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"You're speaking nonsense! He's Tang San—how could he not be my child!"

Ah Yin looked at Ye Qiu with confusion, trying to discern something from his heart—but she couldn't find anything.

Ye Qiu only smiled faintly and said nothing.

He couldn't be entirely sure whether Tang San was truly Ah Yin's child. Physically, yes, but his soul clearly came from another world.

Ye Qiu believed that with just a little guidance, Tang San would be like mud falling into your pants—whether or not it's poop, it still looks like poop! Whether he was a reincarnated soul or a body-snatcher, he had no way to prove otherwise. He couldn't explain it no matter how hard he tried!

In the lush green space—

Ah Yin was clearly getting anxious. This involved her own child, so there was no room for carelessness.

She kept urging, "Ye Qiu, say something! Why isn't Xiao San my child? He has the Blue Silver Grass spirit! Could a martial spirit lie? Tell me—why would you say Xiao San isn't my child?"

Ah Yin stared at Ye Qiu, waiting for an answer.

Ye Qiu was silent for a moment. Then he looked up and, with a teasing gaze, said slowly, "Xiao San is indeed your flesh and blood, that's true. But—"

He paused, then continued with deliberate gravity:

"—But his soul is not original equipment!"

"W-What? What do you mean his soul isn't original? What does that even mean?"

Ah Yin furrowed her beautiful brows.

What did he mean, her child was her flesh and blood, but the soul wasn't original?

"Just what it sounds like~" Ye Qiu shrugged, his voice calm yet unnerving.

"You've seen my memories, right? You should've noticed Xiao San is… different. Waking up early, cultivating, inventing hidden weapons, creating his own soul skills. These things—how could a child only a few years old do them? Even with extreme talent, it doesn't add up."

Although Ah Yin had only skimmed through a portion of Ye Qiu and Tang San's memories before they arrived at Nuoding Academy, she still remembered those details.

Ah Yin froze, her face showing a strange and uncertain expression.

In all her life, she had never heard of any person—or even a spirit beast—being able to possess another's body and live on. It was completely unheard of!

That sense of maternal love mixed with guilt influenced her. Her doubts quickly faded again as she shook her head in disbelief. "That doesn't prove anything! Maybe someone taught him those things?"

"Taught him?" Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow, smiling nonchalantly.

Ye Qiu could see clearly that Ah Yin's heart still held doubt—they were soul-linked after all.

Ye Qiu continued asking, "You've lived so long—have you ever heard of hidden weapons before? And who do you think taught him? Tang Hao? But Tang San seems to want to hide these things from Tang Hao."

Ye Qiu's barrage of questions left Ah Yin speechless. She opened her mouth but couldn't find a way to refute him. She just pressed her lips together and glared at Ye Qiu.

"In any case, I will never doubt my own son so easily! And don't even think of trying to sow discord between us!"

"Sow discord? How could I?" Ye Qiu shrugged. "I'm just telling the truth. If you don't believe me, then forget I ever said anything."

Ye Qiu spread his hands, not in the least bit anxious. Their hearts were connected—he knew that Ah Yin wasn't as calm as she appeared. She was just lying to herself.

"All right, come over and cultivate."

Ye Qiu didn't talk about it any further. Cultivating together with Ah Yin was already a disadvantage for him, so he might as well focus on it. Schemes and manipulation were second-rate. Real strength was the universal language. Once he was strong enough, he could snatch Ah Yin in front of Tang Hao and even shove her into his waistband, and what could Tang Hao do? He could only kneel and watch!

This world respects strength. But for now, Ye Qiu was still weak—he needed time to lay low and grow.

As his voice fell, the ground under the cross-legged Ye Qiu suddenly rose up, forming a soft Simmons-style mattress.

This green space could be shaped at will by the two of them.

"Ye Qiu, what are you doing?!"

Ah Yin looked at the bed that had suddenly appeared, her face instantly turning red. That bed had been the stage of Ye Qiu's fantasy scenes last time—the platform where she had been manipulated and made to perform all sorts of provocative "moves."

She hugged herself tightly and backed away, warning, "If you dare touch me, I won't let you off! Hao will kill you!"

Seeing her panic-stricken face, Ye Qiu spread his hands again. "Come on, I just asked you to cultivate. If I really wanted to do something to you, could you resist? Even if you screamed, who would hear you?"

As Ye Qiu spoke, he released the mental veil he had used to block Ah Yin.

Sometimes, hiding too much could cause you to lose the upper hand. And to build real trust, honesty was the ultimate weapon.

Looking at him now, Ah Yin could see everything about Ye Qiu—his heart was clear, calm as still water, and she had no place in his thoughts.

Ah Yin's panic eased slightly.

She also understood—right now, she was like fish on a cutting board. If Ye Qiu really wanted to do anything to her, she wouldn't be able to resist. She could only let him lift her legs and do as he pleased.

Even knowing this, Ah Yin didn't step toward the bed. She bit her lip and pleaded, "Please… let me see my child's past! Otherwise, I can't concentrate on cultivating…"

Seeing her lower her stance and knowing she still harbored doubt, Ye Qiu nodded. "Sure, no problem."

This was all within Ye Qiu's expectations. With his hint, Ah Yin would now examine Tang San more closely in the future.

This time, Ye Qiu didn't hide a single memory—not even the default martial spirit starting point, or the memories before spirit awakening. He shared everything.

From the very first time Ye Qiu met Tang San…

The scenes played in Ah Yin's mind like a slideshow. She finally understood why Tang Hao's appearance had changed so much. After that battle, he had lost his wife and father—falling into despair and drowning in alcohol.

When Ah Yin saw that Tang Hao had neglected their child completely, her heart broke.

At the same time, Ye Qiu's speculation mingled with the memories—why had Tang Hao ignored his own child? Why had he turned a blind eye?

When she saw Tang San awaken his martial spirit, she was slightly relieved. But when she saw him gift Ye Qiu the sleeve dart, calling it "his own secret"—

And when she saw him use all kinds of "self-created" soul skills in his spars with Ye Qiu—

Ah Yin's heart again filled with doubt and confusion. She also saw the little rabbit beside Ye Qiu.

She saw the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, and Ye Qiu's entanglement with Dugu Yan, which made her cheeks flush.

From the moment Ye Qiu first met Tang San, the memories had been playing nonstop up to the present day.

Ah Yin's expression constantly shifted — her face alternating between red and pale. Surprise, anger, disappointment, fear… all kinds of emotions surged.

It took quite a while…

Before Ah Yin finally snapped out of it.

By now, her face was streaked with tears, and Ye Qiu could clearly see every emotion she had just experienced.

"Well? Can we start cultivating properly now?"

Ah Yin shook her head, tears clinging to her lashes, her appearance haggard and sorrowful. "Leave… I need some time. My mind's a mess. I won't cultivate today."

Ye Qiu let out a light laugh.

Sensing his schadenfreude, Ah Yin shot him a resentful glare.

Ye Qiu didn't care in the least. Ah Yin wasn't anyone important to him — why should he pretend to empathize? Once they got more familiar… there would be even less need to act.

"Alright, fine, skip today. But I still hope you'll cooperate from now on. If I can't complete the task Tang Hao gave me, that wouldn't be good."

He shrugged, then teased, "If Tang Hao bullies me, I'll have no choice but to bully you instead — use you to vent my frustrations."

As soon as the words fell, Ah Yin's mind was once again flooded with vivid, shameful images. Her cheeks flushed as she bit her lip and glared at Ye Qiu.

But she needed his help. She couldn't afford to argue over these things now. Gritting her teeth, she spoke patiently, "Ye Qiu… I want to see Tang San."

"No problem. From now on, I'll let you see him every day." Ye Qiu smiled as he agreed. He knew that at this moment, the seed of doubt had already been planted in her heart.

Even if Ah Yin couldn't fully believe it and wanted to keep observing, it was just a dying struggle.

---

As Ye Qiu disappeared from her sight, Ah Yin's world plunged into darkness once more. In the past, she had been supported by thoughts of her husband and child. But now, only endless fear remained. She crouched in the pitch-black space with no sense of direction, hugging her knees, and began to sob uncontrollably.

"Who taught him those things? Is he really not my child? Then who is he…?"

"Hao, why did you give birth but not raise him? Did you notice something wrong with him? And now why… why have you changed your attitude?"

Outside, Ye Qiu's figure appeared in the darkness. A smile tugged at his lips. Ah Yin's sorrowful murmurs naturally reached his ears.

Ye Qiu wasn't worried about her disbelief.

She was in his hands now — he had all the time in the world to deal with her.

Maybe after absorbing some spirit bones or spirit rings in the future, he could even acquire some powerful ability — like stealing memories without detection.

And then—

He could finally confirm the truth: Tang San really had taken over someone else's body!

---

"Ye Qiu~"

A soft voice called out. In the dim light appeared a pair of crimson-red eyes. Xiao Wu had turned sideways on the bed, staring at him without blinking.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Ye Qiu gave her a strange look and gently settled Ah Yin's form in place.

"Uh…"

Xiao Wu was momentarily speechless. She pulled the blanket tighter around herself and hesitated for a while before whispering, "I had a nightmare. It woke me up."

"Oh, really?"

Ye Qiu looked at her teasingly and dismissed all thoughts of Ah Yin for the moment. He took off his outer coat.

It wasn't like he slept like the dead every night — he had long been aware that Xiao Wu kept sneaking into bed with him.

With a chuckle, Ye Qiu climbed onto the bed, rolled twice on top of his blanket, and entered Xiao Wu's side of the bed.

"Ye Qiu~ W-What are you doing?"

Xiao Wu clutched her blanket tightly, clearly embarrassed. Looking at Ye Qiu's eyes, which still shone brightly in the darkness, her heart pounded faster and faster.

"I'm not doing anything."

"Move over and let me in."

Ye Qiu's voice was soft. At a moment like this, saying "I'm not doing anything" didn't really mean much — they weren't at that stage yet.

"Huh?!"

Xiao Wu's heart jumped.

"Huh what? Didn't you say you had a nightmare? I'm just keeping you company." Ye Qiu spoke as he lifted her blanket.

"No! Ye Qiu~"

Though Xiao Wu's words were firm, her actions were hesitant. It was a case of verbal refusal but physical compliance — Ye Qiu easily slipped under the covers beside her.

"Nng~"

Xiao Wu let out a soft, stifled moan as Ye Qiu wrapped his arms around her. She didn't even resist.

With his arrival, it was like tossing dry wood into a furnace — the bed immediately turned scorching hot. The little rabbit was being roasted until her entire body was flushed and burning.

Xiao Wu bent her arm to create a bit of distance between them. They were too close — she couldn't handle the heat.

"Ye Qiu~ Don't move around."

"Relax."

Looking at Xiao Wu biting her lip with eyes full of emotion, Ye Qiu couldn't help but wrap his arms tighter around her slim waist, pulling them closer. Then he lowered his head and slowly captured her slightly parted, already puckered red lips.

For a long time—

Only when Xiao Wu was nearly out of breath did Ye Qiu finally release her. He hadn't even used the full skills he'd developed while practicing with Dugu Yan, and Xiao Wu was already overwhelmed.

But Ye Qiu didn't push her too far. There was still plenty of time. He gently brushed the stray hair away from Xiao Wu's face and planted a light kiss on her forehead.

"Alright, go to sleep now."

"Mhm."

Xiao Wu sleepily murmured a response, still recovering from the breathlessness earlier. She snuggled closer into Ye Qiu's arms, her expression sweet and infatuated.

Normally, when she climbed into his bed, Ye Qiu would curl up in her arms like a child. While it made her shy, it also felt strangely sweet.

But now… she could finally experience what it was like to sleep in his embrace.

---

The next day, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, the diligent Master Tang had already gotten up early. As was his habit, he glanced over at Ye Qiu's bed.

Seeing no one under the covers, Tang San let out a small sigh of relief — but when his gaze shifted to Xiao Wu's bed, shock and sourness rose up in his heart again.

Xiao Wu was nestled sweetly in Ye Qiu's arms, arms wrapped around his neck, her fair face tinged with pink, and a faint smile playing on her lips — a picture of affection and love.

Tang San sighed deeply and stepped outside the dormitory. He couldn't miss his daily cultivation of the Purple Demon Eye.

The Blue Silver Emperor that Ye Qiu had moved to Xiao Wu's bedside was swaying gently…

---

Time flew quickly. In the blink of an eye, only two months remained before Ye Qiu and the others would graduate from Nuoding Academy.

In Dorm Seven—

Xiao Wu was sitting cross-legged on her bed, seriously cultivating. Beneath her clothes was something that belonged to Ye Qiu — tightly wrapped in black leather, with pink stripes shimmering with flowing light.

As their cultivation levels increased, the flow of spirit power accelerated. In the process of dual cultivation, the improvement in their training speed was quite impressive.

"Amazing! Ye Qiu, you've reached level 40!"

Xiao Wu's inner voice transmitted happily to Ye Qiu — cheerful, crisp, and filled with delight. She was even more excited than when she made a breakthrough herself.

"Yeah, I broke through."

Ye Qiu's voice was calm. All that relentless effort, dragging Xiao Wu to cultivate day and night, hadn't gone to waste.

Swish!

The black substance clinging tightly to Xiao Wu's skin beneath her clothes transformed into a fluid and slipped out, reforming into a human shape beside her.

"Ye Qiu~"

The moment he appeared, Ye Qiu was pounced on by Xiao Wu, who pressed her forehead affectionately against him over and over.

"Alright, do you still remember what I told you before?" Ye Qiu gently picked Xiao Wu up and helped her sit properly.

Hearing that, the joy on Xiao Wu's face vanished instantly. She nodded softly. "I remember. When do you plan to leave?"

Ye Qiu reached out and rubbed her head, thinking for a moment before smiling. "I'll stay with you a few more days."

Despite his words, Xiao Wu still looked a little upset. She clung to Ye Qiu's arm and pleaded, "Can't you take me with you?"

"Definitely not!"

Ye Qiu firmly shook his head.

He had already broken through to Level 40.

He had consumed the Delicate Immortal Chrysanthemum, swallowed the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot, and undergone Ice-Fire Body Tempering. With all those buffs stacked together, his physical strength was far beyond that of someone at the same level—even stronger than Tang San. His spiritual power had also increased significantly—thanks to the Yearning Heartbroken Red—not just taken for fun.

Since Tang San could handle a ten-thousand-year spirit ring for his fourth ring, there was no reason Ye Qiu couldn't!

And with a ten-thousand-year spirit beast—leaving aside whether the teachers could deal with one—just the idea alone would be enough to shock them.

So, Ye Qiu had decided to return to the Sunset Forest, ask Dugu Bo for help, and also meet his fiancée, whom he hadn't seen in nearly ten months.

"Then… when will you come back? I get so bored without you around." Xiao Wu wrapped her legs around Ye Qiu, resting her tender cheek against his ear, swaying slightly, her face flushed.

Ye Qiu leaned closer to her, brushing cheeks, and whispered softly, "I probably won't come back."

"Huh?!"

"What do you mean? Are you abandoning me?!"

Hearing that Ye Qiu wouldn't return, Xiao Wu shivered. She looked at him in disbelief—then cried out in pain.

"Awoo~!"

Ye Qiu knocked her lightly on the head in exasperation. Seeing her holding her head with teary eyes, he rolled his eyes.

"What are you even thinking? Do I look like the type who'd love and leave someone? Besides, I haven't even tasted 'rabbit meat' yet. Why would I abandon you?"

Ye Qiu chuckled and pinched Xiao Wu's slender waist, completely free of fat. Compared to A Yin, they each had their own charm—A Yin's body was soft and perfectly curvy, while Xiao Wu's was refined and resilient.

Xiao Wu blushed deeply, glaring at him. She corrected him in a pitiful voice, "Even after you've tasted Xiao Wu-jie, you're still not allowed to abandon me. Or I'll just die in front of you!"

"Haha, of course."

Ye Qiu thought, maybe he was a bit of a scoundrel, but he had a strong sense of responsibility. And he wasn't the type to leave food in the bowl uneaten, either.

As he said that, he gave her cheek a playful bite, leaving her apple-like face even more rosy.

Xiao Wu was already used to it—only a hint of shyness remained. She leaned against Ye Qiu's shoulder, whispering softly:

"Then… if you're not coming back, what's Xiao Wu-jie supposed to do?"

Ye Qiu thought for a moment and made a decision. It would just waste too much time to travel all the way back from Heaven Dou City. He instructed:

"Just go to Soto City with Tang San when the time comes. We'll meet up there."

A month ago, Yu Xiaogang had already suggested that Ye Qiu, Xiao Wu, and the others should head to Shrek Academy.

At that time, Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu had both taken an extended break from school to help Ye Qiu break through in cultivation. Between Xiao Wu and A Yin's memories, Ye Qiu had already learned plenty about spirit beasts—there was no need to waste time dozing off in class.

"So I won't see you for a long time, huh?" Xiao Wu's face fell. Her eyes were full of reluctance, but she knew she couldn't change anything. So she softly reminded him, "You better not forget about me, Ye Qiu, okay?"

"How could I? You'll always be mine. I won't let you run away!"

Ye Qiu pinched her cheek and pulled her into his arms as they lay down.

"Mm."

Xiao Wu responded softly, resting quietly on Ye Qiu's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. The two of them embraced, enjoying this rare moment of peace.

---

Soon, it was noon.

Ye Qiu suddenly felt a bit hungry. Before he could ask Xiao Wu to get up, she clung to his neck, lifted her head, and laughed.

"Hungry, aren't you? I'll go grab some food~"

With that, she pecked him lightly at the corner of his mouth and darted out of the room like a startled bunny.

Ever since their extended break, Ye Qiu hardly ever went to the cafeteria—Xiao Wu always fetched the meals. Only when she got upset would Ye Qiu take her out to eat and cheer her up.

"Whew~"

Ye Qiu sat up and patted the Wishful Treasure Pouch at his waist. A streak of golden-blue light shot out, landing on the bed.

Looking at the Blue Silver Emperor, the smile on Ye Qiu's face deepened. It had now grown to nearly a foot tall, with more distinct golden patterns. What was once a sapling with less than ten years of cultivation was now close to being a century-old soul beast.

Its leaves were full and radiant, moist and glowing.

Ye Qiu couldn't help reaching out to stroke it. It was smooth and fragrant.

Two months ago, the elusive Tang Hao had made a surprise visit. Seeing how healthy and well-nourished A Yin had become under Ye Qiu's care, he was overjoyed. He praised Ye Qiu's efforts and told him to take even better care of his wife.

Tap, tap!

Footsteps approached the door, catching Ye Qiu's attention.

Black hair, blue clothes, a string of gems around the waist.

Seeing him, Ye Qiu quickly grasped the Blue Silver Emperor's leaves. The plant began to lightly liquefy, synchronizing with him.

"A Yin, your son is back. Take a look."

As Ye Qiu transmitted his voice to A Yin, he also shared his vision and hearing with her.

In the darkness where A Yin was trapped, her expression softened slightly upon hearing Ye Qiu's voice—but turned cold again right after. When she saw Tang San outside, endless pain and hatred welled up in her eyes.

She couldn't help but cry out in anger:

"Ye Qiu! I already told you—I don't want to see him! Are you toying with me again?!"

A Yin closed her eyes, but the image was still vivid in her mind. She yelled again:

"Turn it off now! Or else—you… you can forget about me serving you anymore, and don't even think about feeling good!"

By the end, her voice was tinged with shame and frustration.

"Haha, sorry, it's just… you used to look at him once a day. I got used to it."

Ye Qiu smiled brightly and withdrew his hand.

A Yin's world fell into darkness once again. She couldn't sense Ye Qiu's thoughts, nor did she know if he did it on purpose or simply forgot—but it didn't matter anymore.

Tang San… She, A Yin, is absolutely going to kill him!

Not even Tang Hao can save him!

After ending the shared experience with Ah Yin, a faint smile lingered on Ye Qiu's lips as he gently stroked Ah Yin's body.

Over this period of time, it wasn't as if he gained nothing.

Ye Qiu occasionally engaged in small physical or verbal interactions with Tang San, and with some intentional guidance, Tang San began to show more and more flaws.

No matter how much Ah Yin tried to console herself, it was futile.

At the very least, she now truly believed that someone else had taken over her son's body. Every time they communicated spiritually, that surge of killing intent and hatred was unmistakably real.

Moreover, Ah Yin's massage techniques had improved significantly. When the time came, perhaps he could let her massage him instead—it was likely her touch wouldn't disappoint.

---

"Ye Qiu, did something happen? You look really happy!" Tang San had just entered Dorm Seven when he noticed Ye Qiu sitting on the bed, staring at a blade of grass and grinning foolishly. Strangely enough, Tang San felt that Ye Qiu looked even happier after seeing him.

He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination.

Cough cough... "Indeed, something good did happen."

Ye Qiu cleared his throat and responded softly.

"Oh?"

Tang San was immediately intrigued.

Seeing his reaction, Ye Qiu didn't hold back.

Although he couldn't tell him "Your mother wants to kill you," he could still share some other good news—just to get under his skin a little.

Stretching lazily as he stood up, Ye Qiu said smugly, "I've broken through to level 40! What do you think? Surprised? Isn't that great news?"

Tang San gave a bitter smile.

By now, he was used to Ye Qiu flaunting his cultivation level to provoke him.

Still, it left an unpleasant feeling in his heart.

Tang San was a proud man.

Coming from another world and wielding the hidden weapons of the Tang Sect, he believed himself no weaker than anyone!

"Congratulations! That really is good news."

Despite feeling sour, Tang San didn't forget to offer his congratulations. Ye Qiu's talent was worth the effort to befriend.

"Thanks!"

Ye Qiu accepted it graciously and encouraged him, "Don't get discouraged, Little San. I was just lucky. You should be close to breaking through level 30, right?"

The two of them sat at the edge of their beds, separated by a small gap.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure exactly when I'll reach level 30."

Tang San nodded. The ten-level gap made him feel a bit frustrated.

But when he thought of the grand plan Grandmaster had laid out for him, he quickly calmed his emotions. He believed that once he began cultivating his second spirit, all geniuses would pale in comparison before him!

The secret techniques of the Tang Sect… twin spirits…

These were the sources of his unshakable confidence!

---

Ye Qiu smiled lightly:

"Well, keep working hard. Who knows—maybe our village will be renamed after the two of us someday. Haha…"

Tang San nodded firmly.

"I will!"

"Ugh…" Looking at Tang San's serious expression, Ye Qiu couldn't help but smile again and sighed, "Hey, Little San, could you stop acting like I'm your rival all the time?"

Tang San looked confused. "Why? Teacher said healthy competition speeds up growth."

"Well, because I'm scared you'll surpass me. It's a lot of pressure, okay?"

Hearing Ye Qiu's joke, Tang San's purple-glowing eyes flickered, but he was used to Ye Qiu's twisted sense of humor by now. There was no real malice—he just liked teasing people. If Tang San got upset, Ye Qiu would only get more delighted.

Shaking his head helplessly, he spoke seriously, "Ye Qiu… If you keep being so arrogant, you might actually get surpassed by me someday!"

"Haha, then I'll be waiting for that day."

Ye Qiu laughed and scratched his head.

Tang San really was too easy to tease—too serious and too proud.

---

"Ye Qiu~ I'm back!"

Just then, Xiao Wu's cheerful voice rang out at the door of Dorm Seven, drawing both Ye Qiu and Tang San's attention.

It was clear she had run all the way back—her face was flushed and glowing.

"Xiao Wu…"

Tang San had just started to greet her when a sweet fragrance whisked past his face. He opened his mouth but held back his words.

Thud!

After a soft thump of flesh colliding, Ye Qiu's voice came out in mock complaint: "Hey, could you at least take your shoes off next time?"

Xiao Wu had already leaped into Ye Qiu's arms, knocking him onto the bed, laughing joyfully like a playful lover.

"No problem~ Big Sis Xiao Wu can wash it for you. Or you can just sleep in my blanket instead, hehe."

"Ehh~"

Xiao Wu didn't resist as Ye Qiu hugged her, continuing their little couple-like punishment game.

Tang San gave a bitter smile. Envy flickered in his eyes, but he didn't want to interrupt them, so he sat cross-legged and began cultivating his Mysterious Heaven Technique.

---

"Get up already! There are still people in the dorm!"

Seeing the naughty bunny getting more and more excessive, Ye Qiu gave her a tug to pull her upright.

"People? Oh—it's Little San."

With her hair a bit tousled, Xiao Wu sat up and only then noticed Tang San.

Just as Tang San was about to enter his cultivation state, his mouth twitched.

In his heart, he felt deeply frustrated—Am I really that worthless in Xiao Wu's eyes?

---

Following the plan, Ye Qiu stayed at Nuoding Academy for a few more days with Xiao Wu, and after that, he packed his things and set off.

After a reluctant farewell with Xiao Wu, they promised to meet again at Shrek Academy, and Ye Qiu headed straight for the gates outside Nuoding City.

Once outside—

A winding, muddy road stretched ahead. Looking at the long path, Ye Qiu sighed and muttered to himself, "I wonder if the old man Dugu received my letter."

Taking a deep breath—

Ye Qiu pushed these thoughts aside. No matter what, this fourth ten-thousand-year spirit ring was too important to lose. Even if Dugu Bo didn't come to pick him up, he would walk the entire way if he had to.

---

From the wishful treasure pouch at his waist, Ye Qiu pulled out a few long vines of the Blue Silver Emperor.

He wrapped them around his hands as he traveled.

Their minds were connected.

Ah Yin's voice sounded in his mind.

"Ye Qiu, that place you mentioned—the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—is it really that miraculous?"

Through Ye Qiu's vision, Ah Yin could see the outside world. It was a long-lost sensation. Even after spending a few months with Ye Qiu, she had only seen the outside through his memories.

Normally, Ye Qiu only let her glimpse Tang San briefly before cutting it off. Eventually, her disgust for Tang San grew so strong that she didn't want to see him even for a second—so she lost contact with the outside altogether.

"Of course. That place will definitely speed up your growth! Do you think my memory could lie?"

Ye Qiu smiled.

Before Ah Yin could get excited and respond, Ye Qiu directly looped two of her vines around his waist and tied them into a knot—to use as a belt.

"Ah! Ye Qiu! How could you use my body like that…"

Feeling his actions, Ah Yin cried out in embarrassment and anger.

"What's the problem? You're just a plant now. This is a traditional folk use for grass."

After securing the vines, Ye Qiu finally freed up his hands. He ignored Ah Yin's complaints completely.

"You! I'm not like those grasses!"

Ah Yin was furious, her teeth itching with anger at Ye Qiu.

If her true form actually had teeth, she might've bitten Ye Qiu to death already.

"Alright, alright~"

"How are you any different? A Grass Emperor is still just grass, isn't it?"

Ye Qiu waved his hand dismissively, took out his water flask, took a swig, and said indifferently, "Rather than wasting time arguing, you might as well enjoy the view outside. If you're not interested, I can just stuff you back in."

"No! Don't put me back!"

Ah Yin panicked.

She really didn't want to go back into the darkness.

Ever since Ye Qiu arrived and shattered that pitch-black prison, she could no longer bear the crushing loneliness. Every day, she longed for Ye Qiu's presence to relieve her solitude.

"I want some water too."

"Sure."

Ye Qiu nodded, picked up her potted form, and poured some water onto the soil.

"Ye Qiu, can't you really help me kill Tang San?" Ah Yin couldn't hold back and asked again. She didn't want Tang San to live another moment in this world. She had asked similar questions more than once.

Ye Qiu rolled his eyes in frustration. "What, do you think my life is too long or something? If I lay a finger on him, wouldn't Tang Hao beat me to death?"

"He won't! I'll explain it to him!" Ah Yin hurriedly said.

"Explain? Can you even speak to him?"

Ye Qiu remained unmoved.

Clearly, Ah Yin's brain had some issues. As Ye Qiu had just thought this, Ah Yin sensed it and became even angrier, gritting her teeth as she defended herself, "Ye Qiu! Why do you always think there's something wrong with me? I was just too angry at the time and didn't think it through!"

Ye Qiu curled his lips.

"You'd better be right."

"Hmph!"

Ah Yin snorted coldly.

"Then wait until I can communicate with Hao, and then you can go kill Tang San!"

"Hey, you can already talk. Why ask me to kill him? Can't you just ask Tang Hao to do it directly?" Ye Qiu rolled his eyes so hard they might fall out, cursing in his heart, What a dumb maid.

"Ye Qiu! Don't you dare say such vulgar things!"

Originally embarrassed about her own lack of smarts, Ah Yin became genuinely angry upon hearing those words.

With limited control over her body, Ah Yin began to constrict the vines wrapped around Ye Qiu's waist as if to strangle him. Unfortunately, Ye Qiu's body was too strong. Even after she used up the little soul power she had, Ye Qiu didn't even flinch.

In the darkness, a beam of light shone into a corner, illuminating a graceful silhouette.

Ah Yin propped her hands on her knees, panting. She looked up at the source of the light—Ye Qiu's line of sight.

Before she could catch her breath—

Ye Qiu's strange voice echoed from all directions.

"Ah Yin, you don't ask Tang Hao to kill Tang San… is it because you're afraid he won't agree?"

Ah Yin froze, her expression changed slightly, and she retorted sharply, "Nonsense! Don't try to sow discord between us!"

She already had some vague understanding of Ye Qiu's desire to possess her.

Ye Qiu not only took liberties with her now and then, but when he was in the mood, he even imagined live-action romance films starring a man and a grass spirit in his mind. Although she always interrupted those thoughts before they finished playing out, her knowledge, worldview, and vocabulary had grown a lot.

Ah Yin snorted coldly, "As long as I tell him, he'll definitely smash Tang San into the ground!"

"Oh really?" Ye Qiu's mocking voice rang again, full of ridicule. "Think about how quickly you spotted that something was wrong with Tang San. And Tang Hao? He raised him from a child. He's a Title Douluo. You really think he didn't notice anything wrong with him?"

"Enough! Maybe he was tricked…" Ah Yin interrupted urgently, covering her ears, not wanting to hear another word from Ye Qiu.

She had already lost her son. She didn't want to lose… anything else.

"…Fine."

Ye Qiu chuckled lightly, knowing when to stop, and said no more.

But as for what Ah Yin was really thinking—Ye Qiu knew very well.

You might fool me, but don't lie to yourself too.

---

On the journey, Ye Qiu chatted idly with Ah Yin, just to kill time.

But ever since their talk about Tang Hao, Ah Yin was clearly out of sorts—which only confirmed that her brain really was a bit off.

Half a day later—

Ye Qiu finally arrived at the location he had arranged with Dugu Bo in the letter.

"He's still not here?"

Looking around in all directions, there wasn't a soul in sight.

Ye Qiu leaned idly against a tree, took Ah Yin out of the storage pouch, and looked up at the golden dragon-scale-like patterns of light peeking through the branches, lost in thought.

"Jie jie jie…"

Suddenly—

A hoarse and eerie laugh snapped Ye Qiu to attention.

Looking around quickly, he finally spotted a straight, spear-like figure perched on the treetop.

Dark green hair and beard. Grey robe.

Ye Qiu immediately lifted Ah Yin and stood up happily, "Senior Dugu! You're finally here!"

Dugu Bo glanced at Ye Qiu. "Hmph! You brat sent the letter straight to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. If Yan Yan found out, how could I not come?"

"Hehe… I was just afraid you wouldn't be home," Ye Qiu explained with an awkward smile. Though flimsy, Dugu Bo didn't seem to hold it against him.

"Alright, enough talk. Yan Yan gave me strict orders—she must see you tonight!"

"Let's go, now."

Dugu Bo's figure flickered, and he appeared right next to Ye Qiu.

"Then I'll trouble you, Senior."

Ye Qiu smiled sheepishly.

Just as he stuffed Ah Yin back into the pouch, he suddenly felt his collar tighten—he was lifted off the ground by the neck.

"Hey, Senior! Can you carry me a different way? This is really uncomfortable!"

"Quit your whining!"

Dugu Bo didn't care at all. Lifting Ye Qiu by the collar, he flew off toward Heaven Dou City. He was already an old man—having to do errands like this wasn't easy for him either, okay?

Seeing that there was no resisting it—

Ye Qiu stopped struggling and quietly enjoyed the ride, admiring the scenery below.

All in all—

He managed to catch the express flight.

Ah Yin's vines poked out from the storage pouch and wrapped gently around Ye Qiu's waist.

Understanding that she was in a bad mood, Ye Qiu didn't push her away. Instead, he connected with her soul, letting her share the exhilaration of soaring through the sky.

Carried by Dugu Bo—

As the clouds drifted, the blazing sun above turned into a lone moon, casting soft and serene light.

At this point, Ye Qiu had already arrived over Heaven Dou City. He could faintly see a corner of its bustling main road. The glowing lights, the sound of hawking and shouting—it was all vibrant and lively. But this wasn't their destination.

As they sped past it, that scene of prosperity slowly faded from Ye Qiu's view. Surprisingly, Ah Yin seemed a little reluctant to leave it behind. It seemed she was truly too lonely. Otherwise, she wouldn't have taken form and come out.