"Ye Qiu, this book contains some techniques for cultivating soul power. I got it from my teacher, hoping it can help you."
Tang San no longer minded how Ye Qiu addressed him. The Twenty-Four Bridge Moonlit Night at his waist flickered slightly, and a thick book appeared in his hand. He weighed it in his palm before handing it to Ye Qiu.
He added in an attempt to win him over, "For us commoners, having a guide is really important. What you can learn isn't just knowledge. Think about it—my teacher has real skills."
"Oh? This is a soul power cultivation guide?"
Ye Qiu automatically filtered out Tang San's unnecessary words and took the book with interest, quickly flipping through a few pages.
He hadn't expected that Yu Xiaogang had written such a densely packed tome just on a soul power cultivation path. The sheer volume of text made Ye Qiu's head ache.
Smack!
Ye Qiu snapped the book shut with a smile, sat up, and responded with a grin, "Xiao San, thanks for your kindness. I'll give it serious thought."
"No need to be polite. After all, we're from the same village, and we're classmates. Looking out for each other is only natural." Tang San smiled faintly. With his Xuantian Skill, this book was practically useless to him, but for a lone commoner like Ye Qiu, it was quite valuable.
He also recalled his father Tang Hao's advice before school started. Since Ye Qiu had been able to injure Xiao Wu, his strength was surely not weak—it was worth forming a connection.
"Oh, right."
Tang San seemed to remember something.
This book was, after all, Yu Xiaogang's personal academic work. As someone skilled in creating mechanisms for his hidden weapons, Tang San had a strong sense of intellectual property rights and wouldn't handle it carelessly.
He immediately reminded Ye Qiu, "You must not lose this book or spread its contents. Of course, if Xiao Wu needs it, you two can read it together."
"Don't worry, I won't share it. If Xiao Wu is interested, I'll let her read it."
A slight smile appeared on Ye Qiu's face.
It seemed that good-looking people got special treatment no matter where they went.
"Alright, then I won't disturb your rest."
Watching Tang San return to his bed, Ye Qiu immediately flipped to the last few pages of the thick book. He wasn't interested in academic research, so he didn't care about the middle sections where Yu Xiaogang derived and analyzed the so-called optimal soul power circulation routes.
He only needed to know the conclusion.
Tang San sat on his bed, feeling pleased as he watched Ye Qiu eagerly begin studying.
In this world without the Tang Sect, he might be able to establish his own. If that were to happen, he definitely couldn't do it alone.
Money wasn't an issue—selling hidden weapons and poisons would bring him endless wealth. What he needed most was manpower.
Tang San shook his head, clearing his thoughts.
It was too early to think about this now. He still needed to observe Ye Qiu's character and morals.
Ye Qiu didn't care what Tang San was thinking. After memorizing the cultivation route quickly, he immediately closed his eyes to try it out.
However, after just a few small cycles, he curled his lips in disdain.
Opening his eyes, he tossed the book over to Xiao Wu's bed.
This whole thing was useless—what he had learned from Xiao Wu was far better.
It seemed Xuantian Skill was still superior.
Ye Qiu glanced at Tang San, who was meditating, and smirked.
Was this supposed to be a test? What a joke.
"Hmm?"
Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow as inspiration struck.
When it came to cultivation speed, he might have a way to improve it further.
With that in mind, he pulled three carrot-flavored snacks from his bag, lay back down, and waited for Xiao Wu to return.
At the same time, he felt a bit smug.
At least he was practical—when he asked the little bunny for help, he knew to offer some real benefits.
Unlike Tang San, who wanted to get something for nothing.
Fifteen minutes later…
Xiao Wu returned to the dormitory, her hair still slightly damp.
Fresh from a hot bath, her flushed face was glowing, and her long, waist-length hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her tall, slender figure made her look like a budding beauty.
Ye Qiu lay on his side, smiling as he watched Xiao Wu put away her clothes. He teased, "Little bunny, you're finally back."
Xiao Wu furrowed her delicate brows and glared at Ye Qiu. "I've told you many times—don't call me bunny."
Ye Qiu chuckled silently.
Seeing her pout and frown, her lips red and glistening, he found her quite adorable.
"Hmm? Ye Qiu, what's this?"
Just as she was about to climb onto her bed, Xiao Wu noticed the thick book lying there.
"Oh, that? Tang San brought it over. It's a soul power cultivation guide compiled by that so-called master. If you're interested, take a look. If not, don't throw it away—it might make a good pillow."
Ye Qiu replied casually, his gaze still drifting toward Tang San, who was cultivating.
"You mean that poker-faced guy?" Xiao Wu hesitated before opening the book and flipping through a few pages. Immediately, she grimaced. "What the heck is this?! Just looking at it gives me a headache. I wouldn't even use this as a pillow—it's too hard! Maybe I'll use it to prop up my bed instead. Hmph!"
Xiao Wu had never been one for studying. The sight of such a thick book made her head spin, so she immediately tossed it to the foot of her bed.
Then she climbed onto her bed and leaned against the headboard. Lowering her gaze, she suddenly noticed Ye Qiu staring at her.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
Xiao Wu blushed, curling up and hugging her knees. She looked at Ye Qiu with some wariness—she hadn't forgotten how he had stared at her like this earlier today before kissing her.
"Why are you being so defensive? I just want to discuss something with you."
Ye Qiu sat up and leaned closer to Xiao Wu, looking at her seriously.
"What is it?"
"I need you to help me cultivate—or rather, we can improve together."
"Cultivate?"
"Yeah, our Martial Soul Fusion technique can speed up cultivation."
As Xiao Wu was pondering this, Ye Qiu grabbed her small hand, his palm turning black as it pressed against hers.
Sensing her hesitation, Ye Qiu spoke directly into her mind.
"Don't think you're getting some advantage out of this. This benefits you too—it'll help you reach maturity faster."
Thinking of how Xiao Wu would look in the future, Ye Qiu couldn't help but…
"Ah! Don't think about that!"
A wave of intense embarrassment surged through their mental connection, and Xiao Wu immediately pulled her hand back.
Her ears turned red as she glared at Ye Qiu, completely flustered. Those advanced thoughts made her blush furiously.
Ye Qiu let out an awkward laugh—so much for keeping secrets in a shared mind link.
But he was also a bit pleased.
He knew that Xiao Wu had already agreed.
"Alright, I'll try not to think about it in the future."
Ye Qiu didn't argue—this was definitely not going to be the last time, so there was no point in feeling guilty.
"Don't think about it at all! I'm not like that…"
Xiao Wu glared at Ye Qiu, embarrassed and fuming.
Even if she grew up, she wouldn't let him… fold her up in his arms and shake her around.
"Alright, alright, I won't."
Ye Qiu chuckled, shrugging. Then he handed her the carrot snacks he had prepared earlier.
"Since you lost to me, take these as a peace offering for a good partnership."
"Hmph! I'm buying a new blanket tomorrow."
Xiao Wu carefully took the snacks, still wary of Ye Qiu.
If they kept sleeping together, she feared she'd be devoured sooner or later.
"Suit yourself."
Ye Qiu shrugged. Losing a pillow wasn't the worst thing—as long as he could sleep well.
But tonight, sleep would be hard to come by.