"It's not what you're thinking. I'm just giving you a choice, that's all."
Li Chang'an gently placed his hand on Miao Ling's head, softly stroking her with the cat-petting technique he'd mastered in his previous life.
For some reason, after being patted on the head by Li Chang'an, Miao Ling gradually stopped crying. Instead, she leaned her head gently against his stomach, becoming meek and docile like an actual kitten, letting him continue stroking her without resistance.
"If you don't want to go back, then you can stay here. I can arrange for you to attend school, or you're free to do whatever you wish," he said calmly.
Although Li Chang'an very much wanted Miao Ling to stay with him, he truly meant what he said. As long as she made her own choice, he would respect it. He wasn't the kind of man who forced others—he wasn't some heartless scumbag.
"Miao Ling doesn't want to do any of that. Miao Ling just wants to stay by Young Master's side—serve tea, fetch water… and when it's cold, warm Young Master's bed."
As she spoke, she even rubbed her head lightly against his abdomen, affectionate and gentle, just like a real cat.
"Uh… that's probably not appropriate, is it?" Li Chang'an felt a bit conflicted. While his heart was moved, he still wasn't used to living the life of an Lord.
"Young Master gave Miao Ling a second chance at life. Miao Ling is willing to do these things. If Young Master doesn't agree… then Miao Ling would rather die!"
Her clear, expressive eyes were filled with determined resolve.
"Don't be so stubborn. Since you want to stay with me, I won't say no. But you don't need to see yourself as a servant. Just treat me like a good friend—or like an older brother," Li Chang'an finally agreed.
Truth be told, he had more or less expected this outcome from the beginning. But he still wanted Miao Ling to have the chance to choose for herself. Since she had chosen him, of course he wouldn't let her suffer—at the very least, he'd make sure her cultivation path was well supported.
"Don't resist for now. I want to see if you can enter my storage soul tool."
Li Chang'an suddenly remembered the mission reward he'd received—an advanced storage soul tool capable of holding living creatures.
And strictly speaking, Miao Ling no longer counted as an ordinary human. He wanted to test whether she could enter it.
He casually swiped a hand over the Nullspace Storage Soul Tool, and his spiritual power enveloped Miao Ling. In the next moment, she vanished—appearing inside the soul tool's internal space.
Li Chang'an could inspect the inside of the storage tool with his spiritual sense, so he could clearly see Miao Ling standing there, looking around in confusion at the unfamiliar surroundings.
The interior of his soul tool was packed with various items—but neatly organized: immortal herbs, food, clothing, clean water, tokens…
A moment later, Miao Ling was summoned back out, though her eyes still held a hint of dazed confusion. This was something she had never even heard of before.
"That space is the inside of my soul tool. If you're going to follow me, this will make things easier. Besides, you won't be lonely in there—I'll set up a house for you, and there will be other sisters living inside too," Li Chang'an said with a mischievous smile.
Xiao Wu, Gu Yuena, even Ah Yin—whom he still planned to revive—and Xiao Wu's mother…
How could it possibly be boring or lonely?
Still, he wouldn't keep Miao Ling inside all the time. Unless they were traveling far, she would be free to go as she pleased.
"Miao Ling is happy with this. This way, Miao Ling can always stay by Young Master's side."
She seemed genuinely delighted upon discovering such a treasure. She had been worrying about not being able to stay with Li Chang'an and take care of him. This solved everything.
Besides, she had always lived a lonely life. That kind of quiet, isolated space actually suited her well.
"I'll think about using it when I travel. For now, what you need to do is get used to this continent—and start cultivating properly."
"Your cultivation system may be different from ours, but these fruits and body-nourishing immortal herbs will help just the same."
As he spoke, Li Chang'an handed Miao Ling a few low-grade soul power fruits and a root of body-strengthening immortal herb.
After giving her simple instructions on how to use them, Li Chang'an finally left her dorm and made his way toward Liu Erlong's residence.
Not for anything improper—and certainly not just to admire Liu Erlong's figure—he genuinely wanted to talk about work.
Liu Erlong didn't live in the main faculty area, but had a personal cabin deep in the forest behind the academy. Li Chang'an had found out about it earlier.
But before he reached her cabin, he noticed someone else walking in that direction—and it was someone he recognized.
One of the key figures related to his million-year soul ring—Yu Xiaogang!
But this Yu Xiaogang felt... different.
He was dressed in a plain gray robe, standing tall and straight, walking with a kind of rigid, overconfident aura. If someone didn't know better, they'd think he was a full-fledged Titled Douluo.
"Teacher Yu, you're back?" Li Chang'an took the initiative to greet him—after all, Yu Xiaogang hadn't completely fallen from grace yet, and he wasn't dead either.
"Oh, Teacher Li! Long time no see."
Yu Xiaogang greeted him openly, unable to hide the confidence radiating from his body.
'Where did that confidence come from?'
Li Chang'an subtly scanned him. The fluctuations in Yu Xiaogang's soul power were a bit unstable—but one thing was certain: he had made a breakthrough.
How was that possible?
No outside help, and yet he'd still broken through? What was he hiding?
"Indeed, long time no see. Are you here to see..." Li Chang'an asked calmly. After all, even if Yu Xiaogang had improved, so what? Was he supposed to feel threatened?
"Oh, I just arrived at the academy and wanted to visit Erlong. What about you, Teacher Li?"
Despite his attempt to remain composed, Yu Xiaogang's gaze toward Li Chang'an still carried a hint of resentment.
"What a coincidence—I came to see Erlong as well." Li Chang'an responded casually.
"But that's not the main reason I'm here today," Yu Xiaogang suddenly changed the subject. "The real reason is—I'm here to challenge you."
"Me?" Li Chang'an raised an eyebrow, pointing to himself in surprise.
"Yes, you, Teacher Li. I'd like to have a few matches with you. What do you say?"
Yu Xiaogang looked at him with an intense, almost predatory gaze.
"Sure, why not? What are we competing in?"
Li Chang'an chuckled. What could Yu Xiaogang possibly bring to the table?
"Each of us will propose two events. We'll compete in several rounds. The one with the most victories wins overall," Yu Xiaogang explained confidently—clearly a plan he'd been working on for some time.
He was certain that Li Chang'an would want to compete in martial soul-related events, and now that he'd grown stronger, he wasn't afraid anymore. Based on his calculations, he was sure he'd win.
"A challenge needs stakes. Let me propose one—whoever loses has to get down on all fours, bark like a dog, and streak naked around the training grounds!" Yu Xiaogang added provocatively.
'You're asking for it!'
"Alright then. While that's not exactly the most civilized punishment… if that's your hobby, Teacher Yu, I'll gladly play along," Li Chang'an replied with a smile, feigning reluctance.
"Good! Then I'll propose the first event: arithmetic!"
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T/N:
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