Chapter 35: The Long-Eared Rabbit Desires

The intimate contact between their spiritual souls had been no less profound than the unrestricted embrace of their physical bodies—a thought that left Lu Yixi utterly bashful.

She quietly tucked away her qi destiny koi fish and asked in a soft voice, “Is this what it means to touch Mythical Rank spiritual souls?”

“Indeed!” Qin Shu nodded, deciding to go along with Madame Lu’s assessment. There was no need to conceal his true nature; such openness would be far preferable to allowing wild speculation to take root.

As for the true rank of the Cyan Lotus Dao Seed, he naturally wouldn’t reveal it voluntarily. Even if someone might discern its greatness as a Grand Dao artifact, there was no way the humble Lu Family could perceive it—not even Lu Yixi herself.

Moreover, bound by her oath, Lu Yixi couldn’t possibly disclose the true state of his spiritual soul either.

They continued eating and chatting amicably. However, Qin Shu sensed something amiss about Lu Yixi—she seemed unusually flirtatious, almost like a lovesick maiden infatuated with flowers.

Oh no, he thought anxiously, was the aftereffect of our spiritual encounter already so potent?

He felt danger looming on the horizon.

“Here, try some of these,” Lu Yixi said, reaching out with her chopsticks to serve him more food. “This Crimson Carp with Divine Inspiration is truly exquisite.”

“I can get them myself, thank you,” Qin Shu replied hastily, sensing trouble brewing. “Have you noticed anything… unusual about your current state?”

“Really? I don’t feel anything unusual,” Lu Yixi replied, sensing her own condition—including that of her spiritual soul—which remained perfectly fine.

Her Spiritual Soul Koi was remarkably vibrant. Having fully absorbed the power from the golden pearl of destiny, two gold scales atop its head had transformed into a pair of dragon horns.

As she gazed at Qin Shu, her eyes conveyed deep admiration and affectionate longing.

Qin Shu realized he could now clearly perceive Lu Yixi’s thoughts and emotions.

This must be the Dao Seed spiritual soul at work, he mused, not some male fox spirit after all!

He couldn’t help but recall a poem:

Fish play among lotus leaves, Swimming east, then west they go, Darting south, drifting north once more—

Could there be an unspoken bond between lotus flowers and koi fish?

“Aren’t you going to eat?” Qin Shu asked, noticing how captivated Lu Yixi seemed by his presence alone.

“I am!” Lu Yixi nodded, picking up a piece of fish meat with her chopsticks and taking small bites.

The meal consisted of eight exquisite dishes: Lamb Slices on Jade Plate; Crimson Carp with Divine Inspiration; Braised True Lion Heads; Golden Crow Chicken with Scarlet Jade; Pearl Broth of Jade Liquor; Stir-fried Jadeite Leaves; Meaty Tofu Pudding; and Eight Treasures Meatballs.

Each dish featured ingredients sourced from third-rank materials, their essence carefully extracted. Consuming these eight courses saved Qin Shu eight days’ worth of arduous labor.

His cultivation base, newly stabilized in the late stages of Foundation Establishment, now solidified completely—a testament to the profound impact of this extraordinary feast.

Lu Yixi had consumed nearly a third of their meal in one sitting. The rest of the time, she watched Qin Shu eat—until his scalp began tingling with unease at her gaze.

Qin Shu felt as though he shouldn’t have come for this feast; despite its exquisite flavor and remarkable potency, it was clear that not attending would have been a missed opportunity.

After all, the great Taiyin Poet Sage from ancient times once said: Let worldly affairs shift as they may; never let fine cuisine go to waste.

This meal alone seemed to have awakened something within Qin Shu’s stomach—he could still feel unsatiated.

Noticing his lingering hunger, Lu Yixi gently asked, “Would you like more?”

“No need,” Qin Shu replied with a smile. “That’s plenty. Thank you for such a generous treat.”

Lu Yixi responded with a radiant grin, “My pleasure! Shall we leave now?”

“Indeed.” Qin Shu nodded before adding, “I’ll be going into seclusion soon to focus on pill concocting, so…”

Lu Yixi paused mid-rise, her voice carrying a hint of disappointment. “I understand. I won’t disturb your work.”

Why does she seem guilty? Qin Shu wondered briefly. I wasn’t trying to flirt with her—it happened entirely by accident. After a moment’s thought, he suggested, “Once back home, make sure to diligently practice cultivation too. If you’re ready when facing the Abyssal Calamity of Core Formation, perhaps I could help guide you through it.”

“Really?” Lu Yixi’s eyes lit up instantly. “Thank you! I will definitely strive hard in my training.”

Ah, she’s just a naive girl after all—easily mollified with some coaxing.

Smiling, Lu Yixi and Qin Shu exited the God of Food Restaurant together. As they were about to leave, a group of men stepped forward to intercept them.

“Miss Lu Yixi, if you could wait along with this young man here.”

“Wang Yuanze, what do you think you’re doing?” Without hesitation, Lu Yixi moved to shield Qin Shu behind her.

“No need for misunderstandings,” Wang Yuanze chuckled awkwardly. “We simply wish to get acquainted with your friend here. We haven’t done anything improper, have we?”

“That’s right, that’s right,” his companions chimed in chorus.

Qin Shu inwardly sighed; it was time for him to put on his act and deliver a well-deserved slapdown.

He reached out as if to pull aside Lu Yixi—

But then, a voice cut through the air: “Qin-gongzi is our esteemed guest at the Lu Family. What trouble are you causing, boy from the Wang Clan? Are you seeking conflict with us?”

Recognizing the voice immediately, Qin Shu knew Madam Lu—the grandmother of Lu Yixi—had arrived on the scene.

How timely can one be?!

He had been contemplating how far he should push things before stepping in himself. At most, risking his life seemed like a small price to pay—he could afford such a loss anyway. After all, there was no compelling reason for him to remain in Nine Yong City indefinitely.

Under the subtle influence of his dao essence of spiritual soul, even the Nine Lives Doll had undergone a slight transformation. Now possessing three and a half lives instead of nine, he held enough capital to spare.

“Luo Qingning, these matters concern the younger generation. It would be best for them to resolve it among themselves. As elders, we shouldn’t interfere,” said one figure as two silhouettes alighted on the square before the God of Food Restaurant, facing each other warily.

“Ha!” Madam Lu—Luo Qingning scoffed coldly. “The Wang Clan’s intentions need no further explanation from me. If you wish to test someone, at least choose a more deserving target than that little beast Wang Yuanze.”

Qin Shu cast a curious glance at Wang Yuanze and whispered without restraint to Lu Yixi, “How is this Wang Yuanze considered such a ‘beast’? He looks quite presentable enough!”

“You dare speak like that!” exclaimed Wang Shuangjiang, his voice booming with indignation.

“And what, Wang Shuangjiang? Is it so audacious merely to question your grandson’s actions? Just because he can commit unsavory deeds doesn’t mean none should criticize him.” Luo Qingning chuckled derisively, her gaze shifting towards Qin Shu with a hint of admiration.

Lu Yixi responded matter-of-factly, “Wang Yuanze awakened as a Long-Eared Desire Rabbit Spiritual Soul and practices the Happiness Technique. Many women have fallen prey to his deception, their cultivation foundations ruined beyond repair.”

“So he’s just another lecherous villain,” Qin Shu mused aloud. His eyes transformed completely upon looking at Wang Yuanze again—now filled with contempt, disdain, and a trace of murderous intent.

Throughout history, few sins were as detestable as those committed by lechers.

“Young man, did your elders not teach you to watch your tongue around others?” Wang Shuangjiang demanded, attempting to intimidate him with sheer force of presence.

Qin Shu stepped forward, pulling Lu Yixi aside, standing face-to-face with Wang Shuangjiang. “My elders indeed imparted lessons upon me, which I’ve always adhered to without exception—not even now do I stray from those teachings.”

Wang Yuanze recognized the insult immediately. “So you dare call me less than human, you little brat?”

“Ouch, I didn’t realize you’d catch that.” Qin Shu smiled wryly. “And what if I did?”

“If you’ve any valor,” Wang Yuanze retorted angrily, “would you dare face me on a life-or-death arena—a true test of survival?”

Qin Shu sighed. “I wouldn’t dare. Given your fervent declaration, once we step onto the arena, you’ll likely unleash a fifth-rank Thunderbolt without hesitation. Why should I risk my neck when there’s no guarantee of survival? Only a fool would engage in such a contest with you.”

“Well said!” Luo Qingning found herself increasingly favoring this newcomer. She addressed him directly, “Qin-gongzi, without relying on external aids or artifacts, would you be willing to accept his challenge?”

Her question was posed to Qin Shu but also aimed at Wang Yuanze and Wang Shuangjiang.

“I’m open to it,” Qin Shu replied, meeting Wang Yuanze’s gaze steadily.

However, Wang Yuanze took a subtle step back. He possessed only a Moonshadow Rank spiritual soul, having recently attained Foundation Establishment stage through absorption rather than cultivation. How could he possibly entertain a bare-handed duel to the death against someone already in the late stages of Foundation Establishment?

Wasn’t that courting certain doom?

“What’s wrong? You’re not backing down now, are you?” Qin Shu pressed, fully prepared to leave Nine Yong City—and indeed all of Donghua Immortal Court—if necessary. His bold stance seemed calculated; he was convinced that even Wang Shuangjiang wouldn’t dare kill him outright before so many witnesses.

His assessment proved accurate. As Wang Shuangjiang observed, This man exudes confidence—he isn’t merely leaning on the Lu Clan’s might. His own prowess must be formidable. Clearly, he has significant backing; we cannot move against him recklessly.