Chapter Sixty-Nine: Preparations Before Departure

From that day onward, traces of Yao Ye and Liu Xin could be found throughout the academy. The two were often seen together, strolling hand in hand beneath the setting sun. Time slipped by, the days passing in the blink of an eye, and their feelings for each other grew rapidly. Unbeknownst to them, the final two days of the half-year had arrived. On this day, Elder Fu and Tang Ze sought out Yao Ye.

"Yao Ye, this journey must be undertaken in secrecy," Elder Fu cautioned gravely. "Remember—do not cause too much commotion. We will protect you from the shadows." He turned then to Tang Ze. "Tang Ze, have you made all the arrangements within the academy? Make sure nothing goes awry."

Tang Ze responded promptly, hands clasped in respect. "Rest assured, Elder Fu. Everything has been arranged."

"Yao Ye! Awakening your bloodline power—do you need any preparation? How ready are you?"

"Elder Fu, there’s nothing I need to prepare. I’m ready to depart at any time."

"Good. These next two days, rest well, spend more time with that girl Liu Xin. The journey the day after tomorrow may not be as smooth as we hope."

Yao Ye saw the worry etched on Elder Fu’s face and nodded gently. Turning toward Liu Xin, he smiled with happiness.

Liu Xin released Yao Ye’s hand and stepped forward. "Elder Fu, let me go with you. I can be of great help!"

Tang Ze, seeing her resolve, couldn’t help but persuade her. "Liu Xin, your cultivation is still too low. You should wait at home for news."

Liu Xin shook her head stubbornly. "No, I want to go with you. Besides, I’ve made significant progress in my cultivation technique—it’s more than a small help to you!"

Elder Fu looked at Tang Ze with confusion. "What’s this? What cultivation technique?"

Tang Ze had no choice but to explain everything to Elder Fu, who regarded Liu Xin with disbelief.

Liu Xin grew anxious. "Elder Fu, I know you don’t believe me. You can examine Yao Ye’s body—his potential was healed by me! And Yao Ye is the master of the Creation Cauldron. It was through his help with the cauldron that I was able to achieve such rapid progress!"

Looking at Yao Ye, Liu Xin seemed enveloped in happiness. Elder Fu stepped forward, took Yao Ye’s arm, and examined him.

"This…? His depleted potential has been restored! How is that possible? No one on the entire continent can heal potential or vitality!"

Elder Fu looked at the two, hand in hand, smiling blissfully, and couldn’t help but praise them. "Ah, growing old—I have to admit it! Hahaha! Very well, Liu Xin, I approve of you joining us. Prepare yourself well!"

"Yes! Thank you, Elder Fu!"

Elder Fu, smiling, left Yao Ye’s residence with Tang Ze.

"Senior Sister, I still think you shouldn’t come. Awakening the bloodline takes time. I’m afraid something might happen to you, and then I…"

"Yao Ye, don’t say that. I can’t bear to leave you, either! I’ll take good care of myself. Besides, Elder Fu already agreed!"

"But…" Yao Ye tried to continue persuading Liu Xin, but she interrupted him.

Liu Xin gently shook Yao Ye’s arm, her expression pitiful, her eyes filled with pleading.

"Yao Ye! Little brother! Don’t drive me away, please! Without you, I’m like a lifeless shell—I don’t want to leave you for even a moment! Promise me, won’t you?"

"Alright." Yao Ye looked at Liu Xin in that moment, utterly captivated by her tenderness. Her every smile, every frown, had already clouded his thoughts. Without thinking, he agreed, and only after did he realize and tried to refuse.

"Yes! I knew you’d promise me, little brother! Yao Ye, you’re so good to me!" Liu Xin, her eyes filled with affection, kissed Yao Ye’s lips and lowered her gaze, too shy to look at him.

At that moment, Yao Ye completely forgot his words of refusal. He touched his lips and grinned foolishly.

"Hehehe, Senior Sister actually kissed me on the lips, hehehe!"

Liu Xin, her face burning, tugged Yao Ye along, not daring to meet his gaze.

"Come on, it was just a kiss. Is it really such a big deal?" Unable to bear her shyness any longer, Liu Xin spoke up to interrupt Yao Ye’s silly laughter.

Suddenly recalling something, Yao Ye looked at Liu Xin. "You always use this trick. I was going to persuade you, you know! Ah, I really can’t do anything about you. Just promise to take care of yourself!"

Liu Xin made a playful face at Yao Ye. "It was your own choice—I didn’t force you!"

Seeing her mischievous expression, Yao Ye happily pulled Liu Xin into his embrace. Liu Xin nestled comfortably against Yao Ye’s chest.

"Yao Ye, I wish time would stop at this moment, so we could always be together."

Yao Ye looked down at Liu Xin, resting against him, gently stroking her hair, and thought to himself, "Senior Sister, I’ll cherish and protect you, never letting you come to harm—even if it costs me my life."

"Silly Xin’er, I promise you, once we’ve eradicated the Demonic Clan, we’ll find a small town and live quietly together, never to part again."

Liu Xin, lost in her dreams of the future, wore a sweet smile on her face and hugged Yao Ye tightly.