Chapter 81: The Proactive Ye Lingling

In the city of Tian Dou, when the Great Emperor of the Snowy Night learned that the heir he favored, along with his beloved daughter, had narrowly escaped death at the claws of a soul beast, he was so shocked that he nearly expired on the spot. In a panic, he immediately dispatched several royal protectors led by powerful Soul Douluo to the Star Dou Forest, ensuring the safe return of Xue Qinghe and Xue Ke.

After Xue Qinghe's departure, Xiao Yu had mostly recovered as well and was preparing to seek out a suitable fifth soul ring for Ye Lingling. With the Star Dou Forest temporarily off limits, his only option was to try his luck in the Sunset Forest.

That night, Xiao Yu, who had resumed his routine of meditation, was suddenly interrupted by a knock at the door. Rising quickly, he opened it, only to find the graceful figure of Ye Lingling standing before him.

"Lingling, it's so late—do you need something?" Xiao Yu asked, a little perplexed.

Without a word, Ye Lingling plunged into his arms like a fledgling seeking warmth, her arms and legs entwining him as if she wished to merge herself with him completely.

Startled by her sudden embrace, Xiao Yu instinctively supported her by the waist, worried she might fall.

This inn outside the Star Dou Forest was nothing like the Rose Hotel back in Soto City. Most guests here were soul masters seeking soul rings. Such a public display in the hallway would certainly raise eyebrows, so Xiao Yu promptly turned and carried Ye Lingling into his room, closing the door behind them.

"What’s the matter, Lingling?" he asked, still puzzled as she clung to him even more tightly.

Only then did Ye Lingling lift her head, her large, tearful eyes gazing up at him. "Brother Xiao Yu, will you ever leave me?"

Ye Lingling was a sensitive soul. Ever since learning Qian Renxue’s true identity, the psychological strain had been immense—so much so that it had left her sleepless for days.

Qian Renxue was not like Huo Wu. Lingling could accept Huo Wu’s presence because she knew, no matter what, Huo Wu could never compare to her in Xiao Yu’s heart.

But Qian Renxue was different. Not only could her status and identity bring immense support to Xiao Yu, but the existence of their Martial Soul Fusion Technique drew the two ever closer.

What if someday, Brother Xiao Yu needed the Hall of Spirits’ backing and married Qian Renxue? With her status, would Qian Renxue ever tolerate Lingling’s presence? And if Qian Renxue demanded it, would Brother Xiao Yu abandon her?

Seeing Ye Lingling’s tearful, pleading face, Xiao Yu finally understood. He chuckled softly, gently patting her. “Silly girl, what nonsense is running through that little head of yours? How could I ever leave you?”

“Really?” Ye Lingling looked up at him, her eyes filled with hope and vulnerability.

With her pitiful beauty before him, Xiao Yu felt his heart melt entirely. He cupped her delicate face, bent down, and kissed her tender, rosy lips—sometimes, actions speak louder than words.

Ye Lingling did not resist, responding awkwardly at first, then with growing passion.

After a long while, their lips parted.

Ye Lingling’s cheeks flushed crimson as she buried her face in his chest, pressing close to his strong heartbeat.

“Do you understand now, little one?” Xiao Yu whispered, caressing her soft hair.

“Mm.” Her reply was barely audible. Then she looked up, her eyes shining. “Brother Xiao Yu, take me—let me be yours.”

“Are you sure, Lingling?” Xiao Yu asked gently. In matters of intimacy, he was conservative out of respect for both Ye Lingling and Huo Wu. Though their relationships were established, he had never taken the final step without their explicit consent.

“Yes,” she answered, still softly but with determination. “I want to be with you, always.”

With such initiative from this shy girl, Xiao Yu hesitated no longer. He scooped her slender legs up, cradling her in his arms as he carried her to the bed.

(Ahem—a million words are omitted here...)

The next day, it was already noon, with the blazing sun high in the sky.

The scorching sunlight filtered through the hotel curtains, illuminating the disheveled bed.

Having tasted the forbidden fruit for the first time, neither the young man nor the maiden knew restraint. Their night of passion left even the habitually disciplined Xiao Yu sleeping until midday.

Originally, Xiao Yu had planned to set out for the Sunset Forest that morning. But with the keen senses of the two Title Douluo, Aiolia and Milo, they wisely refrained from disturbing the pair and even paid to extend the room for another three days.

As sunlight danced across his face, Xiao Yu’s eyelashes fluttered and he slowly opened his eyes. Ye Lingling lay beside him like a gentle kitten, her hair tousled, a blissful smile lingering on her lips.

His hand naturally came to rest on her smooth back, his fingers unconsciously caressing her delicate skin.

Under his touch, Ye Lingling slowly woke, recalling the wildness of the previous night as she noticed Xiao Yu’s wandering hands. She pouted, feigning annoyance. “Brother Xiao Yu, you’re such a scoundrel! Don’t you know how to be gentle?”

Xiao Yu chuckled sheepishly. “Can you blame me? My little Lingling is just too irresistible—I simply couldn’t stop myself. And don’t forget, you came to me last night.”

“No more! You’re not allowed to say that!” Ye Lingling blushed furiously, not quite sure where she’d found the courage the night before. She reached over and pinched Xiao Yu’s waist in mock punishment.

With his current physical strength, the pain was negligible. Looking at her apple-red cheeks, he couldn’t resist kissing her again.

At first, Ye Lingling squirmed shyly, but soon she was returning his passion with equal fervor.

They kissed for a long time, until she was breathless and tapped his chest for mercy. Settling back into his embrace, she buried her face in his chest.

Holding her supple waist, Xiao Yu closed his eyes to savor the moment.

One should seize happiness when life is in bloom, and steal a half-day’s leisure amidst the bustle of the world.

Aiolia and Milo’s prediction proved true—the journey to the Sunset Forest was delayed for three days.

The soul beasts of the Sunset Forest were never particularly formidable. Ever since Xiao Yu had established a branch here, with both Dugu Bo and Yang Wudi—two Title Douluo of great strength—stationed in the area, along with other Title Douluo who occasionally visited, the Sunset Forest had all but become the private garden of the Nine Star Hall.

However, in terms of both number and quality, the soul beasts here could not compare to those of the Star Dou Forest. Thus, Xiao Yu always preferred the latter when possible. But with present circumstances, he had no choice but to settle for the next best option.

Fortunately, everyone at the branch was aware of the special relationship between Ye Lingling and Xiao Yu. Especially now, as Ye Lingling’s countenance glowed with newfound radiance and she approached every task with renewed diligence, it wasn’t long before they found a plant-type soul beast of the perfect age for her.