Her previously smiling face instantly froze, turning deathly pale.
"Title… Douluo…" she murmured.
Fear completely replaced her earlier joy.
"Xiao Qiu…" Xiao Wu asked shakily, "why would a Title Douluo want to kill you?"
"Because he's Tang San's father," Ye Qiu said calmly. He had already decided—he was taking her away today.
"What?! Tang San's father?!" Xiao Wu's eyes widened as realization struck her. Her body trembled as she understood what that meant.
My identity… has been exposed.
She bit her lip, forcing herself to calm down, then grabbed Ye Qiu's arm nervously. Her first concern was not herself—but him.
"Then… Xiao Qiu, are you alright?"
"I survived," Ye Qiu replied. "It turned into a blessing in disguise—my martial soul evolved again. But…"
He paused, staring straight at her.
"But… what?" Xiao Wu avoided his gaze, not daring to meet his eyes.
"But, silly rabbit," Ye Qiu said softly, "shouldn't you be worrying about yourself first?"
Buzz—
Xiao Wu's mind went blank.
Her breathing stalled, her head rang, and the carrot in her hand slipped to the floor with a dull thud.
"Xiao Qiu… what… what are you saying?"
Panic surged through her eyes, tears already welling up.
"Sigh~" Ye Qiu sighed lightly, looking at her calmly.
"Actually… I knew your identity from the very beginning."
"You're a 100,000-year soul beast in human form."
"!"
Xiao Wu swayed on the stool, terror flooding her heart.
She feared her identity being exposed—but even more, she feared that Ye Qiu would despise her, fear her… and abandon her.
"Xiao Qiu, I—I didn't mean to lie to you! I really didn't—ah!"
Before she could finish, Ye Qiu moved.
No more waiting. No more passivity.
He stood up, pulled Xiao Wu to her feet, and faced her directly.
He took her hand, intertwined their fingers, and pulled her firmly into his arms.
Xiao Wu didn't resist.
She had lost count of how many times Ye Qiu had dodged her kisses in the past. All she needed to know was this—
This was the first time Ye Qiu had kissed her of his own will.
That alone was enough.
She was happy.
Ye Qiu, completely inexperienced, had never shared such prolonged intimacy before. By the time they separated, he was already breathing heavily.
He didn't let her go.
Their foreheads touched, noses brushing together as he looked down at her.
"Look into my eyes."
Before she could react, Xiao Wu tilted her head up, her gaze meeting his blood-red eyes.
Ye Qiu didn't want to waste words.
Using the Sharingan's genjutsu, he transmitted everything to her—
Tang Hao's plan to turn her into Tang San's soul ring and soul bone, the dangers he faced over the past few days, and the choices he had made.
Even his deepest thoughts were laid bare.
Moments later, Xiao Wu finished processing everything.
Instead of fear…
She smiled.
Xiao Qiu… has me in his heart.
Her eyes curved gently, filled with warmth and devotion.
"Why are you smiling?" Ye Qiu asked, confused.
"Nothing," she replied softly. "I just saw something interesting."
Ye Qiu didn't think much of it, assuming she meant the unfortunate Ape King.
"Xiao Qiu~"
"Yes?"
She stood on tiptoe and gently brushed her lips against his.
"I've always believed everything you said."
"Of course," Ye Qiu replied firmly. "I promised I'd protect you. I'll die before you ever do."
Her lips trembled, eyes filling with sadness.
"Yes… but this time, I can't go with you."
"What?!" Ye Qiu froze, stepping back. "What do you mean? Why won't you leave Notting City with me?"
"Do you really think I'd kill you and take your bones?!"
"No! I never thought that!" Xiao Wu panicked, shaking her head desperately.
"How could I think that way? If… if Xiao Qiu truly needed it, I already said—if it's something you want, I'd give it to you…"
"Hmph!" Ye Qiu turned away angrily. "I don't need your spirit ring. I don't need your spirit bone. And I won't let that happen!"
"Then why do you want to stay?" he asked coldly.
Xiao Wu grabbed his arm.
"Where are you going after leaving Notting City?"
Ye Qiu was about to answer when she spoke again.
"You're going to find the immortal herbs, right?"
He nodded. It wasn't surprising—Xiao Wu was never stupid.
"And where are those herbs? Who's guarding them?"
She continued without giving him time to reply.
"There are probably Title Douluos there too."
Ye Qiu nodded again.
The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well belonged to Dugu Bo, and it was dangerously close to both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Heaven Dou Imperial City.
But that wasn't the reason Xiao Wu stayed.
"I have a divine space," Ye Qiu said quietly. "You can stay inside. I'll visit you often—"
"I don't want that," Xiao Wu said softly.
"I'd be bored to death. And Tang Hao already knows my identity. In his eyes, you're already dead. If he finds you again…"
She hugged him tightly.
"If I stay here, I can distract him. My safety will be guaranteed until Tang San grows stronger."
"If we encounter other Title Douluos… Tang Hao will be my free bodyguard."
Ye Qiu rubbed his temples.
He was still too weak.
The pride he felt after awakening Dual Divine Might faded completely.
Heaven Dou Imperial City was a true dragon's den and tiger's lair for soul beasts.
"I… need to think about it," Ye Qiu said quietly.
"Yes," Xiao Wu nodded firmly.
She had already made her decision.
Staying wasn't just to reassure Ye Qiu—it was revenge.
If I can't kill the father… then the son will pay.
Tang San had already harbored killing intent toward Ye Qiu long ago.
Since he likes me… I'll make good use of him.
A cold glint flashed through Xiao Wu's eyes.
When Ye Qiu looked back, that fierceness vanished instantly.
She was once again his gentle, obedient little rabbit.
"Oh, right," Ye Qiu said, taking out an exquisite box. "This ring is for you."
"A gift… for me?" Xiao Wu stared at the pink gemstone, unable to look away.
"Yes. Grandma Tom gave it to me. Now it's yours."
Ten cubic meters—more than enough.
He took her hand and carefully placed the ring on her finger.
"Thank you, Xiao Qiu… I really like it!"
"There's also an external soul bone inside. Absorb it."
Xiao Wu understood—this was his final request.
She didn't refuse.
After absorbing it and learning its effects, Ye Qiu finally felt relieved.
When it was time to part, Xiao Wu hugged him tightly.
"Xiao Wu has nothing to give you… except this."
"Hiss—!"
Ye Qiu sucked in a breath as Xiao Wu suddenly bit his shoulder hard.
"Xiao Qiu… you must come back for me."
"Yes," he said firmly. "Wait for me."
In the next moment, Ye Qiu brought her to a small alley outside Notting Academy.
"Xiao Qiu… I'm sorry," Xiao Wu murmured softly.
She watched the sunset, touched the ring on her finger, and walked back toward the academy with a smile.
Ye Qiu stood in the distance, watching her leave.
A thousand-year external soul bone—Remains.
After absorbing it, Xiao Wu's soul power rose to Level 23.
When activated, a tough, transparent keratin layer would form over her torso, greatly enhancing her defense against Soul Masters.