(Part 1)
Time passed amidst the killing and cultivation, and Qian Xunji's strength increased daily. Qian Xunji himself didn't know the full extent of his power, but he was certain he had broken through to the Soul Douluo level. He only needed to acquire a Soul Ring to become a Soul Douluo.
It seemed the benefits of training in the face of life and death were astonishing; although exhausting, the rewards were immense. Qian Xunji's current strength was more than enough to easily defeat his younger self from a year ago. He was already thinking about what kind of Soul Ring he wanted to hunt down.
With a creak, the tightly closed door slowly opened, and a slender girl in black staggered in, a bloody scent emanating from her. It was undoubtedly Manyao.
Upon seeing this, Qian Xunji quickly went to support her, helping her to a chair to rest for a moment.
"Manyao, dinner's almost ready. I've prepared your bathwater. Go wash up first, bandage your wound, and then you can come eat. I'll get the rice." With that, Qian Xunji got up and went to the kitchen behind the room.
Manyao gave him a sweet smile and replied, "Okay, Brother Qin, I'm going to take a shower now, I'll be quick." She then walked unsteadily to the bedroom.
This was Qian Xunji and Manyao's usual way of getting along. Ever since Qian Xunji saved Manyao, they had lived together here. Qian Xunji was usually in charge of cooking, because his food was so delicious; the aroma constantly tantalized Manyao's taste buds. Manyao was actually quite embarrassed. Once, she volunteered to cook for Qian Xunji, and when he returned from the hellish killing field, she almost set the kitchen on fire. From then on, Qian Xunji wouldn't let her into the kitchen.
Manyao's usual duties included washing their clothes and cleaning. Although the house she and Qian Xunji lived in wasn't large, Manyao felt the warmth of family for the first time, a feeling that was almost addictive.
Their relationship was like that of siblings, their bond deep. This was almost impossible in the Killing City, a place of constant treachery and cutthroat competition. Their way of life was like a white lotus rising from the mud, exuding an aura of purity.
After a while, Qian Xunji had brought the food to the table: four dishes, a soup, and two bowls of rice, emitting a delicious aroma that whetted the appetite. Qian Xunji waited and waited, but Manyao didn't come out, so he urged, "Manyao, isn't it ready yet? The food's getting cold. Come out quickly after you've washed up."
"Okay, Brother Qin," the girl replied with a subtle, coquettish tone, making one's heart flutter.
A moment later, Manyao slowly emerged from the room.
She wore a black dress adorned with lotus flowers embroidered on the hem.
The long black dress clung tightly to her exquisite figure, making her legs appear exceptionally slender and straight, indescribably graceful and alluring.
Her face was like autumn water, her skin like solidified white jade, her dark eyes sparkling, and beneath her long, delicate nose, her cherry-like lips were red and glossy.
Her hair was still slightly damp, with droplets of water running down her neck to some unknown place.
Qian Xunji blushed, turned his head, and said in a slightly flustered voice, "I called you out for dinner, why are you dressed like this?"
Seeing Qian Xunji's embarrassed state, Manyao couldn't help but chuckle, "None of your business, I'm comfortable dressed like this, can't I relax a bit?"
"Alright, alright, whatever you want, hurry up and eat, it won't taste good if it gets cold." Qian Xunji urged.
"I know, you're so nagging. Wow, Brother Qin, you actually made my favorite boiled fish, that's wonderful." Manyao said with delight.
"I knew you achieved a 99-game winning streak in the Hellfire Arena today, so I specially prepared this for you to celebrate. Eat up," Qian Xunji said affectionately.
"Brother Qin," the girl sobbed, unable to speak, her eyes red.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying? Is it not good?" Qian Xunji immediately asked, flustered.
"No, I grew up in the Slaughter City without parents. Why are you so good to me, Brother Qin? I don't deserve it," Manyao said haltingly.
"Silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about? I've long considered you my sister. Isn't it only right to be good to my sister?" Qian Xunji said.
"Brother Qin, will you be good to me forever?" Manyao asked Qian Xunji.
"Of course, if I'm not good to you, who will I be good to? Eat quickly, it won't taste good if it gets cold," Qian Xunji said.
"Okay," Manyao nodded obediently.
At the same time, Manyao thought to herself: Humph, just a little sister, I don't want to eat
a meal until we're both completely satisfied.
"Manyao, you and I have already reached 99 wins in the Regional Killing Arena. Next, as long as we reach 100 wins, we can ask the King of Slaughter to open the Hell Road," Qian Xunji said.
"But the King of Slaughter definitely doesn't want us to reach 100 consecutive wins in the Regional Killing Arena. Tomorrow's 100th match in the Regional Killing Arena will definitely not be easy," Qian Xunji said in a low voice.
Manyao then said, "Brother Qin, we will definitely get through tomorrow safely."
"Yes, tomorrow we will welcome 100 victories together and leave the Killing City," Qian Xunji said.
There was something Qian Xunji hadn't told Manyao: Qian Xunji could definitely escape the City of Slaughter on his own, but the King of Slaughter would absolutely not allow Manyao to escape and would definitely stop her. Never mind, I'll risk my life to take Manyao away.
"By the way, Brother Qin, if we get out of the City of Slaughter, where will you go?" Manyao asked.
"I'll most likely continue training in more dangerous places," Qian Xunji said in a low voice.
"Ah, Brother Qin, why do you want to go to such a dangerous place? We can go wherever we want once we get out of the City of Slaughter," Manyao said, puzzled.
"You're still young, you don't understand. I'm going to protect everything I have, everything I cherish, and that requires great strength," Qian Xunji said firmly.
At this moment, he exuded a unique aura that was captivating and mesmerizing. For some reason, Manyao always felt that Qian Xunji's identity was extraordinary, radiating an aura of mystery. However, even if Qian Xunji didn't tell her, she wouldn't ask, because she knew he wouldn't harm her.
"Among the people Big Brother protects, am I one?" Manyao asked with a smile.
"Of course, Manyao is the person I cherish most, so of course I have to protect her," Qian Xunji replied with a smile.
It must be said, Qian Xunji's smile was indeed very handsome; his long eyelashes fluttered beautifully. Manyao felt as sweet as if
she had eaten honey; she knew Qian Xunji wouldn't lie to her.
"Manyao, go to sleep early. Tomorrow we'll face our real test," Qian Xunji said.
"Okay," Manyao nodded. (End of Chapter)