Hidden Hatred: Ye Jin Makes Overtures, Zhi Xia Coldly Rejects

The rest area of the Suotuo Great Soul Arena was filled with a faint aura of Soul Power. Lin Zhixia had just finished wiping down the Starfall Bow and was about to join her companions to discuss tactics for the upcoming team soul duel when a figure in white suddenly blocked her path.

It was Ye Jin. He wore a well-tailored Brocade Robe, and the Spirit Hall jade pendant at his waist was especially glaring beneath the lights. A smile he believed to be gentle rested on his face, while he held an exquisite wooden box in his hand. "Miss Lin, we meet again."

Lin Zhixia's body instantly tensed. Her fingers instinctively gripped the Starwood Arrow Shaft, and icy coldness spread through her eyes—she had never expected Ye Jin to come directly to the Soul Dueling Arena, much less dare to stop her in a place where her companions could appear at any moment.

"How are you here?" Lin Zhixia's voice held not the slightest warmth. Her wary gaze swept the surroundings, confirming that Tang San and the others were still discussing matters near the arena and had not noticed the commotion here for the time being.

Seemingly oblivious to her vigilance, Ye Jin held the wooden box out to her, his tone deliberately gentle. "I heard you were participating in soul duels at the Great Soul Arena, so I came to take a look. I watched your match just now. That 'Void Penetration' arrow was precise and ruthless—very impressive. This is a gift I brought for you: a Star Marrow Crystal that can enhance the concentration of Soul Power. It's well suited to your Starfall Bow martial soul."

The moment the box opened, a pale blue crystal gave off a soft glow. It truly was an excellent item for a Soul Master's cultivation. Yet as Lin Zhixia looked at the crystal, she felt only mockery—her parents had been exterminated by Ye Jin's father under the pretext of being "Abnormal Soul Masters" because they possessed rare martial souls and precious Soul Tools. Now the son of her enemy wanted to curry favor with her using the same sort of "treasure."

"I don't need it." Lin Zhixia took a step back, avoiding the box he offered. Her voice was as cold as ice. "Young Master Ye, please leave. I don't want to see you again."

The smile on Ye Jin's face stiffened. He withdrew the box, a trace of confusion and displeasure flashing through his eyes—he had never been rejected so directly before, especially not when he had taken the initiative to show goodwill. He suppressed his emotions and maintained his gentle tone. "Miss Lin, I know you may have some misunderstanding about me. I admit that Spirit Hall's previous 'purge operation' may have been inappropriate, but that was the business of the previous generation. My feelings for you are sincere. If you are willing to come with me, I can help you restore the Lin Family and even give you everything you want."

"Restore the Lin Family?" Lin Zhixia suddenly laughed, but her laughter was full of sorrow and fury. "Use the hands of your Spirit Hall, stained with my family's blood, to help me restore the Lin Family? Ye Jin, do you think everyone is like you—that as long as there are enough benefits, they can forget a blood-deep grudge?"

Her voice unintentionally rose, drawing the attention of Tang San and Dai Mubai in the distance. Tang San immediately sensed that something was wrong and strode over, with Dai Mubai close behind. Both released faint Soul Power as they watched Ye Jin warily.

When Ye Jin saw Tang San and Dai Mubai approaching, his expression darkened, and his tone became more forceful. "Miss Lin, I truly like you. I don't want you associating with these people of unknown origin. Shrek Academy is nothing more than a small academy on the verge of disbanding. Following them will only ruin your future."

"My affairs are none of your concern." Lin Zhixia stepped in front of Tang San and Dai Mubai. The Starfall Bow silently appeared in her hand, and a Void Penetration arrow instantly condensed, its tip aimed directly at Ye Jin. "If you don't leave now, don't blame me for being rude!"

Looking at the undisguised hatred in her eyes, Ye Jin finally realized that the girl before him could never accept his overtures. He clenched the wooden box in his hand, a sinister gleam flashing in his eyes. Yet when he saw more and more Soul Masters taking notice of the scene, he forcibly suppressed his anger. "Miss Lin, I'll give you time to consider it. I believe that sooner or later, you'll understand that coming with me is the best choice."

With that, Ye Jin shot Tang San a vicious glare before turning and leaving quickly. Only after he was gone did Lin Zhixia's taut body relax slightly, and the Starlight Arrow in her hand slowly dissipated.

"Zhi Xia, are you all right?" Tang San walked to her side, concern in his voice. "Did he do anything to you?"

Lin Zhixia took a deep breath and shook her head, but she did not reveal the blood-deep grudge between herself and Ye Jin—she feared losing control of her emotions, and feared even more that Tang San and the others would completely fall out with Spirit Hall in order to help her, bringing even greater danger upon themselves. She merely said softly, "I'm fine. He was just harassing me. He won't do it again."

Dai Mubai frowned as he looked in the direction Ye Jin had vanished, his eyes full of vigilance. "That guy is from Spirit Hall. He definitely has bad intentions. From now on, we should try not to let you act alone, in case he finds another chance to pester you."

Lin Zhixia nodded, but she knew Ye Jin would not give up so easily. She looked at the Starfall Bow in her hand, her grip tightening by the moment—Ye Jin's appearance made her even more desperate to become stronger. Only by becoming strong enough could she personally avenge her family and protect the companions by her side, no longer being swept along by hatred and danger.

In a corridor not far away, Ye Jin stopped. The attendant beside him asked in a low voice, "Young Master, should we send someone to teach that brat named Tang San a lesson?"

Ye Jin sneered, his eyes brimming with malice. "No need. Since Lin Zhixia cares about them, I'll start with these people. Once they stumble in the Soul Dueling Arena or at the Elite Tournament, and Lin Zhixia sees how incompetent they are, she'll naturally understand that only I can give her someone to rely on."

After saying that, Ye Jin turned and left the Soul Dueling Arena, already plotting how to create trouble for Shrek's Eight Monsters in the upcoming soul duels. Meanwhile, in the rest area, Lin Zhixia still did not know that Ye Jin's malice had quietly set its sights on her and her companions.