Chapter 37: Venom-Infused Hidden Weapons

"Huh? What did you just say?!"

Ye Qiu froze for a moment, not hearing clearly, and leaned in to ask again.

Seeing him move closer, Xiao Wu's heart skipped a beat, her face turning red. She suddenly recalled how he used to tease her in the same manner. Putting down the carrot in her hand and swallowing the sweetness in her mouth, she spoke in a crisp, melodious voice:

"Sister Xiao Wu is asking… will you kick me away?"

"Uh-haha."

Ye Qiu was momentarily stunned, then chuckled. He hadn't expected Xiao Wu to ask such a question. His interest was immediately piqued. Resting his chin on one hand, a playful glint flickered in his black eyes.

"Don't worry about that. I won't kick you away… for now. But once you grow up, that's another story. After all, you've made me miss out on so much rabbit meat. So, just like you said, you'll have to compensate me—with yourself."

After speaking, Ye Qiu smacked his lips, looking at Xiao Wu with anticipation.

Having long been exposed to Ye Qiu's less-than-decent thoughts about her future self, Xiao Wu instantly grasped the hidden meaning behind his words. Her heartbeat accelerated, and she bit down on her lip, her long eyelashes trembling as her face flushed even redder.

"You—you're not allowed to have such bad thoughts!" she huffed.

"Alright, alright. I'll try not to." Ye Qiu nodded with a grin, though his tone was anything but sincere. "But… are you really going to use yourself to make up for it?"

Xiao Wu pouted. His words always seemed to carry some ambiguous undertone. The way he looked at her, his gaze filled with amusement, made her even more flustered.

His hand suddenly reached out towards her cheek.

"Ah! You—"

Before his fingers could touch her face, Xiao Wu let out a startled yelp and quickly dodged, her face burning.

"Don't even think about it! You just said you don't like doing that!"

Ye Qiu chuckled and scrutinized her from head to toe before forming a rectangular frame with his fingers, playfully peering at her through it.

"I never said I didn't like it," he said with a smirk. "But if you grow up and turn out ugly… I might not want you anymore."

"What?! But… but you already—"

Xiao Wu's expression changed, a hint of panic flashing across her face. She wanted to protest but hesitated, lowering her head in grievance as she stole a glance at him.

He had already kissed her. She had kissed him too. In Ye Qiu's words, it was like he had already "stamped his seal." How could he say such a thing now?

Xiao Wu blinked rapidly, sniffled, and quickly declared, "Sister Xiao Wu will definitely grow up to be beautiful!"

Her tear-filled, glistening crimson eyes shimmered like delicate petals, making Ye Qiu's mood improve significantly.

"Alright, alright. We'll see when you grow up." He waved his hand dismissively, not pushing further. After all, he was only teasing her. He had no doubt that once she matured, both her face and figure would turn out just fine.

Reaching into his pocket, Ye Qiu pulled out a few sticks of candy and placed them on the table.

"Here, just make do with these for now. I need to return the food container to Grandpa Jack and let him know not to prepare any rabbit meat for dinner."

"Ye Qiu, where are you taking all that rabbit meat?"

Xiao Wu eyed the candy on the table before glancing at the wrapped-up rabbit meat in Ye Qiu's hands, unable to resist asking.

"Can't waste it," he replied casually. "I'll take it back to Grandpa Jack. Just pretend you never saw it."

"Oh…"

Xiao Wu reluctantly nodded in compromise.

Without paying her further attention, Ye Qiu headed for the door. Before leaving, he glanced outside and reminded her, "By the way, the wooden boards drying outside should be brought in soon. If they stay out too long, they might crack in the sun."

"Did you hear me?"

"Got it, Sister Xiao Wu knows!"

A sweet voice rang out in response. Satisfied, Ye Qiu picked up his things and made his way toward Grandpa Jack's house.

Xiao Wu remained in her seat, staring at the fruit on the table. Thinking about their earlier conversation, her face burned up again.

It was all Ye Qiu's fault!

Why was he always so shameless with his words?

She reached out, touching her flushed cheeks, then lowered her gaze to her petite figure. Suddenly, a wave of worry washed over her.

What if she didn't grow up to be as beautiful as Ye Qiu imagined?!

"Ugh! Sister Xiao Wu is definitely going to be super pretty!"

By this time of day, some villagers were already heading back to their fields to work. As Ye Qiu walked through the village, exchanging greetings with everyone made his throat dry.

Still, it felt nice. The attention reminded him of a "returning hero" moment. After all, in the eyes of these villagers, soul masters were highly revered.

Time passed quickly.

As the sun began to set, villagers carrying hoes on their shoulders returned home from the fields.

On a small hilltop—Tang San's usual training spot—three figures stood.

Perhaps it was because Tang San had recently lost his father and was feeling lonely, but he had actually taken the initiative to invite Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu for a walk and a chat.

Ye Qiu didn't refuse. Maybe Tang San just wanted an older brother figure? With Xiao Wu in tow, he followed along.

At the hilltop, Tang San gifted both Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu with silent wrist-mounted crossbows, demonstrating their capabilities.

Ye Qiu wasn't entirely convinced this was just a friendly gesture. He knew Tang San didn't like being overshadowed and was trying to subtly assert dominance.

Standing in the center, Ye Qiu gazed at the sunset with a bright, cheerful smile, exuding an approachable aura.

Beside him, Xiao Wu stole a glance at his profile. He still had the softness of youth, but the confidence on his face made him appear radiant in the golden light.

Tang San, too, observed Ye Qiu silently.

After a year of training together, he had come to realize that Ye Qiu's talent surpassed his own. Though Tang San had spent considerable time on theory and hidden weapons, Ye Qiu's rapid progress was undeniable.

Moreover, he had come to understand Ye Qiu's nature. The boy didn't seem to take anything too seriously and could blend seamlessly with a crowd of kids.

Well… except for his occasional mischief.

And maybe his slight perverted streak? Though, at least he was frugal—not a single grain of rice was ever left in his bowl.

Stretching lazily, Ye Qiu turned to Tang San.

"Xiao San, it's getting late. Let's call it a day. There'll be plenty of time in the future."

"Mm. See you tomorrow then."

Tang San smiled, feeling pleased by Ye Qiu's expression of awe when he saw the hidden weapons.

People naturally admire strength—especially in the world of soul masters. He was confident he could eventually earn Ye Qiu's respect… and perhaps even his allegiance.

Unfortunately for Tang San, Ye Qiu's expressions had all been an act.

"See you, Xiao San!" Xiao Wu called out before turning back—only to find Ye Qiu already walking ahead. Stamping her foot, she hurried after him.

"Ye—Ye Qiu, wait up! Don't leave me behind!"

"Run faster yourself!"

Ye Qiu didn't slow down.

He wanted Xiao Wu to understand—sometimes, no matter how much she called out, he wouldn't stop.

Watching them bicker and leave, Tang San sighed with a helpless smile. It seemed like only Ye Qiu could handle Xiao Wu. But when he saw her clinging to Ye Qiu's arm, his expression stiffened slightly.

Back at Grandpa Jack's house, after confirming there was no rabbit meat in their dinner, Xiao Wu breathed a sigh of relief. Linking arms with Ye Qiu as they walked, they looked just like a young couple.

Glancing at the wrist-mounted crossbow in his sleeve, Xiao Wu curiously asked, "Ye Qiu, how exactly does this hidden weapon work?"

"I'll tell you later," Ye Qiu said flatly, not breaking stride.

Beneath his sleeve, his arm had already activated his martial soul.

Hidden weapons had gaps. And where there were gaps… venom could seep in. Understanding the mechanism was easy for him.

As for Tang San's intentions, Ye Qiu had seen through them long ago.

But a mere silent crossbow wouldn't be enough to buy him over.

Especially with Xiao Wu around.

Now that Tang Hao knew her true identity, unless father and son were willing to give up the ten-thousand-year spirit ring and spirit bone, conflict between them was inevitable.

And more importantly—Ye Qiu had already secretly joined Spirit Hall.

"Okay…" Xiao Wu sighed, pouting as she clung tighter to Ye Qiu's sleeve, following him step by step.

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