Douluo: Venom Martial Soul

The Xuan Tian Technique had greatly accelerated Ye Qiu's cultivation speed.

And the Purple Demon Eye had further heightened his perception. Although he practiced secretly and cautiously, the results were unexpectedly excellent.

"Alright, Ye Qiu, I have so many Gold Soul Coins now—how about I treat you to a feast at the cafeteria?" Xiao Wu stood up and pulled on Ye Qiu's arm.

"Sure, I haven't had lunch yet anyway." Ye Qiu didn't decline. He stretched lazily, loosening his body.

Xiao Wu smiled happily, her eyes narrowing with joy as she held Ye Qiu's hand, and the two of them headed out together.

---

Noon.

There were still relatively few people walking around the academy, except for the path leading to the cafeteria, where it was bustling. Every student who saw Xiao Wu would respectfully call her "Sister Xiao Wu." Of course, there were also a few observant ones who would call Ye Qiu "Boss."

Just as they reached the entrance of the cafeteria, Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu spotted a familiar figure.

Dressed in light blue, with a belt adorned with twenty-four embedded jade stones around his waist—it was Tang San. He had just walked out of the cafeteria carrying food, and clearly saw the two of them. Smiling, he approached Ye Qiu.

"Xiao San, why are you alone today?" Ye Qiu greeted him first.

Usually, Tang San had lunch with Yu Xiaogang, and after eating, would return to Yu Xiaogang's room together.

"Teacher isn't feeling well today, so I came to get food for him." Tang San replied with a smile, but his eyes had already drifted to Xiao Wu. With concern, he asked, "Xiao Wu, how did getting your third spirit ring go? Was it smooth?"

Xiao Wu clung to Ye Qiu's arm proudly and nodded. "Of course it was smooth. I'm now a genuine Soul Elder! Xiao San, you better catch up soon."

"Mm, I will." Tang San smiled awkwardly. He had been trying his best to catch up, but the extra academic tasks Yu Xiaogang gave him, along with the time he spent crafting hidden weapons, left him lagging behind. At this point, he was only a Level 26 Soul Master.

"Well then, I won't bother you two anymore." Tang San waved and slowly walked past them. As he looked at Xiao Wu tightly holding Ye Qiu's hand, a faint trace of hidden sorrow flickered in his eyes.

He didn't know when it started, but Xiao Wu no longer even wanted to spar with him. Even though he spent so much time with her… was he not even worthy of being her friend anymore?

Ye Qiu glanced at Tang San's back, then turned and walked into the cafeteria with Xiao Wu.

---

Over the past few years, the relationships among them had grown much closer. At the very least, things were still peaceful, and they could be considered friends. But Ye Qiu wasn't sure how long that could last.

After all, Tang Hao would never give up on a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, and Ye Qiu would never give up on Xiao Wu.

They were destined to be enemies.

There was still something Ye Qiu had left behind inside Tang San's body, after all.

Ye Qiu couldn't go too far, or else that little black snake might get discovered.

There was only a month left before Notting Academy's break, and it was about time for him to go out and explore the world of soul masters, and to see the legendary Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!

Ye Qiu turned his head to glance at Xiao Wu.

"Hehe…"

Xiao Wu looked at him, confused, and gave a sweet, slightly silly smile.

Ye Qiu couldn't help but chuckle.

This silly bunny was so easy to satisfy. He gently took her soft little hand and kneaded it lightly.

Xiao Wu's smile grew even sweeter.

Ye Qiu rarely took the initiative to hold her hand like this.

---

Only a quarter of an hour later, the two of them had already exited the cafeteria.

Xiao Wu skipped along cheerfully beside Ye Qiu. Although the sun was strong, the occasional breeze lifted her short skirt gently. With candy in her mouth, she looked at Ye Qiu beside her—everything felt sweet, even the wind.

"We've already circled the academy once. Let's go back and cultivate," Ye Qiu looked up at the sky, then turned to head toward Dorm Seven.

Notting Academy didn't schedule classes in the afternoons, so Ye Qiu often pulled Xiao Wu onto the bed to meditate for hours straight.

"Huh? Fine…"

Xiao Wu was stunned, then nodded in slight disappointment. She didn't hate cultivating with Ye Qiu—on the contrary, she liked the feeling of being able to connect with him without barriers, to feel everything he felt.

Watching Ye Qiu walk ahead with his hands in his pockets, Xiao Wu pouted, quickly caught up, and wrapped her arm around his as they slowly made their way back.

---

Back in Dorm Seven.

A few students were already scattered about in small groups, chatting.

Xiao Wu waved to dismiss their greetings, skipped forward a couple of steps, and kicked off her shoes—sending them flying—before climbing directly onto Ye Qiu's bed.

Ye Qiu covered his forehead, helpless.

"I mean… can't you get on the bed a little more gently, you silly bunny?"

"I was just trying to save you time for cultivating! Hmph… and I don't need you to pick up my shoes anyway." Xiao Wu pouted, flicked her hair, then sat cross-legged on the bed and held out her hand toward Ye Qiu, charmingly saying, "Come on!"

"Even if you begged me, I wouldn't pick them up. Who knows what they smell like!" Ye Qiu rolled his eyes, waving his hand near his nose.

"Ye Qiu, you're being mean… Sister Xiao Wu's feet don't smell!"

Xiao Wu hurriedly covered her petite feet, not letting Ye Qiu see. She bent down and sniffed them—about the same as after a bath. She glared at Ye Qiu, puffing her cheeks.

"Hmph! You always tease me!"

"Alright, alright. Let's start cultivating."

Seeing her cute, flustered look, Ye Qiu chuckled and reached out. Xiao Wu gently placed her hand in his.

---

Three soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple—rose beneath Ye Qiu's feet. The little black tadpole on his fingertip immediately dispersed, and his hand transformed, releasing its essence onto Xiao Wu's face, earning a glare from the little bunny.

In no time, a black mass enveloped Xiao Wu. A row of white fangs flipped out from behind her head, seemingly about to devour it. Strange fluctuations spread out as the two completed their fusion. Their spiritual and soul powers were fully connected.

At the same time, Ye Qiu's first soul ring flickered.

He had copied Xiao Wu's third soul skill—Teleportation.

Their mental conversation was only audible to the two of them.

"Alright, stop thinking about random stuff. Focus and start cultivating."

"Mm, I got it."

Xiao Wu's voice was soft and sweet.

Every time, she would eagerly search through Ye Qiu's memories, trying to feel what he truly thought of her. Just seeing moments where he praised or acknowledged her would be enough to make her happy.

She hadn't gone astray—Ye Qiu still wanted her.

"I told you to stop thinking nonsense!"

Feeling the wave of shyness and excitement coming from her, Ye Qiu couldn't help but sigh and remind her again.