Chapter 23: Offer Your Heart to the Young Master!

"Come, have something to eat first. I had this specially prepared by a Food-type Soul Saint. Wuque... you really did it!"

"Yes, I succeeded, Grandfather!"

Ning Wuque took the piece of ordinary bread Zhang Can handed to him and took a bite. It felt as if he were eating the most delicious thing in the world!

This bread had no power to replenish his soul power or blood essence; its only purpose was to be incredibly tasty!

"It's delicious, it's so delicious, Grandfather! Even if it doesn't provide any replenishment."

"That's why I said it was specially made. Eat up, eat up. I've had a table full of delicious food prepared for you. Once you've had your fill, there's someone waiting to see you."

"The Sect Master?"

Ning Wuque was not surprised by this. His performance in the finals was more than enough to warrant an audience with the Sect Master.

An ordinary first-ring Soul Master who, with the aid of a secret technique, could briefly rival the peak combat power of a top-tier three-ring beast-martial soul master, not to mention that mysterious... blood-essence soul ring!

He lowered his head, his mind flashing back to the soul ring that had suddenly appeared beneath his feet that day. He did not know why it had manifested. In his memory, the birth of a blood-essence soul ring required the Golden Dragon King bloodline of Tang Wulin. It was golden in color, symbolizing the power of the Golden Dragon King. Under normal circumstances, it was impossible for a Soul Master to condense such a unique ring on their own.

Furthermore, Ning Wuque’s blood-essence ring had taken on an even more peculiar color—blood-gold—much like the soul rings of ancient soul beasts. He hadn't felt any of the effects the ring was supposed to provide; at the time, it felt like an empty shell waiting for him to explore and discover its secrets. However, he had felt a strange sensation, as if this soul ring were vital to him—a crucial "key."

"Not the Sect Master. I went to see him after I brought you back yesterday. While he is very interested in you, he chose to respect your decision. I think someone as clever as you understands what that means, right?"

"I see..."

Ning Wuque nodded, understanding the Sect Master’s intent. The Sect Master would not pry into his secrets. Whether he chose to hand them over to the sect was entirely up to him, as was the method of doing so. He could write it down as a manual, or perhaps... dictate it to someone. Someone who was waiting for him.

The answer was already obvious, wasn't it?

"Where is she waiting for me? The usual spot?"

"Yes, the usual spot. The academy is on break after the exams today, so that place will only have the two of you."

With those words, Ning Wuque already had his thoughts in order.

He didn't ask any more questions. He had understood the sect’s full stance toward him through the information Zhang Can provided, and now it was time for his response. This would determine the extent of the sect’s investment in him.

After finishing the delicious bread, Ning Wuque, led by Zhang Can, replenished the energy he had expended the day before. Only then did he put on his training gear, step out of the house, and head toward the academy.

...

When Ning Wuque arrived at the academy, he saw two figures waiting for him in the shade of a tree in the distance: Ning Tian and Wu Feng.

Unlike her previous overbearing attitude, the look in Wu Feng’s eyes as she watched Ning Wuque now held fear, reverence, and an indescribable emotion. It was as if a lioness who had once claimed the throne had been defeated by a lion; she no longer dared to confront him.

"Wuque, are you alright? I read your report yesterday. You were injured..."

"I'm fine. It was just a bit of wind and frost. If I were to fall here, it would only prove that I am nothing more than that. If I cannot reach the pinnacle, I am destined to become nothing more than a speck in the drifting snow."

Before Ning Tian could finish, Ning Wuque interrupted, shaking his head to indicate he was fine. When he was eating, his grandfather, Zhang Can, had explained the situation from that day. His blood essence had been depleted, his soul power nearly exhausted, and his blood flow had been like a rollercoaster—from intense activation to a sudden, chilling stagnation. His muscles had stiffened, his internal organs had been barely functioning, and his heartbeat had been erratic. Zhang Can had been terrified. Had Ning Wuque’s physical constitution not been so robust, he might not have survived at all.

It was much like childbirth for a woman; the first time always carried the risk of death, with the risks decreasing thereafter. And this was an experience Ning Wuque would have to endure at least eight more times. Every new ring detonation was a challenge to his very life.

"You really must cherish yourself more. Forget it, let's not talk about that. Here, take what was promised. How about you become my personal bodyguard from today on? I'll pay you whenever I feel like it. This is the first installment~"

Ning Tian shook her head helplessly, but this was the Ning Wuque she knew! A very proud and headstrong boy. She reached into her storage soul tool, took out a gold card, and held it between her index and middle fingers. With a haughty air, she waved it casually in front of Ning Wuque. Her lips curled upward involuntarily, looking every bit like a mischievous friend waiting to see a peer make a fool of themselves.

Yes, his performance yesterday had been incredibly cool, but would he take this ten million gold soul coins, or would he take it? Hahaha!

"Damn it..."

Ning Wuque clenched his fists, putting on a show of extreme humiliation. "Damn it, this evil power of money!" He slowly raised his left hand.

*Snap!*

His right hand forcefully grabbed his left hand, which was reaching out to take the card. He gritted his teeth, acting out his internal conflict: "Damn it, I cannot yield like this, you stupid left hand! Our will cannot be swayed by money!"

"Hahaha, hahahahaha—!"

Ning Tian burst into laughter, leaning on Wu Feng as she clutched her stomach. She pointed the hand holding the gold card at Ning Wuque, laughing until she could barely stand.

But soon, Ning Tian realized her gold card had vanished.

She looked up to see Ning Wuque holding the card between his fingers, lifting it up to admire it in the sunlight.

*Ding~*

He flicked it with his finger, and a clear, melodic sound rang out.

Ten million coins—even the sound of it was like music to his ears!

"Then, I look forward to working with you, Young Sect Master~"

He tucked the gold card away. Why refuse ten million? Since Ning Tian still chose to help him, it meant that it wasn't just her—her father supported the two of them being friends and partners. Since that was the case, there was no need for him to be coy. Besides, he couldn't stop Ning Tian from being his friend, could he?

"Wrong title! You are my bodyguard now; you must address me by my position when we are out!"

Ning Tian shook her head, clearly dissatisfied with his form of address.

Ning Wuque shrugged helplessly. After pocketing the gold card, he stood before Ning Tian. He bowed slightly, dropped to one knee, placed his left hand over his heart, and said solemnly:

"Young Master!"

"Rise~"

Ning Tian covered her mouth and giggled. As Ning Wuque looked up, their gazes met, and both saw the playful glint of amusement in each other’s eyes.

This was their own unique way of addressing one another as friends.