Nothing happened that night.
When the morning sunlight shone through the gaps in the vines at the cave entrance, Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes.
He found that Xiao Wu was already awake. She was sitting on the pile of hay, propping up her chin with both hands as she watched him.
"You're awake?" Xiao Wu said with a smile. "How did you sleep last night?"
Lin Yi sat up and stretched. "Not bad, though the ground was a little hard."
This Little Rabbit woke up pretty early. As expected, a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast is full of energy.
But then again, I kept watch until midnight last night. Little Rabbit woke up once and insisted on switching shifts with me. She's actually pretty sensible.
Hearing Lin Yi's Heart Voice, Xiao Wu's lips curled up slightly.
Although Lin Yi always complained out loud, his opinion of her was actually rather positive.
No, when they switched shifts last night, he seemed to complain that she was useless. He said something about how she had taken human form to seek revenge, yet was always thinking about falling in love with Tang San and had forgotten all about the important things.
He had also said that if Tang San did not have cheats, Twin Martial Souls, and a good father, then with her being the way she was, she would have died hundreds or thousands of times already.
It was rather speechless, but upon careful thought, it really did seem to be the case. She had no way to refute it.
So last night, she had thought about many things. Although Lin Yi did not seem ordinary either, he was low-key, after all. Since she had decided to follow him, she should try not to cause him too much trouble and be a little more sensible.
Having figured things out, Xiao Wu was in an excellent mood today as well.
She looked at Lin Yi and smiled. "Lin Yi, when are we setting off?"
Lin Yi glanced at the sky. "We'll leave after breakfast. At this pace, we should reach my home before noon."
Actually, my home isn't far from Nuoding City. I only took the long way around yesterday to hunt for a Soul Ring.
If we travel normally today, we should get there around noon.
But I need to find a way to make Xiao Wu feel bored so she'll head back to the academy sooner.
As he made his calculations, he took out the leftover wild fruit and dry rations from his bundle and handed Xiao Wu a portion.
After a simple breakfast, the two packed their things and left the cave.
Along the way, Lin Yi deliberately walked slowly, stopping from time to time to examine the flowers, grass, and trees, looking as though he were interested in everything.
"Lin Yi, where exactly is your home?" Xiao Wu could not help asking.
"It's not far ahead. We'll be there once we cross this mountain," Lin Yi said, pointing ahead.
It's actually right at the foot of the mountain, but I need to walk slower.
It'd be best if she finds this trip especially boring. Then she won't want to come out with me again.
Xiao Wu secretly laughed, but outwardly put on an interested expression. "Then let's hurry up. I can't wait to see what your home looks like."
Lin Yi scratched his head in helplessness and had no choice but to pick up the pace.
The two crossed the mountain peak, and a small village indeed came into view at the foot of the mountain.
The village was not large, with perhaps only several dozen households. The houses were all built of mud and wood, and they looked extremely simple.
"That's it," Lin Yi said, pointing at the village.
She'll definitely think this place is too rundown and want to go back, right?
Lin Yi secretly rejoiced, but outwardly maintained a natural expression. "Let's go. My house is at the very end."
He led Xiao Wu into the village.
When the villagers saw Lin Yi return, they all greeted him.
"Little Yi, you're back?"
"School's out?"
"Is this your classmate? What a lovely-looking girl."
Lin Yi responded to each of them with great politeness.
Xiao Wu followed beside Lin Yi, carefully observing the village.
She discovered that although the villagers were poor, they were all honest and simple people, and their relationships with one another were harmonious.
Moreover, she could sense that Lin Yi was well liked here.
Then again, that made sense. These people could hear his Heart Voice too.
"Lin Yi, where are your parents?" Xiao Wu asked.
Lin Yi paused for a moment before calmly replying, "They aren't home. Anyway, I only see them a few times a year."
Actually, I don't know where my parents went either. The last time I saw them, I only remember their eyes lighting up as they rushed off in a great hurry.
They looked as though they had stumbled upon some enormous stroke of luck, so much so that they did not even care about their son anymore.
But that's fine too. Living alone means I can do whatever I want.
Hearing this Heart Voice, Xiao Wu's heart stirred.
So Lin Yi was alone too?
No, according to what he said, his parents were alive, but they simply did not care about him.
In a way, both she and Lin Yi were lonely.
After all, in the Star Dou Forest, although Daming and Erming both cared about her, they could not stay by her side at all times.
Looking at it this way, Lin Yi was much better off than she was. After all, her parents had already...
Sigh...
She shook her head and did not continue thinking about it.
The two soon arrived before a small house at the very end of the village.
The small house was even more dilapidated than the surrounding homes. Its walls were peeling, and the thatch on the roof was sparse in places.
"This is my home." Lin Yi took out a key and opened the door.
The furnishings inside were simple: a table, two chairs, and a pile of miscellaneous items in the corner.
There were also two other rooms, presumably belonging to Lin Yi and his parents.
"It's a little simple. I hope you don't mind," Lin Yi said.
Xiao Wu shook her head. "Not at all. It feels very cozy."
She walked into the house and curiously looked around.
Although it was simple, it had been kept very clean and looked quite comfortable.
Cozy? This Little Rabbit really knows how to talk.
But if she says that, could she really be planning to stay here?
Lin Yi groaned inwardly, but could only keep smiling on the surface. "Sit for a while. I'll go boil some water."
"I'll help you." Xiao Wu followed him.
The kitchen was even smaller, with only an earthen stove and several clay jars.
Lin Yi lit the fire while Xiao Wu helped fetch water. The two worked together quite smoothly.
This Little Rabbit really doesn't treat herself like an outsider.
But then again, why would a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast cling to an ordinary human like me?
Could it really just be because I'm handsome?
Lin Yi muttered inwardly, completely failing to notice Xiao Wu rolling her eyes at his words.
Once the water had boiled, Lin Yi poured two cups.
The two sat at the table, and the atmosphere fell silent for a moment.
I really don't know what this Little Rabbit hopes to gain by following me.
If you follow Tang San, at least he has the strength to protect you. I'm just an auxiliary-type Soul Master. What exactly are you after?
As Lin Yi complained inwardly, Xiao Wu pursed her lips. Your second martial soul is anything but ordinary.
Of course, that was not the key. The key was that following him could change her fate.
As for him, an auxiliary-type Soul Master, being unable to protect her?
That was not a problem. She could protect him.
As Xiao Wu thought this, she suddenly spoke. "Lin Yi, don't you feel lonely living at home by yourself?"
Lin Yi came back to his senses and smiled. "I'm used to it. Besides, the villagers are all very nice. They come by to visit from time to time."
Lonely? Of course I am. But what can I do?
I don't have a golden finger, a system, or cheats like Tang San. I only have Twin Martial Souls that are barely passable.
But that's useless. I don't dare reveal them too early, and I have to be cautious in my everyday life.
It'd be a lie to say this kind of life isn't lonely.
Before you continue