The morning sunlight poured through the windows, scattering across the messy bed.
Subei stretched languidly, groaning in satisfaction as his young limbs unknotted. His entire body tingled with that strange emptiness left behind after… unexpected visits.
"Qian Renxue, always like this…" He muttered to himself, rubbing his eyes. "Comes suddenly, leaves suddenly. Attacks like a raid, then vanishes."
But he couldn't complain—he actually rather liked it.
What was the point of clinging all night? Sleeping in someone's arms sounded romantic, yes… but reality? Reality was pressure on his hair, numbness in his arms, and waking up every time someone shifted.
He knew too well.
When he slept with Xiaowu, the words he heard most often were:
"Brother, you crushed my hair again!"
A man's dream was to leave when it's good. The afterglow, no obligations.
Unfortunately, young rabbits didn't understand that dream. Rabbits like Xiaowu required a deep sense of security. They clenched and refused to let go, burying into him like a stuffed pillow.
Of all the women around him, Xiaowu's petite height was the only one that truly fit inside his childish arms.
The older women—Liu Erlong, Bibi Dong—what did they do? They buried his face in… softness. Smothering him, pressing him like two lethal spiritual artifacts.
Then there were Qian Renxue and Hu Liena, both taller than him by a margin. They came across not as lovers but as elder sisters, protective guardians who covered him with their shadows.
"I really live too hard." Subei sighed dramatically, rolling out of bed. "Alas, such a depraved life, not fitting for an upright youth of noble aspirations…"
Still muttering, he kicked off the quilt made from ten-thousand-year soul beast mink and slipped into the Martial Soul Hall's finest robes.
He padded over to the dressing table, splashing cool water onto his face. Looking at his reflection, he couldn't help smiling in wonder. His fingers traced his flawless cheeks.
Slap slap slap. He even patted his own skin a few times, admiring.
"So delicate… so smooth… truly beautiful," he whispered to himself. "This is the kind of face that ruins nations, that haunts men and women in their dreams after a single glance… Whether my hair is messy or neat, I just… radiate uniqueness!"
He shook his head helplessly—as if even he couldn't believe he was real.
By then, the hall outside was already buzzing. Tang San had been waiting obediently since dawn, back ramrod straight.
"Good morning, Teacher," Tang San greeted respectfully when Subei shuffled in.
"Mm… morning, little junior." Subei yawned, eyes half-lidded.
But his body still felt a bit hollow. He rubbed his stomach absently. Must've been all that exhausting… ball-playing… last night with Qian Renxue.
"Beiii~!"
A lively voice sang like silver bells.
Hu Liena bounded downstairs wearing delicate pajamas, carrying a tray of fruit. Her golden hair shimmered, fox-like eyes glowing with sweetness. "I was just about to wake you up, you lazy pig!"
Her smile shimmered, her movements naturally seductive. Enhanced, of course, by the Enchantment Soul Bone Subei had conveniently gifted her some days before.
Yes. He shouldn't have given it away, but what else could he say? Where else could a seven-year-old boy find a soul bone of such quality without risking suspicion?
So he lied, easily. "I just found it while wandering near the Star Dou Forest. Didn't suit me, so I never used it."
Pure nonsense. Full of loopholes. But love made fools. Hu Liena ate it up wholeheartedly. Even Bibi Dong accepted it without question.
Subei bit into a strawberry from her tray, chewing with mischief. Sometimes lying well is a man's most basic skill.
"So," he asked, "are our preparations ready?"
Tang San immediately crouched to check their supplies. From a neat pile, he lifted tools and rattled off the list: "Cumin, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, onions, a spice box, sauce packets, fire-element soul master support… Only oyster sauce was unavailable. Everything else is here."
Subei clapped once. "Perfect."
Hu Liena tilted her head. "But wait, aren't we supposed to be going to the Star Dou Forest to get Tang San's second ring? What's with all the food ingredients and… a fire soul master? We're not going on a picnic."
Subei grinned, snapping his fingers with exaggerated charm. "Wrong. We are going on a picnic. Hunting Tang San's soul ring doesn't have to interfere with a little barbecue, right?"
Her mouth fell open.
He leaned in, voice dropping conspiratorial. "I spent so much effort persuading the teacher to relax the hold on me, and what? Just to fight soul beasts? No—this is the fresh forests of Star Dou! Birds singing! Flowers fragrant! And ready-made meat trotting toward you! If something dares attack…" He smirked. "…we roast it and eat it."
Hu Liena burst into laughter, covering her lips. "Since it's you, Beier, of course we'll do it!"
And sure enough, miles away—Her Holiness Bibi Dong herself stepped out, no longer in regal papal robes but dressed in an action-fitted hunting suit that hugged every curve of her mature body.
Her transformation was astonishing. Every sway and tilt of her form was like gravity pulling men's thoughts from their chests.
Behind her followed a tall red-haired boy with heroic features. His aura was fiery, hot as a blaze.
"This," Bibi Dong introduced coolly, "is Yan. One of Spirit Hall's core talents. A dual-element Soul Zun of fire and earth."
Yan bowed politely.
Hu Liena immediately took Subei's hand, beaming with pride. "Yan, this is the person I kept telling you about—the most beautiful boy in the world! Do you believe me now?"
Yan's lips twitched into a complex smile. For years, he had carried quiet feelings for Hu Liena. And every time she'd spoken about Northern Jiangsu, jealousy had flared in his heart like wildfire.
But now… staring at that ethereal face, that radiance like carved jade… Yan knew. He had lost. No amount of denial could change this truth.
This was no ordinary child. This was a boy too dazzling for comparison. His reputation was not exaggeration. It was truth.
Jealousy melted into frustration, even admiration. No wonder Her Holiness favors him so highly. No wonder even Na'er is entranced.
He thrust his hand forward. "Hello. My name is Yan. Dual-attribute fire and earth, Soul Zun. It's an honor."
Subei shook his hand politely. "Then, I'll count on you to handle today's… barbecue duties."
Yan blinked—startled—before forcing a smile. "…Of course. Leave the fire to me."
From the side, Tang San introduced himself stiffly. "Tang San. Level 19. The teacher's only disciple."
Subei raised a brow. Something itched at the back of his mind. "…Wait. Teacher, are you… coming as well?"
His gaze lingered on Bibi Dong's tight attire. The Pope, usually solemn in papal robes, was dressed casually and practically. Clearly not for formality, but for travel.
"Of course," Bibi Dong said firmly. Her voice brooked no argument. "The Star Dou Forest is dangerous. If I don't go, how could I possibly rest easy knowing you're there?"
Subei sighed. "Ah…"
So much for a carefree barbecue trip. Even a picnic turns into a court battle when everyone involved is a goddess with ulterior motives…