Savoring It Again After Many Years

In the clearing enclosed by flower beds.

Ye Qiu transformed, roaring at Tang San with a ferocious expression. The muscles bulging across his body brimmed with explosive power, making him look like a beast.

Pfft!

Ye Qiu once again broke through Tang San's Blue Silver Binding with brute force. He took the Mysterious Jade Hand head-on with his chest, which had turned into soft, liquid-like flesh that rippled to absorb the force. He stood unmoved, then swung a huge hand toward Tang San.

"Ye Qiu, your defense really is impressive." Tang San used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, swiftly dodging aside.

"Of course. Otherwise, wouldn't all that cultivation have been for nothing?" Ye Qiu said with a laugh, patting his chest as the Second Soul Ring beneath his feet lit up.

Whoosh!

Black tentacles immediately sprouted from Tang San's body, wrapping around him and devouring his Soul Power as they grew wildly.

"You're not the only one who can use parasitism!"

Tang San smiled, unhurried. He knew this was Ye Qiu's Second Soul Skill, a parasitic ability much like his own Second Soul Skill.

As soon as he finished speaking,

Blue Silver Grass began growing from Ye Qiu's body.

Their many past battles had taught Tang San how to deal with Ye Qiu's attacks. Soul Power surged through his body, washing away the restraints, and it took a great deal of it before he finally escaped Ye Qiu's Entanglement. Tang San had to admit that Ye Qiu's Martial Soul and Soul Skills were both superior to his own.

By the time Tang San had broken free, Ye Qiu had already torn through the Blue Silver Grass and charged right up to him.

"I'm done. We still have to travel tomorrow." Tang San was breathing a little heavily. Seeing Ye Qiu rush toward him, he hurriedly waved his hands.

"All right! I'll let you off for today." Ye Qiu grinned smugly and canceled his Martial Soul Possession.

Tang San said exasperatedly, "Hey, what do you mean, you're letting me off? If I got serious, you wouldn't necessarily be able to handle me."

"Right, right, right. Our little San's been holding back. I know." Ye Qiu nodded repeatedly, sounding perfunctory, and patted Tang San on the shoulder with a smile. "Maybe you can show me sometime?"

"There'll be a chance."

Tang San smiled, unbothered by Ye Qiu's underestimation of him. Showing off on purpose was the lowest approach. Only revealing his strength at a crucial moment would leave a deep impression and earn people's respect.

"Then I'll look forward to it."

Ye Qiu didn't care what Tang San thought. He headed for Dorm Seven.

Ever since Ye Qiu's cultivation had surpassed Tang San's, their spars had gradually shifted from evenly matched to favoring Ye Qiu, and the gap had only continued to widen.

Blue Silver Grass did have excellent control, but it could barely restrain Ye Qiu. His poison could naturally produce tentacles, so Entanglement wasn't some skill he couldn't replicate.

And Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track wasn't much use against Ye Qiu's powerful perception, either. Ye Qiu was even less afraid of close-quarters combat.

As for Hidden Weapons, Tang San still hadn't used them against him.

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

"Mm, go ahead."

Ye Qiu didn't even turn around. He wasn't particularly curious about Tang San visiting Yu Xiaogang. It was probably just so Tang San could take some books home and read during the break.

In Dorm Seven, Xiao Wu had already packed her things. She sat on the edge of the bed, patting the quilt and cursing Ye Qiu under her breath, sulking.

"I mean, it's just one holiday away. Do you really have to hate me that much?" Ye Qiu's teasing yet helpless voice came from behind her.

Xiao Wu turned around, her face full of displeasure. She gave a cold snort and ignored Ye Qiu.

Ye Qiu smiled and, without waiting for her to say anything, placed the parcel he had prepared in her hands.

"Here. These are the Gold Soul Coins I prepared. Please give them to Grandpa Jack for me. You should know where the house key is. Oh, and I put the candy I had left in there, too. You can have it as payment."

"Who wants your candy? I don't need any payment!" Xiao Wu glared at Ye Qiu, her face falling as she stuffed everything into her luggage.

"If you don't want payment, then just think of it as a gift." Ye Qiu smiled nonchalantly. He sat on 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 struggled and shook her head, but Ye Qiu held her face firmly. As he leaned closer, she gradually stopped resisting.

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

"No. I don't want to listen to you." Xiao Wu shook her head, grumbling.

"..." Ye Qiu narrowed his dark eyes, displeased. He gazed calmly at Xiao Wu and asked, "Are you serious?"

As he spoke, his hands tightened their hold.

"I..." Seeing Ye Qiu's expression, so devoid of joy or anger, Xiao Wu—who had been ready to stubbornly argue—suddenly panicked. She grabbed the hem of his shirt and explained, "I was joking. I really was."

"You'd better have been joking. Otherwise, I won't come back after I leave this time." Ye Qiu smiled and rubbed her cheeks. If Xiao Wu wouldn't listen and insisted on throwing her life away, what would be the point of coming back?

"Don't! I really was joking. I remember what you said. I definitely won't get too close to him." Xiao Wu looked at Ye Qiu. She could tell he wasn't joking, and her face paled as she hurried to correct herself.

"Heh. Good. I'm not going to hurt you. I'll protect you, understand?" Ye Qiu smiled softly and rubbed her still slightly chubby cheeks.

Hearing his words, Xiao Wu's ruby-red eyes seemed to glisten. Her face burned, and she clutched Ye Qiu's shirt, promising solemnly, "I-I'll protect you, too. Anyone who opposes you, Sister Xiao Wu will beat them up~ I mean it!"

"Haha. What a silly rabbit."

Ye Qiu laughed. Being so lovestruck was nice, too. He liked it. Looking at her pretty face, he couldn't help leaning closer and savoring the sweet softness he hadn't tasted in so many years.

Xiao Wu stared blankly, her eyes brimming with tender emotion. Her red lips, parted slightly between her pearly teeth, met Ye Qiu's.

This was their third time being intimate.

Five years had passed since Ye Qiu had made the first move, and four years since she had made the first move. Was Ye Qiu going to ask her to be his girlfriend now?

Feeling the moisture and movement against her lips, Xiao Wu's long lashes fluttered. She gazed at Ye Qiu, joy in her eyes. She really loved this.

Early the next morning.

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

Xiao Wu was no longer unhappy. Maybe it was because of last night—or maybe because Ye Qiu had teased her again just before leaving, giving her a gentle kiss.

Wishing you all a happy life!