Tasting It Again After Many Years

In the open space surrounded by flower beds.

Ye Qiu transformed and let out a roar at Tang San, looking somewhat ferocious. The bulging muscles on his body brimmed with explosive power, making him seem like a wild beast.

Bang! Ye Qiu once again used brute force to break through Tang San's Blue Silver Entanglement. He took the Mystic Jade Hand head-on with his chest, only turning into soft liquid to absorb the impact and disperse the force. He remained utterly unmoved as he swung his massive hand at Tang San.

"Ye Qiu, your defense really is impressive." Tang San used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track beneath his feet and swiftly dodged aside.

"Of course. Otherwise, wouldn't all my increased cultivation have been for nothing?" Ye Qiu said with a smile, patting his chest as his second soul ring lit up beneath his feet.

Whoosh! Black tentacles immediately grew from within Tang San's body, continuously wrapping around him, devouring the Soul Power inside him as they grew wildly.

"It's not just you who can use Parasitism!"

Tang San smiled, unhurried. He knew this was Ye Qiu's second soul skill, Parasitism, much like his own second soul skill.

As soon as the words fell.

Blue Silver Grass began growing all over Ye Qiu's body.

After their many battles, Tang San had already learned how to deal with Ye Qiu's attacks. The Soul Power throughout his body stirred and surged, washing over him. Only after expending a considerable amount of Soul Power did he break free from Ye Qiu's restraints. Tang San also had to admit that Ye Qiu's Martial Soul and soul skills were both superior to his own.

By the time Tang San broke free, Ye Qiu had already torn apart the Blue Silver Grass and charged right in front of him.

"Let's stop. We still have to travel tomorrow." Tang San's breathing was slightly hurried as he hastily waved his hand at the approaching Ye Qiu.

"Fine! Then I'll let you off for today." Ye Qiu said smugly as he released his Martial Soul Possession.

Tang San said irritably, "Hey, what do you mean, you're letting me off? If I got serious, you might not be able to do anything to me either."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Our Little San is still hiding his strength—I know." Ye Qiu nodded repeatedly in a perfunctory manner, smiling as he patted Tang San on the shoulder. "Let me see it sometime if there's a chance?"

"There'll be a chance."

Tang San smiled. He was not angered by Ye Qiu's dismissal. Deliberately showing off was the lowest approach; only revealing one's strength at a crucial moment would leave a deep impression and truly win others over.

"Then I'll be looking forward to it."

Ye Qiu did not care what Tang San was thinking as he headed toward the Seventh Dorm.

Ever since Ye Qiu's cultivation had surpassed Tang San's, their sparring matches had shifted from being evenly matched at first to gradually favoring Ye Qiu, and the gap was only growing wider.

Blue Silver Grass had excellent control abilities, but it placed very limited restrictions on Ye Qiu. Moreover, Ye Qiu's Venom naturally grew tentacles. Entangling someone was hardly an ability he could not replicate.

As for Tang San's Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, it seemed somewhat inadequate before Ye Qiu's powerful senses. And in close combat, Ye Qiu feared it even less.

Tang San had yet to use hidden weapons against him, though.

"Ye Qiu, I'm going to see Teacher."

"Mm, go ahead."

Ye Qiu did not even turn around. He was not particularly curious about Tang San going to see Yu Xiaogang. At most, Yu Xiaogang would have Tang San take some books back and read more during the break.

Inside the Seventh Dorm, Xiao Wu had already packed her things. Sitting by the bed, she repeatedly patted the blankets and cursed Ye Qiu under her breath, sulking.

"I mean... it's just one break apart. Do you really have to hate me this much?" Ye Qiu's teasing yet helpless voice sounded behind her.

Xiao Wu turned around, her face full of displeasure. She snorted coldly and ignored Ye Qiu.

Ye Qiu smiled and, without caring, placed the package he had prepared long ago into Xiao Wu's hands.

He instructed her, "Here, these are the Gold Soul Coins I prepared. Help me give them to Grandpa Jack. You should know where the key to the house is. Oh, and my remaining candy is in there too. Consider it your payment."

"Who wants your candy? I don't need any payment." Xiao Wu glared at Ye Qiu, her face drawn as she stuffed the things into her bundle.

"If you don't want payment, then consider it a gift from me." Ye Qiu smiled indifferently, sat on the edge of the bed, and reached out to cup Xiao Wu's face.

"Y-you, what are you doing? Let go of Sister Xiao Wu." Xiao Wu shook her head desperately, but Ye Qiu held her firmly. As she watched his face draw closer, she gradually stopped struggling.

"Do you remember what I told you? Don't get too close to him, understand?" Ye Qiu said solemnly and earnestly.

"I won't. I don't want to listen to you." Xiao Wu shook her head angrily.

"..." Ye Qiu narrowed his dark eyes slightly, displeasure rising in his heart. He looked calmly at Xiao Wu and asked, "Are you serious?"

As he spoke, his grip grew noticeably firmer.

"I..." Seeing Ye Qiu's expressionless face, Xiao Wu, who had wanted to stubbornly argue, immediately began to panic. She grabbed the corner of Ye Qiu's clothes and explained, "I was joking, really..."

"You'd better have been joking. Otherwise, when I leave this time... I won't come back." Ye Qiu smiled and rubbed Xiao Wu's cheek. If Xiao Wu refused to listen and insisted on courting death, what would he come back for? "No, I really was joking! I remember what you said. I definitely won't get too close to him." Xiao Wu looked at Ye Qiu and could tell that he was not joking. Her face turned slightly pale as she hurriedly corrected herself.

"Heh, good that you remember. I won't harm you. I'll protect you, understand?" Ye Qiu chuckled softly and rubbed her still slightly baby-fat cheeks.

Hearing Ye Qiu's words, moisture seemed to well up in Xiao Wu's crimson eyes. Her face burned hot as her little hands clutched tightly at Ye Qiu's clothes. She declared resolutely, "I-I'll protect you too. Whoever goes against you, Sister Xiao Wu will beat them up~ Really!"

"Haha... what a silly rabbit."

Ye Qiu laughed helplessly. This kind of love-struck fool was nice too. He liked it very much. Looking at that pretty face, Ye Qiu could not help slowly leaning closer and capturing that sweet, soft tenderness he had not tasted in so many years.

Xiao Wu stared blankly at him, the spring ripples in her eyes nearly overflowing. Her red lips, lightly bitten between pearly teeth, parted slightly to meet Ye Qiu.

This was their third contact.

Five years had passed since Ye Qiu had taken the initiative, and four years since she had. Was Ye Qiu going to make her his girlfriend? Feeling the damp warmth and movement on her lips, Xiao Wu's long eyelashes fluttered as she looked at Ye Qiu before her, joy in her eyes. She really liked this...

Early the next morning.

Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu said goodbye at the entrance of Notting Academy.

The previous unhappiness was gone from Xiao Wu's face. Perhaps it was because of last night, or perhaps because just now, before parting, Ye Qiu had bullied her again and lightly kissed her.

Wishing everyone a happy life!