ddv10

"Is this question really that difficult?"

Ye Qiu asked once again.

Ah Yin fell silent, unease surging in her heart.

What if Ye Qiu failed?

What would she do then? That… was also a problem.

Seeing the light again, Ah Yin was afraid...

Afraid it would be like in the past.

Alone in the darkness, enduring endless days and nights.

Ah Yin wanted to breathe.

But Ye Qiu was holding her too tightly.

Every breath she took made her already flushed face even redder.

"If I fail... I'll die, right?"

Ye Qiu pressed his forehead against the center of Ah Yin's brow, their breaths mingling. His black eyes were deeply captivating.

Ah Yin's faint fragrance lingered at the tip of Ye Qiu's nose.

His warm breath made it hard for her to breathe properly.

"I-I don't know either…"

Ah Yin's voice trembled with a hint of sobbing, her body heating up.

Normally, even just massaging Ye Qiu would make her as skittish as a frightened rabbit. This kind of close contact—was completely new.

She could clearly feel Ye Qiu's firm and muscular body.

"You don't know?"

Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow, curled his lips into a faint smile, and leaned in close to her ear. Masking his true thoughts just a little, he whispered softly:

"Then just take it as fulfilling my last wish, how about it?"

"Last wish...?"

Ah Yin met Ye Qiu's gaze. Those dark eyes looked as if they could pull her into an abyss. Staring at him in a daze, biting her lip with her white teeth, she hesitated for a moment and then gritted her teeth and said:

"Alright, I-I'm willing to help you. J-Just turn your face away."

"Thank you."

Realizing that Ah Yin had made up her mind, Ye Qiu smiled and turned his face away, quietly waiting for the beautiful lady's blessing.

Ah Yin stared at Ye Qiu's profile, biting her lips so hard they nearly bled.

Before leaning in, she still tried to explain—or perhaps give herself a reason.

"Ye Qiu, remember this—"

"This is just the affection and care of a senior towards you."

"You mustn't read too much into it!"

After saying that, Ah Yin carefully sensed Ye Qiu's thoughts. Realizing there was nothing but joy in his heart, she hesitantly leaned her red lips toward his profile.

"Mm, I won't read too much into it."

Ye Qiu said with assurance, but a mischievous smile suddenly crept onto his face—his inner thoughts no longer veiled.

Just as Ah Yin's lips were about to touch Ye Qiu's face, she suddenly paused.

She sensed his mischievous intent, and alarm bells rang in her heart—but it was too late.

That handsome face, with those deep blue eyes, quickly turned to face her.

"Mm—Ye Qiu! Mmph~"

Ye Qiu swiftly captured her slightly parted red lips. A wave of shock stirred in his heart.

Ah Yin's pupils widened in astonishment, stunned.

Before she could even react, Ye Qiu reached up and gently covered her eyes.

Feeling the trembling of her long lashes against his palm, he slowly savored the gift from Ah Yin.

He lightly shook his head in rhythm, leaving behind scale-like traces on her crimson lips.

Tasting that sweetness...

He couldn't help but marvel at Ah Yin's softness.

Pinned against the wall by Ye Qiu, Ah Yin hardly dared to breathe. Feeling his mental assessment of her beauty, her face, neck, even her collarbone bloomed with embarrassed blush. She twisted uncomfortably.

Ye Qiu's body radiated heat—

Causing Ah Yin to sweat lightly.

---

Outside, the darkened Blue Silver Emperor kept trembling and swaying.

The black aura dispersed, stretching and morphing back into Ye Qiu's form beside the table.

Ye Qiu covered his lips in slight pain—but thankfully, he wasn't bitten.

Looking at the Blue Silver Emperor on the table, his face lit up with satisfaction. Progress was going well.

Although he did get bitten when his hand wandered to her hip in the end...

But if it happened once, it could happen again.

There would be other chances.

---

"Xiao Qiu~ what's wrong?"

Dugu Yan, already tidied up, saw Ye Qiu suddenly appear before her, covering his mouth at first, then smiling brightly, looking a bit confused.

"Nothing. Just suddenly felt even more confident about absorbing that ten-thousand-year soul ring."

Ye Qiu smiled, took Dugu Yan's soft hand, and pulled her into his arms.

His hand rested on the beauty's slender waist, and he gave her a playful peck on the cheek.

"Really?"

Dugu Yan leaned against him, her beautiful eyes filled with shyness and joy.

"Of course. If you gave me a long kiss, I might be even more confident."

Ye Qiu joked with a grin, while his hand started misbehaving.

"You naughty rascal…"

Dugu Yan bashfully scolded, but still offered her red lips.

Such a condition was nothing to her.

As long as she could help Ye Qiu—

Even if she had to crouch and beg for a warm bite to eat, so what?

After all, her heart had already been stolen by this man.

---

In the dark.

After Ye Qiu left, Ah Yin gasped for air, her red lips parted, her whole face flushed, her eyes dazed.

Her body felt half-weak and slowly sank to her knees.

Earlier sweat made her feel a sudden chill after leaving Ye Qiu's warm embrace.

She hugged her body tightly, raised her delicate hand to gently touch her lips.

She could still taste Ye Qiu there.

Her heart swirled with shame and frustration.

Thinking of Tang Hao made that feeling even more unbearable.

She kept trying to reassure herself:

> "This… was just a senior's care and affection for Ye Qiu…"

---

"Whew~"

Dugu Yan clung to Ye Qiu's arm, snuggling close to him. Her red lips slightly parted, breathing softly. Her enchanting eyes stared at him seriously.

"Xiao Qiu~ don't lie to me… if something happens to you, I…"

Ye Qiu suddenly pinched her lips gently, stopping her from saying more.

Seeing that she wasn't joking, and the deep love in her eyes, he gave a soft pinch, then released her.

He leaned close to her snow-white neck, took in her scent, kissed her lightly, and said gently:

"Yan Yan-jie, I couldn't bear to leave you."

"That's good…"

Hearing Ye Qiu's words,

Dugu Yan stared softly at him, her heart settling down.

Ye Qiu held her slightly weakened body and said gently:

"Yan Yan-jie, sit here for a bit. I'm going to plant this herb."

"Okay."

Ye Qiu took the Blue Silver Emperor potted plant from the table, cradled it in his arms, and walked toward the medicinal field.

—

Around the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well:

Ordinary soul masters—or soul beasts—couldn't stay long here, or they'd be torn apart by the opposing energies and die.

Ye Qiu's eyes lit up as the Purple Demon Eye activated, scanning the terrain around the spring and examining Ah Yin's main body.

After a while—

He found the most suitable spot for her growth, squatted down, worked quickly, and gently patted down the soil to finish.

Ah Yin's body had now been successfully transplanted.

Inside the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, mist continued to rise—

Now he wouldn't even need to water her often.

Ye Qiu chuckled softly and stretched out a fingertip to lightly touch the Blue Silver Emperor's vine.

---

In the dark space...

A beam of light fell upon Ah Yin.

The coldness around her slightly subsided.

The blush on Ah Yin's face had not completely faded yet, and her delicate heart tightened once again, fearing that Ye Qiu would come in and bully her again.

Ye Qiu's voice echoed from all directions.

> "Ah Yin, how are you feeling?"

"… …"

There was no response for a long time.

Ye Qiu sensed that Ah Yin was still blaming him, so he didn't linger and simply explained,

> "I've already planted your main body next to the spring. That way, even without my help, your growth will be extremely fast. Just make sure to take better care of yourself."

After finishing his brief explanation, Ye Qiu was about to cut off the connection.

But Ah Yin suddenly called out to him.

> "Wait… Ye Qiu!"

> "Hmm? What's wrong?"

Ye Qiu paused his movement, the tendrils from his index finger gently swaying the Blue Silver Emperor.

Ah Yin clutched her chest, speaking in a soft and gentle voice:

> "In the future… will you still cultivate with me?"

Afraid Ye Qiu might refuse, she hurriedly added,

> "E-even if you just talk with me… that's fine too! Is that okay?"

Ah Yin looked up at the glowing spot with a face full of hope, and the flush on her fair cheeks was about to spread again.

> "Of course, no problem!"

> "You'll only be staying here for a few months. After that, I'll be taking you away."

Ye Qiu definitely didn't want to lose Ah Yin.

Not only would Tang Dazui (Tang San) never forgive him, but even Ye Qiu himself would feel it a waste.

> "Okay… thank you. You can go now."

Ah Yin's voice suddenly turned cold.

> "Huh?"

Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow, hearing the sudden change in tone. He couldn't help but laugh and tease:

> "How do you manage to be shy and angry at the same time—pitiful yet cold as ice?"

> "It's all your fault!"

Ah Yin gritted her silver teeth in frustration.

Just as she was about to say more—

The whole world dimmed again, and her azure eyes lost much of their luster.

Ye Qiu had already left.

Ah Yin was filled with resentment.

> Took everything and didn't even acknowledge the grass afterward.

> Tch!

---

"Xiao Qiu~ What's up with that grass? Why does it feel like you care more about it than me?"

Dugu Yan held onto Ye Qiu's hand, gently kneading it as she flirtatiously rolled her eyes at him.

> "Haha…"

Ye Qiu lay down with a smile, enjoying Dugu Yan's lap pillow. He raised his hand and gently caressed her delicate face.

"Yan-jie, are you really getting jealous over a plant?"

> "Hmph, I'm not jealous of that thing!"

Dugu Yan's face turned red as she furrowed her brows.

Was she being too sensitive?

But a woman's sixth sense told her—that vine definitely wasn't ordinary.

She lowered her head and kneaded Ye Qiu's face, making up her mind:

> After Ye Qiu finishes absorbing the spirit ring, she's going to "merge" with this bad guy and find out exactly what kind of mischief he's been up to!

> "Mhm… Once I finish absorbing the spirit ring, I'll explain everything to you, Yan-jie."

Ye Qiu gave an awkward smile after noticing the dangerous look in Dugu Yan's eyes.

> "I knew it!"

Dugu Yan's beautiful eyes glared at him as she gave Ye Qiu two gentle punches.

> "Cough cough… Yan-jie, are you trying to murder your husband?"

Ye Qiu looked up at her with a face full of pain.

> "I didn't even use that much force!"

Dugu Yan pouted, slightly retracting her jade-like legs. Her enchanting eyes gazed at Ye Qiu's face, and she gently reached out her delicate hand, caressing his chest.

Ye Qiu smiled, resting his head on Dugu Yan's soft, fragrant thighs. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist and turned his face sideways to inhale her intoxicating scent, burying his head into her embrace:

> "Yan-jie, you're the best."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan smiled sweetly like a blooming flower.

---

—

Emotions deepened, and Dugu Yan couldn't help but lean down and kiss Ye Qiu.

BOOM!

Suddenly, a loud noise erupted.

Dugu Yan's body trembled. She let out a soft gasp and immediately tried to stand up.

> "Ah! Grandpa, you're back!"

Following that—

Ye Qiu let out a tragic cry.

> "Aiyo!"

Dugu Yan quickly stood up and straightened her somewhat messy clothes, momentarily forgetting that Ye Qiu had been lying on her lap.

> "Ah~ Xiao Qiu, are you alright? I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"

> "I'm fine."

She hurriedly helped Ye Qiu up, and the young couple simultaneously looked toward the entrance of the valley.

Lying on the ground was a black-and-white spirit beast about 15,000 years old. It looked clumsy and silly, but it had sharp fangs and claws, its whole body pudgy and round. Right now, it was peacefully lying there…

Foam bubbling from its mouth—it had clearly been poisoned.

Ye Qiu's eyes lit up with surprise. Looking at the spirit beast, he felt a deep sense of familiarity.

> Isn't this… a panda?!

Standing atop the giant panda was Dugu Bo, wearing a stern expression as he stared at Ye Qiu.

> "Haha…"

Ye Qiu gave an awkward laugh and asked,

> "Senior Dugu, why are you back so soon?"

> "Hmph! This Sunset Forest has been my domain for many years. I know the distribution of spirit beasts here like the back of my hand."

Dugu Bo snorted coldly.

He hadn't expected that while he was out finding a spirit beast for Ye Qiu, this brat was indulging in tender affection.

Dugu Yan had nothing to say at the moment either.

Blushing, she clutched Ye Qiu's hand and stood behind him.

> "Hehe… Senior Dugu, by the way, what kind of spirit beast is this? Anything special about it?"

Ye Qiu feigned ignorance, hoping to quickly smooth over the awkwardness.

> "Hmph! Consider yourself lucky."

Dugu Bo gave another cold snort. He was mostly just feeling a little upset.

Even though they were already engaged, seeing his precious granddaughter getting "taken" still felt unpleasant.

He explained:

> "This is an Iron-Eating Beast, one of the rare spirit beasts unique to the Sunset Forest. It's very strong and extremely rare. I know your martial spirit has a devouring attribute, and this beast survives by devouring all kinds of metals to fight. It should be a good match for you."

> "So? When do you want to begin absorbing the spirit ring? Need to rest first?"

> "No need. I'll start now."

Ye Qiu looked at the familiar figure lying on the ground and walked toward it.

> "Xiao Qiu~"

Dugu Yan grabbed his hand, eyes filled with concern.

> "Yan-jie, don't worry."

Ye Qiu smiled and gently pulled his hand back. He retrieved a sharp dagger from his soul tool and walked to the Iron-Eating Beast's neck.

This was the benefit of having strong backing—hunting spirit beasts was this easy.

Ye Qiu sighed to himself. As he raised his knife, he realized the Iron-Eating Beast had literal copper skin and iron bones. No wonder Dugu Bo said it was strong—if it weren't for poison, even Dugu Bo would've had a harder time.

Still, when it came to poison, Ye Qiu was no amateur.

Martial Spirit Possession.

The poison stored in his third soul skill, Ten Thousand Devouring Venom Fangs, spread from his blackened body to the dagger. He stabbed the dagger into the Iron-Eating Beast's eye.

Soon, the Iron-Eating Beast let out its last breath.

A pitch-black spirit ring slowly floated up from its massive body.

Staring at the pitch-black soul ring, Ye Qiu didn't hesitate. He quickly guided it above his head and walked toward the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

Upon arriving at the edge of the spring—

Ye Qiu looked at the two violently churning forces below. Even though it wasn't his first time, he still felt nervous.

Turning to look at Dugu Yan, he smiled.

"Yan-jie, don't worry. I'll be back up very soon."

With those words—

Ye Qiu wasted no more time. Taking a deep breath, he leapt straight into the red-and-white yin-yang pool again after previously absorbing the immortal herbs.

"小秋~"

"Xiao Qiu~"

Dugu Yan cried out softly, stretching out her hand as if to pull him back.

"This brat better not die for real."

Dugu Bo stood like a javelin, face serious.

The Nine-Segment Jadeite snake on his shoulder suddenly shot out, biting toward the ten-thousand-year Iron-Eating Beast. But within an instant, its flesh dissolved into bloody pus, leaving behind only a pitch-black, pockmarked skeleton.

The A Yin plant rooted by the spring seemed to sense the change in the surrounding aura and swayed gently, as if praying for Ye Qiu.

Time passed quickly.

——

Sunset Forest – Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well

Mist swirled, spiraling into the sky, blending into the pale light of dawn.

Two figures sat cross-legged atop a cliff, appearing to be cultivating.

Purple energy drifted on the horizon, swirling elegantly before dispersing into nothingness.

"Phew~"

Ye Qiu slowly exhaled a breath of foul air, blinking as the purple light faded from his eyes.

Swish!

With a slight movement of his mind, a tiny tadpole-like entity appeared around his body, expanding rapidly into a black storm, endlessly swirling—like a giant beast opening its bloody maw.

And Ye Qiu sat right in the middle of that maw.

Beneath him, four soul rings appeared—two yellow, one purple, one black.

"This Silent Sleeve Dart took quite a while to digest… Let's give it a try."

Ye Qiu murmured softly.

The fourth soul ring beneath him flickered, and all the black liquid surged toward his right palm. In an instant, it formed a tray-like shape, from which thin black tendrils began to weave.

If Tang San were here, he would've been shocked beyond words!

Because what Ye Qiu was weaving in his hand was exactly the Silent Sleeve Dart that Tang San himself had once given him!

Except now—it was in liquid form.

"Refine!"

Ye Qiu growled lowly.

The black liquid dart he wove began to solidify. In just a few breaths, the Silent Sleeve Dart fully took shape.

Gripping it in his hand, Ye Qiu activated it—

Pfft!

The short arrow shot out, embedding into the solid ground.

"As expected—it works!"

Ye Qiu admired the Silent Sleeve Dart in his hand, a delighted look on his face.

Buzz!

Suddenly, Ye Qiu turned into venom. The dart in his hand melted into his palm and dissolved quickly.

Swish!

A pitch-black long sword appeared in Ye Qiu's hand. His venom-like body began growing a horn-like keratin layer, like iron armor. Adorned with these colored metallic elements, he looked much more refined.

"With this, the venom's appearance and defense both made a qualitative leap."

This was his fourth soul skill: Gold-Spirit Devour & Refine!

It had two parts—

Iron-Eating and Alchemy.

He could devour any metal. The time needed to fully digest depended on the metal's hardness.

He could then recreate any metal he'd consumed. The hardness matched natural metals one-to-one!

As long as he had the blueprints and materials...

Ye Qiu thought, maybe—just maybe—he could even hand-forge the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus that Tang San was so proud of.

---

"小秋～"

Just as Ye Qiu released his Martial Spirit Possession, a sweet and seductive voice rang in his ear.

A beautiful silhouette flashed before his eyes, a delicate fragrance wafted over, and suddenly a smooth, jade-green serpent tail coiled around his waist.

A beautiful serpent wrapped herself around him like a predator around its prey.

A patch of green scales rested on her forehead.

Even though her eyes had turned into emotionless vertical pupils, when they gazed at Ye Qiu—they still rippled with emotion.

"Yan-jie~"

Ye Qiu looked up at Dugu Yan's exquisite and beautiful face, smiling softly. His hand gently stroked her genuine snake-like waist, brushing against her soft curves, breathing in her intoxicating scent.

Dugu Yan cooperatively wrapped her arms around Ye Qiu's head, pressing it into her chest, resting her chin atop his hair. Her cheeks flushed as she felt his breath.

In a soft voice, she whispered:

"Xiao Qiu, done cultivating? How about... we go back to sleep for a bit?"

"No need, right? If this keeps going, Senior Dugu might just kick me out the door."

Ye Qiu's voice was muffled, pressed against her ample chest. The weight pressing on him made it hard to breathe.

"Hmph! He wouldn't dare!"

"If Grandpa really kicks you out, I'll leave with you."

"I'll never speak to him again!"

Dugu Yan pouted coquettishly.

She gently helped fix Ye Qiu's hair, her hands stroking and massaging his head tenderly, letting him feel her heartbeat—her warmth. Her tail coiled tighter, her body slowly writhing.

So soft it was suffocating!

Feeling Dugu Yan's teasing, Ye Qiu's face darkened. He struggled to lean his head back.

"Yan-jie, it's too early for this. You'll make me lose control—mmph!"

Just as he got his head out—

Dugu Yan cupped his face and made him look at her.

Ye Qiu looked up at her helplessly.

"What kind of look is that?!"

"If you really can't hold it in, I'll take responsibility. I'll help you…"

Dugu Yan pouted and looked away shyly.

Recalling how she had scolded Ye Qiu more than once recently, her fair face turned red with embarrassment.

She shot Ye Qiu a resentful glance—then without hesitation, she kissed him. Their red lips and white teeth met. Ye Qiu's hand found her tail and gently caressed it—smooth, delicate, and cool.

The grip on the snake tail sent a shiver through Dugu Yan's heart. Her face blushed deeper.

Breaking away from the kiss, her green eyes were filled with emotion. She smiled and used her finger to wipe the dampness from Ye Qiu's lips.

Softly, she said:

"This is your daily good morning kiss, my dear fiancé~ good morning!"

"…Mm, good morning."

Ye Qiu's warm palm slowly glided along her serpent tail.

Feeling that tingling sensation, Dugu Yan's cheeks burned hot, her heartbeat quickened.

Seeing her reaction, Ye Qiu's sleepy eyes sparkled. He hugged her slender waist, gently stroked the smooth tail, and buried his head into her snowy neck—leaving kisses like falling rain.

"You hypocritical scoundrel! Just now you said you didn't want to—ah~"

Dugu Yan moaned softly, biting her red lips seductively, tilting her snowy neck to receive Ye Qiu's kisses.

It took quite a while—

Before she finally loosened the bindings on Ye Qiu, twisting her waist and tail as she stood up, releasing her Martial Spirit Possession.

"Xiao Qiu, it's getting late. We should go down now."

Dugu Yan stood next to Ye Qiu, speaking as she turned to head toward the edge of the cliff.

"Yanyan-jie, just a little longer."

Ye Qiu's slightly awkward voice rang out.

Dugu Yan paused, turned back, and looked at Ye Qiu lying on the ground shaped like the character "木" (meaning "wood"), and couldn't help but let out a light snort.

Seeing Ye Qiu's somewhat hopeful gaze...

Dugu Yan's face flushed red. After hesitating for a moment, a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes.

She smiled softly and knelt down beside Ye Qiu.

Puffing her cheeks slightly, she gently pursed her lips, her slender, jade-like fingers traced lightly across Ye Qiu's chest. Just as she was about to reach a certain area, she slowly leaned in—seeing Ye Qiu's eyes gleaming with excitement—and suddenly let out a playful giggle and straightened up.

"Giggle~ I won't~!"

Ye Qiu's expression changed slightly, filled with a hint of grievance.

Didn't she say she'd take responsibility?

Beautiful women really do lie more—just now she clearly said she would...

Dugu Yan looked at Ye Qiu's shifting expression and laughed even harder, her full chest bouncing eye-catchingly. She playfully snorted, "Settle it yourself. I'm going down to prepare your breakfast."

As her words ended—

Dugu Yan flipped her hair, revealing her flushed cheeks, glanced teasingly at Ye Qiu, swayed her hips, and walked toward the cliff.

"Hurry up~"

She urged him again and leapt off directly. Her purple hair fluttered behind her as she slowly descended.

This was a soul bone that Dugu Bo had found for her.

According to Dugu Bo, it seemed to be a treasured possession of that guy Xue Xing—a specially gifted ten-thousand-year right leg bone, which unexpectedly granted her the ability to fly.

"Tsk, she's becoming naughty."

"After letting her try something hot once, she didn't get addicted, but now I'm the one wanting to feed her more…"

Ye Qiu looked at the rising morning sun in the east, raised a hand to block the dazzling light, and smiled helplessly with a trace of fondness.

Over a month had passed.

By now, Ye Qiu's soul power cultivation had reached level 43.

Aside from his soul power—

Ye Qiu noticed his body strength had improved again.

According to Dugu Bo—

His Venom Martial Soul, every time it possessed someone, would subtly modify the host.

Over time,

the host's talent and physical attributes would unknowingly grow stronger.

In addition—

A Yin's main body had now reached the hundred-year cultivation level.

It provided Ye Qiu with a healing-type soul skill called Endless Vitality.

It converted soul power into life force—

The healing effect depended on the amount of soul power used.

This somewhat overlapped with his Venom's ability—

But it wasn't useless. In fact, it made Ye Qiu's healing power even more formidable—

Even if someone had only one breath left, as long as they wore his Venom, he could save them.

Thinking of something amusing—

Ye Qiu sat up.

From his second soul ring, the phantom of the Blue Silver Emperor flickered, and several thick vines, each as wide as a wrist, sprouted from the ground.

"Blue Silver Entanglement!"

Whoosh!

A stone nearby was suddenly wrapped up and then flung to the side.

"Haha… If Xiao San sees this move of mine, his face would definitely be a sight!"

Ye Qiu grinned with a strange expression.

Blue Silver Entanglement? Who needs a soul skill?

He could already do entanglement using Venom—

Now, this was the real deal, Blue Silver Entanglement!

And combined with his poison ability? A perfect replica!

Tang San's signature move?

This young master learned it in just a few days. Truly worthy of being Tang San's wild dad.

Once his body cooled down—

Ye Qiu didn't linger. He stood up, stretched, activated Venom possession, and directly leapt off the cliff. No teleportation needed—

Simple and brutal—

Suddenly, eight tendrils extended from behind him. The tips hardened and stabbed into the cliff face.

"Haha… Eight Spider Lances!"

Ye Qiu grew increasingly satisfied with his fourth soul skill.

Whoosh!

Upon reaching the bottom of the valley, Ye Qiu retracted his simulated Eight Spider Lances and activated teleportation, quickly arriving at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well spring.

There—

The once one-foot-tall A Yin had now grown past one meter.

And as she released soul power, her vines could extend further and engage in some basic combat.

She was, after all, a century-old soul beast.

As Ye Qiu approached, the Blue Silver Emperor's vines quickly stretched out, wrapped around his wrist, and pulled him toward her.

Ye Qiu smiled and stood beside the Blue Silver Emperor. His hand turned black, enveloping a vine.

Just then, a soft but annoyed voice rang out.

"Ye Qiu, you haven't come to chat with me in so long!"

A Yin sat cross-legged in the darkness, her frustration almost overflowing. It was fine when she was still in deep sleep—

But now that she was alive again, left all alone, and not talking for days—how could she stand that?

"Didn't I have things to do?" Ye Qiu chuckled softly.

A Yin instinctively scanned Ye Qiu's memories. Somehow, her cheeks blushed while her heart felt an inexplicable pang of sourness. She let out a cold snort and cursed.

"Hmph! Perverted scoundrel!"

Ye Qiu naturally knew what A Yin had seen, and laughed as he explained:

"How am I perverted?"

"Yanyan-jie is my fiancée. Spending a few days before parting to explore each other, make some unforgettable memories—

That's totally normal, right?"

Ye Qiu spoke frankly—he didn't think there was anything wrong with that.

A Yin, on the other hand, had been clinging to him for the past month, always wanting to chat without even knowing what to say—just staring blankly at him.

Or being turned into Ye Qiu's personal masseuse. Ye Qiu actually wanted to return the favor and give her a massage too—but she just wasn't cooperative. She couldn't enjoy it.

She was afraid Ye Qiu might do something to her.

"You—what's normal about that? How could you let her… do something like that?"

A Yin's face turned bright red.

Dugu Yan's "actions"—although Ye Qiu had imagined them long ago—were just too much for her to accept.

Should girls have to work so hard at home?

Wouldn't Dugu Yan's throat hurt?

Weren't her legs sore?

"Tch—who told you to peek?"

Ye Qiu curled his lip.

In his mind, though, he deliberately imagined what A Yin would look like when undressing. He teased,

"Speaking of which, you've already seen everything of mine. When are you going to let me take a look?"

"Shut up! Go die!"

A Yin cried out in shame and anger, yanking back the vine wrapped around Ye Qiu's wrist.

"So stingy… I'll take you away from here tomorrow."

Their connection was severed.

Only Ye Qiu's fading voice echoed in the darkness.

A Yin's world lost its color once more. She cupped her flushed cheeks—blazing hot. Her azure eyes filled with bashfulness.

Grinding her teeth.

"This guy… what the heck is in that brain of his? Where does he come up with so many… indecent ideas?"

---

—

"Hmph, what a brat."

Ye Qiu laughed helplessly. Just as he turned around, he saw Dugu Yan glaring at him.

"Xiao Qiu!"

"Why are you playing with that vine again? Get over here!"

Dugu Yan looked at the Blue Silver Emperor growing in the soil with visible displeasure.

A mere stalk of grass trying to steal her man?

What a delusional fantasy! A death wish, really!

Does it want her to pour herbicide on it?!

"Yanyan-jie~ Where's Senior Dugu?"

Ye Qiu approached Dugu Yan with a smile, gently holding her soft hand, playing with her fingers.

"Don't try to change the subject!"

Dugu Yan glared at Ye Qiu and grumbled, "Is that stalk of grass more fun than me?"

"How could it be?" Ye Qiu smiled faintly. "I just told it we're leaving tomorrow, barely played with it at all."

He sat down at the table and pulled Dugu Yan onto his lap.

Hearing this, Dugu Yan's eyes dimmed. She snuggled softly into Ye Qiu's arms.

"I don't care," she murmured, "These past few days, you belong to me. You don't get to spare time to play with a plant."

"Of course."

Just as Ye Qiu was about to reach for her softness—

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a figure in gray robes, cloaked in dark green.

"Yanyan-jie, Senior Dugu is here. Time to eat."

Ye Qiu gave an awkward laugh and gave Dugu Yan's slender waist a playful pinch, reminding her.

"Grandfather."

Dugu Yan stood up and returned to the seat beside Ye Qiu, her face flushed red.

"Hmph!"

Dugu Bo gave Ye Qiu a cold snort and sat down across from him.

Like a devoted wife, Dugu Yan prepared food for Ye Qiu and gently placed it before him.

Dugu Bo twitched at the corner of his eye, watching with complex emotions.

He looked at his granddaughter, cleared his throat.

"Ahem, ahem…"

"Hm? Grandpa, is your throat acting up?"

Just about to scoop herself a bowl of soup, Dugu Yan looked at her grandfather curiously.

Dugu Bo froze.

Holding back the ache in his heart, he gave a dry chuckle and shook his head. "N-No, nothing."

Ye Qiu's dark eyes gleamed. He clenched his teeth, forcing down his smile by thinking of something sad.

"Xiao Qiu~ Crack open that clam for me and eat more of the abalone. Once you leave, you won't get to eat the dishes I make anymore."

Dugu Yan was completely unaware of Dugu Bo's strangeness, her attention focused entirely on Ye Qiu.

Watching this, Dugu Bo felt deeply aggrieved.

As expected, a grown daughter can't be kept at home!

With a thousand thoughts running through his mind, he silently filled his own bowl and ate in solitude.

It took him a while to calm down.

When he looked up again, he saw Dugu Yan wiping the corner of Ye Qiu's mouth—his chest tightened once more.

He asked, "Boy, need me to see you off tomorrow?"

Ye Qiu grabbed Dugu Yan's soft hand and slipped it under the table with a grin. "If Senior has time, I wouldn't mind catching a ride."

"Grandpa definitely has time! He's been holed up in his room every day. Doesn't even come out to help guide our cultivation."

Dugu Yan cast Dugu Bo a resentful glance.

"Huh?!"

That hit Dugu Bo right in the heart!

Why do you think I don't come out? You two lovebirds really don't get it, huh?

I'm giving you space!

I've been suffering outside, unable to come home, spending rainy days under other people's roofs and trees!

How is that called "having nothing to do"?

Seeing Ye Qiu's barely concealed smugness, Dugu Bo couldn't take it anymore. A cunning glint flickered in his dark green eyes as he nodded slightly.

"Yanyan's right. I do have time. And since I haven't guided you in a while, let's do a little training after breakfast. Let me see how much you've improved!"

Ye Qiu's smug face instantly froze.

This old man definitely has bad intentions!

With a forced smile, he said, "Senior, there's no need for that, right? I just want to spend more time with Yanyan-jie."

"No worries. You two can go up together." Dugu Bo waved it off, unfazed.

"Well… that works too!"

Ye Qiu hesitated a bit, then agreed.

He glanced at Dugu Yan beside him and started planning. When we spar, I'll wrap around Yanyan-jie. Let's see if the old man dares to hit hard then!

"Great! I just so happen to try out what Xiao Qiu taught me!"

Dugu Yan nodded.

Over this period, Ye Qiu had already taught her the Xuan Tian Technique, Purple Demon Eye, Mysterious Jade Hand, and Ghost Shadow Steps.

Her combat ability had significantly improved compared to before.

She'll definitely surprise Grandpa!

"Then it's settled. Hehehe…"

Dugu Bo let out a strange laugh. As someone experienced, he saw through Ye Qiu's plan right away.

Ye Qiu's Martial Soul might be mysterious, but Dugu Bo wasn't slow himself!

---

After the meal

The three rested for half an hour before starting the training session.

Dugu Bo stood upright like a spear, hands behind his back, staring at Ye Qiu and Dugu Yan, who were holding hands.

"You lovebirds ready?"

Ye Qiu and Dugu Yan looked at each other and nodded in unison.

"Ready."

"Good! Then unleash your Martial Souls!"

As his words fell—

—two yellow, two purple, five black—nine soul rings lit up under his feet.

At the same time, a giant green serpent behind him opened its bloody mouth wide.

On the other side—

Dugu Yan's long, slender legs morphed into a serpent tail, and her two yellow, one purple soul rings appeared.

Although Ye Qiu had quite a few immortal herbs, he only recognized the more distinct ones. He hadn't yet given Dugu Yan a suitable one.

Still, Ye Qiu had a plan.

Aside from Tang San, the only person on the continent who could truly recognize immortal herbs was probably Chrysanthemum Douluo.

Once he gets the chance, Ye Qiu plans to get his hands on the Immortal Herb Manual.

---

Swoosh!

Black waves crashed ashore.

Ye Qiu's soul rings—two yellow, one purple, one black—flared up.

His sturdy body suddenly softened, becoming hollow, and flipped inside out—instantly transforming into a black venomous liquid, revealing a giant fanged maw that roared furiously.

"ROAR—!"

"Xiao Qiu~"

Dugu Yan coiled her snake tail around Ye Qiu's side, wrapped by a strong arm at her waist.

They looked exactly like Beauty and the Beast.

"Heh."

Ye Qiu let out a hoarse, wild laugh, shouting:

"Begin! Aaaargh—!"

"XIAO QIU—!!"

Just as Ye Qiu shouted "start," his fourth soul ring hadn't even lit up—

He screamed in pain as he was sent flying!

Another human-shaped crater appeared on the steep cliff wall.

Dugu Bo stood where he was, grinning from ear to ear with a laugh of vengeance fulfilled.

"Heheheh."

"Boy, you really need to work on your awareness!"

"Old man, you have no sense of honor!"

Ye Qiu's voice was full of indignation.

Deeply embedded in the cliff, his whole body went limp. His chest had turned to liquid and was slowly reforming. Even with his Purple Demon Eyes, he had only caught a blur—he was nearly shattered on the spot.

From his second soul ring, the Blue Silver Emperor's phantom flickered—

Endless Vitality!