Got Careless, Didn't Dodge

Well... Jiang Che did not know how to evaluate this panel. Although it always "looked down" on him, the rewards it provided were truly generous.

As a student of Shrek Academy and a transmigrator, his talent for soul tools was nothing to write home about, but given his sufficiently high cultivation level, he had still managed to learn a thing or two.

Before entering seclusion, he was already a Level 7 Soul Tool Master, not far from Level 8, so...

"Little Martial Uncle." A clear voice pulled Jiang Che back to reality.

"Xiaotao, mm..." Jiang Che was just about to respond, but no sooner had he uttered the name "Xiaotao" than Ma Xiaotao accelerated forward and hugged him, committing a foul by charging him with her "ball." Sigh, the national football team really should take notes from the women's team.

However, that ball was truly large, and white, too!

Jiang Che had been careless just now and failed to dodge; he was hit so hard his nose was nearly bleeding.

"Alright, Xiaotao, I can barely breathe." Ma Xiaotao suddenly blushed, for she felt Jiang Che being a bit restless. If he wanted to talk, he should just talk—why was he shaking his head around like that?

"Hiss—ah!" As Ma Xiaotao let go, Jiang Che took a deep breath, then sighed with emotion. He never expected that after transmigrating, he would be able to use a "face wash" like this—and a purely natural, pollution-free one at that.

"Martial Uncle, is there something you needed to find me for?" Ma Xiaotao wrapped both hands around one of Jiang Che's arms and pulled it against her chest.

"Can't I come to see you if there's nothing specific? Don't forget who was crying and begging me to come over today."

"Oh, Martial Uncle, don't say that."

Ma Xiaotao acted spoiled toward Jiang Che, and the two lingered outside for a while before entering the room.

"Xiaotao, how has your Evil Fire been lately?" Once inside the room, Jiang Che finally stated the purpose of his visit.

"It's alright. With your Ultimate Ice suppressing it, it hasn't flared up suddenly while I'm cultivating. In my daily life, I can also use my Soul Power to keep it in check until you arrive." Mentioning the Evil Fire caused Ma Xiaotao to knit her delicate brows, but she still truthfully reported her recent situation.

"Mm, that's good." What Jiang Che feared most now was that his existence as a little butterfly would cause the plot to change.

"However..." Ma Xiaotao hesitated, her vibrant red lips parting and closing several times.

"However, what?" Ma Xiaotao's expression made Jiang Che's heart tighten. "You must tell me if there's anything wrong. No matter what it is, I will handle it."

"Pfft, alright, it's nothing major." Ma Xiaotao chuckled. Seeing Jiang Che so nervous out of concern for her, the corners of her lips curled up uncontrollably. A warmth like tepid water spread from her heart, softening the corners of her eyes.

"I've discovered that as my Soul Power Level increases, the Evil Fire within me becomes increasingly intense. In the past, one suppression from you would last at least half a year without me having to worry, but now the intervals are getting shorter and shorter. I'm afraid that eventually, even your Ultimate Ice won't be able to suppress it."

Hearing that it was only this, Jiang Che felt relieved. "That's a normal phenomenon. The Evil Fire in your body is essentially a part of your Martial Soul; as your strength continues to grow, your Martial Soul will inevitably evolve. Besides, it's not just your strength that's improving—I am working hard on my cultivation as well."

"Xiaotao!" Jiang Che suddenly cupped Ma Xiaotao's face, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"Ah!" Caught off guard by his grip on her cheeks, she let out a soft cry.

"Do you trust me?" Jiang Che looked deep into Ma Xiaotao's eyes.

"I... I certainly trust you." Ma Xiaotao didn't understand why he was asking, but she trusted Jiang Che unconditionally.

"Believe me, in the near future, I will definitely be able to resolve the Evil Fire within you." Jiang Che said with a serious expression.

PS: I can sign up for the trial run tomorrow, and starting tomorrow, I will resume daily updates of 4,000 words!!!