Why Not Just Go Straight to Heaven Dou Royal Academy?

However, after hearing Ye Lingling's words, Qing Mu's expression did not change much. Clearly, a few words alone were not enough to make him truly feel at ease entrusting his secrets to someone else.

Seeing that Qing Mu still wore that indifferent expression, Ye Lingling could not help pursing her lips.

Why? I've been so proactive, yet he remains unmoved.

Ye Lingling felt that something was not quite right. Under normal circumstances, if a Spirit Master encountered someone with whom they could perform a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, they should have been overjoyed.

After all, a Martial Soul Fusion Skill meant an elevation in one's status within the Spirit Master world. Dragon Duke and Snake Dowager were perfect proof of that.

Unless...

This person had some unavoidable reason!

At that thought, Ye Lingling's eyes suddenly lit up. Yes, that had to be it!

Ye Lingling immediately said, "I understand. It is rather presumptuous to expect Mister Qing Mu to agree so readily. After all, we only met for the first time today. It is only natural for you to have concerns."

At those words, Qing Mu's gaze flickered slightly. It seemed this woman had figured something out.

Noticing the subtle shift in Qing Mu's expression, Ye Lingling became even more certain of her guess. She continued, "Practicing a Martial Soul Fusion Skill is a long-term matter. Mister Qing Mu can spend some time with us first, then decide whether or not you wish to practice a Martial Soul Fusion Skill with me.

"You should know that a Martial Soul Fusion Skill requires the two people to be of one mind. If either person is unwilling, then the Martial Soul Fusion Skill cannot succeed."

Hearing this, Qing Mu rubbed his chin and began considering the feasibility of performing a Martial Soul Fusion Skill with her.

Indeed, Martial Soul Resonance merely indicated that the two of them had the potential for a Martial Soul Fusion Skill. To truly perform one in the end, however, their mutual understanding would need to reach a certain level.

A Martial Soul Fusion Skill clearly could not be performed by one person alone. Therefore, if he did not agree, it would never succeed.

Thus, in this relationship, he undoubtedly held the dominant position. To him, a Martial Soul Fusion Skill was merely icing on the cake, but to Ye Lingling, it was a timely gift in the snow.

A Martial Soul Fusion Skill combined the strengths of both sides. Given Bulbasaur's traits, the result of their fusion would undoubtedly possess immensely powerful combat ability, precisely what the Nine Heart Begonia, which only possessed healing abilities, lacked.

Across from him, after saying those words, Ye Lingling could not help feeling somewhat uneasy.

Although Dugu Yan often joked about capturing Qing Mu and bringing him over, those were only jokes. For something like a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, forcing it was of little use.

Perhaps methods such as coercion or mental control could barely allow a Martial Soul Fusion Skill to be used, but the drawbacks of such methods were obvious.

First, the compatibility achieved this way was often not high, and its power was far inferior to one performed willingly. Second, the risks were simply too great. A Martial Soul Fusion Skill required the two hearts to merge, with complete intimacy and trust. No one could guarantee when an accident might occur in a relationship maintained through underhanded methods.

And when it came to a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, any accident would be fatal. No one dared take that risk.

So, it would naturally be best if Qing Mu agreed. But if Qing Mu refused, Ye Lingling had no way to force him. She could not really resort to some twisted method, could she?

Leaving aside whether her family would agree, Ye Lingling herself could not get past that hurdle in her heart.

Beside them, Dugu Yan also knew that they had reached a critical moment. Usually rather carefree, she merely drank the tea before her in silence, not making a sound to interfere with Qing Mu's choice.

For a moment, the atmosphere was so quiet it was almost frightening. The sound of running water, rustling leaves, and cicadas chirping could all be heard clearly.

Time passed second by second amid that silence. After roughly two minutes, Qing Mu finally smiled and said, "Since Miss Ye has put it this way, what reason do I have to refuse?"

"So, Mister Qing Mu, you agree?"

Although Qing Mu had already agreed, Ye Lingling still tucked back the hair beside her ear and asked again for confirmation.

Qing Mu nodded. "Of course. I have never broken a promise I made."

"Haha, I knew you would agree, little brother Qing Mu. After all, Lingling is so adorable. What man in this world could bear to refuse her?"

After Qing Mu agreed, Dugu Yan immediately patted him on the shoulder and teased him.

In response, Qing Mu merely smiled faintly without confirming or denying it.

Qing Mu's agreement to get to know Ye Lingling better was indeed partly because of Ye Lingling herself, but more importantly, a Martial Soul Fusion Skill was a good thing.

Now that Qing Mu held the dominant position, he did not wish to give it up so easily.

As for Qing Mu's secrets, he could first observe Ye Lingling as a person. If he eventually found that Ye Lingling was unsuitable, it would not be too late to leave then.

"Since that is the case, we are friends now. Stop calling me Miss Dugu; it sounds too distant. I am a few years older than you, so you can call me Sister Yan Yan!"

Dugu Yan looked at Qing Mu with an amused expression.

After hearing Dugu Yan's words, Ye Lingling also said, "Lingling. That is what my friends call me."

After saying that, Ye Lingling looked at Qing Mu with a hint of anticipation.

Seeing this, Qing Mu could not help laughing. "You can just call me Qing Mu."

"Oh, right!"

At this moment, Qing Mu seemed to remember something and said, "I nearly forgot to tell you something. I probably will not be staying in Suotuo City for very long. In around ten days to half a month, I will be leaving."

"You're leaving, Qing Mu?"

When Ye Lingling heard that Qing Mu was leaving, she froze, her face turning slightly pale.

"Why would you do that, Qing Mu? Do you not like it here? If so, we can go somewhere else."

As she spoke, she gripped the skirt over her knees. Her voice remained ethereal, but the faint tremor within it made her seem even more forlorn.

"It has nothing to do with you."

Seeing Ye Lingling's reaction, Qing Mu immediately realized that she had misunderstood him. He hurriedly explained, "I am going to school. My parents gave me recommendation letters for Plant Academy and Exotic Beast Academy. After some time, I plan to visit those two academies and choose one as the academy where I will study for the next few years."

"Phew~"

So it was for school. Upon hearing Qing Mu's explanation, Ye Lingling finally let out a sigh of relief. It was good that he was not leaving because he disliked her.

Even so, Ye Lingling's delicate brows still furrowed slightly. She had only just managed to keep Qing Mu from rejecting the idea of a Martial Soul Fusion Skill. If Qing Mu went to Plant Academy or Exotic Beast Academy, would not all her previous efforts be in vain?

"Ah, I thought it was something serious."

At that moment, Dugu Yan curled her lips and said, "Why go to Plant Academy or Exotic Beast Academy? Why not just come with us to Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"