Resting in the Town

Watching from the side, Zhu Zhuqing's cool eyes instantly filled with astonishment and confusion. Her gaze fixed on Liuli as she asked softly:

"Your martial soul... why does it have a physical form? And it seems remarkably spiritual, with considerable intelligence of its own?"

She had cultivated for years, read countless Soul Master texts, and seen all manner of martial souls.

Tool martial souls, beast martial souls, Control System and Power Attack System types—she had seen them all, but never a physical martial soul like this, able to exist outside its owner's body, think independently, and playfully seek affection.

Ordinary beast martial souls possessed their owners to enhance their abilities and could not act independently outside their bodies. The White Fox martial soul before her completely overturned everything she knew.

Lin Chen smiled faintly and explained patiently:

"Liuli is a detached martial soul, entirely different from the continent's conventional martial souls. It can leave my body and move freely, without being bound to me."

"And it's highly spiritual and intelligent, with perception far beyond that of ordinary Soul Masters. During today's crisis outside town, I sent it to notify my teacher. That was how we managed to escape danger."

After hearing his explanation, Zhu Zhuqing immediately understood, her heart brimming with gratitude.

She leaned forward slightly, bending her slender figure as she looked gently at Liuli on the table. Her voice was cool yet soft, carrying sincere gratitude. "Thank you for bringing word in time today and saving us."

As her words fell, her slender fingertips settled lightly on Liuli's fluffy fur. With an exceedingly gentle touch, she carefully stroked its soft fox coat.

Liuli had always been drawn to gentle people and sensed Zhu Zhuqing's kindness and tenderness.

It instantly shed all its reserve and gave her two affectionate little whimpers, its eyes moist and bright.

Then it immediately turned and nuzzled back against Lin Chen's hand, continuing to act cute and seek affection. Its lively, adorable manner softened even the cool atmosphere of the dining room.

Watching the warm, harmonious scene before him, a gentle smile flickered in Mo Yuan's eyes. He quietly observed without speaking.

Combined with Lin Chen's earlier incisive analysis of the Star Luo Zhu Family and the Dai-Zhu marriage system, Mo Yuan now fully understood the value of this move.

Zhu Zhuqing possessed the top-tier Nether Civet martial soul, an unyielding temperament, and monstrous talent. Even at her young age, her practical combat ability far surpassed others at her level. Her potential was immense; she was unquestionably a supreme talent capable of becoming the pillar of a major power.

Taking her under their wing ahead of time would not only give the academy a future powerhouse, but also allow them to leverage her special status as a direct descendant of the Zhu Family.

They could put down roots within the Star Luo Empire's circles of power in advance, planting a crucial hidden piece for Spirit Hall's long-term plans across the continent.

Even after living for decades, he fell far short of such an unobtrusive eye for far-reaching strategy.

The inn's dining room was relaxed and warm. Outside, the sunshine was just right, spilling through the wooden window lattice and laying a dappled layer of gold across the table.

The table was laden with dishes, a full assortment of meat and vegetables. Steam curled upward as rich aromas slowly spread, washing away the fatigue of their days of training and the dust of their travels.

The three ate and chatted casually. There were no solemn discussions of cultivation or complicated schemes involving powerful factions, only the simplest, most relaxed everyday conversation.

Mo Yuan occasionally offered a few casual pointers on the finer details of Soul Master cultivation, explaining how lower-level Soul Masters could stabilize their soul power and master their soul skills. His words were easy to understand, every sentence distilled from decades of practical experience.

Zhu Zhuqing listened quietly, occasionally nodding in acknowledgment. Her cool expression held less of its usual distant wariness and a little more ease and softness.

Her days of fleeing and wandering, taking every step with caution, had long since exhausted her in body and mind. A peaceful meal and ordinary conversation with someone offering thoughtful guidance gave her a security and comfort she had never experienced since escaping the Star Luo Zhu Family.

Lin Chen sometimes joined the conversation and sometimes ate quietly. Watching the cool, reserved Zhu Zhuqing gradually relax beside him, he felt his own heart quietly settle.

The turmoil had ended, the opportunity was secured, and everything was steadily moving in the direction he had envisioned. The gears that would rewrite fate were now firmly in his grasp.

They took their time over lunch, warmth and harmony filling the meal without a trace of awkwardness or restraint.

By the time all three set down their bowls and chopsticks, little food remained on the table. The warmth of a full stomach dispelled every trace of fatigue and chill within them.

Mo Yuan picked up the light tea beside him and took a sip, his movements unhurried and relaxed. His gaze swept over the boy and girl at his side as he slowly laid out their next steps:

"We won't rush off on the road just yet. We'll stay in town for a few more days."

"Both of you should take the time to rest and regulate your breathing. Restore yourselves fully in body and mind, stabilize your cultivation, and settle your thoughts. Once you're both in perfect condition, we'll set out for the academy in Suotuo City."

"When you have nothing to do, feel free to go out, browse the streets, and clear your heads. You don't need to stay cooped up in your rooms cultivating all day."

As his words fell, Mo Yuan raised his eyes as though casually and slipped Lin Chen a meaningful look.

That subtle, teasing glance held unmistakable amusement. He was clearly creating an opportunity for Lin Chen to spend time alone with her and grow closer.

Lin Chen caught the meaning in his teacher's eyes precisely and understood at once. He could not help rolling his eyes inwardly, his face full of helplessness.

He had finally gotten a thorough grasp of Mo Yuan's character. In public, he was a stern, aloof Soul Saint teacher who took instruction seriously.

In private, he truly put on no airs at all. He loved teasing and matchmaking, constantly creating opportunities for Lin Chen behind the scenes.

What should have been a perfectly proper arrangement for rest had instantly taken on an entirely different flavor with that one look from his teacher. Lin Chen did not know whether to laugh or cry.

Over the next few days, the three settled fully into a leisurely period of rest, shedding all the tension of training and the haste of travel.

On the morning of their first day of rest, Lin Chen followed Mo Yuan's arrangements and took the initiative to invite Zhu Zhuqing out to browse the streets and unwind.

The border town's marketplace bustled with life. Vendors lined the streets, their cries rising one after another. Supplies for Soul Masters, specialties from the forests, and curious little trinkets filled the stalls, while an endless stream of people came and went.

Lin Chen patiently accompanied Zhu Zhuqing through the streets and alleys at a leisurely pace, letting her take in the many faces of everyday life.

Zhu Zhuqing had grown up in one of the Star Luo Empire's foremost families. She was accustomed to the luxury and strict order of a great household, but had never experienced the lively bustle of ordinary streets like this.

Curiosity flickered now and then in her cool eyes, and her taut nerves gradually relaxed without her noticing.

The two strolled and chatted along the way, discussing Soul Master cultivation, the sights and customs of the continent, and everyday trifles. The atmosphere was easy and harmonious, without the slightest awkwardness or restraint.

Zhu Zhuqing was naturally quiet and reserved, however, so she mostly listened in silence, occasionally replying softly. Their quiet companionship made for the best atmosphere of all.

By the afternoon, the sunshine had grown increasingly hot and the streets increasingly crowded, so the two returned to the inn in unspoken agreement.

Each went back to their own room, no longer venturing out to wander, and rested quietly alone.

Lin Chen sat cross-legged, carefully refining his rank-thirty-three soul power and stabilizing his cultivation after the breakthrough. He practiced the timing of transitions between his four advanced soul skills and his twin third soul skills, making his combat abilities increasingly fluid and solid.

In the room next door, Zhu Zhuqing did not waste her time either. She cast aside all distracting thoughts and calmed herself to regulate her breathing and recover.

Days of flight, travel, and combat had left her severely depleted from overtaxing her soul power. She needed sufficient time to settle her condition and restore her peak fighting strength.

A full day of resting alone brought both of them considerable recovery in body and mind.

Night fell, sunset clouds spread across the horizon, and the town gradually shed the clamor of the day, settling into stillness.

As agreed, the three gathered in the inn's dining room for dinner. The lamplight was gentle, the food warm, and the atmosphere remained peaceful and harmonious.