Chapter 7: Shui Bing'er's First Soul Skill

"Don't be hasty, stay calm."

Shui Bing'er held the fishing rod nervously, while Lin Xiao stood behind her, his hand gently guiding hers. The young girl's long sky-blue hair shimmered in the sunlight, her cheeks flushed with nervousness and excitement.

The young man with fiery red maple hair calmly instructed her, his eyes focused on the fishing rod's float bobbing on the water.

How long has it been since I last went fishing? Lin Xiao thought with nostalgia.

Now, by his side was a lovely girl—innocent, determined, and beautiful in her own way. The moment felt oddly peaceful.

Meanwhile, Shui Yuehua crossed her arms and sighed.

"Lin Xiao, are you sure this will work? Will the fish even bite a frozen stone?"

"Trust me," Lin Xiao replied confidently.

Ice Carp had a peculiar habit of being drawn to the cold and often swallowing ice cubes in the water. The frozen stone was bait; now it was a matter of patience.

"Fishing isn't just about luck. It's a competition of endurance and skill, a battle of wits between you and the fish," Lin Xiao explained.

Shui Bing'er tried her best to focus, but she couldn't ignore the warmth radiating from Lin Xiao behind her. His scent was subtle, comforting.

If a man touches you, you'll have a baby, her mother's warning echoed in her mind.

Her cheeks flushed deeper.

Suddenly, the float twitched.

"The fish is hooked! Let out the line slowly!"

Shui Bing'er snapped out of her daydream and began reeling in the line with Lin Xiao's steady guidance. The Ice Carp struggled fiercely, but Lin Xiao helped stabilize the rod.

"Follow my instructions. Let it swim until it tires itself out."

After a ten-minute struggle, Lin Xiao lifted the rod in one swift motion. An ice-blue carp, shimmering like crystal, flew through the air and landed onshore.

It was a 100-year-old Ice Carp.

The beast thrashed, releasing an icy-blue beam in desperation, but Lin Xiao's Ultimate Fire instantly subdued it.

"Bing'er, you're so timid," Lin Xiao teased.

Shui Bing'er puffed her cheeks in frustration.

"You're so mean, Brother Lin Xiao!"

Even in anger, her cuteness made Lin Xiao chuckle. He pinched her cheek affectionately.

"How about grilled carp for dinner?"

"Grilled fish sounds delicious!" Shui Bing'er's eyes sparkled.

At that moment, Shui Yuehua approached with a much larger 400-year-old Ice Carp and placed it beside them with a thud.

"You two seem to be enjoying yourselves while I'm working hard to attract these fish!" she teased, though a playful smile tugged at her lips.

Lin Xiao bowed politely.

"Grandma Shui, I'll cook tonight to reward you and celebrate Bing'er's first spirit ring."

Shui Yuehua nodded with a grin.

"Then I'll judge your cooking skills."

She handed Shui Bing'er a dagger.

"Time for you to finish the job."

With determination, Shui Bing'er overcame her hesitation and swiftly killed the Ice Carp. A yellow soul ring emerged from its body.

"Sit and absorb it," Shui Yuehua instructed.

An hour later, Shui Bing'er opened her eyes, her aura stronger than before.

"Grandma Shui, Brother Lin Xiao! I've absorbed the soul ring!"

"What's your first soul skill, Bing'er?" Lin Xiao asked.

The girl raised her hand toward a tree.

"First Soul Skill: Freeze!"

A streak of icy-blue light shot forward, instantly encasing the tree in thick ice.

Shui Yuehua nodded in approval.

"A common but practical skill. And with your Ice Phoenix Martial Spirit, its power surpasses others of your age."

Even at her level, she was impressed by Bing'er's raw potential.

As night fell, Lin Xiao prepared a barbecue grill by the campfire, pulling out various spices from his bag.

"Today, I'll introduce you to authentic Sichuan and Hunan flavors!"

Shui Bing'er watched in awe, though she didn't understand his words. Lin Xiao seemed to know everything.

He's so brave… and smart, she thought, admiration shining in her eyes.

Shui Yuehua scoffed playfully.

"I've tasted delicacies from all over the continent. Let's see if your cooking lives up to the hype."

Lin Xiao smirked confidently.

"Prepare for a spicy surprise, Grandma Shui."