Chapter 25: Finally, Soul Master

It was noon.

Something big seemed to be happening at Nuoding Academy. Many students were rushing toward the training grounds, forming a circle around the center.

At the very center stood Xiao Wu, a lollipop in her mouth from who knows where. Facing the much taller senior students, she showed no fear at all, exuding an imposing aura—like a rabbit standing guard against a thousand foes.

Standing beside her were the work-study students from Dorm 7, and Tang San, just returning from his soul hunt, was pushing his way through the crowd.

At the same time, Ye Qiu had just stepped through the gates of Nuoding Academy, walking with a self-satisfied stride, feeling utterly refreshed.

The soul hunt had gone more smoothly than he expected.

Not long after entering the Soul Hunting Forest, he and Director Su encountered a nearly five-hundred-year-old Formless Slug.

Among slug-type soul beasts, this one was quite unique. Most of the time, it appeared like a puddle of water, but when facing danger, it could mimic other soul beasts, appearing ferocious but lacking actual attack power.

Though Director Su felt that its age was too high and that its abilities weren't particularly outstanding, he advised Ye Qiu to choose another soul beast.

But when Ye Qiu saw the Formless Slug transform, he immediately took a liking to its gelatinous, meter-and-a-half-wide body. Something about it reminded him of Venom.

Even if it was a five-hundred-year-old beast, he refused to give up. After all, he might have been slightly malnourished before, but after awakening his martial soul, he had become stronger. His body could liquefy like Venom, so he believed he could handle it.

Seeing Ye Qiu's determination, Director Su had no choice but to relent. Though the slug seemed tricky, Su was no Yu Xiaogang—he was a formidable fighter.

Ye Qiu's role in the hunt?

Simply cheering from the sidelines.

And then swooping in for the final blow.

After absorbing the Formless Slug's soul ring, Ye Qiu officially became a Rank 12 Battle Soul Master.

The soul skill he obtained was beyond his expectations, making him pleasantly surprised.

Now, he was eager to test it out on Xiao Wu, that mischievous little rabbit.

By this time, he had already completed his Soul Master evaluation at the Spirit Hall and had even accepted Matthew Nuo's invitation to become an honorary member of the Spirit Hall.

This status might come in handy someday.

And best of all?

No responsibilities attached.

With the gold soul coins in his pocket, Ye Qiu smiled in satisfaction. Thanks to the soul master stipend, he no longer needed to do any work-study jobs.

Cleaning duty? Someone else could take care of it.

He certainly wouldn't.

Crunch.

Before long, Ye Qiu arrived at Dorm 7, looking around at the empty room.

He wasn't surprised.

On his way here, he had already pieced together what was happening.

There was no need for him to get involved in this commotion. Xiao Wu would handle Xiao Chenyu and the others just fine.

As for Tang San?

By now, he had likely acquired the Blue Silver Binding skill that would stay with him for life. He was probably already at the scene.

That meant Ye Qiu didn't have to worry.

"Ah—"

Ye Qiu flopped onto his bed, turned over, and immediately began resting. He hadn't slept well last night, woke up early this morning, and had traveled a long way. He was exhausted.

Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.

—

"Ye Qiu—"

It was unclear how much time had passed when a soft, sweet voice called out to him.

Ye Qiu groggily rubbed his eyes and lifted his gaze.

The first thing he saw was Xiao Wu's adorable face.

She was leaning over him, her pink lips slightly parted, her expression filled with excitement. She licked her lips, reached out, and poked his cheek.

"Ye Qiu, why are you sleeping so early? Will you even be able to sleep at night?"

Smack.

Ye Qiu swatted her hand away, yawned, and rolled his eyes. "Do you think I sleep well at night?"

Xiao Wu's face turned red.

Every morning, she would find herself rolled up next to Ye Qiu.

Seeing her flushed cheeks, Ye Qiu suddenly had the urge to grab her face and give her a playful bite, marking her as his.

But after thinking about it, he decided against it.

That would be a bit much.

Instead, he reached out, pinched her smooth, warm cheek, and left a faint red mark.

"Ye Qiu! What are you doing?!"

Xiao Wu swatted his hand away, pouting angrily.

"Hmm?"

Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow, propping himself up.

He glanced around the dorm.

Tang San wasn't here.

He was probably registering at the Spirit Hall after the fight.

Xiao Wu, sitting on his bed with her hands on her hips, smirked proudly.

"Ye Qiu, I'm telling you, I'm now the big sister of the whole academy! Impressive, right? So you're not allowed to mess with me!"

"That still doesn't mean you can cross the line," Ye Qiu chuckled, pointing downward.

Right now, Xiao Wu was kneeling exactly on the border between their two beds.

"Ye Qiu! I told you not to call me 'Rogue Rabbit'!" Xiao Wu huffed, shifting her position and covering his mouth.

"And so what if I crossed the line? I'm a girl—you should let me, right? But you, on the other hand, are absolutely not allowed to cross it."

"Whatever you say."

Ye Qiu casually removed her hand, unconcerned.

After all, no matter how things played out, he wouldn't be the one losing out.

Still, this little rabbit was getting too full of herself.

That irritated him a little.

He grabbed both her hands, holding them firmly.

Then, he leaned in.

Close enough that their noses nearly touched.

He took a deep breath.

"What… what are you doing?"

Xiao Wu's confidence wavered as she saw Ye Qiu's expression turn unreadable.

"Did you forget what you promised me?" Ye Qiu smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement and a hint of mischief.

"I-I didn't forget! I'll listen to you!"

Xiao Wu averted her gaze, glancing nervously around to see if Wang Sheng and the others were watching.

She couldn't let her big-sister image collapse.

"Really?"

Ye Qiu watched her flustered expression, her pink cheeks trembling slightly.

His earlier thought returned.

"Yes! I'll be good!"

Xiao Wu nodded frantically, just wanting him to let go.

"That's good to hear."

Ye Qiu's tone softened.

But as he looked at her soft pink lips, curiosity got the better of him.

Before he could stop himself, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.

Her lips were as soft as pudding, carrying a faint, sweet scent, with a subtle grassy flavor.

Satisfied, Ye Qiu pulled away, licking his lips.

Something about the sweetness felt oddly familiar…

Xiao Wu froze.

Her crimson eyes widened in shock.

Her lips still tingled.

Her whole body trembled.

Her ears twitched uncontrollably.

Then—

"AHHHH—!"

A scream echoed through Dorm Seven.

Xiao Wu clutched her lips, staring at Ye Qiu in disbelief. Her brain short-circuited.

Her long rabbit ears flailed wildly.

"Ye—Ye Qiu! You—why?!"

Ye Qiu admired her dazed expression, but a faint blush crept onto his face.

Oh well.

This was Douluo Continent.

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I don't have anything to say guy's, fuck you author