Tide Comes

Ouyang Xiuyah's residence.

Jiang Yan gazed at the beautiful woman before him and couldn't help praising her.

"Congratulations on reaching the Golden Core Realm."

Ouyang Xiuyah's breakthrough had gone smoothly. She'd encountered almost no difficulties, relying on her deep foundation to push through in one go.

"I still have to thank you for protecting me."

Ouyang Xiuyah met Jiang Yan's eyes, then quietly looked away. She spoke without a trace of emotion.

Jiang Yan responded with a hearty laugh, making no attempt to be modest.

Ouyang Xiuyah lowered her gaze to the ground. After thinking for a moment, she suddenly asked,

"When are you planning to leave Yehuai?"

She knew Jiang Yan had returned to his old stomping grounds on a mission. Now that the people from Nanyan City had escaped danger and followed Jin Xuanzi back to the provincial capital, his mission was complete.

Tonight, he'd also fulfilled his promise to help her break through. Both his public and private affairs were settled, leaving him no reason to stay.

Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow and pondered for a few breaths before answering slowly,

"Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after."

Then, before Ouyang Xiuyah could respond, he smiled.

"But I've been thinking. Since I helped you out, I deserve a little something in return. Hmm, I'll stay here and mooch off you for a few days. I want to sample more of your cooking."

He emphasized,

"Make plenty of meat dishes."

At his words, Ouyang Xiuyah's lips curved upward, and her expression grew much more animated. Her voice softened.

"Okay."

Then, after a moment's consideration, she said,

"Now that I've broken through to the Golden Core Realm, the people in the academy probably won't be able to keep it quiet. Going by past precedent, there should be a banquet.

"They'll