On the open ground surrounded by flower beds.
Ye Qiu transformed and let out a roar toward Tang San, looking fierce and wild, his muscles bulging with explosive power like a beast.
Puff!
Ye Qiu once again used brute force to break through Tang San's Blue Silver Grass binding. Using his chest, he absorbed the strike of the Xuan Jade Hand, but his body turned into soft liquid to absorb and disperse the force. Standing firm, he stretched out his hand and slapped toward Tang San.
"Ye Qiu, your defense is really something," Tang San said as he stepped on the Ghost Shadow Footstep and quickly dodged away.
"Of course, otherwise, my cultivation wouldn't have improved for nothing," Ye Qiu laughed, patting his chest as the second spirit ring on his foot lit up.
Swish!
Black tendrils immediately sprouted inside Tang San's body, wrapping around and devouring his soul power, growing wildly.
"You're not the only one who can parasitize!" Tang San smiled, not in a hurry. He knew this was Ye Qiu's second soul skill, similar to his own second soul skill of parasitism.
As he finished speaking,
Blue Silver Grass began growing on Ye Qiu's body.
After multiple fights, Tang San had already learned how to counter Ye Qiu's attacks. His soul power surged and washed over his body, spending a lot of power to shake off Ye Qiu's bindings. Even so, Tang San had to admit, Ye Qiu's martial soul and soul skills were superior.
During the time Tang San freed himself, Ye Qiu had already torn apart the Blue Silver Grass and rushed to his front.
"Let's stop fighting, I still need to hit the road tomorrow." Tang San's breath was a bit hurried as he looked at the charging Ye Qiu and quickly waved his hand.
"Alright! I'll let you off for today," Ye Qiu said proudly as he dispelled the martial soul possession.
Tang San said annoyed, "Hey, what do you mean 'letting me off'? If I got serious, you wouldn't necessarily beat me."
"Ah, yes yes, our Xiao San is hiding his true strength, I know," Ye Qiu said perfunctorily, nodding repeatedly while patting Tang San's shoulder. "If there's a chance, let me see it?"
"There will be a chance," Tang San smiled. He wasn't angry at Ye Qiu's underestimation. Showing off unnecessarily was the worst strategy. Only revealing strength at critical moments makes a deeper impression and earns genuine respect.
"Then I'll be looking forward to it."
Ye Qiu ignored whatever Tang San thought and headed toward Dormitory Seven.
Since Ye Qiu surpassed Tang San in cultivation, their sparring, once evenly matched, gradually tilted in Ye Qiu's favor, with the gap widening.
Blue Silver Grass's control was good but limited against Ye Qiu. His venom naturally grew tendrils, and wrapping was a skill he could easily replicate.
Tang San's Ghost Shadow Footstep didn't impress Ye Qiu's strong senses; close combat was no threat.
Tang San hadn't even used any hidden weapons on him yet.
"Ye Qiu, I'm going to see the teacher."
"Mm, go ahead."
Ye Qiu didn't even turn his head, not curious about Tang San fetching Yu Xiaogang. It was probably just to bring back some books to read during the holiday.
...
In Dormitory Seven, Xiao Wu had finished packing. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she kept patting the quilt and cursing Ye Qiu, sulking.
"I mean, it's just one holiday you're gone. Do you have to hate me so much?" Ye Qiu's teasing yet helpless voice came from behind her.
Xiao Wu turned her head, her face full of displeasure, snorted coldly, and ignored him.
Ye Qiu smiled and didn't care, placing the parcel he had prepared into Xiao Wu's hands.
He reminded her, "Here, these are the gold spirit coins I prepared. Help me deliver them to Grandpa Jack. You should know where the house key is. Oh, and there are some leftover candies inside, consider it a reward."
"Who wants your candies? I don't need any reward," Xiao Wu glared at Ye Qiu and shoved the parcel into her own bag, frowning.
"If you don't want a reward, then just consider it a gift from me," Ye Qiu said casually, sitting at the edge of the bed, reaching out to hold Xiao Wu's face.
"W-what are you doing? Let go of Sister Xiao Wu," Xiao Wu shook her head vigorously but was held steadily by Ye Qiu. Looking at his approaching face, she slowly stopped struggling.
"Do you still remember what I told you? Don't get too close to him, understand?" Ye Qiu's face was serious, his tone heartfelt.
"I don't—I don't want to listen to you," Xiao Wu pouted and shook her head angrily.
"...," Ye Qiu's dark eyes narrowed slightly, a bit displeased. He looked at Xiao Wu calmly and asked, "Are you serious?"
As he spoke, his grip tightened noticeably.
"I—" Seeing Ye Qiu's calm and unreadable expression, Xiao Wu, who had been about to argue, suddenly became anxious. She grabbed his clothes and explained, "I was joking, really."
"Better be a joke. Otherwise, if I don't come back from this trip, you'll have no one to bother," Ye Qiu smiled as he rubbed Xiao Wu's cheeks. If she didn't listen and acted recklessly, why should he come back?
"No, I really was joking. I remember what you said, I definitely won't get too close to him." Xiao Wu looked at Ye Qiu, sure that he wasn't joking, her face pale as she hurried to correct herself.
"Heh, good that you remember. I won't harm you; I will protect you, understand?" Ye Qiu smiled gently and rubbed her still baby-faced cheeks.
Hearing this, Xiao Wu's crimson eyes seemed to glisten with tears, her face burning hot. Her small hands clenched Ye Qiu's clothes tightly as she promised, "I—I'll protect you too. Whoever messes with you, Sister Xiao Wu will beat them—really!"
"Haha, such a silly bunny."
Ye Qiu chuckled softly. This kind of love-sick brain was good; he liked it a lot. Looking at that pretty face, he slowly leaned in and tasted the sweet, soft lips he hadn't tasted for many years.
Xiao Wu was stunned, her eyes sparkling like spring waves about to overflow, her red lips gently parted to meet Ye Qiu.
This was their third kiss.
Five years had passed since Ye Qiu took the initiative, and four years since she had. Was Ye Qiu going to make her his girlfriend now?
Feeling the moisture and movement on his lips, Xiao Wu fluttered her long lashes and looked at Ye Qiu with affection. She really liked this.
...
The next morning.
Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu said their goodbyes at the gate of Notting Academy.
The displeasure on Xiao Wu's face was gone, maybe because last night, or just before leaving, Ye Qiu had teased her again and gently kissed her.