ddv4

"Visiting relatives? But Ye Qiu, aren't you an orphan?"

Tang San looked at Ye Qiu strangely, clearly puzzled. He had known since childhood that Ye Qiu, who lived in Saint Soul Village relying on the help of the villagers, was an orphan.

Beside him, Xiao Wu, who was eyeing the food in Ye Qiu's hands while swallowing her saliva, also looked up in confusion. She had stayed in Saint Soul Village for quite a while and knew everything about Ye Qiu growing up — he truly was an orphan.

"I already said I'm visiting relatives. How can you call them relatives if you don't visit?" Ye Qiu curled his lips, his eyes locking onto Xiao Wu. With a smile, he spoke truthfully, "Let me tell you — your brother here now has a fiancée!"

"Fiancée?!"

Tang San was shocked. He looked at Ye Qiu, then at Xiao Wu, not knowing whether he should feel happy or concerned. He couldn't help but ask, "Then what about Xiao Wu?!"

"Fi... Fiancée..." Hearing Ye Qiu's words, Xiao Wu — who had looked curious just moments before — froze on the spot, staring blankly at Ye Qiu.

She was already over ten years old and knew exactly what that word meant.

It meant... Ye Qiu had someone else out there?!

It meant... he liked some other bunny now and didn't want to eat her anymore?!

Hearing Tang San's question, Ye Qiu looked at Xiao Wu's stunned expression. Her pink eyes were full of confusion, fear, and hurt.

He felt a little pleased with himself, but also a bit guilty.

In front of Tang San, Ye Qiu smiled and sat down on the bed. He leaned toward Xiao Wu, put his arm around her shoulders, tilted his head to look at her, gently pinched her soft shoulder, and asked softly:

"Xiao Wu... how do you want me to treat you?"

"I..."

Xiao Wu looked up at Ye Qiu. The joy from just being reunited had completely vanished. Her heart was in chaos, and she didn't know what to do.

She pursed her red lips stubbornly. Her big pink eyes blinked as she held back tears. Slowly, she turned her head away and lowered it, no longer looking at Ye Qiu. Her hands nervously clenched the edge of her clothes.

She was sad and heartbroken, but she still gave an answer.

"I... I don't know either..."

Xiao Wu's voice was soft, filled with confusion and on the verge of tears. She had always listened to him, always been willing to do anything for Ye Qiu. So why... why did he suddenly not want her anymore?

"Xiao Wu..."

Originally still secretly a bit happy, Tang San's heart tightened when he saw this scene and heard Xiao Wu's heartbroken voice. He immediately turned to confront Ye Qiu:

"Ye Qiu, how could you do this?! It's only been two months — are you joking?! Xiao Wu's been thinking of you all this time—"

"I'm not joking," Ye Qiu shrugged, cutting Tang San off. He didn't intend to beat around the bush. Whether it was being honest or confident, everything he said was the truth.

Besides, he knew best how Xiao Wu treated him. He didn't need Tang San to explain it — he had experienced it firsthand.

Considering Xiao Wu's emotions, Ye Qiu didn't want to argue further with Tang San. After all, she looked like she was about to cry. The top priority was to comfort her.

"Alright, Little San, I'll handle this myself. Don't worry about it." Ye Qiu stood up, patted Tang San on the shoulder, then turned around and started unpacking all the food he had bought.

Tang San frowned, glancing at Xiao Wu, who had secretly lifted her head to look at Ye Qiu. The joy he had just felt vanished, leaving him with a bitter taste. He couldn't help but try to comfort her.

"Xiao Wu, don't be sad—"

Before he could finish, Xiao Wu raised her teary pink eyes and cut him off.

"Little San, Ye Qiu is right. This is between the two of us. You should go take care of your own business."

"Xiao Wu, you…"

Tang San's expression stiffened. Looking at the two of them, he could only sigh helplessly in his heart. Before leaving, he still reminded Ye Qiu:

"Alright then. I need to go report to Teacher. Ye Qiu, you better talk properly. Don't hit anyone in this situation!"

"I never hit her first."

Ye Qiu said with a strange expression, his back still to Tang San. Since when did Tang San become such a busybody?

"Good."

Tang San nodded in satisfaction, then turned and left Dorm 7, heading to Yu Xiaogang's small room to have a deep life talk.

After dividing the food he brought into two portions, Ye Qiu finally turned back around.

Xiao Wu, noticing his movement, continued to lower her head. Her expression was sorrowful, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

Watching Tang San's figure disappear, Ye Qiu felt completely relaxed.

How could he explain what he had been doing for the past two months to Tang San?

Also, Ye Qiu kept feeling that Tang San's gaze was off — and those words just now were a bit too much.

Pushing aside those thoughts, Ye Qiu sat down beside Xiao Wu again and handed her a portion of the food.

Xiao Wu just sat there with her head down, unmoving. Her stomach occasionally let out a rumble.

Ye Qiu rolled his eyes helplessly, put the food right in front of her, and asked gently:

"Little bunny, still hungry?"

"Y-Yes, I'll eat…" Xiao Wu's petite body trembled. She quickly wiped her tears with her sleeve, lifted her head slightly, and reached out to take the food. Her eyes were red — she had obviously cried.

Ye Qiu's gaze flickered. He fell silent. Only now did he realize that this Xiao Wu had none of her usual sass. She wasn't yelling or making a fuss, just quietly sobbing with her head down.

"Here, take the chopsticks and eat first."

Ye Qiu softened his voice again as he handed her the chopsticks. He also scooted his seat a bit further away from Xiao Wu — otherwise, he couldn't use his chopsticks properly.

Xiao Wu, who had just taken the chopsticks, noticed his movement. Her face turned pale, her delicate body trembled, and she looked at Ye Qiu, who was eating heartily, with confusion and teary eyes.

She slowly picked at the rice, forcing small bites into her mouth. Even though she took tiny portions, it still felt like something was stuck in her throat. The delicious food now felt tasteless and hard to swallow.

"Ye... Ye Qiu~ Why?"

Ye Qiu, mouth full of food, suddenly heard a crisp but trembling voice — slightly hoarse from crying.

"Hey, don't cry."

Ye Qiu turned his head and saw Xiao Wu's tear-streaked face. He quickly put down his food and reached out to wipe her tears.

Xiao Wu swallowed the bit of rice in her mouth and slightly raised her head, letting Ye Qiu cup her cheeks. Her eyes met his again, and the tears almost burst out again.

"Ye Qiu… why don't you want me anymore?"

"When did I ever say I didn't want you?" Ye Qiu looked completely confused. He had always been a frugal and responsible person — how could he possibly abandon Xiao Wu?

"But you already have a fiancée..."

Xiao Wu sounded utterly aggrieved, like someone abandoned.

"I have a fiancée, and I don't want you—aren't those two completely different things?" Ye Qiu spread his hands, as if unaware of what shame meant. He just wanted to coax his little bunny first.

"…"

Hearing Ye Qiu's words, Xiao Wu, whose brain didn't always keep up, froze in place, blinking.

"Is that... really the case?"

"Of course. Who said I don't want you? I never said that—I can't bear to."

Ye Qiu nodded solemnly, looking completely serious.

"You really didn't say it..."

Xiao Wu sniffled, her sobs gradually ceasing. Her red lips parted but it took a long while before she whispered something, her face flushed with shyness.

"T-Then… will you still… eat Sister Xiao Wu?"

Seeing the fear and grievance in her eyes, Ye Qiu smiled softly. He hadn't expected such a question. With a teasing grin, he slowly leaned in closer to her lovely face and asked in a gentle voice:

"Of course I want to eat you. Will you give yourself to me?"

Xiao Wu's tearful eyes met Ye Qiu's black pearl-like gaze. Gradually, her face turned bright red, unable to speak. She simply looked down and carefully picked some food from her bowl and placed it into Ye Qiu's.

Then, feeling uneasy, she slowly picked a few grains of rice into her mouth, without answering.

Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow, a little puzzled:

"What's that supposed to mean, little bunny? You're unwilling?"

"N-No, it's not that!"

Caught off guard by his question, Xiao Wu lifted her head in panic and shook it.

Seeing this, Ye Qiu smiled faintly. He naturally understood what her actions meant. Scooting a bit closer, he leaned in next to Xiao Wu's ear and said seriously:

"Actually, it's okay either way. If you're willing to let me eat, then I will. But if you're not... I'll just have to put in more effort and eat you by force!"

Xiao Wu was startled. She nearly dropped the food in her hands. Her eyes blinked rapidly, and her cheeks flushed red as she turned her head away. Her watery eyes reflected Ye Qiu's warm smile.

Her mood began to brighten.

Ye Qiu didn't reject her. He still wanted her. He didn't abandon her!

Watching Xiao Wu's eating speed, Ye Qiu couldn't help but roll his eyes. He teased her:

"With the way you're eating now, if you don't grow up properly in the future, I might not like eating you anymore."

"Hmm?"

Xiao Wu looked up and noticed that Ye Qiu's gaze was focused on her small, developing body. Her face turned scarlet, and she quickly lowered her head and shoveled food into her mouth.

The tears she had held back for so long finally spilled from the corners of her eyes. But her face was filled with joy, her eyes held laughter. As she ate, she occasionally peeked at Ye Qiu.

"Heh… what a silly girl."

Watching the little white bunny eat while sneaking glances at him, Ye Qiu couldn't help but laugh. She really was silly—silly enough to make his heart ache.

"Eat slowly, don't drop anything on the bed."

Ye Qiu quickly finished the remaining food in his hand. He gently rubbed Xiao Wu's soft long hair, his eyes full of affection and indulgence.

"Mmhm..."

Xiao Wu nodded while eating, like a little hamster stuffing food into her cheeks.

Ye Qiu sighed helplessly. He took a kettle out from his soul guide and hung it around Xiao Wu's neck.

"Drink some water. Don't choke."

After a few reminders, Ye Qiu got up and returned to his own bed.

Xiao Wu had tidied it up very well—the quilt was perfectly smooth. Who knew how long she had been fiddling with it.

Ye Qiu glanced at Xiao Wu, who kept looking at him. He shook his head again, amused, and began pulling out his spare clothes.

After being dragged around in the sky by Dugu Bo for so long, and then walking a considerable distance, he really needed to freshen up.

As Ye Qiu left with his toiletries, Xiao Wu quickly finished the rest of the food. Then she picked up the kettle Ye Qiu had hung around her neck and took a few small sips.

But sensing something strange, she pursed her red lips and frowned at the kettle.

The spout of this kettle… didn't seem like it only had Ye Qiu's scent on it.

Even though Ye Qiu had only "bullied" her a few times, she remembered clearly… that breath, the one that left her blushing and heart-racing—it definitely wasn't just his.

...

A quarter of an hour later.

Freshly washed, Ye Qiu returned to Dorm Seven.

Tang San still hadn't come back, and Xiao Wu was sitting obediently at the bedside waiting for him.

"Are you full?" Ye Qiu asked, casually tossing his clothes into the bucket and pushing it under the bed.

Xiao Wu nodded repeatedly.

"Uh, I'm already full—hic!"

"Haha, I told you to eat slower. Eating that fast, now you've got the hiccups."

Ye Qiu sat beside her and gently rubbed her back, even applying a bit of soul power.

Xiao Wu returned the kettle to him.

Maybe because she was too embarrassed, just two pats from Ye Qiu had stopped her hiccups.

"Ye Qiu, let's cultivate together," Xiao Wu said, blushing, as she held Ye Qiu's hand tightly in hers.

"Eh? When did you get so motivated?" Ye Qiu looked at her strangely.

"I… I just want to help you more," Xiao Wu said, averting her eyes. Her red-rimmed eyes looked tired, and she nervously stiffened her neck.

"Help me?" Ye Qiu snorted. There was no way he believed that excuse. Cultivating with him was a cover—what she really wanted was to pry into his secrets. Lying back on the bed, he teased:

"Just be honest. I'm a bit tired today. I don't feel like cultivating right now."

Xiao Wu hesitated, then gently nodded. Holding Ye Qiu's hand tightly, she asked nervously:

"I just want to know… where you went. And if you really do have a fiancée."

"I already said it earlier, didn't I? I wasn't lying. I really do have a fiancée." Ye Qiu answered directly, without hiding anything.

"But… why? Is it because I wasn't obedient enough?" Xiao Wu's expression dimmed. She looked at him in confusion, then down at her small body. Her voice was full of sadness:

"Even if I'm still small now… I'll grow up! You just have to wait for me… Didn't we agree before? You'd only stop liking me if I grew up ugly."

"Alright, alright. Then let's take a quick look." Ye Qiu rolled his eyes and sat up again. He was honestly getting a little headache from this little bunny with a million questions.

Ye Qiu grabbed Xiao Wu's hand, interlocking their fingers. With his other hand, he gently pinched her soft cheek and wiped away her tears, speaking softly:

"Okay now, don't cry. Just in time—I want to see whether you've been disobedient these past two months."

"I-I've been obedient for sure…" Xiao Wu's eyes darted nervously, a little unnatural.

"Hmm?"

Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow and looked at her suspiciously.

Soul power gathered in his palm and completely enveloped Xiao Wu's hand. Their memories and mental connection intertwined.

The next moment—

In her mind, Xiao Wu saw all of Ye Qiu's memories after he left Nuoding City.

She saw Ye Qiu braving the elements, living in the branch hall of the Spirit Hall, nearly being trampled or killed by soul beasts. She saw the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, saw him almost being thrown to death by Dugu Bo, saw him accidentally fall into Dugu Yan's room, and saw him jump into the Ice and Fire Well to refine celestial herbs.

Distress, worry, grievance, and fear churned through her heart.

Ye Qiu's so-called fiancée turned out to be real.

That Dugu Yan indeed seemed more outstanding than she was now—she had a grandfather who was a Titled Douluo, her cultivation level was higher, her appearance was pretty good, and her figure was exactly the type Ye Qiu had always favored. She was more mature and clingier than Xiao Wu.

When she saw Ye Qiu wrapping up Dugu Yan, saw her transform into a snake tail and coil around him, and then all the lovey-dovey, intimate moments that followed…

Xiao Wu felt a twinge of pain in her heart.

It felt like something that belonged to her was being taken away.

Dugu Yan putting on the venom suit also meant—she definitely knew about Xiao Wu's existence.

Even though she clearly knew that she and Ye Qiu had grown up together, childhood sweethearts, had even shared the same bed and "marked" each other, Dugu Yan still wanted to fight her for Ye Qiu?

That's just shameless robbery!

And letting Ye Qiu toy with her however he wanted—so what if she had two round lumps with bumps? Nothing special!

Xiao Wu-jie will have them too someday!

---

At the same time—

Ye Qiu also saw Xiao Wu's memories from the past two months.

Her life had been very routine. She often wandered around the village, played with the children, cultivated, and even helped repair wooden huts and worked in the fields with Old Jack.

She avoided Tang San whenever possible.

But even so, after watching her memories, Ye Qiu's face showed a hint of strangeness.

Xiao Wu didn't approach Tang San, but Tang San kept coming to her. That guy even wanted to make Xiao Wu his sister?! He even pulled out the Zhuge Divine Crossbow?!

What the hell is that supposed to mean?! Is he trying to steal my girl?!

If that's the case, maybe I'll dig up his mom! And then pull out a big "gift" and give little Ah Yin a proper visit!

Seeing Ye Qiu's expression change, Xiao Wu quickly explained—

"Ye Qiu, I didn't go near him!"

"Mhm, I know."

Ye Qiu rubbed his temples, looked at the worried little bunny in front of him, and smiled while gently pinching her cheeks.

"I saw it all. How could I not know whether you went near him or not? Don't worry. Your true identity—Sister Yanyan doesn't know."

"Mhm!"

Xiao Wu nodded slightly, sneaking a guilty glance at Ye Qiu. He definitely heard all the curses she was throwing at Dugu Yan in her mind. But she wasn't wrong! Dugu Yan was a shameless thief, relying on her Titled Douluo grandpa and some engagement contract.

"How is it? I didn't lie to you, right?"

Ye Qiu continued pinching her cheeks. Even though she wasn't as curvy as Dugu Yan, her cheeks were very soft, and he couldn't get enough of them.

Seeing Ye Qiu wasn't upset about her cursing his fiancée, Xiao Wu sighed in relief. But then her little face scrunched up in worry again. Sniffling, she looked at Ye Qiu sadly and asked in a low voice, "Ye Qiu… You already have a fiancée. Then what about me?"

"Let's all eat together!"

Ye Qiu shamelessly reached out and grabbed Xiao Wu's soft hand again.

"E-Eat together?!" Xiao Wu blinked, her whole face turning red. "How can that be…"

"Yeah, how can that be? It's because I'm not a good person—selfish, self-serving… and I like bullying you." Ye Qiu chuckled. He was just being honest. He didn't feel like it was a horrible crime. He wasn't a saint, nor a model of virtue. He was just a man—not particularly good, not particularly bad.

"No! I—I think you're great." Xiao Wu quickly objected, her face full of sincerity. "Selfish and self-serving? That's not true at all. I've never thought of you that way."

As a soul beast, no one understood the temptation of a 100,000-year soul ring and soul bone more than she did. But Ye Qiu never once had any intention of harming her.

If he had only wanted her soul skills, then during that trip to buy bedding, when he didn't even know the ability of his first soul skill, he had no reason to be so kind. He had no dark thoughts.

Such a human soul master, in Xiao Wu's eyes, couldn't be considered selfish at all. Maybe a little bad—but that was just Ye Qiu looking for a bit of fun in his otherwise dull cultivation life. Even when rabbit meat was right in front of him multiple times, he always discarded it, thinking of her.

Xiao Wu never believed Ye Qiu was a bad person.

As for Ye Qiu's flirtatious behavior—when they went shopping together or trained side-by-side, she'd already sensed he often fantasized about all sorts of women. She had prepared herself for that.

She didn't want to leave Ye Qiu.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Want me to thank you for the compliment?" Ye Qiu couldn't help but laugh. This silly bunny was still defending him in such a situation. He gently pinched her cheek again.

Xiao Wu shook her head and looked shyly at Ye Qiu. The things Ye Qiu had done with Dugu Yan had also been absorbed into her mind all at once.

Those were things she had never experienced—enough to make her blush furiously and short-circuit her brain. She was clearly the one who came first, but Dugu Yan was the one who got the first taste.

The more she thought about it, the redder and more indignant her face became. She murmured, "After I agree… will you bully me the same way you bullied her? Then… can you bully me a bit more? I was here first…"

"Eh?"

Ye Qiu's expression shifted slightly as he stared at the silly bunny in front of him in shock. Was she really being this lewd?!

As if seeing right through what he was thinking, Xiao Wu quickly scolded, "I'm not some pervy bunny—you… You are! That stinky snake even bit you! Hmph!"

Looking at her radiant, red face, Ye Qiu looked a bit embarrassed too. That wasn't entirely his fault—though he had taken full advantage of the situation.

At the same time, Ye Qiu felt very happy.

Xiao Wu's tone… didn't sound like she couldn't accept him being greedy and wanting both.

"All right, all right, don't get upset. I'll bully you later. For now, take a look at the gift I brought you."

"Gift?"

Xiao Wu looked at Ye Qiu in confusion.

Except for the celestial herbs Ye Qiu consumed—those she saw clearly—the rest had all been a blur.

That was on purpose.

If Xiao Wu saw everything clearly from the beginning, how would Ye Qiu be able to present his gift? Where's the surprise in that?

"That's right—a gift."

Ye Qiu smiled again, gently grabbed her hand once more, their fingers interlocking.

A stream of information about the Yearning Heartbroken Red soul herb flowed directly into Xiao Wu's mind.

Lovesick Heartbreak Red.

A symbol of unwavering love.

Receiving this information, Xiao Wu's eyes shimmered with emotion as a tragic love story slowly unfolded in her mind.

Legend has it:

A flower fairy from the upper realm fell in love with a mortal youth who tended flowers. She secretly descended to the mortal world to be with him, sharing a passionate love. But good times didn't last — after all, mortals and immortals are different. The flower fairy was eventually forced to return to the upper realm, leaving the youth heartbroken and despondent.

Later, he received guidance from a wise sage: his wife's true form was a peony flower. If he destroyed the flower's true body, she would lose her immortal form and fall to the mortal world, allowing them to reunite.

Though the youth deeply loved her, he couldn't bear to destroy the peony. From then on, he resumed tending to flowers, caring for them lovingly, crying day and night until his tears dried and his heart broke.

In the end, he died of lovesickness. At the moment of death, his blood spilled onto the peony's petals, dyeing them crimson — thus, Lovesick Heartbreak Red was born!

—

After receiving all this information from Ye Qiu—

Xiao Wu felt her head spinning slightly.

In her heart, this immortal herb was more than just a gift — it was Ye Qiu's acknowledgment of her.

He believed she could pick it. That meant… he really liked her. He didn't want to be apart from her.

"Ye Qiu, are you really giving this to Sister Xiao Wu?" Xiao Wu stared at Ye Qiu in a daze. She liked this flower very much.

"Would I lie about something from the heart?" Ye Qiu smiled slightly. He genuinely wanted to give this flower to the little bunny. This way, even if he took her somewhere else in the future, her identity wouldn't be exposed.

But deep down, Ye Qiu was a little worried.

He was worried Xiao Wu might not be able to pick it now.

Or maybe… she originally could, but after learning about what happened between him and Dugu Yan, her heart grew conflicted — and now, she might fail.

"I—I can definitely pick it!"

Sensing Ye Qiu's worry, Xiao Wu's watery eyes locked onto him. She immediately declared her resolve, tightly gripping Ye Qiu's hand with unwavering determination.

"Ye Qiu…?"

Xiao Wu called out softly, confused when Ye Qiu pulled his hand away.

A sharp flash of purple light passed through Ye Qiu's eyes. Suddenly, his vision became incomparably clear. He could even see through Xiao Wu's true form — a pink bunny, still growing, tender and soft.

Xiao Wu's delicate face turned crimson, hurriedly covering her chest. Ye Qiu's gaze felt like it could see right through her.

Under Xiao Wu's odd gaze, Ye Qiu glanced around, then closed his eyes to sense carefully.

In Sunset Forest, Ye Qiu had acquired another ability — active perception. This was obtained through interacting with thousand-year-old serpent soul beasts over the past month — a kind of heat-sensing vision.

Later, after absorbing the Autumn Gazing Dew from the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, this ability merged with his spider senses, leveling it up.

Right now, he was sensing whether there were any powerful beings nearby. The stronger the spirit power, the brighter the figure in Ye Qiu's perception.

After a thorough scan—

Ye Qiu finally relaxed and smiled slightly. Good — that old man Tang Hao wasn't nearby for now. Who knows where he went off to drink again.

"Xiao Wu, come with me."

Ye Qiu stood up and called cheerfully to Xiao Wu as he walked out of Dorm Seven.

"Ye Qiu… wait for me!"

Xiao Wu hurried after him, proactively grabbing his hand, her head slightly lowered, cheeks flushed, sticking close behind him.

Under the curious eyes of the other dorm mates, they left.

On this school return day—

The main road of Nuoding Academy bustled with foot traffic. The scorching midday sun bore down as weary students and teachers were either packing up or resting.

Xiao Wu stuck close to Ye Qiu. Despite the intense heat, she felt a cool breeze just being near him.

In fact, it was all thanks to the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Fiery Apricot Delicate Branch — two immortal herbs. Ye Qiu's body, and even the air around him, stayed warm in winter and cool in summer.

Before long—

Ye Qiu led Xiao Wu to a corner of a teaching building.

At this time of day—

It was highly unlikely anyone would come here. But to be safe, Ye Qiu thoroughly scanned the area again. Only after confirming it was clear did he release Xiao Wu.

"Alright, this is the place."

As he spoke, Xiao Wu looked at him with hopeful curiosity. Ye Qiu patted the Wishful Treasure Pouch at his waist.

A crimson glow shot out from the pouch and landed in Ye Qiu's hand.

It was a blood-colored flower, resembling a peony.

Its base was a strange stone. A slender vine had rooted into the stone, with a few narrow leaves forming the calyx.

Crimson petals, stained with streaks of blood, bloomed atop the calyx — forming a dazzling, otherworldly blood-red peony.

Xiao Wu's heart trembled. Her blush-colored eyes sparkled with excitement, reflecting the eerie beauty of the flower. She couldn't help but gently brush its slender petals and murmured in admiration—

"So beautiful…"

"It really is," Ye Qiu smiled and handed the floating Lovesick Heartbreak Red to Xiao Wu.

"Give it a try. If you can't pick it, don't force yourself. That's not your fault. I have other things I can give you."

"No! I can pick it!"

Xiao Wu pouted and glanced at Ye Qiu. Then she bit her lip, her throat tightened — and she spat out a mouthful of fresh blood onto the petals.

This flower is extraordinary — it chooses its master.

To pick the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, your heart must be filled only with thoughts of your beloved. The slightest doubt or hesitation, and even if you cough up blood and die, you still won't succeed.

At the base of the flower is a stone called Wujue. If picked by force, the immortal herb loses all its medicinal power.

However, if picked naturally — as long as it stays near its master, it will never wither.

Watching Xiao Wu's blood drip onto the petals, Ye Qiu couldn't help but feel nervous.

As the blood touched the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, Xiao Wu's mind was filled with images of Ye Qiu spanking her, teasing her, shopping with her, training together, and rising to dominance.

She truly didn't want to be apart from him.

The blood-red flower swayed slightly—

And under Ye Qiu's surprised gaze, it gently fell into Xiao Wu's palm.

A bright smile blossomed on her face, like a child showing off a perfect exam score. Radiant and joyful, she beamed:

"Ye Qiu! I—I did it! I picked it!"

"I saw."

Ye Qiu hugged the bouncing Xiao Wu as she tried to throw herself into his arms. The Lovesick Heartbreak Red in her hand was just as stunning and dazzling as she was.

He raised his hand and rubbed her head. Xiao Wu swayed gently, enjoying his touch.

"Since you picked it, then go ahead and eat it."

"You... you ate it?!"

Hearing Ye Qiu's command, Xiao Wu's expression changed slightly, clearly reluctant.

"Yeah, what else? You want to save it for the New Year?" Ye Qiu frowned and gave her an annoyed glance.

"But… but I wanted to…"

Xiao Wu hesitated.

She held the red flower in her hands with a trace of reluctance. In her heart, this flower had a special meaning. It symbolized her unwavering loyalty to Ye Qiu, and also Ye Qiu's trust and affection toward her.

"Silly bunny."

Seeing her still indecisive, Ye Qiu chuckled softly, raised both hands, and cupped her fair, delicate cheeks. He brought her face to meet his gaze and asked gently, "Since I'm by your side, why keep staring at the flower? Do you want the flower to stay with you… or me?"

"Of… of course I want you… mmph!"

Xiao Wu answered in a rush. In her heart, Ye Qiu was obviously the most important.

"Then that settles it."

Before she could finish, Ye Qiu leaned down and pressed his lips to her soft, red ones, kissing her deeply. Around them, only the soft hums and low moans of Xiao Wu could be heard.

"Mm~"

Feeling Ye Qiu's lips move and press against her own, Xiao Wu's heartbeat quickened. Her long eyelashes fluttered, casting water-like glimmers in her eyes. She awkwardly yet shyly responded in kind.

A long while later—

Only when Xiao Wu was short of breath and could barely stand did Ye Qiu finally let her go.

She leaned into his chest, dazed. This was the longest he had ever bullied her like this. Her small face was flushed, her beautiful eyes dazed like she was drunk. Even though Ye Qiu had stopped, her soft pink lips were still parted slightly, glistening with moisture, revealing a cute pink bunny tongue—moist and irresistible.

Ye Qiu pinched her chin gently, making her look at him. He smacked his lips and said softly, "Now can you be good and eat it?"

"Y-Yes… I'll listen to you."

Xiao Wu's face was like a blooming peach blossom, her voice soft and sweet, slightly dazed. She lay against Ye Qiu's chest, her expression dreamy.

"Then hurry up." Ye Qiu chuckled and loosened his embrace.

Xiao Wu stumbled and almost fell, but Ye Qiu caught her again, keeping her close.

"Ye Qiu~ I… I need to rest a bit…" Xiao Wu blushed, her steps light and tipsy. She had never been kissed that long—she felt oxygen-deprived.

"Alright then."

Ye Qiu nodded slightly without teasing her. After all, it had taken him and another newbie, Dugu Yan, quite a few awkward tries before he mastered the technique.

Looking at this cute, silly bunny, he couldn't help but plant two more kisses on her chubby cheeks. Then, he helped straighten her clothes that had been tugged into a mess. It was a habit he'd picked up from getting too touchy with the fully-developed Dugu Yan—he always felt the urge to grab something.

---

Half a quarter-hour passed.

Under Ye Qiu's watchful eyes, Xiao Wu sat cross-legged, held the Lovesick Heartbroken Red in her hands, and after a shy glance at Ye Qiu, she no longer hesitated. She brought the flower to her lips.

The celestial herb suddenly transformed into a red streak of light and flew into her slightly opened mouth.

Xiao Wu was stunned for a moment, then quickly closed her eyes.

Ye Qiu stood nearby and scanned her again with his Eye of Insight, observing carefully.

Lovesick Heartbroken Red, king of flowers.

Consuming this herb grants a long life like that of heaven and earth itself. It could raise one's soul power by at least ten levels, reconstruct the entire body, and even bring back the dead or regenerate lost flesh. Most crucially—it allowed a transformed soul beast to completely conceal their innate aura.

Right now, this ability might not seem useful, as Tang Hao was still alive and aware of her identity. But once he was dead and took the secret with him to hell—then it would truly matter!

Under Ye Qiu's gaze—

Xiao Wu was like a blooming pink flower core. The petals of the Lovesick Heartbroken Red unfurled around her. Blood-red light danced over her skin, and her blood visibly flowed beneath. The herb was reshaping her body, helping her take a firm step toward becoming fully human.

Purple Demon Eye!

A piercing glow flickered in Ye Qiu's eyes. Yet even with his upgraded Purple Demon Eye in his microcosmic world, he couldn't see Xiao Wu's true form.

Time passed.

A soulbound celestial herb was indeed extraordinary. In just over half an hour, Xiao Wu had completely refined the Lovesick Heartbroken Red!

Her soft pink rabbit ears stood up, and a white-tinted-pink tail emerged at her lower back. A new spirit ring had also appeared beneath her—two yellow and two purple—she had now become a Soul Sect! Her soul power had even surpassed Ye Qiu's.

Xiao Wu opened her eyes.

A romantic crimson glow shone in her pupils—therein was a miniature Lovesick Heartbroken Red. The glow faded, the flower petals around her closed, and disappeared into her body.

Still slightly dazed, Xiao Wu blinked.

Ye Qiu, meanwhile, couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty. He crouched down and gently lifted her smooth, fair chin.

"Silly bunny, you back with me now?"

Xiao Wu blinked again, and when she recognized him, her face flushed red. Overcome with emotion, she threw herself at Ye Qiu.

"Ye Qiu!"

"What the—?!"

Caught off guard, Ye Qiu was knocked down by Xiao Wu's sudden hug.

"Ye Qiu~"

Xiao Wu pinned Ye Qiu beneath her, her soft hands pressing on his chest. In her curved, smiling eyes, there was only affection. She softly called his name and stared at him quietly.

"What are you doing? Get up already!"

Ye Qiu's head hurt from hitting the ground. He looked helplessly at the bunny girl who was just lying on him with no further action.

"Oh! I—I'll get up now!" Xiao Wu hurriedly tried to get up, then paused, her face turning red. She quickly gave Ye Qiu a peck on the lips, like a little girl who'd just stolen candy. A sweet smile spread across her face as she gently helped him up.

Ye Qiu rolled his eyes and rubbed the back of his head.

"Ye Qiu, I didn't mean to…" Xiao Wu, noticing him rubbing his head, suddenly remembered hearing a faint crack earlier. She quickly reached out and took over, gently massaging his scalp.

Her expression was filled with care and guilt.

Ye Qiu chuckled and grabbed her small hand.

"All right, I'm fine. Let's head back to Dorm Seven first—whatever it is, we can talk there."

"Okay, I'll listen to you."

Xiao Wu smiled sweetly. She really played the obedient partner role to perfection.

---

Between the quiet teaching buildings.

A boy and girl walked side by side. The boy was handsome and radiant, the girl's eyes curved like crescent moons. Her two delicate hands clung tightly to his, and she flashed him sweet smiles from time to time.

"Silly bunny, still smiling? I just took a shower, and now I'm dirty again," Ye Qiu said, annoyed, remembering how long he'd just been lying on the ground.

"It's okay, Ye Qiu. I'll help you wash all your clothes," Xiao Wu clung to his arm, apologetic but still smiling uncontrollably.

Who told him to say she'd gotten prettier and more beautiful just now?

"Oh really?" Ye Qiu grinned and leaned close to her ear, teasing, "Then… what about my body? Will you help me wash that too?"

"Ah?!" Xiao Wu's face turned bright red. She looked at Ye Qiu, conflicted.

Thinking about how Ye Qiu and Dugu Yan had practically "gone all the way" already, she stiffened her neck, suppressed her shyness, and stammered, "I—I can do it!"