Clingy Little Cat

"Little Cat! Raise your hand a little higher. Your fist posture is wrong, and your footwork is off. Stretch your leg another half step forward."

"Brother Chen, am I really stupid? I've learned these moves three times already, but I still haven't mastered them."

"Don't rush. Take it slowly. You'll be fine once you're familiar with them."

"I'll definitely learn them. I won't disappoint Brother Chen."

That day, Ye Liangchen was sitting on a large rock, guiding Zhu Zhu Qing in practicing the Tiger Fist and Leopard Fist from the Five Elements Divine Fist. Zhu Zhu Qing's Martial Soul was the Hell Spirit Cat, and Ye Liangchen felt the Tiger Form Fist and Leopard Form Fist suited her quite well, so he had her temper her physical strength with them.

From the time the two of them had met until now, they had already stayed in the valley for five days. The scenery here was beautiful, and Ye Liangchen had no plans to leave for the time being.

During one conversation, Zhu Zhu Qing learned that Ye Liangchen was only ten days older than her, so she simply started calling him Brother Chen.

After spending five days together from morning to night, the two of them had grown closer and closer, becoming good friends who could talk about anything. Zhu Zhu Qing also became more and more clingy. No matter where Ye Liangchen went, she followed at his side, like a quiet little cat.

Ye Liangchen felt this was because Zhu Zhu Qing had been suppressed by Zhu Zhuyun for so long in the Star Luo Empire and lacked a sense of security. Now that she had suddenly met someone who could protect her, her life had filled with hope, and even if he tried to chase her away now, she would not leave.

Of course, Ye Liangchen would not chase her away. It had not been easy to run into such a gentle little cat, so naturally he had to keep her by his side.

Next door, Tang San had raised a rabbit, and that rabbit called him "brother" this and "brother" that every day, which Tang San enjoyed very much.

Now that Little Cat called him Brother Chen, Ye Liangchen felt as if he had also raised a cat—and a gentle, quiet little cat at that. It felt absolutely wonderful.

"Huff, huff, huff..."

Zhu Zhu Qing practiced every set of movements seriously, a determined look on her face. Her Innate Soul Power was only rank seven, so her talent was not very high, but she could endure hardship and work hard. Under Zhu Zhuyun's suppression, she had still managed to cultivate to the Soul Grandmaster realm in these past few years, which showed just how much effort she had put in.

"Brother Chen, I can finally link these moves together smoothly."

An hour later, Zhu Zhu Qing cried out joyfully, excitement showing on her face. Her beautiful big eyes stared at Ye Liangchen, revealing an expression that plainly asked for praise.

"Mm! Not bad. Rest for a bit first. Come eat some wild fruit."

Ye Liangchen also understood what the girl meant and praised her directly.

"Thank you, Brother Chen."

Little Cat immediately ran over cheerfully, sat quietly beside Ye Liangchen, picked up a wild fruit, and began nibbling on it.

"Zhu Qing, we're good friends now. No need to be so polite."

Ye Liangchen smiled faintly and reached out to rub Little Cat's silky hair, feeling as if he were petting a cat.

Zhu Zhu Qing did not mind either. She let Ye Liangchen rub her hair, and instead even felt as though she quite enjoyed it.

Her personality was much more cheerful now than it had been two days ago, and smiles often appeared on her face.

"Brother Chen, if we could live carefree like this every day, how wonderful would that be?"

During this period, Zhu Zhu Qing had followed Ye Liangchen all over the forest. Every day had been free and unrestrained, and she enjoyed this kind of life very much. She had even developed the idea of living in seclusion in the Mountain Forest, though the prerequisite was that she had to be with the person she liked.

"Zhu Qing, you're overthinking it. Nothing can be too absolute. Living in seclusion deep in the mountains for too long would make you lose touch with the outside world."

"The main reason I came to this forest this time was to find some medicinal herbs. In a few days, I'll still have to go take a look around Nuoding City."

Ye Liangchen knew Zhu Zhu Qing had not had an easy time these past few years. Now that she had temporarily escaped the cage that was the Star Luo Empire and tasted freedom, she naturally felt this kind of life far from conflict was especially beautiful.

"Brother Chen, as long as you don't mind, no matter where you go, I'll go with you."

Zhu Zhu Qing stared at Ye Liangchen, a determined look on her face. She decided to tell him some of her hidden matters as well, and at the same time made an important decision in her heart.

"Brother Chen, there's something I want to tell you."

Seeing the determination in Little Cat's eyes, Ye Liangchen had already guessed what she wanted to say.

"What do you want to tell me?" Ye Liangchen pretended to be curious.

"I have a fiancé named Dai Mu Bai. But nothing has ever happened between us. We were only engaged when we were young."

"Our Zhu Family and the Star Luo Royal Family's Dai Family have always been..."

Zhu Zhu Qing chattered on, telling Ye Liangchen about her engagement to Dai Mu Bai. She also told him that after Dai Mu Bai ran away, he had left her alone to endure the suppression of her elder sister and Dai Weisi.

"I knew about the marriage alliance between the Star Luo Royal Family and your Zhu Family from Aunt Lan and the others when I was six."

"Back then, when you followed your family to the Star Dou Forest and we rescued you, Aunt Lan and the others guessed that you were a young lady of the Zhu Family, and that you had also been forced into the royal heir power struggle."

Ye Liangchen knew everything about this girl's engagement. The marriage alliance with the Zhu Family was only for that Martial Soul Fusion Skill, used to maintain imperial rule. The Zhu Family also used this kind of marriage alliance to obtain power, glory, splendor, and wealth. It was also the ancestors of the Star Luo Empire's royal family who had established such cruel rules for the competition between heirs. The cooperation between the two families could be considered mutually beneficial.

"Ah! Brother Chen, you even guessed that?"

"Those rotten affairs of the struggle between the heirs of your Star Luo Empire's royal family are known by the powerful members of any major force. Aunt Lan is the Dean of Skywater Academy, so naturally she knows too."

When Zhu Zhu Qing learned that Ye Liangchen had already known about these matters long ago, she was immediately stunned. But thinking about it, this could no longer be considered much of a secret.

"You said your fiancé is called Dai Mu Bai? I once saw him in Suotuo City."

Just then, Ye Liangchen revealed news about Dai Mu Bai, making Zhu Zhu Qing stunned once again.

"Ah! Brother Chen, you've seen him? How strong was he?" Zhu Zhu Qing asked curiously.

"When I was eight, I was shopping in Suotuo City with Aunt Lan and the others. At the time, there were three men who were drunk, and among them was a blond man. When he saw Aunt Lan and Teacher Su Lin, he came over to harass them. But I beat him straight to the ground. Later, after he sobered up, he introduced himself to me as Dai Mu Bai. At that time, he had just joined Shrek Academy and was only at the Soul Grandmaster realm."

"As for what realm he's in now, I don't know."

Ye Liangchen slowly told Zhu Zhu Qing about what had happened back then. Thinking about it now, it felt rather interesting. However, Ye Liangchen did not mention that Dai Mu Bai often went in and out of brothels or that he had dated twins. In any case, there was no need.

"A few years ago, he fled to the Heaven Dou Empire. Later, I heard he joined some place called Shrek Academy. I imagine he couldn't stand Dai Weisi's suppression either."

"From what you're saying, Brother Chen, he must have already fallen into decadence."

"Our engagement was arranged when we were children. My fate was decided the moment I was born..."

"Actually, the heir to the Star Luo Empire was decided long ago. Before this, Dai Mu Bai's second brother was eliminated by Dai Weisi, and my second sister was also suppressed by Zhu Zhuyun until she became an ordinary person. Now it's my turn and Dai Mu Bai's, and they still call it fair competition. How ridiculous. We're nothing more than whetstones for Dai Weisi and my eldest sister."

"If no miracle appears, my life will wither away when I'm twenty-five."

After Zhu Zhu Qing finished telling Ye Liangchen about her future fate, despair appeared on her face, and her eyes lost all light.

The next moment, she raised her head and looked at the calm-faced Ye Liangchen, and hope suddenly appeared in her eyes again.

"Brother Chen, I want to break free from the shackles of this engagement. I want to control my own fate. Please help me. From now on, no matter what you ask me to do, I'll be willing."

Zhu Zhu Qing suddenly grabbed Ye Liangchen's hand and pleaded pitifully. To break free from the shackles of fate, she was ready to go all in. The only one who could help her now was the young man before her eyes. She had to hold tightly to this one and only chance.

"Don't worry, Little Cat! Since you're calling me brother, I'll definitely help you break free from the royal engagement's shackles."

"Besides, after you join Skywater Academy, you can ask my Aunt Lan for help. Once she reveals her strength as a Super Titled Douluo, even the Star Luo Royal Family will have to kneel. She can help you cancel that so-called royal engagement at any time."

Ye Liangchen rubbed Zhu Zhu Qing's head, telling her not to worry. A mere piece of paper for a royal engagement—what did it amount to before a Super Titled Douluo?

"Thank you, Brother Chen!"

Seeing that Ye Liangchen was willing to help her break the shackles of fate, Zhu Zhu Qing was deeply moved and immediately threw herself into Ye Liangchen's arms, hugging him tightly.

My god! This girl has no martial ethics. A sneak attack, crashing into me with the ball—foul!

Ye Liangchen felt that this Little Cat was far too easy to capture. The two of them had only spent five days together, and she was already throwing herself into his arms. If a little more time passed, she might even offer herself to him.

"Zhu Qing, don't get too worked up. We still have time anyway. As long as you become stronger, any difficulty will solve itself."

"It's almost noon. We should cook and eat."

Ye Liangchen lightly patted Little Cat's back. After comforting her with a few words, he gently pushed her away. Being held by her all the time was something even he couldn't take.

"Brother Chen! Thank you."

Zhu Zhu Qing stared straight at Ye Liangchen, a trace of tenderness showing in her eyes. At the same time, she made up her mind. She would follow this man from now on. From this day forward, I, Zhu Zhu Qing, will live for myself. To hell with the royal engagement.

"Ahem! Little Cat, don't keep staring at me. It's not like there are flowers on my face."

Ye Liangchen felt a little embarrassed under Little Cat's straight, unwavering gaze. Even though this brother was very handsome, you couldn't just stare like a female hooligan all the time!

"Pfft...! Brother Chen, let's go cook."

Zhu Zhu Qing revealed a gentle smile. With her soft, fair hands, she pulled Ye Liangchen toward the campsite.

With a man and woman working together, work was never tiring. The two cooperated fully, and before long, they had prepared a sumptuous lunch.

"Brother Chen, eat more meat."

During the meal, Zhu Zhu Qing kept putting meat into Ye Liangchen's bowl, urging him to eat more.

Hiss! Something's off with this Little Cat!

"Little Cat! You eat too. Don't just fuss over me!"

Ye Liangchen looked at Little Cat's gentle, water-like appearance and thought that this girl was starting to fall.

Since Little Cat had already made up her mind to follow him, Ye Liangchen also planned to help her a little. So he took a Foundation Establishment Golden Pill out of his Game Backpack to improve her aptitude.

"Little Cat! This is another kind of pill I refined. It's called the Mysterious Ascension Pill. It can strengthen a cultivator's foundation, and it should be of some help to you."

Ye Liangchen lied and called the Foundation Establishment Golden Pill a Mysterious Ascension Pill, having Zhu Zhu Qing take it. He planned to let her break through to rank 30, then conveniently go to the Soul Hunting Forest north of Nuoding City to obtain her third soul ring.

There was indeed a kind of pill in the Pill Compendium called the Mysterious Ascension Pill, and its effects were roughly the same as a Foundation Establishment Pill. However, Ye Liangchen had still not found those medicinal ingredients, so he was unable to refine it yet.

"Thank you, Brother Chen."

Zhu Zhu Qing now trusted Ye Liangchen completely. She picked up the fragrant golden pill and put it into her mouth without the slightest hesitation.

"Mmm..."

The pill melted as soon as it entered her mouth. Pure energy instantly surged into her limbs and bones, incomparably comfortable, causing Zhu Zhu Qing to be unable to stop herself from letting out a moan.

"Little Cat! I'll teach you a new Meditation Cultivation Method. Recite the formula with me."

Ye Liangchen decided to pass the initial section of the Primordial Chaos Sutra to Little Cat. In any case, this girl could now be considered one of his own.

"Brother Chen, what's a new Meditation Cultivation Method?"

"It's just a tiny bit more advanced than an ordinary Meditation Cultivation Method. But don't go telling anyone. Only our own people can cultivate it."

"Brother Chen, don't worry! I swear on my Martial Soul that I will never pass it on carelessly. If I break this oath, may I die a horrible death."

Hearing Ye Liangchen say that only their own people could cultivate it, Zhu Zhu Qing felt extremely excited. Happiness had come too quickly, and she also felt fortunate over the decision she had made. She immediately swore a Vow of Poison to Ye Liangchen.

"Don't worry about that for now. Recite it with me:

Sit cross-legged and still your mind, relaxed and quiet, naturally aligned, Lips and teeth lightly closed, breath slow and soft, drawn out and refined, ...

Qi returns to the dantian; the art is complete, the method made clear."

Zhu Zhu Qing repeated the words after him, feeling as if she were listening to some heavenly scripture. With that little head of hers, she simply could not understand how such a profound Meditation Cultivation Method could exist.

"Brother Chen, it's so hard to understand!" Zhu Zhu Qing said pitifully.

"You only need to memorize it first. Then, when you cultivate, let the Soul Power inside your body circulate through these meridians. There's also the breathing method."

Ye Liangchen tapped a few points on Little Cat's body, explaining to her what the Small Heavenly Cycle and the Great Heavenly Cycle were.

Right now, Zhu Zhu Qing trusted Ye Liangchen completely, with no defenses at all. But this strange kind of contact gave her a feeling that was both nervous and thrilling. At that moment, her pretty face, full of youthful softness, was like a red apple, incredibly tempting, making one unable to resist wanting to take a bite.

"Little Cat! Why are you blushing like a bubble teapot? Focus. Listen carefully to my explanation."

Ye Liangchen was speechless. He was seriously explaining the meridian circulation route to Little Cat, yet she had started blushing.

"I'm sorry, Brother Chen. I lost my composure."

Looking at Ye Liangchen's perfect face, which even carried a hint of reproach, Zhu Zhu Qing was like a child who had done something wrong. Her face red, she lowered her head and looked toward the tips of her feet. Unfortunately, certain things blocked her view, leaving her unable to see them.

Zhu Zhu Qing, oh Zhu Zhu Qing! How could you be so useless? Brother Chen is explaining the path of cultivation to you, yet you're letting your thoughts run wild.

After calming herself, Zhu Zhu Qing drove away the distracting thoughts in her heart and focused intently on listening to Ye Liangchen. Watching how learned and talented he looked, she gradually turned into a little fangirl.

"Don't get distracted again. Start mobilizing your Soul Power according to the method I taught you and follow the circulation route."

"Okay, Brother Chen."

After spending two hours, Zhu Zhu Qing memorized this new Soul Power cultivation method. Then she sat down cross-legged and began cultivating her Soul Power according to the method Ye Liangchen had described.

Although Zhu Zhu Qing's comprehension was not high, her strength lay in her diligence and eagerness to learn. She had a stubborn persistence about her, a personality rather similar to Guo Jing from The Legend of the Condor Heroes.

However, a profound Cultivation Technique like the Primordial Chaos Sutra was not something Soul Masters of the Douluo World could easily comprehend. Back then, Lan Xiao Die, Su Lin, and the others had also spent a very long time before they could fully grasp it.