Huo Wu snapped her head up, her gaze crashing into Xu Yuan's smiling eyes; there was no mockery within them, only a calm sincerity and a touch of gentleness she had never seen before.
Huo Wu's heartbeat suddenly accelerated as if it were about to leap out of her chest, yet she nodded forcefully, her voice trembling slightly with joy: "Mhm!"
"Then... I'll head out first?" Huo Wu asked tentatively, though her feet seemed reluctant to move.
"Mhm," Xu Yuan nodded. "Go on back; don't keep your companions waiting."
As the two intended to depart, they spotted Feng Xiaotian standing not far away.
Feng Xiaotian stood in the shadows of the alley entrance, looking like a stone statue that had been suddenly frozen in place.
His gaze was deathly fixed upon Xu Yuan and Huo Wu nearby, those eyes that were always burning with Battle Intent.
At this moment, they were like the surface of a lake ravaged by a violent storm, churning with unbelievable shock, anger, and a type of agony that threatened to tear him apart.
The scene just now had been like a sharp blade tempered in ice, stabbing ruthlessly into his heart.
He had seen Huo Wu kiss Xu Yuan for a second time; he had seen the silhouette of her hugging Xu Yuan tightly.
He had seen her flushed cheeks and startlingly bright eyes after letting go, and more importantly, he had heard her clear and resolute declaration.
Xu Yuan, from now on, I am your girlfriend.
Every single word was like a heavy hammer smashing against Feng Xiaotian's eardrums, leaving him dizzy and disoriented, with nothing but a buzzing ring in his ears.
Feng Xiaotian could not believe that the girl he had pursued for so long, the one he cherished in the depths of his heart—the girl who, in his eyes, was forever proud, fiery, and as dazzling as a flame, Huo Wu—
Would actually throw herself into another man's embrace so without warning.
Furthermore, that man was Xu Yuan.
Humiliation, jealousy, heartbreak... countless emotions intertwined and collided frantically within his chest, nearly breaking through his rationality.
Feng Xiaotian clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the force as his nails dug deep into his palms, bringing a sharp, stinging pain.
But this bit of pain was not even worth mentioning compared to the agonizing pain in his heart.
He had even forgotten how he had walked to this spot.
He had originally wanted to come over and comfort Huo Wu, even preparing a mental draft to tell her not to worry about a single win or loss, that she would always be the best in his heart.
But reality had dealt him the cruelest of blows.
Huo Wu wasn't recovering alone; she was surrendering her heart to another man.
"Heh..." A suppressed sound, something akin to a bitter laugh, escaped Feng Xiaotian's throat, his voice as dry as sandpaper rubbing against wood.
Feng Xiaotian thought secretly to himself that he must snatch Huo Wu back, before turning to leave.
Huo Wu curled her lip and said to Xu Yuan, "Don't mind that person; he's really annoying. He's always pestering me, and he's not even that strong."
She had absolutely zero interest in those with weak strength.
Xu Yuan said somewhat helplessly, "He is actually quite strong; he just likes you, that's all."
There was a reason Feng Xiaotian had never managed to win Huo Wu over; in a place like the Douluo Continent where strength reigned supreme, female Spirit Masters favored powerful Spirit Masters.
When a 'simp' pursues a goddess, unless the goddess encounters a protagonist she can't be with, or the simp uses some disgusting methods, the two are unlikely to end up together.
This situation occurred from Douluo I to Douluo III; as for Douluo IV, he didn't know.
Huo Wu snorted, her tone full of disdain: "Strong? Compared to you, what does that bit of strength amount to?" As she spoke, her eyes unconsciously brightened, as if showing off that her judgment was correct.
Xu Yuan chuckled; this Huo Wu certainly didn't hide her recognition of the strong at all.
He looked up in the direction Feng Xiaotian had left; the loneliness in that departing silhouette just now had been too obvious, but matters of the heart simply couldn't be forced.
"Let's go," Xu Yuan patted Huo Wu's shoulder. "If we don't leave now, your academy's people will come looking for you."
Only then did Huo Wu snap out of it, her cheeks flushing again as she gave an unnatural 'mhm' and turned to walk out of the alley.
After a few steps, she looked back at Xu Yuan as if remembering something important: "Then... for the next match, I won't go easy on you just because of this."
"I'll be waiting." Xu Yuan raised an eyebrow.
Huo Wu turned around satisfied, her fiery red figure quickly disappearing around the street corner.
Xu Yuan stood in place, looking in the direction she had left, and smiled.
This Huo Wu really was just like her Spirit: passionate and direct.
In this World where strength was respected, emotions always seemed to be linked to power.
Feng Xiaotian's persistence might not be wrong, but his brilliance ultimately failed to outshine a more dazzling existence.
Xu Yuan thought of something and asked God King Tang San: "Why did you want me to accept her?"
To be honest, when God King Tang San told him to take in Huo Wu, he really hadn't expected it.
God King Tang San thought for a moment and replied: "Her strength is decent and worth cultivating."
In reality, what God King Tang San was thinking was: 'You've already started a damn harem, it would be a waste not to take someone who delivers themselves to your door.'
Moreover, Huo Wu's talent wasn't bad; reaching Rank 43 at age 19 meant she could become a Titled Douluo in the future with proper cultivation.
In the future, he could bring Huo Wu along for the Ascension to the God Realm and slowly Cultivate into a god there.
Hearing God King Tang San's inner thoughts, Xu Yuan was a bit speechless; after all that, this was the reason. He had thought there was some special reason... In the blink of an eye, the next day's match arrived.
This time the opponent was Divine Wind Academy, which Xu Yuan hadn't expected at all, feeling incredibly surprised.
Feng Xiaotian was the first to walk onto the stage; he was diametrically different from the lonely, pained figure at the alley entrance yesterday.
At this moment, Feng Xiaotian was like a newly forged sharp sword, his entire body radiating a chilling Battle Intent.
His hair moved without wind, and a raging fire burned in his eyes; within that flame was not only a thirst for victory but also a hidden obsession to not stop until he tore his opponent apart.
"Xu Yuan," Feng Xiaotian's voice wasn't loud, yet it possessed a power that pierced through the clamor, clearly spreading throughout the entire Soul Arena, "If you're a man, come up!"
With one sentence, the entire venue instantly fell silent.
Everyone could feel the smell of gunpowder contained in those words; it wasn't just a challenge, it was more like a declaration of war carrying a personal grudge.
Spectators familiar with the two immediately recalled yesterday's duel between Blazing Academy and Blue Tyrant Academy, as well as some vague rumors that had circulated after the match.
Could it be that there were some unknown entanglements involved?
Xu Yuan stood in the Blue Tyrant Academy's rest area, looking at the sharp-edged Feng Xiaotian on the stage, his eyes calm and waveless.
Xu Yuan wasn't surprised by Feng Xiaotian's state at all; it would be strange if Feng Xiaotian had no reaction whatsoever.
"Brother Xu, ignore him! This guy is clearly here to pick a fight!" Xiao Wu said, clenching her fists indignantly.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes narrowed slightly as she said in a low voice: "His state isn't right; it's as if he's holding a resolve to go down in mutual destruction
In the spectator stands, Huo Wu looked at Feng Xiaotian with immense dissatisfaction.
Xu Yuan patted Xiao Wu on the shoulder, signaling her to stay calm, and then stepped onto the arena.
The steps beneath his feet made soft sounds, each step feeling as if it were treading on the heartstrings of the audience.
When Xu Yuan stood still opposite Feng Xiaotian, the atmosphere of the entire Soul Arena almost froze.
"I'm here," Xu Yuan said in a flat tone, devoid of any emotion.
Feng Xiaotian glared at Xu Yuan, his lips curling into a near-ferocious arc. "Very well. Today, I'll show you what a foolish decision it was for Huo Wu to choose you!"
"Let the match begin!"
In the next second, Feng Xiaotian underwent Martial Soul Possession. A faint green light surged from within him, and as it pulsed, his body underwent a visible transformation.
Accompanied by the cracking of bones, his muscles and skeleton expanded simultaneously, his physique growing significantly larger. The long hair on his head turned green, and a wolf's head emerged from his left shoulder.
"Second Spirit Skill: Twin Wolf Possession."
The green light around Feng Xiaotian flared up, and the phantom of a Double Headed Storm Wolf appeared behind him. As the Second Spirit Skill, Twin Wolf Possession, was activated, the phantom gradually merged with his body.
Amidst the cracking of bones, his form became increasingly agile, his eyes flashing with a wolf-like ferocity. His attack, defense, and agility instantly increased by fifty percent, and he radiated a chilling, wild Aura.
Xu Yuan didn't make a move, wanting to see the full extent of Feng Xiaotian's strength.
Seeing Xu Yuan remain motionless, the ferocity in Feng Xiaotian's eyes intensified. His spirit power surged again, and his third spirit ring suddenly lit up: "Third Spirit Skill: Gale Wings!"
Before his voice had even faded, a pair of massive green wings unfurled from his back, their edges gleaming with a sharp luster. Every feather seemed to be condensed from the wind element.
With a flap of his wings, creating a powerful current of air, his body instantly left the ground, rising straight up dozens of meters into the air. He looked down at Xu Yuan on the ground, his Aura becoming even more oppressive.
"In the air, what can your Blue Silver Emperor even do to me?" Feng Xiaotian's voice echoed down.
The clamor of the Soul Arena seemed to vanish the moment Feng Xiaotian spread his wings. Countless gazes focused on those green-glowing wings, as gasps of wonder and murmurs of discussion rose from all sides.
"It's a flight Spirit Ability! The captain of Divine Wind Academy actually has the ability to fly?"
"This is trouble! No matter how powerful the Blue Silver Emperor is, it can't grow all the way into the sky, can it?"
"Why hasn't Xu Yuan made a move yet? If he waits any longer, Feng Xiaotian will take the initiative!"
In the back row of the spectator stands, Yu Xiaogang was dressed in a simple gray robe with his hands behind his back, his gaze falling calmly on the arena.
Beside him, Tang San frowned slightly, curious as to how Xu Yuan would win.
"Teacher, Xu Yuan..." Tang San was about to speak when Yu Xiaogang raised a hand to interrupt him.
A barely perceptible curve appeared at the corner of Yu Xiaogang's mouth, carrying a hint of undisguised mockery. "Too arrogant."
His voice wasn't loud, but it reached Tang San's ears clearly.
"When facing an opponent with the ability to fly, passive defense is the biggest mistake. Feng Xiaotian's Gale Wings not only give him the advantage of height but also significantly increase his speed. Combined with his Double Headed Storm Wolf Spirit, his aerial mobility is far superior to anything on the ground," Yu Xiaogang said slowly, his tone filled with certain judgment.
"Xu Yuan's delay in acting is either a facade of composure or overconfidence in his Blue Silver Emperor, believing it can handle any situation. Unfortunately, he is mistaken."
Tang San nodded as he listened to Yu Xiaogang, finding his reasoning sound.
Feng Xiaotian's eyes were bloodshot. His wings and arms completely merged within the green light, transforming into two wind blades radiating a chilling cold. The wind elements in the air converged frantically toward him, carrying a sense of suicidal determination.
"Xu Yuan! Take this—Heartbreak Fifty-Four Consecutive Slashes!"
The word 'heartbreaking' in the name was like a poisoned needle, stabbing sharply into everyone's ears.
Xu Yuan: "???"
Feng Xiaotian suddenly flapped his wings and dived, his figure so fast it was merely a streak of green light. As he brandished his wind blades, he unleashed a continuous barrage of dense slashes.
Each slash was faster and stronger than the last. With every strike, he utilized the gravity of the dive and the force of the gale, the power stacking layer upon layer, as if he were pouring all his resentment and pain into these blade lights.
Fifty-four wind blades fell like a torrential downpour, instantly swallowing Xu Yuan's figure.
The sharp whistle of the blade rays tearing through the air made eardrums ache, and even the protective barrier at the edge of the field rippled.
The spectator stands fell silent. Xiao Wu covered her mouth in tension, and Tang San subconsciously leaned forward.
Even Yu Xiaogang set aside his mockery, staring intently at the area shrouded in green light.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The dense sounds of impact were like the beating of drums, each one heavy as if striking against the hearts of those watching.
When the final wind blade dissipated, Feng Xiaotian stumbled to the ground. The green light on his wings was dim, and his arms trembled so much he could barely clench his fists. The exhaustion of his spirit power left his face as pale as paper.
Gasping for air, he stared fixedly ahead, a trace of hope still lingering in his eyes.
But in the next second, that hope was completely shattered.
Xu Yuan stood in place. His outer robe had been shredded to pieces, but the skin revealed was as smooth as before, without even a faint mark.
He even raised a hand to brush off non-existent dust from his shoulder, his eyes as calm as if he were watching a farce that had nothing to do with him.
"This... this is impossible!" Feng Xiaotian roared, his voice filled with collapse. "My Heartbreak Fifty-Four Consecutive Slashes... how could they not even scratch your skin?!"
Xu Yuan spoke calmly, his voice reaching every corner of the arena: "Your slashes were only enough to ruin a set of clothes."
These words were the final straw that completely crushed Feng Xiaotian.
His legs gave way, and he slumped to the ground. The phantom of the Gale Wings behind him shattered inch by inch, and the light in his eyes went out completely, leaving only boundless despair.
A deafening uproar erupted from the stands. Yu Xiaogang's face instantly turned ashen. He opened his mouth but couldn't say a single word.
Tang San looked at Xu Yuan's indestructible Physical Body, his pupils shrinking as a massive wave of shock surged through his heart.
This had already exceeded his understanding of Spirit Masters!
On the other side of the stands, Huo Wu gazed at Xu Yuan's tall and straight figure, a proud curve unconsciously appearing on her lips. Her previous dissatisfaction with Feng Xiaotian had long since vanished.
Xu Yuan looked at Feng Xiaotian and said, "Surrender. Leave the stage with some dignity."
Feng Xiaotian sat slumped on the ground, his hands propping him up, his knuckles white from the effort, yet he barely had the strength left to even look up at Xu Yuan.
Xu Yuan's words about leaving with dignity were like a blunt knife, cutting through his last bit of feigned toughness.
"Dignity..." Feng Xiaotian muttered to himself, his voice as hoarse as a broken bellows. "In front of you, what dignity do I have left
From the moment he saw that scene at the alleyway yesterday, all of his pride had been crushed into dust.
Today's duel, where he had exerted every ounce of his strength, was merely an attempt to grasp at the last straw to prove he wasn't completely useless, but the result was even more embarrassing than simply surrendering.
He couldn't even break through the opponent's defense; his so-called self-created Spirit Ability was, in that person's eyes, nothing more than a tool for tearing clothes.
Feng Xiaotian slowly closed his eyes as a murky tear slid from the corner of his eye, hitting the cold arena floor and instantly spreading into a small wet patch.
"I... surrender."
Those two words were as light as a feather, yet so heavy they made it almost impossible for him to breathe.
The referee immediately announced loudly, "Xu Yuan of Blue Tyrant Academy wins!"
The cheers and applause of the entire audience surged like a tide, but in Feng Xiaotian's ears, these sounds were nothing but endless irony.
Xu Yuan looked at Feng Xiaotian and asked, "Do you know why you've never been able to win over Huo Wu?"
Feng Xiaotian's whole body jolted. He slowly raised his head, his bloodshot eyes filled with confusion and a trace of imperceptible longing.
He never expected that Xu Yuan would take the initiative to bring up this topic.
Xu Yuan's gaze fell upon him, devoid of mockery, containing only a calm frankness. "It's not because you aren't strong enough, but because you don't understand her."
"Someone like Huo Wu is proud and fiery, like an inextinguishable blaze. What she wants has never been a follower or a sycophant, but a strong man. Your talent is exceptional, yet you insist on lowering yourself to please Huo Wu and her group; that is why you can't win her over."
If Feng Xiaotian hadn't acted like a simp, Huo Wu would have become his girlfriend eight hundred years ago.
Feng Xiaotian's body shuddered violently, as if struck by an invisible heavy hammer.
He opened his mouth, but only a hoarse rasp came from his throat; he couldn't utter a single word.
Feng Xiaotian remembered the first time he saw Huo Wu. She was standing in the center of the training grounds practicing her Spirit Abilities, her fiery red hair soaked in sweat, her gaze more scorching than the blazing sun.
In that moment, he told himself that he must win over this girl who was like a flame.
So he began to curry favor with Huo Wu, satisfying her every demand and becoming friends with her brother.
He thought this would warm her heart, but in return, he only ever received her impatient frown and the words: 'Feng Xiaotian, can you stop following me around like a shadow?'
So... that's how it was?
He had always thought it was because he wasn't strong enough, not qualified to stand by her side, but he never imagined that it was his current state of begging for pity that made him unworthy of her notice.
What Huo Wu wanted was a strong man who could stand beside her, not a follower who had discarded his backbone.
Feng Xiaotian suddenly smashed his fist into a nearby stone pillar. With a dull thud, blood immediately appeared on his knuckles.
"I lowered myself to please her because I felt she was worth it! I called her brother my brother because I wanted to be closer to her! It turns out that in her eyes, I'm just a useless dog begging for scraps!"
Watching Feng Xiaotian, Xu Yuan couldn't help but sigh. If he weren't here, Feng Xiaotian would certainly have been able to win the beauty's hand.
Now, it was impossible for him to give Huo Wu up to Feng Xiaotian; giving away his women was something he simply couldn't do.
Xu Yuan looked at Feng Xiaotian, smiled, and said, "Feng Xiaotian, you've been getting one thing wrong all along."
Feng Xiaotian jerked his head up, his bloodshot eyes staring fixedly at Xu Yuan. "What else could I have gotten wrong?!"
Seeing this, Xu Yuan smiled and said, "Your urgent priority should be increasing your strength, not chasing women. With your current strength, a single wave of your hand would bring a crowd to your door; why be obsessed with Huo Wu? Look at me, did I ever chase Huo Wu? No, I used my own strength to easily defeat her, attracted her attention, and finally, she became my girlfriend."
Feng Xiaotian's pupils constricted. Xu Yuan's words were like a bolt of lightning exploding in his chaotic mind.
"Increase my strength..." He murmured those words repeatedly, his gaze gradually shifting from madness to daze, before slowly gathering a spark of light.
Indeed, his mind had been filled with the failure to win over Huo Wu and his loss to Xu Yuan, yet he had forgotten the foundation of a Spirit Master—strength.
In this World, strength is the source of all confidence.
Xu Yuan was right. With his talent, as long as he concentrated on his cultivation, it wouldn't be impossible for his spirit power to improve and for him to reach the level of a Titled Douluo in the future. At that time, why worry about not having followers?
Why trap himself within the name 'Huo Wu' and live like a dog begging for pity?
He remembered Xu Yuan's composure when taking his Fifty-Four Consecutive Slashes just now, and the undisguised admiration in Huo Wu's eyes when she looked at Xu Yuan... That wasn't because Xu Yuan was good at pleasing her, but because Xu Yuan was strong enough—strong enough to make even the proud Huo Wu yield in admiration.
Feng Xiaotian suddenly clenched his bleeding fist, his knuckles turning white. The pain and resentment on his face gradually faded, replaced by an unprecedented clarity.
"You're right..." Feng Xiaotian raised his head. In his gaze toward Xu Yuan, there was only a trace of complexity and relief. "I had my priorities backward."
Chasing women?
That is something only the strong are qualified to enjoy with composure.
The pursuit of the weak only turns into lowly begging.
He took a deep breath and straightened his slightly hunched back. Though his face was still pale, his eyes regained their focus, carrying a resoluteness that severed his past.
"Xu Yuan, thanks." Feng Xiaotian's voice was still hoarse, but it had gained a bit more calm. "I accept my defeat in this duel wholeheartedly."
Xu Yuan waved his hand and said, "It was no trouble. I just didn't want you to waste your talent."
Feng Xiaotian suddenly laughed. That smile contained self-deprecation, but it also revealed a free-spiritedness born from being broken and then rebuilt.
He raised his hand to wipe his face, clearing away the remaining tear tracks and bloodstains, revealing a face that, while disheveled, burned with renewed fighting spirit.
He gave Xu Yuan a slight nod. There was no longer any hostility in that movement, only a trace of respect between fellow strong men.
Then he turned around and walked off the arena step by step. His pace wasn't fast, but it was exceptionally steady.
Seeing Feng Xiaotian pull himself together, Xu Yuan couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief, feeling that he had done a good deed.
Next, Xu Yuan stepped down, leaving the rest for Tai Long and the others to handle.
The strength of Tai Long and the others was a complete steamroll against the students of Divine Wind Academy.
Xiao Wu asked Xu Yuan curiously, "Brother Xu, what did you say to that Feng Xiaotian?"
Xu Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Give me a kiss, and I'll tell you."
Xiao Wu's cheeks turned red like a ripe apple, and she gave Xu Yuan a reproachful glare. "Brother Xu! You're teasing me again!"
Even as she said that, she peeked at their surroundings.
Zhu Zhuqing was watching the matches, and Jiang Zhu and Liu Erlong were chatting about something; no one was paying attention to them.
In the next second, Xiao Wu quickly stood on her tiptoes and pecked Xu Yuan on the cheek. "Can you tell me now?"
Xu Yuan touched the spot where he had been kissed, a smile rippling in his eyes as he intentionally drawled, "Actually, it was nothing... I just told him that chasing girls can't rely solely on pleasing them; he has to make himself strong first."
"That's it?" Xiao Wu's eyes widened, clearly feeling she had been cheated. "You actually lied to
Xiao Wu reached out to pinch Xu Yuan's arm, but he took the opportunity to grab her wrist instead.
Xu Yuan's palm was warm and powerful. Xiao Wu's heart skipped a beat instantly; she struggled twice but couldn't break free, so she simply let him hold her.
"Otherwise, what did you think it was?" Xu Yuan leaned close to her ear, his voice very low and carrying a hint of teasing. "Could it be that you were hoping I'd say something else?"
A warm breath brushed past her ear, making Xiao Wu's face turn even redder. She quickly turned her head away. "I did not! I was just curious!"
Xu Yuan leaned into Xiao Wu's ear and whispered, "Come to my room tonight, I'll teach you something."
Xiao Wu's face flushed crimson all at once, as if scorched by a raging fire, and even her neck was stained with a layer of scarlet.
Although she had experienced it many times, how could she not be shy when Xu Yuan said it out loud in public?
Xiao Wu abruptly pulled her hand back and glared at Xu Yuan reproachfully, though her eyes held a hint of panic. "Brother Xu! You're saying those improper things again!"
Finally, Xiao Wu leaned into Xu Yuan's ear and indicated that she would go tonight.
In the blink of an eye, the Ranking Matches ended, and the Blue Tyrant Academy Team naturally took the number one seed ranking.
In the upcoming Finals, the Blue Tyrant Academy Team had three opportunities for a bye.
Liu Erlong said to Xu Yuan and the others, "Well done, everyone did a great job. Next, we will rest for half a month, and after that, we will head to Spirit City to participate in the competition."
"Half a month? That's just enough time to make some good adjustments." Xu Yuan nodded in response, his gaze sweeping over everyone beside him.
Xiao Wu was secretly winking at him, a hint of joy hidden in the depths of her eyes.
Zhu Zhuqing and Jiang Zhu were discussing which pastry shop in Heaven Dou City to visit to reward themselves.
Tai Long and the others were so excited they were rubbing their hands together, currently itching for action as they imagined the scenes of the Finals.
As soon as the team disbanded, Xiao Wu grabbed Xu Yuan's arm and pulled him toward her room. Her steps were fast and hurried, though it was unclear if she was just in a rush or had remembered something.
"Slow down, no one is competing with you," Xu Yuan teased as he was pulled along.
Xiao Wu looked back and glared at Xu Yuan, her eyes shimmering with a bit of bashful annoyance. "If you keep talking nonsense, I'll... I'll ignore you!"
Despite her words, the strength in her hand didn't loosen; instead, she pulled even tighter.
Pushing the door open, Xiao Wu closed it behind her. When she turned around, the urgency on her face suddenly faded, replaced by a bit of bashfulness.
She fidgeted with the hem of her clothes, her eyes drifting elsewhere, and didn't speak for a long time.
Xu Yuan leaned against the door panel, watching her like this, and intentionally drawled his voice, "Weren't you in a hurry to call me here? Could it be... you want to ask in advance what you're going to learn tonight?"
"Brother Xu!" Xiao Wu instantly bristled, her face flushing completely red, even the tips of her ears turning pink. "How is your head so full of these things!"
She stomped her foot, her gaze reproachful but not truly angry. Instead, it was as if her inner thoughts had been hit upon, and even her fingertips felt hot.
Seeing that Xiao Wu was so embarrassed she almost wanted to crawl into a crack in the ground, Xu Yuan stopped joking. He stepped forward and rubbed Xiao Wu's hair. "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. Why did you call me here, exactly?"
Xiao Wu took a deep breath, as if she had done a great deal of psychological preparation, and finally looked up.
The shyness in her eyes had completely faded, leaving only a heavy seriousness, even carrying a slight, imperceptible tremble.
"Brother Xu, I have something to tell you." Her voice was very low, as if she was afraid of being overheard. "Something... I've hidden for a very long time."
Seeing her solemn expression, Xu Yuan also retracted his smile and nodded. "Go ahead, I'm listening."
Xiao Wu bit her lower lip, her fingertips curling slightly, as if every word required all her strength. "I... I have a grudge against the Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong."
The air instantly became silent.
Xu Yuan was somewhat surprised in his heart; he hadn't expected Xiao Wu would actually say it out loud.
He remembered that in the novel, Xiao Wu didn't tell Tang San at this time.
God King Tang San was also somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected this Xiao Wu to speak up at this moment.
Xiao Wu's eyes gradually turned red, and her voice became choked with sobs. "She killed my mother."
Xiao Wu's voice shook violently, every word carrying blood and tears. The pain accumulated over many years burst forth at this moment, and tears fell like broken pearls rolling down her cheeks.
Xu Yuan didn't say much; he simply reached out and pulled Xiao Wu tightly into his embrace.
Xu Yuan's embrace was very steady, carrying a reassuring warmth and strength, like a mountain one could rely on.
Xiao Wu stiffened at first, then as if she had found an outlet for release, she wrapped her arms tightly around Xu Yuan's waist and buried her face in his chest. Her suppressed crying finally couldn't be held back and overflowed, carrying heart-wrenching grief.
"Wuwu... I saw it with my own eyes... she was so cruel..." Xiao Wu's voice was muffled, her tears soaking Xu Yuan's lapel. "I hid behind a tree and watched her... watched her strike my mother... but I couldn't do anything..."
Those dusty images, those fears from midnight dreams, finally dared to be exposed here in Xu Yuan's embrace.
Xu Yuan comforted Xiao Wu, feeling somewhat helpless in his heart.
In this kind of matter, from a human perspective Bibi Dong wasn't wrong, but Xiao Wu was one of his own, so Bibi Dong was in the wrong.
"When we are strong enough, we will go to Spirit City and avenge your mother." Xu Yuan's voice reached Xiao Wu's ears clearly, every word carrying a heavy weight. "What Bibi Dong owes you, and what she owes your mother, I will make her pay it back bit by bit, many times over."
Xiao Wu's crying gradually subsided. She looked up, looking at Xu Yuan with teary, hazy eyes. "Really... is it possible?"
"Really." Xu Yuan raised his hand and gently wiped away the tear stains on her cheeks with his thumb, his gaze gentle yet firm. "Trust me."
Looking at his serious gaze, a hint of warmth seemed to appear in the corner of Xiao Wu's heart that had been frozen by hatred.
She nodded vigorously and buried herself back in his embrace, holding him even tighter.
The two talked for a while, and then Xu Yuan left Xiao Wu's room, planning to go out for a walk.
Arriving at the main gate, Xu Yuan ran into Dugu Bo.
Dugu Bo bowed to Xu Yuan and said, "My Lord, that Blue Silver Grass you planted in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well has had some changes. I feel it would be better if you went to take a look."
Xu Yuan's footsteps paused, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes.
He truly hadn't expected that Ah Yin would actually be resurrected so quickly.
Xu Yuan nodded and said, "Understood, I'll go over there and have a look."
After saying that, he took flight directly, flying rapidly toward the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
In just a short time, Xu Yuan arrived at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well alone.
Once at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Xu Yuan went to the side of that Blue Silver Grass in the core area.
That Blue Silver Grass was several times taller than when he last saw it, and a faint golden halo was entwined around the stem. Upon closer inspection, one could even vaguely see a gentle phantom wrapped within the halo.
It was precisely the outline of Ah Yin.
She seemed to have sensed something; the phantom turned slightly, revealing a soft smile toward Xu Yuan's direction