Chapter 22: The Boy, the First Person in the World.
The next day, at the entrance of the village.
On a huge stone shaped like a peach, the word "Nanshan" was carved crookedly.
Perhaps after years of weathering, the massive stone was now covered with green moss. It looked dark and deep, giving off a heavy, metallic texture.
A man and a woman finally couldn't restrain their slow steps and walked up to it.
"Well, after sending you thousands of miles, we must say goodbye. I'll take you this far, and you can walk the rest of the way yourself."
Su Ye yawned lazily, hands behind his head, looking completely unconcerned.
Looking at the boy's slightly cold face, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes dimmed slightly, but she forced a smile.
"You should take care of yourself too. Without me holding you back in the future, you'll probably be able to cultivate with half the effort."
"Maybe the next time we meet, your cultivation will surpass mine."
"Of course!"
Su Ye smiled freely and raised his index finger to make a vertical "one."
"My goal is to be the best in the world!"
"If I can't even surpass you, how can I compete for the number one spot?"
The best in the world?
A one-ring spirit master actually dares to claim he'll be the best in the world?
If other spirit masters heard such a boast, they would definitely sneer.
There are many Title Douluo across the continent, and even they dare not claim such a title—let alone a twelve-year-old boy.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't mock him, but teased with a joking tone, "It's not so easy to be number one on the continent. You'll have to defeat all the powerful enemies before you can even talk about being first."
"Seems like I'll have to work hard too. It would be a shame if I didn't get to see you become the best in the world."
In sight, the boy's starry eyes were bright. He was elegant as the wind, with an outstanding temperament.
The breeze blew the loose hair swaying on his forehead, and his whole being exuded an invisible aura of confidence.
The "one" formed by his finger was unwavering—like that number was summoned from his fingertip, as if he only needed to make a fist to reach it.
Looking at this scene, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes sparkled. Her sweet smile was like a spring breeze. She looked forward to that day.
Su Ye said angrily, "Listen to you talk—like you're going to die or something."
"Catch!"
Zhu Zhuqing raised her hand and steadily caught the item thrown by the boy.
She opened her fist. A black gem ring lay quietly in her palm.
Hmm?
Zhu Zhuqing looked up, surprised. Didn't he guard this thing like a treasure? Why was he giving it away now?
Su Ye looked up carelessly and muttered with mild frustration, "There's no other way. Your fingers are too thin. This thing can only fit my little finger."
"I'm the future number one in the world. If word gets out, it'll really damage my reputation."
"They'll say the number one in the world is just a thief—stealing bellybands, ah, and stealing rings!"
Zhu Zhuqing put the storage ring back on her finger, a proud smile on her lips.
"Alright. Take care of yourself."
Su Ye waved his hand and added a few parting words.
"Don't be so cold all the time. No one has the right to judge your life but you."
"Even if you can't beat God in the end, it doesn't stop you from living a wonderful life you worked hard for. Even if it's short-lived, it should be dazzling."
Su Ye added, "Oh, and forget about Dai Mubai. It's better to rely on yourself than a man like him."
"You're beautiful and have a great figure. You don't need to worry about not getting married."
A strange feeling flashed through her heart. Zhu Zhuqing bit her pink lips lightly.
Her face turned as red as a ripe apple, and she softly asked, "That thing you said before... does it still count?"
Hmm?
Su Ye looked puzzled. After thinking for a moment, he still didn't know what she meant, so he looked to her for clarification.
"No, nothing," Zhu Zhuqing immediately denied.
"???" Su Ye scratched his head in confusion, rolling his eyes. He hated being kept in suspense.
Afraid that Su Ye would keep asking, Zhu Zhuqing coughed and changed the subject. She looked at him and said,
"Su Ye, you've saved me so many times, and I haven't properly thanked you yet."
"After you're done hunting the soul beast, come to Soto City and find me. I'll treat you to a meal."
Staring at her meaningfully, Zhu Zhuqing's warm face carried a faint smile of expectation, though she tried hard to cover it up.
"You're right. Since he chose pleasure over his future, I'll no longer have hope for him."
"Rather than relying on someone else, it's better to become strong myself."
"Actually, I... I came to Shrek Academy this time just to make a clean break with him."
Zhu Zhuqing looked at the boy sincerely, her brows drooping with grievance. She felt a little anxious, afraid he wouldn't believe her.
"Oh~" Su Ye responded indifferently. His eyes were provocative, as if saying, Is there anything else you want to say?
As for Soto City—he was definitely going. After all, his precious belongings were still there.
You… blockhead!!
Zhu Zhuqing gritted her teeth angrily, snorted coldly, and turned away.
She lowered her red cheeks, exhaling a hot breath. That one sentence earlier had exhausted all her courage.
"Well, I wish you a safe journey."
Seeing that Zhu Zhuqing had nothing more to say, and having reminded her of everything he could, Su Ye turned and walked toward the village.
Hearing his footsteps fade away, the girl sighed sadly, then turned and walked west without looking back.
When she tried to put her bag into the storage ring, suddenly—an all-too-familiar object made her freeze.
"This is...!!"
It was a torn page from an old classic, and the words "Pharmacopoeia" gleamed in gold on the cover.
Holding it in her hand, she saw the six words written on it:
"Read it yourself, don't spread it to others."
Zhu Zhuqing's nose turned sore, and her eyes suddenly reddened.
After hesitating for a moment, she turned back decisively and ran toward the village.
Walking along the small village path, Su Ye looked a little absent-minded. He felt like something was missing.
No, no, no~
Why would I miss bickering with someone?
Illusion! It's all an illusion!
Su Ye shook his head angrily, slapped his palm excitedly, and looked toward the distant mountains with blazing eyes.
"The first page of the sword manual says to kill the one you love first. That's absolutely true. Women and the like only hinder cultivation!"
"With that hot body swaying in front of me every day—it really messes with my mindset!"
"It's good she's gone. Now I can finally cultivate in peace. Hmph, once I'm strong, I can have any kind of woman. I can have a bunch!"
"My mother used to say that women with big butts are not only comfortable, but also good for giving birth. She couldn't have lied to me…"
So deep in his "philosophical" thoughts, Su Ye didn't notice a tigress standing behind him.
Su——! Ye——!
Zhu Zhuqing, her pretty face flushed, burst with anger. Her energy surged as she kicked the boy's butt in shame and fury.
A while later.
Only a boy was left rubbing his butt as he limped toward the village.
"Damn it. This woman really has no martial ethics."
"You want the alchemy content of the Pharmacopoeia, but you can't just rob it. You're from an aristocratic family! Where did you learn this nonsense from~"
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(End of this chapter)