City 023

After scratching for a while, Xu Qing was still quite annoyed; he had been nearly scared out of his wits, only for Qin Lin to tease him about it.

"Alright, alright, stop being angry. When it comes down to it, you were the one who walked into the wrong room last night, Xiao Qing," Qin Lin said, hugging him, rubbing her face against his, and soothing him in a soft voice.

"You could have just woken me up," Xu Qing muttered; he hadn't done it on purpose.

Their rooms were originally connected, and if the doors were left open, they looked no different. Plus, he had only crawled out of bed in the middle of the night to use the restroom, which was how he ended up in the wrong place.

"If I woke you up, I would have missed my chance," Qin Lin said, looking at him with eyes as seductive as silk.

As she spoke, her pajamas slipped slightly, revealing snow-white shoulders; if any other man saw this, they would likely turn into a starving wolf.

Xu Qing, however, seemed completely oblivious to this alluring sight and glared at her instead. "Speak properly."

"Fine, I think our relationship could stand to progress a step further," Qin Lin said bluntly.

Hearing this, Xu Qing understood her meaning immediately.

"Hehe, Linlin, you're so naughty," Xu Qing laughed, looking like a little fox.

Qin Lin was surprised; he wasn't shy at all. Interesting.

"Alright, starting today, I'll move over to sleep with you. That should be enough, right? Aren't I being very good to you?" Xu Qing sat there, arms crossed.

"Good, it's absolutely perfect," Qin Lin was, of course, more than happy; she had only been worried that Xu Qing wouldn't agree.

"OK, it's a deal. I'm going to move my things now," Xu Qing said, acting immediately as he went to the room next door to fetch his belongings.

Seeing Xu Qing act with such lightning speed, Qin Lin was both surprised and delighted; their relationship had taken another step forward.

While eating breakfast, Qin Lin said, "Xiao Qing, since your martial artist rank has reached the War General level, it's about time you went to the Wilderness to train. Real combat is the easiest way to improve your strength."

"As for your studies, they aren't important anymore. Once you graduate from the Elite Training Camp, you will be a War God powerhouse, admired by thousands."

"The Association President also told me that before you head to the Elite Training Camp, I should accompany you to the Wilderness for more practice."

Hearing Qin Lin say this, Xu Qing naturally had no objections. "Alright, but we have to go somewhere with stronger monsters. Otherwise, if the monsters are too weak, it won't be any fun."

"No problem. If we're talking about a place with strong monsters that is suitable for us, that would be City 023," Qin Lin said.

"City 023?" Xu Qing became curious.

Qin Lin immediately explained, "Compared to other monster zones, City 023 has a higher population density. General-level monsters are everywhere, but there are fewer Lord-level monsters, so it's less likely we'll run into extreme danger."

"For a War General-level martial artist, it's easier to ensure your own safety there. Most importantly, I've been away from combat for many years, and my strength has slipped significantly. It will take some time for me to return to my peak state."

"It's fine, Linlin. Take your time. If there's any danger, I'll protect you," Xu Qing said, confidently patting his chest.

Qin Lin laughed. "Mm, your strength is indeed already greater than mine."

"Then when are we leaving?" Xu Qing asked, eager to get started.

"Prepare yourself; we'll leave tomorrow," Qin Lin said after some consideration.

"No problem. My equipment is at the Alliance Mall, so I can just say hello to Sister Xin while I'm there," Xu Qing said.

The next day.

Qin Lin had changed into her combat suit—an A-grade set in blue and black. Once she put it on, she looked heroic and spirited.

As for her weapon, she carried a Blood Shadow series battle blade, also A-grade, capable of clashing with high-rank beast generals.

Besides the blade, she carried a shield, which was also A-grade.

"Looking sharp," Xu Qing said, giving her a thumbs-up.

Qin Lin smiled slightly, flicking her high ponytail. "It's been a long time since I've dressed like this. I'm quite rusty; it seems I'll need to find my rhythm again slowly."

Having been a university teacher for four years without ever going into the Wilderness to hunt monsters, her combat effectiveness had undoubtedly declined.

Even though she had kept up with physical training, it couldn't compensate for everything; she needed to regain her instincts through actual combat.

"I'm sure you can do it," Xu Qing said, believing in her.

Alliance Mall.

Xu Xin was working as the manager in the ground floor reception hall.

"Hello, Sister Xin! I'm here," Xu Qing waved from a distance.

Seeing Xu Qing, Xu Xin was surprised. "Why are you here? Did you come to keep me company?"

"I'd love to, but unfortunately, I'm here with Linlin," Xu Qing said with a cheeky grin.

Only then did Xu Xin notice that Qin Lin was also there, dressed in her martial artist gear. It didn't take much to guess they were heading to the Wilderness.

"Teacher Qin, are you heading to the Wilderness?" Xu Xin asked curiously.

Qin Lin nodded with a smile. "I'm accompanying Xiao Qing for some training. I'm not at ease letting him go alone, and it's a good chance for me to get back into the swing of things."

"I see. Stay safe," Xu Xin reminded them.

"Mm, we will," Qin Lin nodded.

Soon, Xu Qing returned, having changed into his own combat suit with his bow and quiver slung over his back.

"Wait, this gear... I remember this is the God-Splitting Silk, an S-grade weapon. But no martial artist ever bought it, so it was eventually moved to the A-grade equipment rack. I didn't expect it to end up in your hands, Xiao Qing. Do you know how to use this weapon?" Qin Lin noticed the God-Splitting Silk on Xu Qing's arm at a glance.

"Of course. Who do you think I am? It's a must," Xu Qing said, blinking his eyes.

"Then I shall look forward to it. I am quite curious how you intend to use it, as even among War Gods, no one knows how to utilize this piece of equipment," Qin Lin said, her interest piqued.

"Xiao Qing, come here," Xu Xin beckoned to Xu Qing at this moment.

Xu Qing leaned in, "What is it, Sister Xin?"

"Xiao Qing, have you not told Teacher Qin yet that you are a Spirit Controller?" Xu Xin whispered.

"Ah!" Xu Qing suddenly realized; he had completely forgotten about it.

Seeing his dramatic reaction, Xu Xin knew he hadn't mentioned it. She looked helpless; to forget something so important—he really hadn't changed a bit.

If even Qin Lin didn't know yet, then the Limit Martial Arts Hall certainly wouldn't know either.

"It's fine, just remember to tell Teacher Qin when the time comes. Don't forget again this time," Xu Xin ruffled his hair.

"Mm-hmm," Xu Qing nodded earnestly.

"Sister Xin, we're leaving."

"Stay safe."

For a martial artist to head to City 023, they first needed to go to the supply base of the Southeast Military Region.

The Southeast Military Region was larger in scale than the North Military Region of Jiangnan Base City, and naturally, its supply base was the same.

Many martial artists came here to hunt monsters, and the caliber of these martial artists was very high; even War General-level martial artists were considered merely average here.

Even War God-level martial artists could be seen here frequently.

The martial artists here came from every base city across Huaxia.

"This place is huge," Xu Qing followed Qin Lin into the supply base. Looking around, he saw buildings and martial artists everywhere.

It was much larger than the supply base in the North Military Region—at the very least, more than ten times the size.