"Uh—hmm~"
Ye Qiu stretched as he rose from the wooden bed, his body aching slightly. He let out a satisfied sound and loosened his stiff limbs.
He skillfully picked up the pack he had prepared the night before.
Although yesterday's plan had been disrupted by that old bastard Tang Hao, it didn't matter.
I'll continue today.
"Eh? Ye Qiu, why are you in such a hurry?"
Grandma Tom—Jerry's wife—called out as she prepared breakfast.
"I have something urgent to take care of," Ye Qiu replied. "By the way, I didn't disturb you last night, did I?"
"It's nothing," Grandma Tom waved her hand dismissively. "Old people sleep more soundly."
"That's good."
As they spoke, Ye Qiu's thoughts drifted to Xiao Wu at Notting Academy.
After hesitating briefly, he asked for paper and pen and wrote a letter. He entrusted Grandpa Jerry with the task of delivering it to a student named Xiao Wu at Notting Academy—if he didn't return within three days.
"Xiao Wu?" Grandma Tom raised an eyebrow. "That lively little girl who always comes here to wait for you and mess up your work?"
Ye Qiu scratched his head awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
Seeing his reaction, Grandma Tom chuckled warmly.
"Hehe… don't worry. My old man will handle it."
Grandma tom glanced sharply at Grandpa Jerry, who was squatting by the stove.
"Ah—yes! Of course! I'll deliver it for sure!" Grandpa Jerry nodded hurriedly.
Their playful interaction filled Ye Qiu with warmth.
So this is what growing old together looks like…
"Thank you very much, Grandma Tom."
Ye Qiu bowed slightly, handing over the letter.
Grandma Tom nodded approvingly. Such a sensible child was rare.
As Ye Qiu reached the door, Grandma Tom's gentle voice followed him.
"It's obvious… that lively little girl really likes you."
Ye Qiu paused.
When he turned back, the elderly couple were quietly looking at each other, their expressions peaceful and content.
Ye Qiu smiled faintly, said nothing more, pulled on his black robe, and stepped into the bustling streets.
Does Xiao Wu like me?
Yes.
He had always known.
It was his fault—from the very beginning. He had the chance to pull her out of this fate, but for his own selfish reasons, he brought her to Notting City.
When did I fall for her? That night? Maybe…
It no longer mattered.
Xiao Wu was still waiting.
And he had to become stronger.
His steps were firm and resolute.
---
The Soul Hunting Forest near Notting City was where the Heaven Dou Empire raised captive soul beasts.
Most of them were low-level—perfect for Ye Qiu.
This place was a dungeon tailor-made for him.
The forest was jointly guarded by the Empire's army and the Spirit Hall. Although Ye Qiu wore a black robe, his stature and voice still betrayed his youth.
No one paid him much attention.
After all, inside the forest, humans could be far more dangerous than soul beasts.
All around him, hawkers shouted loudly:
"Ten-year herbivorous snakes! Only ten gold soul coins!"
"Brother, want to team up? Our Coyote Mercenary Group is the most professional around—starting at fifty gold soul coins!"
"Fresh soul beast meat! Three-hundred-year Copper Gong Pig! One gold coin per pound!"
Ye Qiu ignored them all and headed straight for the entrance.
Hiring help was impossible—what he intended to do couldn't be seen by others.
And besides… he didn't have the money.
After handing over his warrant, the gatekeeper warned sternly:
"Remember this—slaughtering soul beasts is strictly forbidden. Anyone caught will be executed on the spot!"
Ye Qiu nodded calmly, tied his pack securely to his back, and ran into the forest.
---
The deeper he went, the denser the trees became.
It felt as though countless eyes were watching him.
Instead of fear, Ye Qiu felt excitement.
The Star Dou Great Forest… I'm really looking forward to it.
The outer perimeter of the forest was filled with weak soul beasts—some didn't even have ten years of cultivation.
Call out.
Ye Qiu leaped onto a tree trunk and removed the blindfold covering his eyes.
Beneath the hood, blood-red eyes glowed faintly purple.
"Sharingan… activate."
The jungle exploded into motion within his vision.
Suddenly—
A slender green-lined snake slid down from the branch above him.
Ten years old.
Its venom wasn't lethal, but it could paralyze prey and induce hallucinations.
Its tongue flicked as it slowly lowered its head toward Ye Qiu's neck.
Ye Qiu smiled.
Found you.
"Hiss—!"
The snake lunged.
In the next instant, Ye Qiu turned sharply.
The snake's eyes flashed red—and froze mid-air.
It obediently coiled into Ye Qiu's palm.
"The illusion worked."
After forcing it to bite its own tail, the snake went limp.
"Whether you survive depends on your luck."
He hung it on a branch and vanished into the forest.
---
Soon, Ye Qiu arrived at a narrow canyon.
This was the territory of Violent Apes.
They were social soul beasts, mostly a hundred years old—naturally aggressive and fiercely territorial.
When enraged, they entered a berserk state, increasing all attributes by 50%, though they lost the ability to distinguish friend from foe.
There were around twenty of them.
At the center stood the Ape King, over two meters tall, with cultivation approaching five hundred years.
Perfect.
Ye Qiu hadn't fought seriously since enrolling.
This would be his whetstone.
His appetizer.
---