Chapter 105: Xiao Xun'er: Why Is Xiao Yan's Chest So Soft?
In truth, Lu Bu had once entertained the idea of stealing Xiao Xun'er's heart. After all, there was an undeniable allure to a woman destined for someone else wait, no, Xiao Xun'er wasn't married yet… Damn it, that just made it even more enticing no, stop!
Cough cough. Anyway, the idea had crossed his mind, but he had wisely decided to abandon it.
The reason was simple: his methods weren't particularly sophisticated. Anyone with a sharp mind could figure out his intentions with some careful thought.
Moreover, Xiao Xun'er was exceptionally intelligent. She'd see through him with ease. If she remained indifferent, it wouldn't matter at most, it would amount to nothing more than a fruitless effort. But far more likely, she'd take offense.
A proud woman like Xiao Xun'er wouldn't tolerate anyone meddling with her emotions or making unwelcome advances. If she truly became hostile and ordered his assassination…
Things would get very messy.
And honestly, Lu Bu wasn't desperate enough to need Xiao Xun'er to survive. So, he genuinely wasn't interested in her.
After their conversation, Lu Bu leaped into the air and headed out of Jia Nan City, vanishing into the vast wilderness. This left Xiao Xun'er standing in place, rubbing her temples in frustration.
"Forget it. I'll take things one step at a time," Xiao Xun'er sighed. Nalan Yanran had a life debt connection with Xiao Yan, and trying to force them apart would only make Xiao Yan feel conflicted and resentful.
With a light tap of her toes, Xiao Xun'er returned to her dormitory.
…
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, a month had gone by.
For Lu Bu, this month had been particularly peaceful. His days were filled with relentless cultivation whether it was training his Dou Qi, refining his soul, or researching the Devouring Ancient Symbol.
The Devouring Ancient Symbol proved immensely helpful for cultivation. Since his body was already strong enough to handle it, Lu Bu freely devoured medicinal ingredients without worry. With the ample stash of resources he'd acquired from the Eight Gates' treasure vault, he had no shortage of materials.
Over the course of the month, his Dou Qi advanced by three stars. If not for concerns about destabilizing his foundation, he could have devoured his way straight to the Dou Ling stage.
However, his cultivation was interrupted when Instructor Ruo Lin summoned him with a message: the Inner Academy Selection Tournament was about to begin. Xiao Xun'er had insisted on registering Xiao Yan for the competition, even though he was still en route to Jia Nan Academy.
Lu Bu, meanwhile, had also signed up Nalan Yanran. His reason? She was his "junior sister."
After all, Lu Bu had entered Jia Nan Academy under the name of Yun Yun's disciple. By that logic, wasn't Nalan Yanran technically his junior?
Xiao Xun'er knew the context and was fully aware of Lu Bu's intentions, but she had no way to intervene. After all, how could she possibly explain the complicated relationships between herself, Xiao Yan, and Nalan Yanran to Instructor Ruo Lin?
A few days later, the Inner Academy Selection Tournament began. Most of the battles were between average fighters nothing particularly noteworthy. Lu Bu participated in a few matches, deliberately holding back and taking a few extra moves to defeat his opponents, so as not to draw too much attention.
However, he couldn't ignore the sharp, hostile gaze directed at him from the direction of the Profound Class, First Team. It was White Mountain.
Ever since their last encounter, White Mountain had gone from a respected, admired figure to a lonely, isolated "lone wolf." While no one outright disrespected him due to his strength, his presence was diminished when compared to the likes of Hu Jia and Wu Hao.
Although the three were evenly matched in strength, White Mountain's attempts to act as a brooding, solitary warrior only made him look weaker in their eyes.
This humiliation burned within him. White Mountain swore to reclaim his lost dignity on the tournament stage and prove to Xun'er that he was the most outstanding student at Jia Nan Academy.
As for Lu Bu? He was blissfully unaware.
It's just White Mountain. Why would I waste my time thinking about him after the fight's over?
The Inner Academy Selection Tournament only accepted 50 students, but over 200 had registered. The competition was fierce, with victory determining who would advance.
Day by day, matches proceeded until it was finally Xiao Yan's turn to fight. As expected, his opponent was someone from the Profound Class, Second Team. Just like in the original storyline, Xiao Yan arrived late.
For a moment, everyone lamented, assuming Xiao Yan was a coward who had forfeited. But at the last possible moment, he descended from the sky, making a dramatic entrance.
"Tch tch… Classic Xiao Yan, always showing up at the last second," Lu Bu muttered, rolling his eyes.
Bang!
On the stage, Xiao Yan clenched his right fist and used the Eight Extremes Collapse to shatter his opponent's steel spear, knocking them unconscious and securing his victory.
After stepping off the stage, Xiao Yan made his way directly to the Yellow Class, Second Team's section. His eyes locked onto the serene, lotus like girl who occupied his thoughts.
"Sorry I'm late…"
Xiao Xun'er stared at him blankly before rising to her feet and rushing into his arms.
Wait… Why did Xiao Yan's chest feel so soft…?
Xiao Xun'er looked up, only to realize she had been hugged by another girl someone stunningly beautiful, second only to herself. The girl wore an elegant cloud patterned robe embroidered with gold trim.
"This must be Sister Xun'er, right?"
"Nalan… Yanran?" Xiao Xun'er stammered, completely caught off guard. She had anticipated meeting Nalan Yanran someday, but she hadn't imagined it would happen like this.
"Sister Xun'er, you were right…" Nalan Yanran bit her lip, looking deeply into Xiao Xun'er's eyes. "I'm sorry. I truly regret what I've done."
Nearby, Xiao Yan stood awkwardly, scratching his head with an embarrassed smile.
Xiao Xun'er's delicate brows furrowed. She was about to assert her dominance when a mocking voice interrupted:
"Jie jie jie…"
Lu Bu watched the scene unfold with great anticipation, rubbing his hands together. Come on, fight, fight! Where's my popcorn? Oh, right, the Dou Qi Continent doesn't have popcorn.
No problem. I'm an alchemist. I'll figure out how to make it myself. And considering scenes like this will probably happen again, it's definitely worth the effort.
Xiao Xun'er's eye twitched as she glanced at Lu Bu. Her body trembled slightly, but she managed to suppress her frustration, taking Nalan Yanran's hand instead. Forcing a strained smile, she said, "Sister Nalan, please sit. We haven't seen each other in so long and have much to talk about. But let's save it for later."
"Oh… okay, sure. Whatever you say, Sister Xun'er," Nalan Yanran replied quickly, realizing she had acted impulsively earlier. She had promised Xiao Yan to get along with Xun'er, but…
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan, hearing that all too familiar mocking laughter, shuddered. Following the sound, his fears were confirmed Lu Bu was nearby, grinning.
"Why are you just standing there? Come over here!" Lu Bu called out with a mischievous smile.
Xiao Yan swallowed hard, feeling a chill run down his spine. As if dealing with Xun'er and Yanran wasn't enough, Lu Bu had to show up, and whenever he did, nothing good ever came of it.
With a resigned sigh, Xiao Yan trudged over to Lu Bu.
"Why are you here at Jia Nan Academy?" Xiao Yan asked in a low voice, his pupils narrowing. Could he be here for the Heavenly Flame? The thought made Xiao Yan's expression turn sharp.
But Lu Bu, unfazed, replied nonchalantly, "It's not your family's academy. If you can come here, why can't I?"
Xiao Yan scratched his head, feeling a growing headache. With the mess between Xun'er and Yanran unresolved, now Lu Bu was here as well. This guy's presence always spelled trouble!
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