Chapter 40: Might End Up as a Loot Crate

"Alright!"

Xiao Wu beamed as she nodded, a hint of pride rising in her heart. Even though she already knew Ye Qiu's thoughts, she still deliberately asked,

"So? Isn't my soul skill amazing?"

"Yeah, it's really powerful."

Ye Qiu answered truthfully, quite satisfied himself. He didn't mind her redundant question.

Xiao Wu's soul skills were indeed impressive—

Waist Bow, Charm, and Teleportation.

With offense, control, and mobility, her abilities were quite well-rounded.

"Hehe, I'll get even stronger in the future. You have to treat me even better!"

"And what exactly counts as treating you better?"

"Hmm? You need to spend more time walking around with me! Earlier was too short—I wasn't satisfied."

...

Apart from training and attending classes, Ye Qiu's only source of entertainment was teasing Xiao Wu.

A month quickly passed, and Ye Qiu successfully broke through to level 32.

At this moment, he had just collected his monthly stipend from the Spirit Hall and was leisurely making his way back to Dorm 7. Along the way, he occasionally saw students carrying their luggage, heading out of the academy.

The holiday had begun.

Students were gradually returning home. This was Ye Qiu's fifth holiday at Nuoding Academy.

With a bright, spring-like smile on his face, he felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. He would soon set off for the Sunset Forest to explore the vast world of soul masters.

Before long, Ye Qiu returned to Dorm 7.

"Ye Qiu, you're finally back! I was so bored without you!"

Xiao Wu quickly jumped up from Ye Qiu's bed, hastily tidying up his blanket.

"If you're bored, then go cultivate! Why do you keep lying on my bed?" Ye Qiu rolled his eyes at the mess Xiao Wu had made.

"I was just tired from packing my stuff and accidentally fell asleep."

Xiao Wu grinned sheepishly before dashing over to Ye Qiu's side. "So? Did they accidentally give you a few extra gold soul coins again?"

"What are you even thinking? That kind of good fortune doesn't happen often."

Ye Qiu flicked her forehead. But her words reminded him—he needed to head to a more advanced city soon to update his Spirit Hall identification.

No matter what, Spirit Hall had the widest influence. While traveling, he might even score free lodging—safer and more convenient.

"I'm gonna go freshen up first. We'll talk later."

Ye Qiu gently tapped Xiao Wu's nose. Tomorrow marked the end of the semester, and he would have to bid farewell to this little bunny for a while.

"Okay!"

Xiao Wu nodded happily. Once Ye Qiu left, she promptly dove back onto his bed.

She had once suggested merging their beds again while training together, but after being teased by Ye Qiu, she had been too embarrassed to bring it up again.

However, she cherished every visit back to Holy Soul Village—because during those times, she could sleep beside Ye Qiu. She would wash his clothes, and he would make delicious food for her. Just the two of them, living together.

By the time Ye Qiu came out from freshening up, his bed was neatly arranged again, with a small bundle placed at the head.

"Ye Qiu, I've already packed everything for your trip home! So? When you go back this time, you can make more Blue Silver Grass cakes for me, right?"

Xiao Wu sat on the bed, patting the blanket with a proud smile.

Ye Qiu shook his head with a smile. "Not this time."

"Huh? Why not? I've been so obedient lately! I trained with you every afternoon and evening!"

Xiao Wu pouted, counting on her fingers, looking at Ye Qiu in confusion.

Ye Qiu answered honestly,

"Because I'm not going home this year."

"You're not going home?!"

Xiao Wu stared at him in shock, then quickly jumped off the bed, clasping her hands behind her back, tilting her head up at him playfully.

"Then where are you going? I'll go with you!"

Ye Qiu paused in drying his hair and smirked. Suddenly, he tossed the towel over Xiao Wu's face.

"Ah—what are you doing?!"

Xiao Wu quickly pulled the towel off, but Ye Qiu had already moved behind her. His voice came from behind her ear,

"I'm heading out for a bit."

"That's great! I want to see the world outside too!"

Xiao Wu turned excitedly, bouncing toward Ye Qiu.

Ye Qiu sighed at her lively energy and hesitated for a moment before saying,

"But... I'm not taking you with me this time."

"…What?!"

Xiao Wu's body stiffened mid-jump, almost twisting her ankle. Even the towel in her hand fell to the floor, but she paid it no mind.

She just stared at Ye Qiu in confusion and panic.

"Ye Qiu, what did you just say?"

"I said, I'm not bringing you along this time."

Xiao Wu froze for a moment before rushing forward, grabbing his arm anxiously.

"Why? Why won't you take me with you?"

"Uh… it's not convenient."

Ye Qiu chuckled. After all, he was heading to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in the Sunset Forest—Poison Douluo Dugu Bo's lair.

If he took Xiao Wu, there was a real chance they'd both end up as corpses.

Besides, Tang Hao was still lurking around. He might allow Xiao Wu to be close to Ye Qiu, but he definitely wouldn't let her leave his sight.

The best and safest option was to let Xiao Wu and Tang San stay in Holy Soul Village for two months.

"What's inconvenient about it?! Am I not well-behaved enough?"

Xiao Wu's red eyes widened, and she stomped her foot. It had been a long time since she raised her voice at Ye Qiu like this.

"Of course not. You've been really obedient lately."

Ye Qiu chuckled, pinching her soft, round cheeks.

"Then take me with you! I'll be so bored if I stay here alone."

Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled with a mix of grievance and pleading as she hugged Ye Qiu's arm, swaying gently.

"I promise I'll be good. I won't cause you any trouble! I can train with you, I can wash your clothes—"

"Alright!"

Ye Qiu knocked on her forehead lightly, then took her hands into his, rubbing them gently.

"I'm not abandoning you. I'll be back when school starts."

"What do you mean, 'abandoning'?! I—I'm not even yours…"

Xiao Wu's face flushed red as she muttered in protest. But she still didn't want to be separated from him.

"Ye Qiu~ take me with you, please?"

"Ah! Ye Qiu~!"

Suddenly, Ye Qiu pulled her into a hug, gently holding her growing figure. Their faces pressed together, and Xiao Wu's body quickly became hot.

......................................................

Aww finally