"Hiss~!"
Seeing Ye Qiu still hesitating, Xiao Wu bit him on the shoulder.
"You, are you going or not?! Do you still have a place for Xiao Wu Jie in your heart?!"
Xiao Wu's face flushed, and her crimson eyes were full of stubbornness as she looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears.
Her two small hands were already clutching Ye Qiu's collar tightly, with such force that her fingers turned pale.
Ye Qiu watched Xiao Wu, who was gasping for breath in anger, as two clear streams of tears flowed from the corners of her eyes.
"Gulp~" His Adam's apple bobbed, feeling a bit parched.
'Convince her!'
'Maybe she'll even force you!'
The words Dugu Yan had said to Ye Qiu that night echoed in his ears!
After a moment of silence, he leaned his forehead against Xiao Wu's and nodded slightly.
His exhaled breath was much hotter.
Even his voice trembled slightly.
"Alright, I'll listen to you!"
"Heh."
Ye Qiu's decision made Xiao Wu's breathing catch, almost making her gasp for air.
Her heart suddenly pounded violently.
Her body temperature and the glow on her face were hot and rosy.
Releasing Ye Qiu's collar, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and her limbs slowly tightened simultaneously.
She pressed herself closer to Ye Qiu.
"Mm, then, then let's go~"
Her red lips brushed his ear, a wave of heat burning his heart.
Her voice, though soft and stammering, carried a lot of warmth, flushing Ye Qiu's face considerably.
"Phew~" Ye Qiu's heart was also not calm.
He took deep breaths in place, trying his best to control his excited emotions.
"Xiao Wu~ We're not going there! We're going to Bi You Village."
"Mm! I'll listen to you, Xiao Qiu, wherever you go, I'll go."
Her hot, soft body pressed tightly against Ye Qiu's back, feeling somewhat damp and warm.
In front of the pink Rose Hotel, Ye Qiu once again activated his Divine Might.
His figure blurred, slowly disappearing in the night.
...
Bi You Village, stone house, under the peach tree.
Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu appeared here out of thin air.
At this time, the village was very peaceful.
To have good energy for the next day's hard work, the villagers had already gone to bed early.
All was silent.
Only the chirping of insects could be heard, sometimes near, sometimes far.
Aside from the moonlight, there were only scattered points of light from fireflies in the grass.
Carrying Xiao Wu on his back, Ye Qiu was about to enter the door when a cold breeze brushed his face, clearing his mind considerably.
"Xiao Qiu? Where are we going?"
Xiao Wu, still leaning on Ye Qiu's back, looked at Ye Qiu curiously.
He was walking towards a patch of grass not far from the stone house.
"I need to tell you something first!"
Ye Qiu shook his head; important matters still came first.
"You, you're not regretting it, are you?!" Xiao Wu nervously hugged his head, her delicate brows furrowed.
"How could I! I have a gift to give you."
"A gift!?"
"Mm!"
As they talked, the two had already arrived at the grassy area.
Ye Qiu set her down, then knelt down.
He held Xiao Wu in his arms and wiped away some of the dampness on her face.
The wind tonight was exceptionally cool.
Xiao Wu nestled in Ye Qiu's arms, shrinking her body, her small hands clutching Ye Qiu's clothes, afraid he would run away.
"Xiao Qiu!" She looked up with a serious expression on her pretty face.
"Mm?" Ye Qiu nodded slightly, lowering his eyes with indulgence.
"Hold me tighter."
A blush half-covered her face.
Her delicate body wriggled, pressing closer into her lover's embrace.
Ye Qiu moved his hands to her small shoulders and slender waist.
He rubbed them, generating a little warmth, and gently pulled her tighter into his embrace.
In the sky, dark clouds gradually obscured the new moon, as if rain was about to fall.
Without further delay, Ye Qiu rested his cheek on the top of the small body in his arms.
With Divine Might activated, a vortex appeared, and a vibrant, dripping peony flower materialized on the open ground before them.
"Is this the gift you want to give me? A flower?"
Xiao Wu looked at the blood-colored flower, resembling a peony, that had suddenly appeared before her, feeling it looked somewhat familiar.
Beneath it was a peculiar stone, followed by a slender stem.
That stem supported several slender, leaf-like sepals.
At the very top were the delicate, elongated petals stained with a few drops of crimson blood, forming a blooming, vibrant, and exquisite blood-colored peony.
Xiao Wu's heart trembled, her crimson eyes somewhat dazed, reflecting the shadow of the enchanting red flower before her.
She had clearly recognized what this item was.
"Do you still remember the Yearning Heartbroken Red?" Ye Qiu hugged her, his gentle voice sounding in her ear.
He still remembered.
At that time, the little girl in his arms, upon hearing that this Immortal Herb symbolized loyal and unwavering love, had shown such longing in her eyes.
"Of course, I remember! Including that story."
Waves rippled in Xiao Wu's eyes.
It was as if she was lost in memories.
When Ye Qiu had given her that small booklet filled with exotic flowers and plants years ago, he had already told her about this Immortal Herb.
That legend was a poignant story.
Legend has it that a flower fairy from the Upper World fell in love with a young man who tended to flowers and trees, and she secretly left the immortal realm to descend to the mortal World and share their love, enjoying intimate moments.
But their good times were short-lived.
Ultimately, there was a distinction between immortals and mortals, and the flower fairy was forced to return to the Upper World.
The young man fell into a state of lovesickness and despair.
Later, guided by a wise person, he learned that his wife's true form was a peony.
He only needed to destroy it, and his wife would forever lose her immortal body, fall into the mortal World, and reunite with him.
Although he deeply loved his wife, he couldn't bear to destroy the peony flower.
From then on, he resumed his floral duties, caring for it even more tenderly, weeping day and night until his tears dried and his heart shattered.
Finally, he died of a broken heart from lovesickness, and at his last breath, his blood stained the peony petals, which is said to be the origin of the crimson on the petals.
Thus, the Yearning Heartbroken Red came into being!
"Xiao Qiu~ Are you really giving it to me?"
She reached out and gently plucked at the crimson petals, her eyes on Ye Qiu showing some hesitation.
"Of course! Hurry and pluck it!"
Ye Qiu nodded with certainty; as early as Notting College, he had the idea of getting it and giving it to Xiao Wu.
Now, he was simply putting that thought into action.
Seeing the trust in Ye Qiu's eyes for her, Xiao Wu cupped Ye Qiu's cheeks and gave him a sweet, soft kiss with her rabbit lips.
Ye Qiu fell straight back.
With a roll, their positions inverted, with intention, with affection, with effort.
He had never doubted that Xiao Wu would be unable to pluck the Yearning Heartbroken Red.
Didn't years of waiting speak more persuasively than a single flower?!
A cold wind blew, and on the knee-high grass, the green blades swayed with the wind.
The Yearning Heartbroken Red, still swaying and emitting a blood-red halo, illuminated the embracing couple on the grass.
Gradually, Xiao Wu's small hands, clutching Ye Qiu's collar, lost their strength and slowly dropped onto the thick grass.
She only slightly tilted her head, cooperating, giving herself freely, not resisting the sweet sensation that flooded her heart and lungs.
The two looked at each other, his azure eyes gazing down into her crimson ones.
Xiao Wu's face was flushed.
Her gaze, though slowly dimming, contained a hint of enchanting allure.
As the commotion subsided, Xiao Wu lay flat, her head somewhat deprived of oxygen, breathing heavily, motionless.
Ye Qiu also buried his head in her neck, breathing somewhat rapidly.
As his thoughts drifted, a faint blue halo spread out from Ye Qiu as its center.
The Blue Silver Grass on the ground began to become very active, as if worshipping an emperor.
A natural, subtle fragrance filled Ye Qiu's and Xiao Wu's nostrils, and specks of green light were absorbed into their bodies.
Their conditions quickly recovered.
"Xiao, Xiao Qiu~ You've changed! You've become dishonest... It hurts a little."
Xiao Wu pushed Ye Qiu, who was pressing on her, up, lowering her head and frowning.
Her tone carried both shyness and a hint of resentment.
"Uh... I'm sorry, I'll be careful in the future!"
Ye Qiu gave an awkward, warm laugh.
Perhaps he had been spoiled by Dugu Yan's hands, or perhaps this was the inherent flaw of men, always wanting to find something during a kiss, restless.
"Mm, it's, it's okay."
His words about "the future" made her already rosy face even more vibrant.
"Hm?" Ye Qiu looked up; the air seemed to have become much wetter, and the wind had grown stronger.
"It's going to rain soon, Xiao Wu. You should pluck this Immortal Herb first! You remember how, right?"
"Mm! I remember." Xiao Wu tidied her clothes and took the Yearning Heartbroken Red that Ye Qiu handed her.
She glanced at Ye Qiu and pursed her lips.
Her throat sweetened, and she spat out a mouthful of fresh blood onto the petals.
The flower was extraordinary, choosing its master.
When plucking the Yearning Heartbroken Red, one's thoughts should be entirely of their beloved, with utmost sincerity and devotion.
With even a hint of wavering, one would die spitting blood and still be unable to pluck the flower.
At the very bottom, the stone where the Yearning Heartbroken Red was rooted was called Wu Jue.
If forcibly plucked, the Immortal Herb would lose all its medicinal power.
However, if it was safely plucked, as long as the flower stayed with its owner, it would never wither.
When Xiao Wu's blood touched the Yearning Heartbroken Red, the petals didn't sway at all.
It instantly fell off and was cupped in Xiao Wu's hands.
A heartfelt smile appeared on her face, like a child showing off, or one who had scored full marks on a test.
"Xiao Qiu! I plucked it!"
Her smile was as beautiful as a flower.
The Yearning Heartbroken Red in her hand was as beautiful and stunning as she was.
"Mm! I saw it!" Ye Qiu hugged her again, his tone becoming serious and earnest.
"Promise me that in the future, you won't let this flower leave your side; you must, must carry it with you at all times!"
"Hm?" The beautiful person in his arms let out a soft sound.
Naturally, Xiao Qiu didn't need to say more about this; she would carry it with her.
Because this was a testament to her feelings for Ye Qiu, and even more so, because it was given to her by Xiao Qiu.
But Ye Qiu's tone at this moment clearly indicated that this instruction was somewhat unusual.
"Xiao Qiu, is something wrong?" Xiao Wu rested her chin on Ye Qiu's shoulder, cheek to cheek, a little puzzled.
"Tomorrow morning, two Level 96 Titled Douluo will appear in Soto City. I'm afraid they might discover your identity. As long as you have the Yearning Heartbroken Red, your aura can be concealed."
"But... my Spirit Beast aura can already be concealed?!"
"Huh? When did that happen? How did you do it?!"
Ye Qiu surprisingly pushed the person in his arms away, looking at her in astonishment.
"I'm, I'm sorry, Xiao Qiu, I lied to you before..." Xiao Wu lowered her head, holding the Yearning Heartbroken Red in her hands, a little at a loss.
"Lied to me?"
Ye Qiu looked bewildered, somewhat unable to grasp the situation.
Xiao Wu began to quietly explain the other functions of the external Spirit Bone—the Shedded Skin.
Mimicry.
It could change her aura, concealing her Spirit Beast identity.
Seeing Ye Qiu's face gradually darken, Xiao Wu also felt a little uneasy.
She put down the Yearning Heartbroken Red in her hand, took hold of Ye Qiu's clothes, and gently tugged.
"Xiao Qiu, don't be angry."
... Ye Qiu silently shook his head, not answering.
Why should he be angry with her?
She would rather live under the surveillance of a Titled Douluo than drag him down.
Always vigilant, waiting for him for so many years...
"Xiao Qiu~?" Xiao Wu squeezed into Ye Qiu's arms again, cupping his face. His eyes were a little red, and she tenderly rubbed them for him. "I'm sorry, it's my fault."
"No, it's my fault!" Ye Qiu hugged her. He was indeed angry, but only at himself. "I will never leave you alone again!"
"Mhm! I'll also always be with Xiao Qiu!" Her eyes curved, like a crescent moon in the sky.
"Since that's the case, then eat it!" Ye Qiu pulled the Yearning Heartbroken Red, floating on the ground, into his hand and handed it over.
"Ah?" Xiao Wu was stunned for a moment, then immediately objected.
"I, I want to keep it!"
"No! You must, right now, eat it in front of me!" Ye Qiu's voice was firm, leaving no room for Xiao Wu to argue.
According to Tang San, after consuming the Yearning Heartbroken Red, it has the power to be as immortal as heaven and earth.
Not only does it comprehensively transform the body, but it can also increase spirit power by at least ten levels!
Ye Qiu just wanted Xiao Wu to enter maturity as soon as possible.
In a World where the strong prey on the weak, strength is the foundation of everything!
"Mhm... alright, I'll eat it!"
Seeing Ye Qiu's unquestionable demeanor, Xiao Wu could only obediently nod.
Anyway, he was by her side now, and Xiao Qiu was the most important thing.
Her cherry lips slightly parted, bringing the Yearning Heartbroken Red to her mouth.
The flower seemed to have a spirit; it suddenly transformed into a stream of light, rapidly darting into Xiao Wu's mouth, disappearing without a trace.
Xiao Wu's crimson eyes flickered with red light.
She stood there somewhat dazed, her mind feeling heavy.
The Yearning Heartbroken Red transmitted some information to its owner.
"Xiao Wu?" Looking at the motionless Xiao Wu, Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow and waved his hand in front of her.
"Xiao Qiu, I'm fine!"
The light in her eyes dimmed.
Swatting his hand away, Xiao Wu suddenly sprang up and threw herself into his arms.
The color of the Yearning Heartbroken Red seemed to have transferred to her face.
"Then, then you ate it, but why is there no reaction?"
Ye Qiu was bewildered again. Was everything Tang San said fake?
"I, I still need to digest it..." Xiao Wu's face showed some bashfulness.
"Is that so?"
"Of course!"
Ye Qiu was still a little uneasy. He pulled Xiao Wu away and directly used the Sharingan's X-ray vision.
Although her pure, flawless jade body was tempting, he didn't dare to linger, looking directly through her belly.
Indeed, there was a red glow inside Xiao Wu's body, radiating fluorescence and continuously merging into her body.
"Xiao Qiu~ What are you looking at? Why is your forehead so hot?"
"Ah? No, nothing."
Grabbing her soft hand, Ye Qiu averted his gaze.
Suddenly, fine raindrops began to fall from the sky.
They extinguished the heat on his face. A strong wind swept in, and the raindrops became larger and more urgent.
"Shall we go back inside?"
"Mhm!"
Holding Xiao Wu's hand, he quickly ran towards the stone house.
Several years later.
Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu were reunited here again.
There wasn't much dust inside, so Zhang Laotou must have often had people come to clean it.
"Xiao Qiu, I, I want to sit on that!"
Xiao Wu tugged at him, her small face flushed, pointing to a small wooden horse in the corner that still had cobwebs on it.
"Mhm!" Ye Qiu's face held a gentle smile. He went outside to collect some rainwater, then picked up a rag and wiped it clean.
Xiao Wu sat sideways on it. Fortunately, she wasn't too heavy.
The wooden horse was handmade by Ye Qiu, and its quality was also superior.
"You sit here for a while. I'll be done cleaning soon."
"Mhm, you go! Xiao Wu Jie will supervise you!"
Xiao Wu gently swayed her body, and the wooden horse beneath her also rocked.
Under Ye Qiu's teasing gaze, her face showed shyness.
Ye Qiu took his tools and slowly began to clear the dust and cobwebs in the room.
Xiao Wu sat quietly by his side, watching him, a gentle smile on her face.
The month she lived with Ye Qiu was the most beautiful memory in her heart.
Her body swayed gently, but her eyes and heart never missed a moment of Ye Qiu.
Her face would occasionally flush, as if she was enduring something.
In the water tank outside the house, several lotus flowers and leaves grew, enduring the wind and rain outside.
Ye Qiu worked quickly, and soon the small room was tidied up.
A little flame emerged from his fingertips.
This was through Xiao Lan's third Spirit Ability.
It was a self-created Spirit Ability that guided the ultimate fire of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well within his body, transforming his spirit power into a blazing flame!
He pointed at the stove in the middle of the room, and the dry wood inside immediately ignited.
The entire room also became much warmer.
"Xiao Qiu! What are you doing?!"
Ye Qiu stood in front of the stone-built bed, preparing to make it.
But he was stopped by Xiao Wu's shout.
"Why are you preparing two nests?!"
Xiao Wu jumped in front of him, looking a little fierce but inwardly timid, questioning him.
"What nest?" Ye Qiu looked at her strangely.
Xiao Wu's face turned red.
She forcefully grabbed Ye Qiu's collar.
"You, you forgot what you promised me before!"
"Cough, cough. I, I didn't!" Ye Qiu was also a little embarrassed; he had indeed almost forgotten.
"You move aside, let Xiao Wu Jie do it!"
She pushed Ye Qiu away with force, and with a wave of her small hand, two quilts appeared on the bed.
Ye Qiu stood aside, watching her bend down and spread a pure white quilt as a base.
A snow-white rabbit was embroidered on it.
This was the quilt Ye Qiu had given her back then.
The one she covered herself with was also very familiar to Ye Qiu; it was the one he had slept on at Notting College, or rather, the one he and Xiao Wu had slept on together in this stone house.
Xiao Wu worked quickly, soon making the bed and taking out two pillows.
Then she sat quietly by the bed.
"Come over quickly."
She looked up at him, her face flushed, the blush spreading all the way to her neck.
Her two small hands rested on her thighs, constantly twisting, full of anticipation.
Ye Qiu also stood there blankly.
Looking at the adorable person in front of him, irresistible and ready to be plucked.
In the stove, the dry wood burned fiercely, crackling, raising the temperature in the room considerably.
The firelight illuminated his face, making it difficult to discern his expression.
Xiao Wu bit her lip, her stubborn eyes also holding a hint of grievance.
Ye Qiu took a deep breath, easing his heavy breathing. At a time like this, he really should be more proactive.
He slowly walked to Xiao Wu's side.
And sat down next to her.
Ye Qiu could clearly feel her body tremble slightly.
"Xiao Wu, are we really..."
"Mhm! Just today! I should be the first one!"
Xiao Wu's voice was firm, but her body trembled slightly.
"Whew," Ye Qiu swallowed, slowly reaching out and wrapping his arms around her waist.
Xiao Wu also turned her head, her small hands resting on his chest, giving herself to him.
The two slowly lay down.
"Xiao Qiu."
Her clothes slipped off, leaving only a small undergarment.
It was hot, the air in the room, their skin pressed together.
Ye Qiu seemed to see Xiao Wu's true form, a snow-white Soft Bones Demon Rabbit with a hint of pink entering his vision.
...
Two-in-one, a five-thousand-three-character chapter.
Wishing everyone a pleasant life!
It was supposed to be posted earlier, but it was under review for a long time. I had to delete some parts before it could be published (╥_╥)
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