Chapter 42: Tasting Again After Many Years ( Bonus)

In the open space surrounded by training dummies, Ye Qiu transformed, letting out a fierce roar toward Tang San. His expression was somewhat ferocious, his muscles bulging with explosive strength, making him look like a wild beast.

Splat!

Ye Qiu once again used brute force to break through Tang San's Blue Silver Bind. He took Tang San's Mysterious Jade Hand head-on with his chest, his body momentarily turning into a soft, fluid-like state to disperse the force. He remained steady and unmoved, then stretched out his large hand, aiming a palm strike at Tang San.

"Ye Qiu, your defense is really something," Tang San remarked as he swiftly dodged with Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track.

"Of course! Otherwise, all my cultivation would have been for nothing, right?" Ye Qiu chuckled, patting his chest as his second spirit ring lit up.

Whoosh!

Black tendrils sprouted from Ye Qiu's body, continuously wrapping around Tang San, trying to invade and devour his spirit power as they grew wildly.

"You're not the only one who knows parasitism!"

Tang San smiled, unfazed. He recognized this as Ye Qiu's second spirit ability—similar to his own parasitic technique.

As soon as he finished speaking, Blue Silver Grass began growing from Ye Qiu's body.

After multiple battles, Tang San had already learned how to counter Ye Qiu's attacks. He surged his spirit power, forcefully shaking off Ye Qiu's bind, though it cost him considerable energy. He had to admit that Ye Qiu's martial spirit and abilities were superior to his own.

But while Tang San was busy breaking free, Ye Qiu had already torn through the Blue Silver Grass and closed the distance between them.

"Let's stop here for today. We still have a journey ahead of us tomorrow." Tang San, slightly breathless, raised his hand in surrender as Ye Qiu charged toward him.

"Alright! I'll let you off this time." Ye Qiu grinned smugly, dismissing his martial spirit state.

Tang San scoffed, "Hey, what do you mean by 'let me off'? If I got serious, you might not even be able to handle me, you know?"

"Yeah, yeah, of course! Our little San must be hiding some real strength," Ye Qiu nodded exaggeratedly, playfully patting Tang San's shoulder. "How about showing me sometime?"

"You'll get your chance," Tang San replied with a faint smile. He wasn't offended by Ye Qiu's teasing—true power was best revealed at the right moment to leave a lasting impression.

"I'll be looking forward to it," Ye Qiu said, paying no further attention as he made his way back to the dormitory.

Ever since Ye Qiu's cultivation surpassed Tang San's, their sparring sessions had gradually become one-sided, with the gap between them growing larger.

Blue Silver Grass had great control capabilities, but it was limited against Ye Qiu, whose venom and natural affinity for tendrils made entanglement an ineffective strategy.

Tang San's Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track was also less effective against Ye Qiu's superior perception. In close combat, Ye Qiu had nothing to fear.

As for hidden weapons, Tang San had yet to use them against him.

"Ye Qiu, I need to visit my teacher," Tang San said.

"Go ahead."

Ye Qiu didn't even turn back. He wasn't particularly curious about Tang San meeting Yu Xiaogang—it was likely just to borrow some books for studying over the break.

Back in the dormitory, Xiao Wu had already packed her belongings and was sitting on her bed, angrily slapping her blanket while muttering curses at Ye Qiu.

"I mean, I'm just not going to be around for one vacation. Do you really have to hate me this much?" Ye Qiu's teasing yet helpless voice rang out behind her.

Xiao Wu turned her head, her face full of displeasure. She snorted coldly and ignored him.

Ye Qiu chuckled, unfazed. He placed a prepared pouch into her hands.

"This is some gold spirit coins I set aside. Give them to Grandpa Jack for me. You know where the house key is. Oh, and there are some leftover fruits in there—consider it your payment."

"Hmph! Who needs your payment?!" Xiao Wu shot him a glare, stuffing the pouch into her bag with a sulky expression.

"Then just take it as a gift," Ye Qiu said indifferently, sitting beside her. He suddenly cupped her face in his hands.

"W-What are you doing?! Let go of me!" Xiao Wu struggled, shaking her head, but Ye Qiu's grip remained firm. As he leaned in, she slowly stopped resisting.

"Do you remember what I told you? Stay away from him. Understood?" Ye Qiu's voice was serious, his gaze unwavering.

"I don't want to! I don't have to listen to you!" Xiao Wu huffed, turning her head stubbornly.

Ye Qiu's dark eyes narrowed slightly, his displeasure evident. His grip on her face tightened slightly.

"Are you serious?" His voice was calm, but there was an undeniable pressure behind it.

"I…" Seeing his expression, Xiao Wu, who had initially wanted to argue, suddenly panicked. She grabbed onto his sleeve and quickly explained, "I was just joking! Really!"

"You'd better be. Otherwise, I won't come back after this trip." Ye Qiu smiled, rubbing her cheek. If Xiao Wu didn't listen and put herself in danger, there would be no reason for him to return.

"No! I swear I was just joking! I remember what you said—I won't get too close to him!" Xiao Wu anxiously reassured him, her face turning slightly pale.

"Heh… As long as you remember. I won't harm you—I'll always protect you. Got it?" Ye Qiu's voice softened as he gently pinched her still slightly chubby cheeks.

Hearing this, Xiao Wu's red eyes shimmered as if misted over. Her face burned as she gripped Ye Qiu's sleeve tightly. "I-I'll protect you too! If anyone dares to mess with you, I'll beat them up! For real!"

"Haha… What a silly little rabbit."

Ye Qiu laughed, amused by her determination. He liked this side of her. Looking at her delicate face, he couldn't help but lean in, capturing her soft lips in a kiss.

Xiao Wu's eyes widened in surprise before slowly closing. Her long eyelashes fluttered, her lips slightly parting to welcome him.

This was their third kiss.

It had been five years since Ye Qiu had taken the initiative. Four years since she had.

Was Ye Qiu finally going to ask her to be his girlfriend?

Feeling the warmth and movement against her lips, Xiao Wu's heart raced. Looking at him with joy in her eyes, she thought, I really love this…

The next morning, Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu stood at the gates of Nuoding Academy, saying their goodbyes.

Xiao Wu no longer looked as upset as before. Perhaps it was because of last night… or maybe because, just before leaving, Ye Qiu had once again teased her with a light kiss.