NOVEL WEB Chapter 31: Precious Friend
Huang Xue glanced around the room, her gaze lingering momentarily on its sparse furnishings, but she refrained from commenting.
'It's just like Song Shu's room... The sect really only spoils those with exceptional talent. Everyone else seems to be here just to make the numbers,' she thought, a trace of dissatisfaction flickering across her face.
Feng Fan, hearing her thoughts, let out a silent sigh and shook his head. 'Resources are finite. How could the sect afford to invest in every disciple? When facing a truly powerful foe, a thousand ants won't stand a chance—but one well-trained elephant might tip the scales in our favor. For the sect's survival, this approach is necessary.'
Of course, Feng Fan would like to have the same resources for training as Huang Xue and Qiang Xue, but he wasn't bothered by it.
For now, the sect was treating him well enough. He was simply grateful to have the opportunity to cultivate, just like his fellow classmates from Earth.
Huang Xue and Feng Fan sat facing each other on his futon. Huang Xue fixed her gaze on him, unsure of what to say next.
'I made the decision to come here... now I just need to break the ice. Come on, Huang Xue, you can do this,' she thought to herself.
Feng Fan, already aware of her struggle with socializing, decided to take the initiative to ease the tension.
"Well, as you can see, I don't have any tea to offer, but I'm glad you stopped by, Huang Xue. How has your stay in the sect been so far?" he asked, flashing a warm smile.
Huang Xue's expression shifted from aloofness to a soft, humble smile. "Ah, it's been fine. My master treats me very well," she said, but her smile soon faded into a wistful look. "It's just... sometimes I miss home, and my family."
Feng Fan's own expression softened, a hint of sorrow in his eyes. "I understand. I often think about my family back on Earth, too. But don't be discouraged. Who knows? Maybe one day, one of us will break through to the Immortal Ascension realm and will bring us to return home to see our loved ones."
Huang Xue gave a gentle smile at his words. She knew that both she and Qiang Xue were likely to break through to the Immortal Ascension realm eventually, but how long would that take?
When that day came, would their families still be alive? It could take thousands of years. By then, Earth's humans might no longer even exist.
"Thank you, Feng Fan," she said softly. "I appreciate your comfort."
Feng Fan smiled warmly. "There are few of us from Earth. We need to stick together, right?"
Huang Xue nodded, a faint smile forming. "Yeah."
Feng Fan decided to change the topic. "So, how's your cultivation going?"
"I've just broken through to the 2nd Qi Gathering realm, with nine meridians awakened. It won't be long before I reach the third realm," Huang Xue replied confidently.
Feng Fan couldn't help but smile wryly. She's already at the 2nd stage, and I'm still struggling to break through the first... Life really isn't fair.
Huang Xue noticed Feng Fan's expression and felt a twinge of guilt. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude."
"Hey, don't worry about it," Feng Fan replied with a confident, smug expression.. "I'm not so fragile that I'd get upset over something like that. Sooner or later, I'll reach immortality too."
Huang Xue let out a soft laugh. "Hehe, your current expression is priceless. It's like you're daring someone to punch you."
Feng Fan nodded, leaning forward slightly. "Exactly. Come on, future immortal, give it your best shot."
"If you insist, I don't mind knocking that smug look off your face," Huang Xue teased, her laugh bubbling up into a genuine smile.
As Feng Fan watched her laugh, he couldn't help but think how beautiful she looked without her usual cold demeanor. She should smile like this more often, he thought, momentarily captivated.
"You should smile more, Huang Xue. It really suits you."
Huang Xue's face flushed a deep shade of red, her embarrassment evident.
"T-T-Thanks," she stammered, her heart racing.
Standing quickly from the futon, she avoided his gaze, trying to mask her flustered expression. "I should get back to training. If Master catches me slacking off, I'll be in trouble," she said.
As she turned to leave, a thought crossed her mind. 'I'll try to smile more from now on.'
Feng Fan watched her retreating figure, a small chuckle escaping his lips. 'This girl is really cute and innocent.'
Before Huang Xue could leave, Feng Fan suddenly remembered the manual and decided to give it to her. 'Even if we can't be friends in the future, I'm sure she won't try to harm me.'
"Wait, Huang Xue," he called out just as she was about to open the door.
She turned around, raising an eyebrow. "Yes?"
Feng Fan quickly retrieved the manual he had set aside earlier, one that suited her Wood element, and handed it to her.
Huang Xue was taken aback when the manual seemed to appear out of thin air. Before she could ask, Feng Fan explained,
"I'm using a space ring. I found this manual in some ancient ruins. I'm giving it to you because I'm sure it's far superior to anything the White Crow Sect could offer you."
Huang Xue stared at the manual in her hands, her curiosity piqued. The name of the manual was written on the front pages: Yggdrasil's Everlasting Arts.
A Supreme level technique!
Her eyes widened, and her mouth parted in shock. "Feng Fan… This is too precious. I can't accept it."
She instinctively tried to return the manual, but Feng Fan stopped her before she could.
"Don't you consider me a friend?" he asked, a smirk on his face. "If we're friends, then just accept my gift."
'Friends…' A small smile tugged at Huang Xue's lips.
"Yeah, we're friends. Thank you, Feng Fan. I'll cherish it!"
Feng Fan smiled and nodded. "Relax, I'm sure this manual will shine with you. Now go and cultivate. I'll need a strong cultivator to protect me in the future, haha!"
Huang Xue smiled warmly as she left. She knew Feng Fan was joking, but she would be there for him if he ever truly needed her help. After all…
'He is my precious friend.'