The anger and shame from before had faded considerably.
Her eyes rippled with unshed tears as she quietly watched Ye Qiu wipe her legs.
"Mmm…"
She clenched her teeth, refusing to make a sound. Her body flushed an unnatural red, as if it had been scalded.
This time, Ye Qiu was experienced. He dressed her smoothly without needing any guidance.
On the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, in a clearing surrounded by trees, a fire burned steadily.
Zhu Zhuqing sat on the ground, leaning against a tree trunk. She no longer looked as haggard as before; instead, she appeared aloof—almost indifferent.
Yet, when Ye Qiu wasn't looking, her gaze couldn't help drifting toward him.
He was holding a skewer of beef, roasting it over the fire.
He glanced at Zhu Zhuqing and never expected that the person he had saved would later become one of the Shrek Seven Devils—and eventually, a second-level god, the God of Speed.
Thinking of the Shrek Seven Devils, Ye Qiu couldn't help but think of that silly rabbit again.
Although they hadn't been apart for long, the sudden quiet made him feel uneasy.
The flickering firelight seemed to reveal Xiao Wu's fierce face, and Ye Qiu unconsciously showed a gentle smile.
The aroma of roasted meat filled the air as golden drops of oil sizzled and fell into the fire.
"Alright, let it cool a bit before you eat," Ye Qiu said as he handed her the meat.
"By the way, I don't need to feed you this time, right?"
"No need. I can still move my arms after a whole day," she replied. Her lips curved slightly as she blew on the meat to cool it.
"That's good."
Ye Qiu planted the skewer into the ground and lay down on the grass. The Blue Silver Emperor he released playfully brushed against his cheek.
A day had passed since Canbao and the others died. During that time, Ye Qiu had been searching for suitable soul beasts but still hadn't found one he was satisfied with.
The Star Dou Great Forest was vast. Even with the Sharingan, searching it thoroughly would take time.
Soul beasts only one or two thousand years old were far below his current limit. Ye Qiu estimated he could control soul beasts over three thousand years old—though making them obediently sacrifice themselves was risky.
Just like Sato before, creatures facing death often had terrifying willpower.
'If only I had more attack methods… and gunpowder,' Ye Qiu sighed inwardly.
A cold voice interrupted his thoughts.
"What were you thinking about just now?" Zhu Zhuqing asked.
"Nothing. Just thinking about what kind of soul beast to find."
She hesitated, picking at the shredded beef before quietly asking,
"When you laughed earlier… were you thinking of someone?"
"Huh?" Ye Qiu was startled.
"I didn't mean anything by it," she added quickly. "You rarely smile, so I was just curious."
Ye Qiu looked at her strangely, then leaned back with his hands behind his head.
"Well… I guess you could say that."
"'Could say'?" Zhu Zhuqing rolled her eyes and fell silent.
Once the meat cooled, Ye Qiu picked it up and began eating.
After a long pause, Zhu Zhuqing spoke again, her voice calm but firm.
"Can you help me become stronger?"
Ye Qiu nearly choked. "Me? I'm just a commoner. You're the second young lady of the Zhu family—don't you have more resources than I do?"
"I mean hunting soul beasts together," she clarified.
"You're strong enough to deal with Soul Masters. Hunting a hundred-year soul beast shouldn't be hard for you. I'll pay you."
Ye Qiu's eyes lit up.
In Douluo Continent, hunting in teams greatly increased efficiency and survival. And now, he didn't even lack a partner.
His gaze swept over Zhu Zhuqing.
"What are you looking at?" She covered her chest warily.
"I said I'd pay you—not that you could have filthy thoughts."
"Cough—what are you thinking?" Ye Qiu nearly choked again.
He tossed aside the meat and squatted in front of her, meeting her eyes.
"I need you."
"…You need me?" Zhu Zhuqing froze, panic flashing across her face.
"I mean—we help each other."
"How can I help? I'm injured."
"I'll help you obtain a thousand-year second soul ring," Ye Qiu said calmly.
"In exchange, you help me hunt a soul beast over three thousand years old."
"You're insane!" she blurted. "I've never even heard of—"
"A thousand-year second ring?" Ye Qiu interrupted.
He activated his martial soul.
A purple soul ring rose beneath his feet.
Zhu Zhuqing stared at it, stunned.
"How… how is this possible?"
Ye Qiu leaned closer, gently lifting her chin. His voice carried a strange, irresistible pull.
"Don't you want to become stronger? With a purple second ring, your soul power will leap forward. You won't have to suffer through endless training anymore."
She froze, staring into his bloodshot eyes.
"You're going to agree!" Ye Qiu said excitedly.
Instead, her face moved closer.
Poof.
Ye Qiu froze.
A cool sensation pressed against his lips.
His Sharingan faded as his soul power stalled completely.
A moment later, clarity returned to Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. She pushed him away sharply, her face burning red.
"I agreed," she said coldly.
"I'll help."
Ye Qiu blinked. "What?"
"I said I agree."
"That's great!" Ye Qiu exclaimed, then hurriedly added, "About earlier—I—"
"Enough," she interrupted.
"If you ever speak of it, I will kill you."
"…Alright. I won't say a word."
She nodded slightly, her eyes dim.
"What do I need to do to absorb a millennium soul ring?" Zhu Zhuqing asked.
"You're not worried about the risks?"
"Those risks mean nothing compared to survival," she replied coldly.
"As long as I can become stronger, I'll endure anything."
Ye Qiu fell silent. She was just like in the original story—resolute, hardworking, and unyielding.
A six-pointed star appeared in his eyes. The Iron-Hoofed Horse materialized before them.
"Hold this for me." He handed her the Blue Silver Emperor.
Then he lifted her onto the horse.
"Hey—what are you doing?!"
"You can barely walk. Ride," he replied casually.
"Just focus on healing. I'll handle the rest."
Ye Qiu led the horse forward, while Zhu Zhuqing rode quietly, hugging the flowerpot.
As they moved deeper into the forest, she watched his back—lost in thought.
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