A Reunion a Year Later

Spring passed and autumn came again. Before they knew it, more than a year had gone by.

Beneath the Ginkgo Tree at Pope Hall, Qian Yun ended a full night of cultivation.

He opened his eyes, their light brilliant. Looking at one of his hands and feeling the power coursing through him, Qian Yun nodded with satisfaction.

"Mm, not bad. I've finally reached level thirty!"

The weather had been kind these past few days, with the stars shining brightly for several nights in a row. He naturally hadn't let the opportunity pass him by. After working tirelessly day and night, he had finally broken through the level-thirty bottleneck ahead of schedule. Now, all he had to do was hunt a Spirit Ring, and he could officially join the ranks of Soul Elders.

He didn't return to his room. Instead, he headed straight for Pope Hall. A few days earlier, Bibi Dong had promised that once he successfully broke through, he could go out Soul Hunting on his own. She would also assign him a powerful assistant.

When Qian Yun had asked who the assistant was, Bibi Dong had only smiled mysteriously and said it was a secret.

As the carriage rolled along, Qian Yun gazed distractedly out the window at the familiar scenery. Hu Liena's figure surfaced in his mind, and he murmured, "A year and a half... I wonder how she's doing."

Though he'd been busy over the past year and a half, Qian Yun hadn't forgotten to write to Hu Liena from time to time. Her letters had given him some idea of her joys and sorrows, but he still hadn't seen her in person. In his mind, she remained the smiling little girl he remembered.

Lost in thought, he didn't notice the carriage stop.

For what felt like the thousandth time, Qian Yun stood before the magnificent Pope Hall. Unlike the awe he'd felt before, he now felt a sense of belonging whenever he looked at it.

Inside Pope Hall, the scene was familiar. Bibi Dong still sat on the throne, elegant and graceful, her figure lithe and lovely.

Time was no match for a beautiful woman. The years seemed to have left not a single mark on her.

Qian Yun had tried to help her purify those negative forces during this time, but even after several attempts, it remained extremely difficult. In the end, he could only put it aside for the time being.

Holding a report in her hand, Bibi Dong glanced at Qian Yun, then went back to reading.

Qian Yun nodded in understanding and made his way to a chair nearby. He sat down, then nodded in greeting to the white-haired Minister of Administration.

The Minister of Administration smiled and nodded back. Over the years, the higher-ups in Spirit Hall had gone from indifference toward the Pope's student to cautious respect.

He still remembered when Qian Yun had joined the Enforcement Team with the strength of a two-ring spirit master. One minister had strongly objected. Then... the next day, he'd been demoted and sent to a poor region to dig potatoes.

After that, the higher-ups in Spirit Hall had learned just how much the iron-blooded Pope doted on her student, Qian Yun. They'd reached an unspoken consensus: if they wanted a peaceful retirement, they'd better not provoke him.

Time passed, and Bibi Dong finally finished her routine work.

"If there's nothing particularly important to report, you may leave," Bibi Dong said, waving her hand. A thick stack of reports floated into the minister's hands.

"Yes. I'll take my leave now." The Minister of Administration hurriedly bowed and accepted the reports. As he turned to leave, he smiled and nodded once more to Qian Yun, who was still seated.

Qian Yun watched him go, feeling a little sorry for the old man. He was so afraid of a child like him that it was almost heartbreaking.

After the Minister of Administration left, Qian Yun stood and walked up to the dais. "Good morning, Teacher."

"Mm." Bibi Dong nodded faintly. She shifted her shapely bottom on the throne and leaned back, no longer needing to maintain the Pope's dignity in front of Qian Yun.

Settling into a comfortable position, Bibi Dong propped her cheek on one hand and half-lowered her eyes. She saw the hopeful look in Qian Yun's eyes and found it amusing, but casually asked, "What brings you here so early?"

Qian Yun looked up at Bibi Dong, his mouth twitching in exasperation. Over the years, he'd gotten to know her temperament. She was cold as ice to outsiders, but with people she knew well, her thoughts tended to jump around—and she liked to tease them.

"It's about what you said a few days ago," Qian Yun reminded her, scratching his head.

"A few days ago..." Bibi Dong still looked completely bewildered. "What was that? I don't remember."

"..."

If he'd been strong enough, he really would have given the feigning-innocent Bibi Dong a couple of swats on the bottom to help jog her memory.

There was no helping it. If he didn't play along, Bibi Dong could keep up the act until he gave in.

Qian Yun put on a broad smile and looked at Bibi Dong with earnest eyes. "Teacher, I've reached level thirty. What about that assistant you mentioned? I really, really want to meet him."

Bibi Dong's brows curved as her red lips parted in a happy smile. As if she'd just remembered, she said, "Oh, you mean that? You should've said so sooner. Your assistant's already here."

She raised her pale chin slightly. "There. Right behind you."

Qian Yun turned in confusion. At the entrance to the hall, a graceful figure was darting toward him at incredible speed.

Before he could react, the newcomer had already closed in on him.

"You are..." Qian Yun finally recognized the girl, both unfamiliar and familiar, standing before him.

The girl paid him no mind. Her long, graceful leg swept toward his head with a fierce gust of wind.

"Xiao Na?!" Qian Yun's eyes widened, and his voice trembled with shock and delight.

As his face broke into a delighted smile, Hu Liena's leg stopped motionless right at his temple.

Happiness tugged at the corners of Hu Liena's mouth. Her bright eyes reflected Qian Yun's delighted smile as she lowered her leg and gave a snort. "Hmph. I thought you'd gotten so important that you'd forgotten all about me. You do have a conscience after all."

Her words stirred the longing in Qian Yun's heart, and he could no longer hold it back. He stepped forward and wrapped Hu Liena in his arms, ignoring any protest she might make. "You're back. That's wonderful."

His exclamation held more delight and emotion than he could say. At his words, Hu Liena's stiff body softened in an instant. She hugged him back. "Mm, I'm back... So, heehee, hurry up and give me a kiss!"

As she spoke, Hu Liena puckered her moist red lips and leaned toward Qian Yun's.

Qian Yun quickly cupped her cheeks and gave an awkward laugh. "Xiao Na, men and women shouldn't be so familiar."

Hu Liena blinked and slipped out of his hands. Her lips kept coming closer as she said nonchalantly, "Oh, come on. With the relationship we have, one kiss won't make you lose a chunk of flesh."

Hearing her say that, and caught up in the joy of their reunion, Qian Yun stopped worrying about it. "All right... Mm..."

Before he could finish speaking, Hu Liena's lips landed at the corner of his mouth. Qian Yun's eyes widened. It was supposed to be a reunion kiss, but she'd covered a third of his lips with hers...

As she kissed Qian Yun, Hu Liena's eyes glistened. She watched his slightly flustered face without blinking, studying his reaction.

Qian Yun froze for a moment, then pushed Hu Liena away, his face bright red. Yet he could still feel the softness of her red lips at the corner of his mouth.

When Hu Liena came to her senses, her pretty face had turned faintly red too. Her own boldness had startled her.

They turned their faces away, neither daring to look at the other. The awkward silence carried a hint of sweetness.

"Ahem. That really was a moving reunion," Bibi Dong said with a light cough.

Hu Liena stuck out her tongue, a little embarrassed.

Bibi Dong smiled and looked down at Qian Yun. "Xiao Yun, this is the assistant I found for you. Are you satisfied?"

With Hu Liena standing beside him, how could Qian Yun possibly say no? He nodded quickly. "Mm, I'm satisfied. Xiao Na's the perfect person to help me."

At that, Hu Liena folded her arms and puffed out her chest, looking as if to say, At least you know what's good for you.

"Good." Bibi Dong continued, "But Soul Hunting is no joke. I called Xiao Na here not only because the two of you work well together, but also because this is her advancement assessment."

"Advancement assessment?" Qian Yun asked in surprise, looking at Hu Liena beside him.

Bibi Dong nodded, looking at Hu Liena with approval. "That's right. Not long ago, Xiao Na submitted an application to the academy. After helping you successfully hunt a Spirit Ring, you'll go with her to train in Lost Canyon. If she passes, Hu Liena will be able to advance a grade and secure a place on the academy's team."

"Oh, I see." Qian Yun nodded solemnly.

Whether he was hunting a Spirit Ring or helping Hu Liena pass her next test, neither would be easy. From here on, they both had to give it their all.

"Good. Now that you understand the situation, and you've been apart for so long, I'm sure you have plenty to talk about. You may leave."

"Yes." Qian Yun and Hu Liena bowed together.

Outside Pope Hall, Qian Yun and Hu Liena walked side by side. They could feel each other's presence, yet both wordlessly chose to remain silent. They had so much to say, but neither knew how to begin.

"You..."

"You..."

They both stopped and looked at each other. After sharing a smile, Hu Liena said, "You go first."

"Mm." Qian Yun looked her over. "You seem to have changed a lot. And you're wearing makeup?"

"Of course. Do you think I've gotten prettier?" Hu Liena hurried ahead of him, lifted the hem of her skirt slightly, and twirled.

Qian Yun smiled and nodded, making no attempt to hide his admiration. "You have gotten prettier. Looks like you'll have even more admirers at the academy."

Hu Liena was delighted. She raised her head proudly. "Of course. They're not blind."

Hu Liena touched a finger to her lips and thought for a moment, then held out a small box. "Here, this is for you. Pearl powder, this year's most fashionable shade... Teacher recommended it to me!"

Qian Yun laughed and handed it back. "Why give it to me? I don't wear makeup. And I doubt the academy sells this stuff. Don't tell me you smuggled it in?"

Hu Liena handed the little box back to Qian Yun. "Of course not. My underlings gave it to me as a tribute. Just hold on to it for now. I've already used it, so I don't want it anymore."

Qian Yun had no choice but to keep it for her and tucked it into the Cat's Eye Stone.

Qian Yun had also heard about the rules at Martial Soul Academy from Hu Liena's letters. Although it was called an academy, it was more like a sect, with a completely closed system. It had its own currency, and getting more resources meant earning more money. The only way to get that money was to prove your strength.

There was also a ranking called the Black List. Only the thirty strongest students could make the list. Those who did gained access to more resources and the attention of Spirit Hall.

Not long ago, Hu Liena had made the Black List with twenty-eight levels of Soul Power. Considering that the people on it were often level forty or higher, her place on the list showed just how formidable she was.

"Are those people at the academy still as annoying as ever?" Qian Yun asked, glancing sideways at Hu Liena's flawless profile. Perhaps because she'd only recently learned to wear makeup, the contrast between her youthful features and her cool, glamorous makeup made her look a little too mature. It didn't quite suit her. With Hu Liena's natural beauty, a light touch of makeup would be enough to outshine anyone.

Hearing him, Hu Liena kicked a leaf on the ground and nodded with a pout.

"Want me to help?" Qian Yun asked.

Qian Yun suddenly remembered Hu Liena mentioning in one of her letters that Martial Soul Academy believed in the law of the jungle. The students were constantly fighting, and factions were everywhere.

Hu Liena had suffered quite a bit before she managed to carve out a place for herself at the academy.

If Hu Liena wanted, he didn't mind going to the academy himself and tearing through that so-called Black List.

Hu Liena curled her lip disdainfully. "Hah, you're underestimating me. Those few radishes couldn't make a decent dish even if you put them together."

"Oh." Hearing that, Qian Yun felt reassured.

When they returned to their lodgings, Hu Liena followed Qian Yun into his room. The moment she entered, she threw herself onto his big bed and buried her face in the pillow, rubbing it vigorously.

"Mm, a big bed is still the best."

Qian Yun looked at the disheveled bedding and said, exasperated, "If it's so comfortable, go sleep in your own room."

"I don't want to. No one's lived there for ages." Hu Liena sat up and opened her arms toward Qian Yun. "Come on, we haven't cultivated together in ages. It's a rare opportunity."

"All right." Qian Yun had no choice but to indulge her.

Since Qian Yun had already reached level thirty in Soul Power, cultivating together really meant that he would do his best to guide Hu Liena as they circulated their Soul Power together.

Experiencing the Crown's long-missed boost again, Hu Liena accepted it without hesitation. Her Soul Power, which had been flowing quietly, began to surge.