Before long, the two of them arrived once again at the small clearing hidden within the woods. Surrounded by a thick growth of trees, the branches and leaves intertwined overhead to form a natural, emerald barrier. Huo Yuhao finally released Wang Dong's hand. He turned to stand directly opposite Wang Dong and naturally opened his arms.
Wang Dong understood exactly what was expected of him; they had come to this spot specifically to research the mechanics of their Martial Soul Fusion Skill. After an entire night of mental preparation, Wang Dong felt he was finally ready. He repeatedly told himself that this was merely a form of cultivation, a necessary step for their team's strength, and nothing more. He commanded himself to remain calm, to be composed, and to appear as unfazed as Huo Yuhao always was.
But when the actual moment arrived, he still found himself hesitating. A flicker of complex emotions danced through those large pinkish-blue eyes: nervousness, shyness, anticipation, and a strange, indescribable throb in his chest. However, the hesitation lasted only an instant. He took a firm step forward. Just as he had the night before, he threw himself into Huo Yuhao's embrace and wrapped his arms tightly around his waist.
This time, he did not forget to circulate his spirit power. The moment they embraced, two powerful surges of energy welled up simultaneously. The brilliant golden light of the Light Goddess Butterfly and the sharp mental fluctuations of the Spirit Eyes intertwined. They probed and touched one another before rapidly beginning the process of fusion. Everything happened naturally, like water flowing effortlessly through a carved channel.
The sensation was much like the previous night—warm, comfortable, and feeling as though they were drifting among soft clouds enveloped in tenderness. But today, both remained fully conscious. There was no overwhelming drowsiness or dazed distraction. They clearly perceived every detail: the growing power of the fusion, the rhythm of each other's heartbeats, and the sound of their synchronized breathing. They were certain they would successfully manifest their Martial Soul Fusion Skill today.
However, just then, a sound shattered the moment.
"What are you doing?!"
A sharp, high-pitched cry erupted from the distance, like a pair of jagged scissors cutting through the tranquility of the grove. The voice was saturated with shock and pure disbelief, as if the speaker were witnessing something impossible. Hearing the shout, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong separated instantly. Both turned their heads toward the source of the noise. At the edge of the woods, standing by a thick tree trunk, was a familiar figure. With a round little face, wide-staring eyes, and a mouth hanging agape, Xiao Xiao stood frozen in shock.
Just a moment ago, both boys had been so deeply immersed in their cultivation that their minds had melded together. The power circulating between them had provided such an intense and wonderful experience that even Huo Yuhao's massive mental force had failed to detect her approach.
As a devoted member of the team, Xiao Xiao had planned to find her teammates today to discuss tactics for their next match. When she didn't find them in the dormitory, a passing student mentioned seeing them heading toward the East Gate. Xiao Xiao had easily guessed their destination—the clearing in the woods that served as their unofficial base. At first, she had felt a bit of a sting in her heart, huffing to herself about them training without her. She had chased after them at full speed, wanting to see what they were secretly up to.
She never expected to see this. Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong were hugging—tightly, as if they were trying to become a single person. What shocked her even more was the trace of pure satisfaction she saw on their faces. That immersed look made it seem like they were experiencing something profoundly beautiful. Xiao Xiao stood paralyzed as her mind went blank.
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong looked at each other, both shouting "Oh no!" in their minds. They watched as Xiao Xiao's expression shifted rapidly from shock to grievance, and finally to deep sadness. Tears began to well up in her round eyes. She suddenly raised a hand to wipe her face, turned on her heel, and bolted. Her small figure vanished into the trees like a bolt of lightning.
Seeing the disaster unfolding, Wang Dong instantly activated his Spirit. The magnificent wings of the Light Goddess Butterfly unfolded behind him, and with a powerful flap, he soared into the air to intercept her. No matter how fast Xiao Xiao ran, she could not outpace a flying opponent. She had barely cleared the woods when a golden figure descended from the sky, blocking her path.
At this moment, any joy or shyness Xiao Xiao usually felt toward Wang Dong had evaporated. Her eyes were glistening with tears as she looked up at the handsome youth and sobbed, "Go away!" She wiped her eyes forcefully. "I was just being foolish before; it turns out you two actually have that kind of relationship!"
Xiao Xiao truly could not comprehend it. Why would the boy she liked prefer men? She remembered how Wang Dong was always cold toward the girls in class, never giving them a second glance. Yet, he was always inseparable from Huo Yuhao. Now, everything made sense to her. She respected their choice, even if she didn't understand it, but the pain still made the tears flow uncontrollably.
Wang Dong's heart skipped a beat. Looking at her face and hearing her words, he realized the magnitude of the misunderstanding. He stepped forward and grabbed her shoulders. "Xiao Xiao, let me explain!"
Xiao Xiao shook her head desperately, covering her ears with an "I'm not listening" expression. Wang Dong felt a massive headache coming on. Just then, Huo Yuhao walked calmly out of the woods. He surveyed the scene, and his mind stirred. An invisible mental force spread out, silently enveloping Xiao Xiao. Without alerting her, he unleashed his Fourth Spirit Ability: the Myriad Thoughts Return to Ruin Domain.
Within the domain, he easily extracted the chaotic, surging emotions from Xiao Xiao's heart. To Wang Dong's surprise, Xiao Xiao calmed down instantly. her heavy breathing steadied, her shoulders stopped shaking, and her tears ceased. She stood there, her eyes clearing as the emotional fog lifted.
Huo Yuhao's voice arrived with perfect timing. "Xiao Xiao, Wang Dong and I were testing a Martial Soul Fusion Skill."
Xiao Xiao turned to him, tear stains still on her face, but confusion had replaced her sorrow. "Martial Soul Fusion Skill?" she murmured.
"Exactly!" Wang Dong chimed in urgently. "In the match earlier, we saw those sisters use one. Yuhao's Spirit and mine have a natural resonance, so we were trying to see if we could achieve fusion too."
Having been artificially calmed, Xiao Xiao's logic returned. She looked back and forth between the two boys. Her sadness dissipated, replaced by a skeptical clarity. "So, when you were hugging just now, it was for the skill?"
Wang Dong nodded vigorously. "Yes! If you hadn't shouted, we probably would have succeeded by now!"
An overwhelming wave of guilt hit Xiao Xiao. "Ah?!" Her mouth dropped open in chagrin. "Then it's my fault for interrupting your cultivation..." Her voice trailed off as she lowered her head like a child caught misbehaving.
Wang Dong was stunned by how quickly her mood had shifted. One moment she was acting like the world had ended, and now she was blaming herself. He looked at Huo Yuhao, saw the faint smile on his lips, and realized his friend had used a Spirit Ability to manipulate the situation. Huo Yuhao met his gaze and gave a small nod of admission.
Then, Huo Yuhao looked at Xiao Xiao and spoke in a gentle tone. "It's fine. We will just try again. Since you are here, why don't you stay and observe?"
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You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion