After the introductions were over, the atmosphere inside Liu Ming's residence slowly became relaxed and lively.
Tang Yuehua and Shuo Linger naturally drifted to one side of the room. Since Shuo Linger was a few years older, she treated Tang Yuehua with easy warmth, speaking to her like an elder sister. Before long, the two women were quietly talking with each other.
Meanwhile, Wang Yan remained with Liu Ming, Zhao Qing, and Chen Yu. The four of them continued their conversation as old friends, discussing various small matters.
After a while, Wang Yan's expression grew slightly more serious.
"There is something I wanted to talk to you about," he said.
The three of them looked at him.
"You all remember what happened when my sword martial soul absorbed the beast core of the seventh soul beast."
They nodded. Of course they remembered that incident clearly.
Wang Yan paused for a moment before continuing.
"That event made me think about something. If a martial soul can evolve after absorbing a special type of energy… then perhaps somewhere in this world there may exist treasures or items that contain similar spiritual energy—something capable of affecting or evolving a martial soul."
As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously shifted toward Tang Yuehua, who was still talking with Shuo Linger nearby.
"You all know Yuehua's situation," he said quietly. "Her soul power has been stuck at level nine."
He looked back at his three friends.
"I don't know whether such a thing truly exists. But if there is even a small chance, I want to try."
Wang Yan was silent for a moment before speaking again.
"If possible… I hope the Iron Guard can put up a mission," he said. "To search for any treasure or relic that carries unusually dense spiritual energy. Anything of that nature… if such a thing exists."
The room fell quiet for a brief moment after he finished speaking.
Liu Ming looked at him, then suddenly let out a soft breath and shook his head.
"You're talking as if you're asking strangers for help."
Chen Yu gave a faint laugh. "Since when did you start being so polite with us?"
Zhao Qing leaned back slightly, his expression steady but warm.
"You don't need to phrase it like a request."
Liu Ming spoke again, his tone firm.
"We're brothers, Wang Yan. There's no need for you to ask like that."
Chen Yu nodded in agreement. "If something like that exists somewhere, the Iron Guard will find it."
Zhao Qing added calmly, "We'll arrange the search. Don't worry about it."
Their conversation continued for quite some time after that.
The atmosphere inside Liu Ming's house remained relaxed. The group chatted casually, sometimes laughing, sometimes speaking about small matters around the city and the academy. Time passed quickly in the comfortable company of friends.
Before long, they had a simple lunch together.
After the meal, as everyone slowly rose from their seats, Tang Yuehua turned toward Shuo Linger with a gentle smile.
"Sister Linger," she said softly, "when you have time, you should come visit our home."
Her tone was warm and sincere, like a natural invitation between close acquaintances.
Shuo Linger smiled back at her. "Of course. I will definitely come."
After exchanging a few more words with the others, Wang Yan and Tang Yuehua soon took their leave.
The two of them walked out together and headed toward their residence.
Inside the house, the atmosphere slowly quieted after their departure. Not long afterward, Chen Yu and Zhao Qing also stood up.
"We should go as well," Chen Yu said.
Zhao Qing nodded slightly, and the two of them left soon after.
After Chen Yu and Zhao Qing left, the house gradually became quiet. Only Liu Ming and Shuo Linger remained inside.
Shuo Linger walked closer and gently slipped her arm through Liu Ming's arm, leaning lightly against him.
"They really look good together," she said with a soft smile. "Yuehua seems very gentle… and Wang Yan really cares for her."
Liu Ming nodded.
"Yes," he said calmly.
Then a faint teasing smile appeared on his face.
"But you know," he added lightly, "I'm not bad either. I also care for my sweetheart."
A light blush appeared on Shuo Linger's cheeks. She glanced at him with a shy, playful expression.
"Oh? Is that so?" she said softly.
Liu Ming chuckled. His arm slid around her waist and pulled her gently into his embrace.
Before she could say anything else, he leaned down and kissed her.
The kiss lingered for a moment before he pulled back slightly, looking at the blush on her face.
Then suddenly, he bent down and lifted her into his arms like a princess.
Shuo Linger let out a small surprised sound and quickly wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Liu Ming…!"
He looked down at her with a teasing smile.
"Today," he said softly, "let me care for my sweetheart."
Her cheeks turned even redder.
"It's… afternoon," she said shyly.
"So what?" Liu Ming replied casually.
"Y-you—"
Before she could finish speaking, he leaned down and sealed her lips with another kiss.
A quiet laugh escaped him as he carried her toward their bedroom
Liu Ming gently laid Ling'er on the bed. He leaned down and kissed her softly. The kiss grew deeper, and she held onto his robe.
His kisses moved down to her neck, making her sigh. He slowly untied her robe, letting it fall from her shoulders. She blushed but did not stop him. He took off his own robe and lay down beside her, their bodies touching.
Their kisses became more passionate. His hands moved over her back, pulling her close. Ling'er hid her face on his shoulder. "Liu Ming..." she whispered. "I'm here," he whispered back.
He moved on top of her, parting her legs. When he entered her, she gasped and her back arched. "Ahh..." He started to move, first slow, then faster. Her sounds of pleasure grew louder. "Ahhhhh...."
He moved faster and harder inside her. The room was filled with the sound of their bodies and her cries. "Ahh! Ahhhhh... don't stop..." Her legs wrapped around him, pulling him in deeper.
"Ahh... ahhhhh... I'm..." Her words turned into a long, shaking moan as her body tightened around him. "Ahhhhhhh!" With one last deep push, he groaned as he found his own release. They fell into each other's arms, their bodies tangled as the afternoon sun warmed their skin and their breathing slowly returned to normal.
After resting quietly in each other's embrace for a long while, the warmth between them slowly settled into a calm silence.
Liu Ming gently brushed Shuo Ling'er's hair away from her face. She leaned against him for a moment longer before finally sitting up, a faint blush still on her cheeks.
They shared a quiet smile.
After some time, they got dressed again and prepared to continue with their day.
End of chapter.