Chapter 6: Liu Erlong’s Complicated Feelings and Xiao Yu’s Relentless Point-Grinding

Liu Erlong had always stubbornly believed that Luo Sanpao's transformation was due to the Spirit Fusion of the three of them. She had never considered that it might actually be Luo Sanpao's true form.

After sighing in realization, Liu Erlong looked at Xiao Yu with joy in her heart.

Xiao Yu was truly remarkable. His fresh perspective had allowed him to propose such a feasible theory based solely on the stories she had casually mentioned in the past.

Now, seeing Xiao Yu's confident expression, Liu Erlong found her mind filled with thoughts of him.

She even began to entertain a seemingly absurd idea.

"Xiao Yu is so impressive, even more so than Xiaogang..."

As soon as this thought arose, Liu Erlong shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel it.

She quickly reassured herself that her beloved Xiaogang was undoubtedly the best.

After some self-reassurance, she continued leading Xiao Yu through the outskirts of the Sunset Forest to hunt for a spirit ring.

However, light-attribute sub-dragon spirit beasts were incredibly rare, and finding one was no easy task.

After searching for most of the day, Xiao Yu and Liu Erlong had no success.

As night fell, they had no choice but to set up camp and rest.

After setting up the tent, Liu Erlong placed Xiao Yu inside.

"Xiao Yu, rest well tonight. I'll keep watch outside!"

With that, Liu Erlong prepared to leave the tent.

However, noticing Xiao Yu's dejected expression out of the corner of her eye, she felt a pang of guilt and asked,

"What's wrong?"

"Teacher, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep without you holding me."

Xiao Yu immediately threw himself into Liu Erlong's arms, acting spoiled.

Liu Erlong sighed helplessly at the child in her arms.

"Just for one night. Once we find your spirit ring tomorrow, I'll hold you again, okay? Be good!"

With that, Liu Erlong puckered her lips and leaned in to kiss Xiao Yu's cheek, intending to comfort him.

However, for some reason, as she leaned in, Xiao Yu turned his head, causing her to accidentally kiss his lips instead.

Realizing her mistake, Liu Erlong blushed and quickly pushed Xiao Yu away, preparing to leave the tent.

But Xiao Yu, who had already made up his mind, wasn't about to let her go so easily. Striking while the iron was hot was the way to go.

He immediately continued to act spoiled, saying,

"Teacher, you kissed me, so I should kiss you back before you go!"

Hearing this, Liu Erlong, who had just stood up, sighed and crouched down again, patting Xiao Yu's head. She then turned her cheek toward him.

But to her surprise, Xiao Yu gently turned her face back and, under her stunned gaze, pressed his lips to hers.

"Mmm..."

In an instant, Liu Erlong's eyes widened in shock.

She immediately pushed Xiao Yu away and said sternly,

"Xiao Yu, you've gone too far! Just because you're a child doesn't mean you can do whatever you want!"

"Waaah... Teacher, you're so mean! You kissed me first! I thought... I thought..."

Seeing Liu Erlong's anger, Xiao Yu burst into tears, his face filled with grievance.

Seeing Xiao Yu's pitiful expression, the anger that had risen in Liu Erlong's heart inexplicably dissipated.

Although she had been furious that her first kiss, which she had reserved for Xiaogang, had been taken by Xiao Yu, the anger quickly faded.

After all, if she thought about it, she had kissed Xiao Yu first. It was understandable that he would imitate her actions.

He must have misunderstood.

Sighing, Liu Erlong scolded herself internally.

"Why do I have such a short temper? Why am I getting so angry at a child? What does he even understand?"

After some self-persuasion, Liu Erlong managed to calm herself down.

"Alright, alright, Xiao Yu, don't cry. It's my fault. But remember, the lips are a special place. Only very close people can kiss there, okay?"

"..."

"Then, Teacher, don't you think I'm one of your closest people?"

This question left Liu Erlong speechless.

How was she supposed to answer that?

She was experienced, but how could she explain such things to a child?

Seeing Liu Erlong's silence, Xiao Yu continued with a grievance-filled expression.

"I knew it. Teacher only cares about that Yu Xiaogang. There's no place for me in your heart. I'm so sad, waaah..."

With that, Xiao Yu covered his face and began to cry loudly.

"Hey, hey! When did I say you're not one of my closest people? You're my dear disciple, of course you're one of my closest people!"

"You're lying!"

"I'm not lying!"

"Really?"

"Of course, it's true!"

"Then let me kiss you again, and this time, make it longer!"

"..."

Hearing this request, Liu Erlong was at a loss for words. What kind of situation was this?

Although her instincts told her to refuse, the thought of having hurt the child's feelings made her hesitate.

Soon, after some self-persuasion, Liu Erlong relented.

"Fine, fine, go ahead and kiss me. This time, I won't avoid it."

After all, they'd already kissed twice. He was her disciple, not an outsider. If Xiaogang found out, he probably wouldn't blame her!

As Liu Erlong closed her eyes, a notification appeared before Xiao Yu.

[Conquest Points +5!]

Seeing this, Xiao Yu was overjoyed.

This was the first time in a year that he had gained a full five conquest points at once. Previously, it had been a slow, incremental process.

It seemed that his decision to speed things up was the right one!

Now, he was just a little short of being able to open the next treasure chest.

"If I can get her to accept a French kiss, maybe I can earn even more conquest points?"

With this thought, Xiao Yu decided to give it a try, hoping to open the second conquest treasure chest in one go.

However, just as Xiao Yu cupped Liu Erlong's face and leaned in for a kiss, Liu Erlong suddenly opened her eyes.

Her pupils had turned vertical, a sign that she was about to summon her Martial Soul.

Startled, Xiao Yu stammered,

"T-Teacher?!"

"Stay here. Don't move. I'll be right back. A spirit beast has entered the area."

With that, Liu Erlong, her expression serious, quickly dashed outside.

As soon as she stepped out, she saw a golden-hued, hundred-year spirit beast wandering into their campsite.

The spirit beast looked curiously at the tent and Liu Erlong, like an innocent child exploring its surroundings.

"What kind of spirit beast is this? Why does it look so strange?"

Although Liu Erlong didn't recognize the spirit beast, she could sense a powerful dragon-like aura and light attribute emanating from it.

Without hesitation, she prepared to engage.