With Xiao Lan by his side, they quickly arrived at the gates of the Crown Prince's residence.
Ye Qiu didn't even need to announce his arrival; the guards at the gate were already used to it.
Xue Qinghe had just finished dealing with official business and was sitting in the pavilion in the back garden waiting for dinner.
"What? Is there anything I can help you with again?"
Looking at Ye Qiu before him, Xue Qinghe closed the book in his hand.
Aside from his daily evening cultivation, Ye Qiu rarely came to see him; he was a typical "no visit without a reason.
" "Indeed, there are some things I need to trouble you with, Brother Xue." Ye Qiu didn't stand on ceremony and sat down directly.
Xiao Lan also sat down next to Ye Qiu.
"Hello, Big Brother!"
"Hmm, it's been a long time since I've seen
you, little sister, you've become even more beautiful." Xue Qinghe smiled in response to Xiao Lan's greeting.
Just as he was about to ask Ye Qiu, a butterfly suddenly flew in from outside.
Its voice preceded its appearance.
"Crown Prince! Why didn't you come to my performance again!"
A girl with short, white hair and a golden laurel wreath on her head flew into Xue Qinghe's arms, leaving a trail of white blur.
"I was just too busy. I'll definitely come next time." Xue Qinghe smiled helplessly, gently patting the girl's back.
"You always say that, you have to make it up to me today!"
The white-haired girl was a little persistent, but Xue Qinghe patiently soothed her, his noble face showing a doting expression.
"Alright! Xue Ke, I have guests here!"
"Guests?!"
Xue Ke looked up curiously, and the first thing she saw was a quirky blue-haired girl, who seemed to be a little younger than herself. She
was sucking on a candied hawthorn with her cherry-like lips, her azure eyes filled with a strange smile, staring straight at her.
Xue Ke felt a little embarrassed.
Then a blue figure came into view, handsome, with deep, bright eyes and an excellent temperament.
Xue Ke's face flushed slightly, and she was a little stunned.
Ye Qiu glanced at her as well.
Her face was delicate and slightly childlike, with thick, long eyelashes, giving her a pure and innocent look. Her slightly slender eyes held a hint of allure, and her skin was fair with a rosy glow. She had a good figure.
"I am Ye Qiu, greetings to Princess Xue Ke!"
"Ah, oh! You, hello!"
Xue Ke stood up nervously from Xue Qinghe's embrace, a blush creeping onto her face.
"Xue Ke, Xue Ke?"
"Ah? Crown Prince brother."
Xue Qinghe pointed to another pavilion, where a table had been set up with many dishes.
"I need to talk to Ye Qiu about something. You can eat over there first!"
"Okay," Xue Ke replied, her steps unsteady, glancing back several times.
"Haha. If Little Blue is hungry, you can eat some too. Maybe you and Xue Ke can become good friends!"
Noticing Little Blue's eager gaze at the food, Xue Qinghe, remembering this foodie well, invited her to join them at the table.
"Go if you want!" Ye Qiu pinched Xiao Lan's soft cheek, dismissing her.
"Hehe."
After Xiao Lan and the other girl left, Xue Qinghe let out a cold laugh, his voice much stiffer.
He hadn't missed Xue Ke's unusual behavior. He
looked at Ye Qiu with a mocking gaze, his words seemingly sarcastic, with a hint of resentment.
"Ye Qiu, your charm is really something!"
"Why are you looking at me like that? I didn't do anything!" Ye Qiu shrugged helplessly.
Could he blame himself? Who told her to be a sucker for good looks
? Speaking of which, Qian Renxue herself seemed to be similar?
Ye Qiu gave her a deep look, as if trying to discern something.
"What kind of look is that!" A frown appeared between Xue Qinghe's brows, Ye Qiu's direct gaze making him very uncomfortable.
"Ahem... nothing!" After being glared at by Xue Qinghe, Ye Qiu stopped dwelling on those issues.
He got straight to the point, a sketch appearing in his hand, which he handed to Xue Qinghe.
"Here! This is what I need!"
Taking the item Ye Qiu handed her, Xue Qinghe's face darkened.
"What do you need so many long, large hollow pillars for?"
"It's a secret!"
"You!"
Xue Qinghe's face was filled with anger. She didn't know how many times he had used those two words to brush her off.
Asking for help, and this is it?!
"Do you know how much iron this will use?"
"As for iron ore, I've already acquired quite a lot, it's all here! I'll also reimburse you for other expenses."
Ye Qiu took out a spatial soul tool from his Divine Might Space and placed it in front of Xue Qinghe.
"Who cares about your stinking money!"
"..."
Not far away.
Watching the friendly exchange between Xue Qinghe and Ye Qiu,
Xue Ke's expression was somewhat strange.
She had never seen her gentle and refined elder brother, the Crown Prince, show such an angry expression.
"Sister, why do you keep staring at my brother?"
Xiao Lan stretched out her slightly oily little hand and waved it in front of her twice.
The gold-plated and diamond-encrusted circular crown on Xue Ke's head was already on her head.
"I...I didn't, I was looking at my Crown Prince brother."
Xue Ke's face flushed red as she looked away. She frowned and glared slightly at Xiao Lan.
"Xiao Lan...it's time to go!"
Xiao Lan opened her mouth, wanting to say something more,
but Ye Qiu's call came over.
He had almost finished talking with Xue Qinghe.
"Coming, coming!" Xiao Lan responded hurriedly, quickly wiping her hands clean with a handkerchief, and then with a wave of her hand, several dishes disappeared from the table.
She was about to leave, leaving Xue Ke bewildered.
"Oh! Right, sister, here's yours!"
She'd only run a few steps when she turned back to return the laurel wreath to Xue Ke, placing it back on her head.
"Xiao Lan, what are you doing?!" Ye Qiu's forehead creased with annoyance.
Not content with just a free meal, she wanted to take some home too?!
"That sister promised Xiao Lan," Xiao Lan blinked innocently.
"If Xiao Lan likes it, take it with you. You can come often in the future."
"Okay! Thank you, big brother!"
Xiao Lan smiled sweetly at Xue Qinghe, then clung to Ye Qiu's arm, sticking out her tongue. Ye Qiu gave a
helpless wry smile. Since the host didn't seem to mind, he didn't want to argue.
"In that case, Brother Xue, I'll be leaving now!"
"Okay!" Xue Qinghe nodded calmly.
The two exchanged a glance.
The space slowly rippled, and Ye Qiu, with Xiao Lan, left the Crown Prince's residence. He
was going to be late picking up Dugu Yan!
"Huh? Crown Prince, where are they?"
Xue Ke ran over, looking around but couldn't find them anywhere.
"They've already left!"
"Gone out of thin air?"
"Yeah, if they hadn't left, you, you lovesick fool, would have been clinging to them!" Xue Qinghe teased his younger sister.
"What nonsense are you talking about? I'm not lovesick!"
Xue Ke stomped her feet, retorting unhappily, then clung to his arm.
"Crown Prince, isn't this Ye Qiu a student at the Royal Academy?! Ouch~"
Xue Qinghe tapped her head irritably, cursing Ye Qiu, that bastard, in his heart.
...
Night fell.
In a village not far from Soto City, a third of the area was rented by Shrek Academy.
In the dormitory.
Xiao Wu and the other two girls weren't sleepy at all, each sharing their stories with Ye Qiu.
However, they all seemed a little impatient.
Their words became increasingly unrestrained in their control of the boundaries.
"Rongrong! Why do you always talk about kissing, hugging, and lifting people up high? Are you doing it on purpose?!"
"I...I didn't!" "
Xiaowu always talks about sleeping with Ye Qiu too!"
"Rongrong, you're talking nonsense! I just mentioned it briefly! It's clearly Zhuqing who keeps talking about Ye Qiu dressing her."
"..."
Their heated exchange finally subsided after a while. They were both covered in
blankets, their faces burning.
Shrek Academy, shrouded in darkness, seemed very peaceful.
But from the nearby grove,
a sudden thud and scream made the night seem rather comical.
A black shadow shot up from the grove and disappeared into the air.
Then, Dean Flander helped the unrecognizable Zhao Wuji out.
Because Tang San was more seriously injured, Tang Hao didn't hold back.
Fully utilizing the tradition of 'beating the child to attract the elder,' he gave Zhao Wuji a full-body spa treatment.
"Cough cough... ptooey!" Zhao Wuji spat out a tooth, mixed with blood, making his speech not only slightly slurred but also a bit lisp.
"That bastard went too far!"
"Alright! Just shut up. Who knew Tang San was his son! He's probably already well past level 95. Just swallow this!"
"Hmph! I was just grumbling." Zhao Wuji muttered, not daring to harbor any thoughts of revenge against someone who dared to beat even the Pope.
...
The Crown Prince's secret chamber.
Qian Renxue was waiting for Ye Qiu's arrival as usual.
Holding a letter from the Hall of Offerings, she learned that Ye Qiu's situation had improved.
This afternoon. The Sixth Elder, Qianjun Douluo, and his younger brother, the Seventh Elder, Jiangmo Douluo, have already set off for Soto City.
*Buzz*
—Invisible ripples spread out, and Ye Qiu's figure appeared in the secret chamber.
"What's this?"
Before he could even stand still, a piece of paper was slapped over his face.
Qian Renxue's cold voice also rang in his ears.
"Well~ your matter has been resolved! The two elders should be able to arrive at the Spirit Hall branch in Soto City early the day after tomorrow."
"So fast!?"
Ye Qiu looked at the letter in his hand, somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Qian Daoliu to send these twin brothers.
Both of them were level ninety-six, their spirits being the Panlong Staff.
"Isn't speed a good thing? Doesn't it show how much I value you?" Qian Renxue rolled her eyes at him; she had sent someone back that very night.
"Thanks! But why does this letter seem to be missing a tail?"
Ye Qiu sat down beside the newly built stone table, waving the letter in his hand, looking at her strangely.
"Hmph! That part is none of your business and is my personal privacy!"
Qian Renxue pouted, and a flash of light appeared in her small hand under the table, instantly making the small note in her palm disappear without a trace.
Ye Qiu looked at the crack, where half of the character 'Ye' seemed to remain, and felt a little strange.
"But here..."
"Alright, I've already told you the message. If there's nothing else, let's cultivate!"
Swish!
Qian Renxue stood up, snatched the letter from his hand, and put it into her soul tool. Then she sat down cross-legged on the bed.
"What are you standing there for! Hurry up and get on!"
"Okay! Coming." Ye Qiu did as she said, came to the seat behind her, leaned against her back, and sat down cross-legged.
"By the way, I might not be coming for the next few days. I have some things to take care of!"
Being close to Ye Qiu, the blush on Qian Renxue's face became even more vibrant.
"Where are you going?"
"A secret!"
"Ye... Qiu!" Qian Renxue gritted her teeth, calling out his name word by word.
She turned her head, wishing she could bite his ear off.
"Can't you say anything else besides those two words? Don't think I don't know you're just going to find that little brat Ning Rongrong!"
"Keep your voice down, you know that, right?"
Ye Qiu was a little uncomfortable from her shouting so close to his ear.
"Hmph! You just don't trust me. When will our Martial Soul Fusion Technique ever be perfected if you keep doing this!"
"Trust isn't built overnight. Let's take it slow and get to know each other better."
"Alright. We can begin!"
Ye Qiu took both of Qian Renxue's hands in his own, then interlocked their fingers.
"Hmph!"
Qian Renxue snorted coldly, moved her buttocks back a little, and pushed Ye Qiu away unhappily.
This was their posture after they had practiced it.
Back to back, hand in hand.
After using the "Two Elements Heart Sutra," their soul power and spiritual power were connected, progressing together.
Upon mastering it, their minds were in sync.
In the secret chamber.
Golden light intertwined with blood-red light. A
six-winged angel wearing colored contact lenses soared in the secret chamber.
Soul power merged with meridians.
A sacred, scorching crimson soul power surged in the dantian.
The rising sun accompanied by purple aura.
Sunlight bathed the Heavenly Dou Imperial City, and the secret chamber returned to tranquility.
But the two on the bed remained closed, Ye Qiu's face beaming with joy.
He had broken through to level thirty-two.
In his mind, Qian Renxue's surprised voice echoed.
"You broke through?"
"Yes!" There was no need to hide it; they were so close, Qian Renxue would easily notice.
"I've told you, if you understood my soul skills, you wouldn't..."
"You bastard! Who told you to pry into my thoughts!"
"I didn't!"
*Crack* A shattering sound rang out simultaneously in both their minds, and their consciousness returned to their respective bodies.
"I don't think you're stronger than me! Don't do it again!"
Qian Renxue opened her eyes and leaned back, her face filled with anger, her voice icy.
She hated this shameless jerk!
"Okay, I understand,"
Ye Qiu nodded, somewhat puzzled; this had never happened before.
She turned her head and explained softly,
"I really didn't mean to spy on your thoughts just now."
"Hmph! Who knows!" Qian Renxue's ears turned slightly red, and her expression was somewhat unpleasant.
"Get lost! I'm a little tired."
"Alright! Take care of yourself and get some rest!"
In just a few words, Qian Renxue felt the emptiness behind her.
The secret room suddenly felt a little cold .
"Hmph! That bastard, why couldn't I spy on him? Why did he see me first?"
Qian Renxue, still sitting cross-legged on the bed, still had an unpleasant expression.
This involved the content she had torn out from the "Two Elements Heart Sutra."
She hadn't expected that in that instant, she would completely let down her guard and be completely unreserved towards him!
It wasn't his fault, but she was still angry with Ye Qiu.
Why, from the beginning, had she tried to spy on him, yet still couldn't find out even the slightest bit of Ye Qiu's thoughts!
Qian Renxue straightened her body and took a deep breath.
"Hmm? What's this?"
Just as she was about to get up, her hand pressed against something.
He picked it up in his palm; it looked like a lily and smelled pleasantly of herbs.
This was indeed the 'Yuanzhi Lily' left behind by Ye Qiu!
"Hmph! What use is this worthless flower? I'm not really tired!"
The anger in his voice had subsided; he said it was useless, yet the words were still absorbed into his soul tool.
A slight smile played at the corners of his lips.
...
The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eye Secret Realm.
"Damn it! You old bastard, you scared me half to death!"
Ye Qiu had just appeared in the wooden shed when a gray-robed old man appeared before him.
Hearing his voice, the gray-robed old man's face darkened, making his dark green beard and pupils even more striking.
"I say, kid, it's only been a short time since we last met, and you dare to be so disrespectful? If you keep this up, believe me, I'll have Yan Yan make you sleep on the ground from now on!"
"Senior Dugu, it's because you always come and go without a trace, I was just a little too excited! Besides, my Yan Yan would never do such a thing!"
This gray-robed old man was none other than Dugu Bo, who would disappear for quite some time afterward.
Seeing Ye Qiu's mocking gaze, Dugu Bo's dark green eyes glared.
"You little rascal, when did you become my Yan Yan? You two aren't even married yet! You'll still have to watch my face, hehehe!"
"Hmph! You dare to disagree?!"
"Of course I can, ahahaha. How could I disagree! As long as Yan Yan thinks it's good, that's fine. Haha."
Dugu Bo, who was initially quite tough,
immediately smiled upon recognizing his granddaughter's voice, a smile that could even be described as fawning.
He turned to look at his granddaughter.
"Yan Yan~ Why are you up so early?"
"You two woke me up!" Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at them, annoyed.
"Yan Yan~" Ye Qiu looked at the girl behind Dugu Bo, a smile on his face.
"Hmm!" Dugu Yan walked to Ye Qiu's side, hugged his arm, and turned to look at Dugu Bo.
"Grandpa, can't you come back more often? You don't have to stay outside every day."
"I'm doing this so it's easier for you to do things!"
Dugu Bo sat down at the table and took a sip of the freshly brewed tea.
"Senior, you probably won't need to go out for the next few days." Ye Qiu pulled Dugu Yan down to sit and poured her a cup of tea.
"What? You're going on a long trip?"
"Yes, so I'll have to trouble you to take care of Yan Yan during this time!"
Ye Qiu nodded calmly. He needed to reach Soto City before Qian Jun and Jiang Mo.
"You brat, do you really think Yan Yan is yours? I'm her grandfather, okay? Isn't it my duty to take care of her?"
Dugu Bo was a little indignant. He'd only been gone a short time.
Family? Who understands?! He found himself a grandson-in-law, and now I'm an outsider?!
"I was just worried you'd run off." Ye Qiu chuckled dryly and scratched his head.
"Are you going to Soto City?" Dugu Yan leaned on his shoulder, looking at his profile, her breath sweet as orchids.
She already knew Ye Qiu's plans, so she wasn't too surprised.
"Okay, I'll take you to the academy and then leave! Please take care of Xiao Lan for a while."
"Don't worry! But don't get so caught up in your sweet moments that you forget about me~"
Dugu Yan's eyes were filled with resentment, yet she was helpless.
"How could I! I still have to come back and give you an explanation!" Ye Qiu put his arm around her slender waist, turning his face to meet her gaze.
Speaking of this, Dugu Yan thought of that night, her face flushed with shyness, and she softly agreed.
"Then, then I'll wait for you to come back! *
kiss*" "Ahem." Dugu Bo coughed twice, an awkward expression appearing on his old face.
These young people nowadays!
Helplessly, he raised his hand to shield his eyes, not forgetting to put on the nine-section jade pendant on his shoulder as well.
...
The sun blazed high.
In a town on the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest!
Ye Qiu, having already said goodbye to Xiao Lan and the other two girls, appeared out of thin air in a small grove outside the town.
He had passed through here before and left a mark.
Traveling to Soto City from this location would be much faster.