Chapter 144

Because the memories connected to this place had all been sealed away in the South Sea Extremity, Pei Ling had spent the journey searching the Remnant Souls he captured for clues. His memories were in disarray, and only when he heard Qiao Ranran's wistful remark did he smile and say, "What wild thoughts are you having now?"

Qiao Ranran laughed. "Guess."

Pei Ling froze. He hadn't expected Qiao Ranran to turn his own words against him. He couldn't help laughing too, and the memories muddled by the Remnant Souls gradually grew clear. "Qiao Ranran."

"Hmm?"

"Have you ever wondered why I met you?"

"Ah..." Qiao Ranran sighed. "I have."

"Hmm?"

"Probably so I could become a better Qiao Ranran." So she could tear away the shell she hid behind and, step by timid step, grow stronger.

Pei Ling smiled silently. And what about me?

Pei Ling moved so fast that he somehow skirted every dangerous area along the way, avoiding any place where a clash might break out well in advance. Apart from the Remnant Souls he deftly snatched as they traveled, he had only one target: the very center.

Before they reached their destination, Pei Ling stopped. He looked down at Qiao Ranran, who gazed up at him blankly from his arms, and hesitated for a moment.

Qiao Ranran immediately clutched his arm. "Are you about to say it's dangerous ahead, that you won't be able to look after me, and that I should wait here?"

Pei Ling: "..."

Qiao Ranran huffed. "So when you feel like it, you take me everywhere, but when you don't, you just put me down wherever you please? You still think I'm a burden, don't you?"

Pei Ling looked at her puffed-up cheeks and burst out laughing. "Mm. I do."

Qiao Ranran: "!!"