Secrets of Sunset Garden

Before long, the group arrived at the cafeteria. Its architectural style was uniquely charming, with an antique elegance that washed over them.

The moment they stepped through the cafeteria doors, the aroma of food surged toward them like a tide, filling their noses. The interior was spacious, with tables and chairs arranged neatly, clearly divided serving windows, and impeccable order.

Ruo Bingling introduced it with a smile. "Our Skywater Academy cafeteria has an incredibly rich variety of dishes, with every kind of flavor you could want. It can definitely meet the needs of different students. And all the ingredients are purchased fresh every day, ensuring everyone eats both healthily and deliciously."

As she spoke, she led them to a window. "This is the specialty dishes window. Different signature dishes are offered every day, so make sure you all give them a good try later."

Jia Youcai looked at the dishes in the window, which were appealing in color, aroma, and taste. To his surprise, there was mostly seafood here, and he could not help exclaiming, "Wow, there's so much good food. I don't even know what to choose."

Huo Wu teased from beside him, "Look at you, acting so hopeless. Just try a little of every dish later."

At that moment, a group of Skywater Academy students passed by them carrying trays. Several girls spotted the people from Blazing Academy and could not help whispering among themselves, "Look, those are the exchange students from Blazing Academy. They're pretty handsome."

"Yeah, especially that girl in red. Her presence is amazing."

Huo Wu heard their comments and slightly lifted her chin, a confident curve rising at the corner of her lips.

Yan Lingzhuo quietly leaned close to Huo Wu and teased, "Looks like you're the center of attention wherever you go."

Huo Wu rolled her eyes at her and said irritably, "Quit making fun of me."

Ruo Bingling checked the time and said, "All right, everyone is basically familiar with the academy now. There's still some time before lunch, so you can wander around freely or return to the dorms for more rest. When it's time for lunch, just come directly to the cafeteria."

Everyone nodded. Chi Lingxuan said, "Teacher Ruo, we'll head back to the dorms first. See you later."

Ruo Bingling replied with a smile, "All right, see you later. If there's anything you don't understand, come find me anytime."

The group left the cafeteria and headed toward the dorms. As he walked, Jia Youcai remarked, "This Skywater Academy really is full of surprises everywhere. I'm starting to look forward to what comes next."

Yan Lingzhuo curled her lips and said, "Stop thinking only about surprises. Just don't embarrass our Blazing Academy when the time comes."

Jia Youcai retorted indignantly, "How could I?"

The sun was setting.

At that moment, Jia Youcai was wandering through the garden in boredom.

Inside the garden, colorful flowers swayed gently in the breeze.

Jia Youcai took a deep breath. The air, mixed with the fragrance of flowers and the scent of grass, made him feel utterly at ease.

He slowly followed the garden path, unconsciously slowing his steps.

Suddenly, a faint burst of laughter came from somewhere ahead. Jia Youcai followed the sound, rounded a cluster of flowers, and the sight before him made him pause in surprise.

Several Skywater Academy girls were gathered together, seemingly playing with something.

Jia Youcai walked closer and saw that it was a fluffy little rabbit being gently petted by the girls. Its fur was snow white, its eyes were red, and it was adorable beyond words.

One of the girls noticed Jia Youcai, raised her head, and asked with a smile, "You're an exchange student from Blazing Academy, right?"

Jia Youcai nodded somewhat shyly. "Mm, yes. You're playing with the little rabbit?"

Another girl answered with a smile, "That's right. It's a pet rabbit raised by the academy. Everyone likes it."

Jia Youcai crouched down, stretched out his hand, and gently patted the little rabbit's head. Rather than avoiding him, the rabbit rubbed its head against his hand. The ticklish sensation made Jia Youcai laugh.

He looked up at the girls and said, "It's so well-behaved."

Seeing the rabbit, Jia Youcai could not help thinking of another rabbit that had already lived for a Hundred Thousand Years. He had no interest in that rabbit, though.

The girls all nodded and began chatting with Jia Youcai about amusing stories involving the little rabbit.

Just then, Huo Wu's voice suddenly rang out from afar. "Jia Youcai."

Jia Youcai stood up and said, "I'll come see it again next time."

The girls nodded with smiles. "Okay, you're welcome to come again."

Jia Youcai quickly headed toward Huo Wu. When she saw him, she frowned and said, "So this is where you were."

"Is something wrong?" Jia Youcai asked.

Huo Wu looked at his calm expression, reached out to grab his arm, and pulled him in a certain direction.

Jia Youcai found it strange, but he still followed Huo Wu.

Huo Wu kept dragging Jia Youcai along until they reached a secluded corner, where she finally stopped.

Then Huo Wu looked around first. Only after confirming that no one was nearby did she turn back to Jia Youcai.

"Let's try again." Huo Wu held Jia Youcai's hands in both of hers.

"Try what?" Jia Youcai had roughly guessed what she wanted to do, but he still pretended not to understand.

"Practice our Martial Soul Fusion Skill, of course!" Huo Wu stared at him sharply.

"Uh..." Just thinking about it gave Jia Youcai a headache. Over the past year, Huo Wu had dragged him into practicing their Martial Soul Fusion Skill more than fifty times, yet they had not succeeded even once.

Huo Wu glanced at Jia Youcai, feeling discouraged.

"You really don't want to practice the Martial Soul Fusion Skill with me?" Huo Wu's familiar fiery temper began to flare again.

Jia Youcai shook his head. "That's not it. It's just..."

"Just what?" Huo Wu pressed.

Jia Youcai could not help sighing. "We've already tried so many times."

As he spoke, his voice grew softer and softer.

"I think you just don't want to cooperate with me." Huo Wu said bluntly, a flicker of disappointment flashing through her eyes.

"No, that's not it," Jia Youcai hurriedly said.

"Then why have you been avoiding me? Every time I ask you to practice, you always have some excuse." Huo Wu continued. "What exactly do you mean?"

"I..." Jia Youcai was momentarily speechless, unsure how to explain himself.

"We succeeded before," Huo Wu said.

Jia Youcai froze slightly before saying, "That was only by chance. We tried so many times afterward, and none of them worked."

That was true, but could they possibly succeed without paying those two thousand to unlock the Martial Soul Fusion Skill?

Thinking of this, Jia Youcai reopened the purchase interface and read the description again. In an inconspicuous spot, he really did find a method that did not require money, but it would require the effort of honing one's skills for ten years.

Huo Wu looked at him with blazing eyes and said, "Even a chance success is still success. As long as we persist, we'll definitely find the trick to it. Don't you want to become stronger?"

Jia Youcai really wanted to say that if they truly had to wait ten years, that big boss would already have become a god by then. Even if they mastered it at that point, what use would it be?

Jia Youcai scratched his head and said, "I do. Of course I want to become stronger. But every time we practice, that feeling of our Soul Power clashing but refusing to fuse... you understand, right?"

"Then we should practice even more and find the key from that time," Huo Wu said firmly.