"Yanyan…"
The name slipped from Chen's lips before he could stop himself.
Yanyan stood before him, her fingers tightly gripping the front of his shirt, her eyes fixed on his.
Chen froze. He hadn't expected to see her here—not in his college, and definitely not dragging him into a room like this.
But what shocked her even more was the surge of power she sensed from him.
Soul Perfection Realm.
He had reached that level… in just a few months?
A flicker of envy crossed her gaze. Chen's cultivation speed was monstrous—far beyond what she had imagined.
Meanwhile, Chen's face flushed red. Their bodies were still pressed together, and Yanyan's soft curves were pressed firmly against his chest.
Realizing the situation, Yanyan abruptly pushed him away, her cheeks burning as she stepped back.
Chen recomposed himself and asked,
"What are you doing here at our college? Are you here to meet someone?"
Yanyan looked away for a moment before whispering softly,
"Thank you… for that day. If you hadn't stopped me, I might have lost control and ruined my cultivation. And… thank you for breaking my ego. I used to think I was the strongest, but I was stuck at the same level for too long. After fighting you, I broke through.
And that happened because of you."
Chen glanced at her cultivation—and yes, she had indeed leveled up.
He gave her a faint smile.
"This wasn't because of me. It was your effort. You empowered yourself. I only stopped you because your friends asked me to. Otherwise… maybe I wouldn't have stepped in."
Yanyan frowned.
"Whatever the reason, the truth is that my breakthrough happened because of you. And I don't like owing debts."
She handed him a card—a sleek, golden emblem etched with her family crest.
"This is my family's special card. With this, you'll get discounts and special treatment at any of our pavilions."
Chen stiffened.
He stared at the card in disbelief. Was she really giving him something this valuable?
The Liu Family wasn't as powerful as the Ye Family, but in auctions and herbal trade, they were a dominant force. This card was no small gift.
"Are you sure?" Chen asked, hesitant. "This card is extremely valuable."
Yanyan smiled lightly.
"You're my benefactor. This card is nothing compared to what you helped me achieve. And besides… I need your help."
Chen blinked. "Help? What kind?"
"I want to team up with you at Rainy Mountain," she said seriously. "My family needs a few rare herbs. But the area is dangerous, and I can't go alone. I need you to protect me."
Chen instantly understood.
So that's why she gave me the card.
But it wasn't a bad deal. He needed herbs too, and finding them was always the hardest part. With Yanyan—who had extensive herbal knowledge—this would become much easier.
He nodded.
"Fine. I'll go with you."
With that, he walked toward his classroom.
---
Ye Mansion
Haoran stood before his mother, anger twisting his features.
"Mother… Chen isn't the same coward he used to be. He's cultivating again. We need to do something."
Liyun looked at him coldly.
"Remember one thing, Haoran—if your enemy grows strong, you eliminate him before he becomes a threat. But you must do it smartly. Kill him in a way that no one suspects you. Understand?
You must do it during the competition."
Haoran stiffened.
The judges at the competition were all high-level masters. If anyone noticed wrongdoing, he would be finished.
Seeing his fear, Liyun placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry. You won't kill him directly. Just make sure he enters the most dangerous zone. The beasts and monsters will take care of the rest."
Haoran slowly nodded, a cruel glint forming in his eyes.