Sharp Edge Briefly Sheathed, Tomorrow's Promise Together

Yan Shaozhe's joy was beyond words.

He hadn't expected much, but the test results were truly shocking.

Long Jinyu wasn't just a treasure; he was the future pillar of Shrek City! He couldn't wait to report this incredible news to Mu En.

"Alright, that's enough sparring for today."

He suppressed his excitement, maintaining a dignified expression as his gaze swept over the slightly disheveled Dai Yueheng, Wu Ming who was still lingering in Long Jinyu's arms, and Ma Xiaotao, whose eyes held a complex look.

"You all have a sense of Jinyu's strength now. Since you are all in the Inner Court, you should encourage one another and strive for progress together."

His gaze lingered on Ma Xiaotao for an extra moment, carrying a subtle hint.

"Yes, Dean (Teacher)." The group replied in unison.

Yan Shaozhe nodded in satisfaction, his figure flickering as he sped off toward Sea God Pavilion.

Seeing Yan Shaozhe leave, Long Jinyu's mind began to race. He gently shook Wu Ming, who was playing dead in his arms: "Senior Sister Wu Ming, wake up. Is Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan at the academy? I'm new here and would like to pay her a visit. Could you show me the way?"

At these words, Ma Xiaotao's heart skipped a beat.

It's here! As expected, is he still interested in the stronger, gentler Senior Sister?

She stepped in first, her tone slightly hurried: "Senior Sister is out on a mission! She's not here! It's a Supervision Group mission, and her return date is uncertain!"

"Is that so? What a pity." Long Jinyu sighed with slight disappointment, though he muttered to himself: Supervision Group... this broken system. Sigh, I can't change it yet. And this System... when is it finally going to kick in?

He pushed the thought aside for now and refocused on the present.

"By the way, Senior Sister Wu Ming," Long Jinyu felt the weight in his arms and the tightening of her grip, so he helplessly reminded her, "You... should have recovered by now, right? Is it time to get down?"

Wu Ming buried her head deeper, her voice muffled and laced with a playful, stubborn tone: "I haven't recovered at all! You hit so hard that cold air is still seeping from my bones! I'm still shivering! You have to take responsibility! You're so warm, what's the harm in letting me lean on you a bit longer?" As she spoke, she deliberately rubbed against him, secretly calculating how to "reasonably" cuddle again next time.

Dai Yueheng watched from the side, dumbfounded. When he heard Wu Ming shouting about how "comfortable it was to hold him" earlier, he thought he'd misheard, but seeing this scene... could it be true? He subconsciously recalled the feeling of being caught by Long Jinyu earlier; that warmth... it really was... quite comfortable.

Long Jinyu sighed, accelerating the flow of his Ultimate Life and Ultimate Fire just a fraction: What a disaster... I shouldn't have frozen her so hard; I hope I didn't leave any lasting damage. Such a beautiful senior sister, she's so lively in the original story, I can't let her be ruined by my hands. If I really caused some kind of issue, it would be a huge sin.

He softened his tone: "Alright, alright, it's my fault, I apologize again. But men and women should keep their distance, and me holding you like this isn't appropriate. How about you get down, and I'll hold your hand to continue dispelling the cold? The effect will be the same, how about that?"

Wu Ming rolled her eyes, deciding not to push her luck too far. After all, Ma Xiaotao's eyes were practically spitting fire. She decided to quit while she was ahead and find another chance for a private "spar" later. She slid down but kept a firm grip on one of Long Jinyu's hands, grinning: "Fine~ Little Junior Brother, you better keep your word!"

Long Jinyu breathed a sigh of relief: So obedient? That doesn't sound like her. Could it be that a good beating really cures all ailments?

"Stop putting on an act!" Ma Xiaotao finally couldn't take it anymore, stepping forward to pinch Wu Ming's ear. "You look perfectly fine to me! If you keep clinging to him like a lovesick fool, don't even think about touching him again!"

"Ouch, ouch! Xiaotao, go easy! I was wrong, I was wrong!" Wu Ming cried out dramatically, letting go of his hand.

Long Jinyu quickly smoothed things over: "Alright, alright, it's getting late. Thank you all for the hard work sparring with me today. My treat, let's go get something to eat! A small token of my gratitude!"

"Long live Little Junior Brother!" Wu Ming cheered first.

Dai Yueheng also composed himself and replied politely: "Then... thank you, Junior Brother."

Ma Xiaotao grabbed Long Jinyu: "Let's go, let's go. I know a place, the food is incredible, it'll definitely suit our tastes."

Long Jinyu asked tentatively: "Um... it wouldn't happen to be 'Green Wave Cottage' again, would it?"

Ma Xiaotao looked at him with feigned surprise: "Eh? How did you know? Hehe, you guessed it!"

The four of them had a fairly harmonious meal. Wu Ming remained lively, teasing Long Jinyu and Ma Xiaotao from time to time; Dai Yueheng didn't say much, but his attitude was clearly more respectful than before; Ma Xiaotao, though occasionally bickering with Wu Ming, was clearly in a good mood.

After the meal, they said their goodbyes. Dai Yueheng and Wu Ming went their separate ways, while Long Jinyu and Ma Xiaotao walked side-by-side toward Sea God Island.

The setting sun stretched their shadows long. After a few days of "cohabitation" and adjustment, the initial awkwardness and probing had faded significantly, replaced by a more natural familiarity.

"Hey, kid," Ma Xiaotao nudged Long Jinyu with her elbow, her voice softer than usual. "When you fought me, how much did you really hold back?" Her tone was chiding, but the curiosity in her eyes outweighed any dissatisfaction.

Long Jinyu tilted his head to look at her, deliberately blinking his heterochromatic eyes to act cute: "Senior Sister~ what are you saying? You're so powerful, your attacks were so fierce, I really couldn't beat you. How could I have held back?"

"Cut the act! You're not telling the truth, are you!" Ma Xiaotao made a move to punch him, but Long Jinyu laughed and nimbly dodged, his movements fluid and natural.

Amidst the playfulness, Ma Xiaotao suddenly thought of something and asked: "Then... if you really used your full strength, how many moves could you take against a Super Douluo like my teacher?"

Long Jinyu stopped smiling and thought seriously: "Dean Yan? If it were just a sparring match, I might be able to hold out for a few moves by relying on my Martial Soul's characteristics. But if it were a life-or-death struggle..." He shook his head, his tone carrying a sober realization of his own power. "I'm still far off. My Soul Power Level is the main drawback, and I need more real combat experience and... suitable soul rings."

That's right, do I need to find soul rings myself? This brat of a System doesn't explain anything, I'm speechless!

Ma Xiaotao nodded, not surprised by the answer; instead, she felt he was grounded and not blinded by his victory.

She remembered the real reason for her question and said: "By the way, I'm going into the city tomorrow to buy some cultivation herbs and some... things for girls." Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she tried to keep her tone natural. "You have a keen perception of energy, so come with me and help me take a look..."

"Of course, no problem!" Long Jinyu's eyes lit up, and he agreed immediately. "Serving as a personal appraiser for Senior Sister is my duty!"

He silently recited in his heart: System, scan the largest herb merchants and treasure auction houses in Shrek City in advance. Focus on marking high-quality fire-attribute treasures, items related to the Dragon Clan, and... clues about other 'peers'.

And by the way... He snuck a glance at Ma Xiaotao's fiery red hair, mark the best dessert shops in the city, especially those that sell red bean cakes!

"You're sensible enough." Ma Xiaotao hummed softly, but the corners of her mouth curled into a beautiful arc, her mood bright.

The winding path led toward Sea God Island, and toward the next day filled with unknowns and possibilities.