Chapter 39: Time to Go Out

Xuantian Technique significantly accelerated Ye Qiu's cultivation speed.

Meanwhile, the Purple Extreme Demon Pupil further heightened his perception. Although he had to cultivate in secret, the results were undeniably impressive.

"Alright, Ye Qiu! I have so many Gold Soul Coins now—how about I treat you to a feast at the cafeteria?" Xiao Wu stood up excitedly, grabbing Ye Qiu's arm.

"Sure, I haven't had lunch yet." Ye Qiu didn't refuse, stretching lazily to loosen up his body.

Xiao Wu squinted her eyes happily and held onto Ye Qiu's hand as they walked out together.

Noon

There weren't many people wandering around the academy at this hour, except for the road leading to the cafeteria, which was bustling with activity. Every student who saw Xiao Wu greeted her with a cheerful "Sister Xiao Wu!" Of course, there were also those with sharp eyes who respectfully called Ye Qiu "Boss."

As soon as they reached the cafeteria entrance, they spotted a familiar figure.

Dressed in light blue robes with a belt embedded with twenty-four jade stones, it was none other than Tang San. He had just walked out of the cafeteria carrying food and immediately noticed Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu. With a warm smile, he approached them.

"Xiao San, how come you're alone today?"

Ye Qiu greeted Tang San first.

Usually, Tang San would have lunch with Yu Xiaogang and then return to his mentor's room afterward.

"Teacher isn't feeling well today, so I came to bring him some food," Tang San replied with a smile, but his gaze had already shifted to Xiao Wu. "Xiao Wu, how did obtaining your third spirit ring go? Was everything smooth?"

Xiao Wu, still holding onto Ye Qiu's arm, nodded proudly. "Of course! I'm officially a Spirit Elder now! You better work harder, Xiao San!"

"Yeah, I will," Tang San replied with a wry smile. He had been doing his best to keep up, but Yu Xiaogang's rigorous study plans, combined with his time spent crafting hidden weapons, had slowed his progress. He was only at the twenty-sixth rank of Spirit Grandmaster so far.

"Alright, I won't disturb you two then," Tang San said, waving his hand as he walked past them. His gaze lingered for a moment on Xiao Wu, who was clinging tightly to Ye Qiu's hand, and a faint trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

When had things changed?

Xiao Wu no longer even wanted to spar with him. He had spent more time with her than anyone else, yet… was he not even worthy of being a friend anymore?

Ye Qiu turned his head slightly, watching Tang San's departing figure before leading Xiao Wu into the cafeteria.

Over the years, their relationship had grown closer, at least on the surface. They were still friendly—friends, even. But Ye Qiu wasn't sure how long that would last.

After all, Tang Hao would never give up on a hundred-thousand-year-old spirit beast, and Ye Qiu would never give up on Xiao Wu.

They were destined to be enemies.

Besides, Tang San still had something inside him that Ye Qiu had left behind.

Ye Qiu couldn't go too far with his actions yet—otherwise, that black little parasite might get discovered.

With only one month left before the academy's break, it was about time for him to head out and explore the world of Spirit Masters. It was time to find the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.

Ye Qiu turned to look at Xiao Wu.

"Hehe."

Xiao Wu didn't understand his thoughts, flashing him a silly, sweet smile.

Ye Qiu chuckled.

This foolish little rabbit was so easy to please. He reached out, gently rubbing her soft hand.

Xiao Wu's smile grew even brighter.

Ye Qiu rarely ever held her hand on his own initiative.

After Lunch

In just fifteen minutes, Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu had already walked out of the cafeteria.

Xiao Wu followed him lightly, her steps bouncing with joy. The sun was a bit strong, but the occasional breeze lifted the hem of her short skirt, carrying the sweet scent of fruit from her lips. As she looked at Ye Qiu beside her, even the wind seemed to taste sweeter.

"Alright, we've walked around the academy once. Let's head back and cultivate," Ye Qiu glanced up at the sky before turning towards Dorm Seven.

Afternoons at Nuoding Academy were free of classes, so Ye Qiu often spent hours on the bed with Xiao Wu, cultivating together.

"Huh? Alright..."

Xiao Wu pouted slightly but still nodded. She didn't mind cultivating with Ye Qiu—in fact, she liked the feeling of being completely in sync with him, sharing everything without barriers.

Watching Ye Qiu walk ahead with his hands in his pockets, Xiao Wu quickly caught up and wrapped her arms around his, following him back to the dorm.

Back at Dorm Seven

Several students were already inside, chatting in small groups.

Xiao Wu waved them off, ignoring their greetings. She kicked off her shoes mid-stride and eagerly climbed onto Ye Qiu's bed.

Ye Qiu rubbed his forehead helplessly.

"Can't you be a little more careful when jumping onto my bed?"

"I'm just helping you save time for cultivation!" Xiao Wu huffed. "Besides, I don't need you to pick up my shoes for me." She tossed her hair and sat cross-legged on the bed, extending her hands towards Ye Qiu. "Come on!"

"I wouldn't pick them up even if you begged me. Who knows, they might stink!" Ye Qiu rolled his eyes, fanning his hand dramatically near his nose.

"Ye Qiu! You're lying—my feet don't smell!"

Xiao Wu quickly covered her delicate feet, not letting him see. She lowered her head and sniffed lightly—there was no difference from when she had just taken a bath. She glared at Ye Qiu, puffing her cheeks.

"Hmph! You always like teasing me!"

"Alright, let's cultivate."

Seeing her embarrassed expression, Ye Qiu laughed, reaching out his hand. Xiao Wu obediently placed her palm in his.

Golden, golden, purple—three spirit rings rose beneath Ye Qiu's feet.

Tiny tadpole-like runes swirled at his fingertips before dissolving into light, enveloping Xiao Wu. A dark aura spread across her body as white fangs emerged from the back of her head, seemingly devouring her. A strange fluctuation rippled outward—Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu had entered a fusion state.

Their mental and spirit energies intertwined completely.

At the same time, Ye Qiu's first spirit ring flickered, instantly copying Xiao Wu's third spirit ability—Teleportation.

Their inner thoughts flowed seamlessly between them.

"Stop thinking about unnecessary things. Focus on cultivation."

"Mhm, I know."

Xiao Wu's voice was soft and sweet.

Every time, she would eagerly scan through Ye Qiu's memories, searching for any moment where he praised her or acknowledged her. Just seeing those thoughts made her incredibly happy.

She was still his, after all.

Ye Qiu still wanted to devour her.

"I told you to stop thinking nonsense!"

Feeling her embarrassment and excitement welling up again, Ye Qiu sighed, shaking his head.