Surprisingly, after a brief moment of panic, Huo Wu didn't resist much.
Of course, she didn't comply willingly either. Despite her straightforward nature, she still retained the shyness expected of a young woman.
Thus, she remained passive, while Xiao Tianyang took the lead in the advance.
But truthfully, even if she had wanted to struggle, she wouldn't have stood much of a chance.
Xiao Tianyang's physical strength was unmatched.
It didn't matter if his opponent was a delicate girl—even a Soul King wouldn't have fared better.
Not even a Soul Saint could have resisted at such close quarters.
A long moment later, their lips finally parted, a silvery thread lingering between them, their faces barely half a palm's width apart.
When their eyes met, Xiao Tianyang caught a dazed flicker in Huo Wu's beautiful gaze.
That fleeting trance told him she held some fondness for him—though not yet deep.
Yet, her lack of resistance stemmed from two other reasons.
Xiao Tianyang knew the first was, without a doubt, his striking appearance and charisma.
In that regard, no one he knew could surpass him.
The second was the sheer suddenness of his advance.
She hadn't even had time to react before he kissed her.
Combined with the first reason, Huo Wu's initial instinct wasn't to resist—but to freeze.
However, one thing was clear: Huo Wu hadn't fallen for him at first sight.
After all, she was a talented young woman in her own right, and the girls around Xiao Tianyang were far from ordinary.
So, she hadn't entertained such thoughts from the start.
As for now… Only she knew what truly lay in her heart.
"How was the kiss?" Xiao Tianyang's response was oddly playful.
Instead of retreating, he licked his lips, as if savoring the moment.
"It was good," she admitted, her voice cool despite the blush on her cheeks. "So, how should I thank you?"
Sensing danger, Xiao Tianyang tried to pull back—But they were too close.
Before he could react, a sharp pain shot through his inner thigh.
"Agh! Can't you girls pick somewhere else to hit? Why always there?!" Gritting his teeth, Xiao Tianyang clutched his leg.
Though Huo Wu wasn't truly malicious, her strike carried far more force than necessary.
At least Qian Renxue had known restraint, aiming only to curb his impulses.
But Huo Wu?
That kick had been fueled by pure fury.
"You—" Initially, Huo Wu felt a twinge of guilt—until his words registered.
Huo Wu eyes narrowed, the chill in her gaze deepening.
"Oh? So you've been kicked there by others before?" Huo Wu stepped forward, her aura icy.
Xiao Tianyang hastily retreated, waving his hands.
"That kick just now was brutal! I only misspoke because of the pain—don't misunderstand!"
Xiao Tianyang forced a laugh. "But since fate brought us together today, take this as my gift to you!"
With that, he tossed two wooden boxes her way—one long, one flat, both exuding a rich sandalwood fragrance.
Huo Wu caught them without hesitation.
But when she looked up, Xiao Tianyang was already gone, his voice sounding from the distance: "See you later, Little Huo!"
Huo Wu huffed, her cheeks burning, but she didn't give chase.
That didn't mean she'd let the matter slide, though.
As the saying goes: You can run, but you can't hide.
Xiao Tianyang was a student of Shrek Academy—where could he possibly go?
Besides, catching him now was impossible. With his speed, he could vanish in an instant.
"Hmph. It isn't over. Let's see where you hide next time." Huo Wu opened the long, narrow box first.
A potent medicinal aroma wafted out the moment the lid cracked open.
Huo Wu inhaled lightly—and her body trembled.
The soul power within her surged like boiling water.
She snapped the box shut, shock flashing in her eyes.
"This medicinal essence… is even stronger than what Father gave me!"
Huo Wu knew her martial soul's evolution had been partly due to Xiao Tianyang's influence.
But the real catalyst had been the rare herb gifted by her father, the current dean of Blazing Fire Academy.
That herb had acted like a lock, and Xiao Tianyang's presence had been the key.
Now, she held something even more potent.
"If he also has a fire-attribute martial soul… why would he give this to me?" The question lingered, but her heart was undeniably moved.
Storing the precious herb in her soul guide, she turned to the flat box.
Inside lay two items: a manual titled Nine Sun's Divine Art and a notebook.
"What's this?" Frowning, Huo Wu didn't inspect them further.
Instead, she tucked both away and cast one last glance in the direction Xiao Tianyang had fled before leaving.
She understood the herb's value—but if Xiao Tianyang had parted with it so freely, the books couldn't be ordinary either.
This wasn't the place to examine them. If others noticed, trouble would follow.
Though bold by nature, Huo Wu was far from careless in such matters.
Besides, the gifts were hers now—she could study them at her leisure.
Meanwhile, Xiao Tianyang, having escaped unscathed, smirked in satisfaction.
"Who knew someone so impulsive could stay so calm in a situation like this?" Xiao Tianyang grin turned mischievous—but he quickly schooled his expression.
He needed to return before his absence raised suspicions.
If he stayed away too long, someone might notice—especially Zhu Zhuqing, who had once identified him by scent alone.
Tang San and the others already knew his secret, but if outsiders uncovered his dual identity, the consequences would be dire.
Just competing under two names was enough to land him in hot water—let alone the scrutiny of the Spirit Hall.
Qian Renxue had shielded him from Salas, but against a Titled Douluo, even she might not prevail.
Cautious, Xiao Tianyang masked his scent before slipping back.
"Saber and Zhuqing are sharp. If they catch on, they'll hound me for answers."
The thought made him wryly amused.
This caution wasn't paranoia—it was necessity.
After all, Saber had already caught him with Qian Renxue once.
Ever since, she'd been watching him like a hawk.
Really… this wariness was nothing if not well-earned.
…
If you'd like to support me and gain access to advanced chapters, you can follow the link:
patreon.com/DarkLord621