Ghost Shadow Footstep didn't impress Ye Qiu's strong senses; close combat was no threat.

Tang San hadn't even used any hidden weapons on him yet.

"Ye Qiu, I'm going to see the teacher."

"Mm, go ahead."

Ye Qiu didn't even turn his head, not curious about Tang San fetching Yu Xiaogang. It was probably just to bring back some books to read during the holiday.

...

In Dormitory Seven, Xiao Wu had finished packing. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she kept patting the quilt and cursing Ye Qiu, sulking.

"I mean, it's just one holiday you're gone. Do you have to hate me so much?" Ye Qiu's teasing yet helpless voice came from behind her.

Xiao Wu turned her head, her face full of displeasure, snorted coldly, and ignored him.

Ye Qiu smiled and didn't care, placing the parcel he had prepared into Xiao Wu's hands.

He reminded her, "Here, these are the gold spirit coins I prepared. Help me deliver them to Grandpa Jack. You should know where the house key is. Oh, and there are some leftover candies inside, consider it a reward."

"Who wants your candies? I don't need any reward," Xiao Wu glared at Ye Qiu and shoved the parcel into her own bag, frowning.

"If you don't want a reward, then just consider it a gift from me," Ye Qiu said casually, sitting at the edge of the bed, reaching out to hold Xiao Wu's face.

"W-what are you doing? Let go of Sister Xiao Wu," Xiao Wu shook her head vigorously but was held steadily by Ye Qiu. Looking at his approaching face, she slowly stopped struggling.

"Do you still remember what I told you? Don't get too close to him, understand?" Ye Qiu's face was serious, his tone heartfelt.

"I don't—I don't want to listen to you," Xiao Wu pouted and shook her head angrily.

"...," Ye Qiu's dark eyes narrowed slightly, a bit displeased. He looked at Xiao Wu calmly and asked, "Are you serious?"

As he spoke, his grip tightened noticeably.

"I—" Seeing Ye Qiu's calm and unreadable expression, Xiao Wu, who had been about to argue, suddenly became anxious. She grabbed his clothes and explained, "I was joking, really."

"Better be a joke. Otherwise, if I don't come back from this trip, you'll have no one to bother," Ye Qiu smiled as he rubbed Xiao Wu's cheeks. If she didn't listen and acted recklessly, why should he come back?

"No, I really was joking. I remember what you said, I definitely won't get too close to him." Xiao Wu looked at Ye Qiu, sure that he wasn't joking, her face pale as she hurried to correct herself.

"Heh, good that you remember. I won't harm you; I will protect you, understand?" Ye Qiu smiled gently and rubbed her still baby-faced cheeks.

Hearing this, Xiao Wu's crimson eyes seemed to glisten with tears, her face burning hot. Her small hands clenched Ye Qiu's clothes tightly as she promised, "I—I'll protect you too. Whoever messes with you, Sister Xiao Wu will beat them—really!"

"Haha, such a silly bunny."

Ye Qiu chuckled softly. This kind of love-sick brain was good; he liked it a lot. Looking at that pretty face, he slowly leaned in and tasted the sweet, soft lips he hadn't tasted for many years.

Xiao Wu was stunned, her eyes sparkling like spring waves about to overflow, her red lips gently parted to meet Ye Qiu.

This was their third kiss.

Five years had passed since Ye Qiu took the initiative, and four years since she had. Was Ye Qiu going to make her his girlfriend now?

Feeling the moisture and movement on his lips, Xiao Wu fluttered her long lashes and looked at Ye Qiu with affection. She really liked this.

...

The next morning.

Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu said their goodbyes at the gate of Notting Academy.

The displeasure on Xiao Wu's face was gone, maybe because last night, or just before leaving, Ye Qiu had teased her again and gently kissed her.

Standing at the academy entrance.

Watching Xiao Wu following a few meters behind Tang San, Ye Qiu couldn't help but smile slightly.

Once the fine hairs standing on his arm returned to normal.

Tang Hao's spying presence receded.

Only then did Ye Qiu slowly turn and leave. His direction was exactly opposite to where Xiao Wu was heading.

He was going to the Sunset Forest to input and extract the code for the Immortal Herb.

Yes.

Ye Qiu intended to fool Du Gu Bo—or rather, help him suppress the toxins inside his body.

After all, he was now a lone man.

So what if he ate the Immortal Herb?

In this world, just having talent without background doesn't get you far.

Out in the world, your status is something you fight for yourself.

Du Gu Bo was a perfect candidate—a wild Title Douluo, belonging to no faction, with only one relative left: his granddaughter Du Gu Yan, who desperately needed saving. Ye Qiu thought he could easily trap Du Gu Bo.

Regarding Du Gu Bo's symptoms, Ye Qiu remembered they resembled rheumatism, so he had memorized the code quite clearly.

Besides, most fanfiction would write it out at least once.

Immortal Herb Extraction Code:

On rainy, overcast days, Du Gu Bo experiences numbness and itching around his ribs, which gradually intensifies, lasting for over an hour, occurring twice daily at noon and midnight.

Around midnight, roughly at the third watch, sharp, needle-like pain stings the top of his head and the soles of his feet, causing whole-body convulsions lasting at least half an hour.

...

Ye Qiu was still new here.

Even with a clear goal to reach Sunset Forest, he remained cautious and prudent.

After all, on the road, he could only rely on himself for protection.

Once in the city, things were much easier. Ye Qiu could use his identity in the Martial Soul Hall to get free food and lodging, plus free night guards—allowing him to sleep soundly.

After half a month, Ye Qiu finally arrived at Sunset Forest and immediately began searching for the poisonous mist at the forest's center. Several times, he was discovered by ancient soul beasts.

Fortunately, Ye Qiu quickly activated his Martial Soul, turning into a puddle of black liquid, getting trampled mercilessly, then slowly finding a place to recover.

Hard work pays off!

After three days, Ye Qiu finally found the poisonous mist outside the Ice-Fire Two Phenomena Eye.

...

Nottingham Academy.

One year equals one semester; one holiday lasts about two months.

In the blink of an eye.

The new semester had arrived.

This year.

Would be Ye Qiu's last year at Nottingham Academy.

Xiao Wu and Tang San had already returned early from Saint Soul Village to the academy.

"Xiao Wu, want to go eat together?"

In the Seventh Dormitory.

After packing up, Tang San walked to Xiao Wu and invited her.

Xiao Wu had already finished packing and was sitting on the bed, staring unblinkingly at the Seventh Dormitory's door. Hearing Tang San's voice, she glanced at him briefly then looked away, shaking her head slightly.

"Xiao San, I don't have an appetite. You go on by yourself."

"All right."

Tang San knew Xiao Wu was waiting for Ye Qiu's return and looked a bit uncomfortable. He spoke to comfort her, "Don't worry, Ye Qiu promised to come back. He won't break his word. Maybe he's already on his way here."

"Mm, I know he'll come back."

Xiao Wu nodded slightly, smiled faintly, but didn't look at Tang San again, continuing to gaze at the door.

...

Tang San opened his mouth but had nothing to say. He sighed helplessly and turned away, his expression a bit gloomy.

As the only girl in the Seventh Dormitory, after all these years, even the pure and virtuous Tang San couldn't help but feel some sympathy for Xiao Wu. But Xiao Wu had hung her entire heart on Ye Qiu, and no matter how much Tang San tried to show kindness, he couldn't get close to her.

During this time, Ye Qiu was away.

Tang San often thought.

If back then, when Xiao Wu looked at him with longing under the quilt, he had invited her to share it, would Xiao Wu's thoughts now be on him?

Unfortunately, there is no "if."

Ye Qiu was still here, so all Tang San could do was treat Xiao Wu as a little sister.

After Tang San left.

The entire Seventh Dormitory fell silent.

Xiao Wu stared at the door, a bit dazed, pouting in grievance. She walked to Ye Qiu's bed and began tidying the bed she had prepared for him earlier.

...

Several kilometers outside Nottingham City.

A man with short black hair, wearing black tight clothes, was being carried through the air.

The man carrying Ye Qiu had dark green whiskers, wore a gray robe, his eyes were dark green too, his body tall and straight as a spear, with a sinister smile on his face.

"Senior Du Gu, just drop me off here. Sorry for the trouble." Ye Qiu looked at the small city in the distance and forced a smile. Du Gu Bo's speed was too fast; the wind hit him hard.

"Ke ke ke."

Du Gu Bo chuckled weirdly, landing in a small forest and threw Ye Qiu to the ground.

"Kid, I really don't get why you came to this small place. If you ask me, wouldn't it be better to go to Tiandou Royal Academy and follow my granddaughter Yan Yan's wishes?"

"Damn it! Senior, can't you be gentler? You're going to break me."

"If you keep acting like this, I'm going to complain."

Ye Qiu flipped twice midair to dissipate the impact, then stood steadily on the ground, looking resentfully at the old playful yet evil Poison Douluo in front of him.

"Haha. With your constitution, no matter how strong you get, you won't get hurt." Du Gu Bo stood on a treetop, stroking his dark green beard and lectured, "Remember when you tried to steal medicine and fell off the cliff into Yan Yan's bath and didn't die?"

"You talk! Speaking of Yan Yan, I haven't said anything about you. Even if you're eager for grandchildren, you can't just drug us." Ye Qiu rolled his eyes, surprised that this old poison master had such a personality—even drugging his own granddaughter.

"Hmph! What's wrong with a cooked rice? Watching you young ones all lovey-dovey makes my liver hurt!" Du Gu Bo thought about how his granddaughter first despised Ye Qiu, wanting to attack him on sight, but later clung tightly to him. It was painful for him to watch.

The most disgusting was Ye Qiu. How dare he seduce his granddaughter with his married-man act, making Yan Yan love but not have him? That was gutsy!

A married man sticking to his granddaughter daily, claiming it's for faster cultivation and toxin clearing, but really just wrapping black silk around her legs.

What kind of married man is that!

Seeing Du Gu Bo's unfriendly gaze, Ye Qiu felt a bit guilty and dodged. He wasn't afraid of being trapped by Du Gu Bo—he was afraid for his precious bunny! How could he give them a warm home in the future if that happened? Of course, he wanted Du Gu Yan to clearly state her stance. He wanted to be responsible but didn't want to suffer a battlefield of emotions. Although enviable, it was exhausting and harmful.

"Kid, don't you want this old man to see you off some more? Don't let Yan Yan go complain to me later." Dugu Bo stood with his hands behind his back, puffing his beard and glaring.

"No need, Senior." Ye Qiu politely declined.

He didn't dare let Dugu Bo get too close. If the rat discovered them, things would get serious—probably the rat would kill the snake outright to prevent Xiao Wu's identity from being exposed.

"Fine! But you better remember this: if you keep touching and nibbling on my Yan Yan and then dare to not take responsibility, don't blame me for being ruthless!" Dugu Bo's expression turned cold. The nine-segmented jade green snake on his shoulder hissed at Ye Qiu, flicking its forked tongue.

"Senior, don't worry. Since I've signed that marriage contract, I'll definitely take full responsibility!" Ye Qiu wasn't like Duan Zhengchun; he was not careless.

After saying that, Ye Qiu didn't linger. He waved at Dugu Bo and turned to walk towards Notting City, bidding farewell: "Senior, when you return, please give my regards to Sister Yan Yan. This kid will be leaving first."

Watching Ye Qiu's retreating figure, a satisfied smile appeared on Dugu Bo's face. It seemed like all his worries had been resolved by this kid.

The snake venom in his body had eased a lot, and his granddaughter's lifelong matter was also settled.

After a long look, Dugu Bo turned and flew away.

He should go back and thoroughly study how the poisonous pill inside him formed, so Yan Yan could replicate it and no longer risk being harmed by snake venom.

…

Walking on the road to Notting City, Ye Qiu felt completely comfortable. The scorching sun above couldn't make him sweat a drop. Occasional breezes refreshed his spirit.

After taking the Fierce Fire Apricot and the Star Anise Frost Grass, Ye Qiu's body had become impervious to heat and cold. Even poison no longer feared high temperatures—fire immunity and ice immunity had become his basic traits.

During these two months of vacation, Ye Qiu spent a quarter of the time traveling. After entering the Ice-Fire Two Principles Eye, before nearly being tortured by Dugu Bo, he successfully input the fairy herb extraction code.

By chance, he had some ambiguous conflicts with Dugu Bo's granddaughter, Dugu Yan. Through Ye Qiu's coaxing, they became closely connected. Naturally, as days passed, they became very familiar with each other.

Compared to Xiao Wu, Dugu Yan's mature body often caused Ye Qiu to have vivid imaginations. Dugu Yan herself would often feel heart palpitations recalling those wild, tumultuous scenes and sometimes demanded to castrate Ye Qiu to detoxify properly.

When Ye Qiu disappeared for days after jumping out of the Ice-Fire Two Principles Eye, Dugu Bo said she was quite nervous and worried, barely eating or drinking.

After Ye Qiu used his blood to detoxify Dugu Bo, Dugu Yan's attitude changed greatly. Then Ye Qiu started pushing the relationship forward, which Dugu Bo disapproved of. He almost sent Ye Qiu away to a cave, but fortunately Ye Qiu stopped just in time. He only knocked on the door, then was splashed with hot water and driven away by Dugu Yan.

Though he knocked, out of respect for Dugu Yan, Ye Qiu did not become an intimate guest. As the saying goes: "If feelings last long, why worry about daily proximity?" Ye Qiu was not in a hurry.

But because of this early relationship, Dugu Bo bit onto him and insisted Ye Qiu become his grandson-in-law. Ye Qiu, of course, agreed and voluntarily signed the marriage contract, becoming engaged to Dugu Yan.

Naturally, Ye Qiu was soon wrapped up by that beautiful snake's tail and learned what it meant to be gentle and soft. He nearly got addicted. Anyone who's experienced it knows, the softness of a snake tail is no less than a rabbit's—smooth, cool to the touch, simply delightful!

But even though Ye Qiu and Dugu Yan were very close, he never lost his reason and had no intention to replicate Dugu Yan's soul skill. He already had poison attributes himself, and storing her poison in his own venomous fangs was enough.

Regarding the fairy herbs, whether familiar or unfamiliar, Ye Qiu had collected them all, only leaving behind roots and some seedlings. This avoided waste and prevented any mischievous youngsters from stealing them.

Now that he was about to become Dugu Bo's grandson-in-law, whether Tang San still had a chance or could find the Ice-Fire Two Principles Eye was still uncertain.

During this vacation, Ye Qiu's cultivation had advanced remarkably.

The power from Fierce Fire Apricot and Star Anise Frost Grass mainly hardened his body and granted immunity to all poisons, but didn't improve cultivation much. When he came out of the Ice-Fire Two Principles Eye, his cultivation level had only just reached 33.

Then, Ye Qiu consumed the Clear Autumn Dew to enhance his spiritual power.

His cultivation didn't increase, but eating it trained his "Fiery Golden Eyes," allowing him to see through mysterious things.

After refining it, Ye Qiu's Purple Supreme Demon Eye, which hadn't been cultivated long, barely broke through to the third level, the Mustard Seed Realm. His spiritual power surged, and his spider senses grew incredibly strong. With this combination, even Qian Renxue's Angelic Roar couldn't intimidate his venom in the slightest!

The trip to Sunset Forest left Ye Qiu unsatisfied with just having poison that seemed impervious to heat and sound. Being trampled and smashed by soul beasts taught him the venom body was not very stable and prone to breaking under heavy blows.

So Ye Qiu set his sights on the Strange Fungus Heavenly Chrysanthemum.

Eating it could forge an indestructible body!

He wanted the venom to be tougher, less easily punctured or torn apart by wild beasts.

"What? Can't eat too many fairy herbs?"

After already eating three plants, Ye Qiu didn't care anymore.

He quickly absorbed the Strange Fungus Heavenly Chrysanthemum.

The result didn't disappoint. The venom remained soft but became significantly more resilient. Even dropped from high places, it wouldn't smash into a puddle and could still vaguely keep a human shape.

After taking the Strange Fungus Heavenly Chrysanthemum, Ye Qiu's cultivation leapt five levels from 33 to 38. Only eleven years old, truly a peerless genius!

After more than half an hour, Ye Qiu finally staggered to Notting City's gate.

He didn't go directly to Notting Academy but headed to the Martial Soul Hall. He had already been to the Martial Soul Hall in Tiandou City and successfully secured his identity. If needed, he could even go directly to the Martial Soul City to report, but currently, it wasn't necessary.

At the Martial Soul Hall, after collecting his 100 Gold Soul Coins for the month, Ye Qiu slowly walked toward Notting Academy, stopping to buy some food to store in his soul guidance device.

Regarding the storage soul guidance device—

Ever since seeing Tang San's "Moonlight Night at the Twenty-Four Bridges," Ye Qiu had been envious.

Now with Dugu Yan as his fiancée, she thoughtfully found several for him to choose from.

He had to admit, wealth really comes from marrying well!

And this "soft rice" was big, soft, fragrant, smooth, and very long.

Ye Qiu's heart fluttered uncontrollably.

Having handled it, it was truly unforgettable. Compared to a young rabbit, the mature beauty snake was definitely clingy. At that moment, Ye Qiu also fondly recalled the feeling of that snake tail—slippery and winding, truly unique.

When entangled by Dugu Yan, Ye Qiu often thought that if he really married her, how many years would she get sentenced?

Ye Qiu shook his head to clear those thoughts. He couldn't get lost in such tenderness. Only by training and growing stronger could he protect his "family."

Soon after, Ye Qiu arrived outside Dormitory Seven's gate.

There weren't many people back in Dorm Seven yet, but it was already noisy. The working-student disciples were sharing funny stories from home and passing around specialty snacks from their hometowns.

Xiao Wu didn't join in. She lay on her bed, resting her chin in her hands, quietly watching the doorway.

Click!

The tightly closed door creaked open a crack, letting sunlight stream through.

Xiao Wu's eyes lit up slightly, a look of anticipation rising in her heart. She slowly knelt up on the bed.

"Ye Qiu——!"

As the door fully opened—

Xiao Wu couldn't help but cry out. Seeing the black-haired boy bathed in golden sunlight, a dazzling light flashed in her rosy eyes. Her small face flushed red with excitement.

A pink glow spread around her, a soft bunny tail emerged behind her, a pair of tender pink rabbit ears popped up on her head, and her third soul ring lit up beneath her. In the blink of an eye, the kneeling Xiao Wu vanished from the bed.

Ye Qiu, who had just pushed open the dormitory door, hadn't even processed what was happening when he heard a crisp and excited call. Then, everything blurred before his eyes. His body suddenly felt heavier—something soft and pink had pounced and clung onto him.

Perhaps it was out of habit from practicing Soft Skills—Xiao Wu's legs wrapped tightly around Ye Qiu, her arms clutching his neck. She stared at him intensely, seemingly on the verge of tears from joy.

"Ye Qiu! You finally came!"

"Yeah, I'm back."

Ye Qiu smiled gently.

He quietly listened to the familiar soft voice in his ear and took in the long-missed sweet scent that lingered at the tip of his nose. He couldn't help but wrap his arms around Xiao Wu's waist.

As his hands encircled her waist, they accidentally touched the soft red-tinged white tail. Xiao Wu let out a soft moan, her delicate body trembling slightly.

Men learn to misbehave quickly. Having grown used to grabbing a serpent tail and drinking serpent milk, Ye Qiu, noticing Xiao Wu's reaction, felt an impulse stir within him. Curious, he lightly pinched her tail.

"Mmm~ Ye Qiu... don't touch that!"

Xiao Wu bit her lip, her face blushing deeply. She didn't resist, just tightened her hold on him, her slender body quivering slightly.

Her round red eyes stared at Ye Qiu. This guy... seemed different. He never played with her tail before—at most, he'd flick her bunny ears.

"Alright then, I'll leave it for another time."

Ye Qiu nodded slightly and let go of her tail, instead supporting her firm bottom as he slowly walked deeper into Dorm Seven.

"Another time…?"

Xiao Wu pursed her lips, her eyes flickering. Her heart thumped in embarrassment, but she didn't object. Instead, she hugged Ye Qiu tighter and leaned on his shoulder, whispering softly, "Ye Qiu, I already tidied your bed for you. I even aired out your blanket..."

"Really?" Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow and looked at his bed. Sure enough, it had been neatly made. He gently patted Xiao Wu's backside and said softly, "Then I'll forgive you for sneaking onto my bed."

"What's there to fuss about... Don't bully Sister Xiao Wu—I've been so well-behaved!" Xiao Wu rolled her eyes and mumbled as she hugged Ye Qiu tightly, inhaling his long-lost scent.

"Boss! Long time no see! How come you look so much more handsome now?!" said Zhang Wei, who had become the top figure under Dorm Seven's F3 after Wang Sheng left.

"Haha, good eye." Ye Qiu laughed heartily. After undergoing the Ice-Fire Body Tempering and the transformation from the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum, his appearance had indeed improved significantly—bright eyes, fine teeth, a striking presence, sharper facial lines. Even with Xiao Wu clinging to his abs, he didn't feel uncomfortable. He had grown taller too—Xiao Wu now only reached his chin.

Hearing Zhang Wei's comment—

Xiao Wu curiously looked up at Ye Qiu and tilted her head. It really seemed like he had gotten more handsome. Their eyes met, and her face blushed again as she quickly buried her head back into his shoulder. Her long, shapely legs tightened around him. Had he become stronger too?

Tang San, who had just walked over, also noticed Ye Qiu had changed. Not only was he now much taller than Tang San, but he also radiated a subtle pressure—an aura that only came from the strong.

"Hey... You planning to get down anytime soon?"

Ye Qiu let go of his hands and stood by the bed, lightly shaking his body to nudge off the clingy, reluctant bunny girl.

"Ah—oh, right, I'm coming down."

Xiao Wu blushed furiously as she stepped onto her own bed. Only then did she realize that everyone else had been watching the whole time. Embarrassed beyond belief, her red eyes glared as she shouted, "What are you all looking at?! Haven't you seen something like this before? Keep staring and I'll throw you all out!"

Xiao Wu's intimidation was no joke. Even before she finished her sentence, everyone in Dorm Seven had looked away.

Only then did Xiao Wu feel a bit more at ease.

Regaining his composure, Tang San stood in front of Ye Qiu.

"Xiao San, how've you been these two months? Did Uncle Hao come back to keep pretending to be your dad?"

"Ye Qiu, your mouth is still as toxic as ever."

Tang San rolled his eyes helplessly, his expression tinged with disappointment.

Clearly, Tang Hao had gone out again and hadn't returned.

Or maybe Tang San just didn't know—"Uncle Rat" might very well be hiding in some dark corner, silently watching him.

"Haha... I'm used to it."

Ye Qiu laughed it off casually.

"I'm used to it too. Otherwise, I'd have challenged you to a three-hundred-round battle by now."

Tang San sighed, clearly not wanting to argue. Still, there was a faint smile on his face.

"But you're finally back. Xiao Wu's been waiting for you for quite a while. She didn't even go eat."

"Oh?"

Ye Qiu didn't bother with Tang San's overambitious "three hundred rounds." Instead, he looked at Xiao Wu in surprise. She was now shyly lowering her head, chin resting against her chest, and her cute demeanor made Ye Qiu chuckle. He reached out to ruffle her hair and said with a smile:

"Perfect. I haven't had lunch either. Let's eat something together."

"Sure, sure!"

Xiao Wu nodded happily. Her stomach suddenly growled, and her face turned even redder.

"Xiao San, want to join us?"

Ye Qiu turned back to Tang San and, while speaking, took out some food he'd bought outside from his soul tool and placed it on a small table beside his bed.

"Soul tool?"

Tang San's eyes narrowed slightly, noticing the wristband with an embedded jade stone on Ye Qiu's left arm. Doubts filled his mind. He waved his hand and politely declined.

"No need. I'm more curious about where you went these past two months. You've changed too much."

"Haha, didn't do much—just traveled a long way to visit some relatives."

Ye Qiu laughed as he turned his back and began unpacking the lunch he had brought.