NOVEL WEB Chapter 185:
Chapter 185: Another Soft Rice:
The princess’s voice was soft but earnest, carrying a tone of genuine request.
Xu Xi pondered for a moment before finally nodding in agreement. The courtyard was spacious, with more than enough rooms available. In fact, even if two or three more people joined, it wouldn’t pose any issue at all.
Besides, Wu Yingxue’s request was simple—she merely wanted a place to stay occasionally.
“Alright, Yingxue. You can pick any of the remaining empty rooms.”
“Sir, you’re the best!”
Her cheerful response brought a smile to Xu Xi’s face. Wu Yingxue’s happiness seemed as radiant as the rising sun, brimming with warmth and vitality.
The night had grown colder, yet the festive atmosphere of New Year’s Eve dispelled any chill in the air. Outside, the noise of celebrations continued unabated, burying the wintry desolation beneath a lively buzz.
“Let’s head back,” Xu Xi said after glancing at the clock.
The hands moved steadily, marking the approach of midnight. It was almost 0:00—the pivotal moment when the old year ended, and the new year began.
Just as Xu Xi took his first step, he was stopped by Wu Yingxue’s sudden interruption.
“Wait, sir!”
“Hmm?”
Turning around, Xu Xi saw her jog to catch up, gently grabbing his wrist.
“Sir has always taken care of me,” she began softly, her voice tinged with emotion. “From the past until now, you’ve never changed.”
Her clear eyes curved slightly, carrying a mix of sadness and joy. Her hands, delicate and warm, carefully wrapped something around Xu Xi’s wrist.
He looked down to see a thin cord, woven in hues of red and yellow.
The colors resembled the deep crimson of blood and the earthy gold of the soil. Slowly and meticulously, Wu Yingxue tied the thin rope into place, her fingers moving with deliberate care.
“I’ve owed you so much without realizing it,” she continued. “Like the rent I never paid while staying in Qingniu Town. Or the two bottles of elixirs that helped me step into the Xiantian realm.
“And the techniques you created for me…
“And today, the New Year gift you prepared.”
Her voice softened as she finished tying the cord.
“This won’t do, sir. You’ve always given so much, and I’ve given nothing in return. So… I wanted to give you something this time.”
Taking a step back, Wu Yingxue smiled, gesturing toward the cord now adorning Xu Xi’s wrist.
It shimmered faintly, as if starlight were woven into its fibers.
…
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the special item: Dust Starlight]
…
Dust Starlight: From the ground, dust rises to become stars, shining eternally on those it touches.
[Item Effects]:
Qi and blood cultivation effectiveness increased tenfold.
Martial arts cultivation and power increased tenfold.
Inner heaven and earth evolution speed increased tenfold.
Martial arts enlightenment refreshed daily, bypassing qualifications and bottlenecks.
Energy and vitality fully replenished every 24 hours.
90% reduction in damage from worldly attacks; complete immunity to demonic attacks.
Persistent improvement in all pursuits, as long as a clear goal is maintained.
[Requirements for Use]:
The kindest fool in the world who remembers 1,335 stars.
…
“Uh…” Xu Xi stared at the cord in disbelief, instinctively turning his wrist to inspect it.
The texture was both coarse and smooth, like the sensation of sand slipping through his fingers, yet with the coolness of flowing water.
Under closer observation, the cord sparkled faintly, its brilliance reminiscent of countless stars.
“It’s beautiful… and incredibly powerful,” Xu Xi murmured.
Then, as his eyes scanned the requirements for use, realization dawned.
“One thousand three hundred and thirty-five stars…”
Memories surfaced of a time when Wu Yingxue had clung to his back, loudly counting stars as they traversed the borderlands with the survival army.
He hadn’t expected her to remember such a distant moment.
“Sir, do you like it?”
Wu Yingxue’s face lit up with satisfaction, her posture relaxed as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She stretched, her movements languid yet graceful, and smiled brightly.
“This is my New Year’s gift to you. Sir, you’re not allowed to dislike it!”
Her wide-eyed expression carried a subtle warning, as though she’d burst into tears or cause a fuss if he dared to refuse.
Xu Xi laughed softly. “I like it very much. Thank you, Yingxue.”
Her smile widened, and the cord around Xu Xi’s wrist gleamed brighter, exuding an energy both profound and eternal.
…
The effects of Dust Starlight were immediately apparent.
Within moments, Xu Xi felt his internal world expanding rapidly, its growth far outpacing anything he’d experienced before.
“So, this is the power of Dust Starlight… It even boosts my immortal cultivation.”
The enhancements went beyond mere numbers. Each effect multiplied upon itself, creating an overwhelming synergy that rendered him nearly invincible.
“This is truly the epitome of ‘soft rice,’” Xu Xi thought, both amused and awed.
As he marveled at his newfound strength, Wu Yingxue stood by, her smile serene yet triumphant.
“Sir, I’m glad you like it,” she said softly.
The princess’s gift wasn’t just a token of gratitude. It was a declaration—a reminder of the journey they’d shared and the bond they would continue to uphold.
And so, under the shimmering light of fireworks, Xu Xi felt the weight of responsibility and the warmth of camaraderie intertwine. For in this fleeting moment, surrounded by laughter and light, the world felt truly at peace.