500. Pinched

“Just do your best.”

Qian Renjue gently reminded, his expression calm as always.

For him, the innate domains of Da Ming and Er Ming weren’t much of a boost—his Evil God’s Heart was already sufficient.

“How on earth did you do that, Qian Renjue?” Ice Emperor asked in astonishment.

The more time she spent with him, the more she realized his extraordinary nature. It seemed like there was nothing he couldn’t accomplish. Now, he could even transfer the innate domains of soul beasts to human soul masters—something unheard of!

Xiao Wu, Ling Yuan, and the others nodded in agreement, their curiosity evident.

Naturally, Qian Renjue wouldn’t give a straight answer. With a sheepish grin, he was ready to brush it off.

Qian Renxue rolled her eyes and teased,
“Let me guess—‘it’s just luck,’ right, Jue?”

“Something like that. Explaining it would be too complicated anyway.” He nodded awkwardly.

“Your Highness, what about Er Ming’s Gravity Domain?” Xiao Wu suddenly asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

In an instant, everyone, human and beast alike, focused on Qian Renjue.

As the cool morning light spilled over the horizon, Qian Renjue suddenly turned and looked toward Ling Yuan.

“Ling Yuan?” Hu Liena exclaimed in surprise.

Meeting Qian Renjue’s warm gaze, Ling Yuan felt both flattered and nervous.

Noticing the attention from everyone else, her face quickly turned red with embarrassment.

“Y-Your Highness…”

“Mm.”

Qian Renjue smiled as he walked toward her, gently lifting her flushed face with his hand. In a soft tone, he said,
“Sister Ling Yuan, I’ll give you this Gravity Domain as a gift.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the Fiery Spirit Phoenix within Ling Yuan let out a piercing cry. Golden feathers shimmered, and the Gravity Domain spread outward, causing even Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue to feel some pressure.

Ling Yuan’s aura surged rapidly, breaking through to level 96, granting her permanent qualifications to serve in the Hall of Worship.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Ling Yuan’s eyes glimmered with warmth.

Despite feeling shy, she couldn’t help but blush as Qian Renjue playfully pinched her cheek, a familiar gesture that always made her feel both embarrassed and fond.

“Heh…”

Qian Renjue chuckled softly, leaning in to whisper something only the two of them could hear.

“You’re welcome—consider it your tuition fee.”

“…”

Ling Yuan’s face turned even redder, a mix of embarrassment and allure. Naturally, she understood what he meant by ‘tuition fee.’ Lowering her gaze, she shyly muttered,

“As long as Your Highness doesn’t mind my… uh… seduction, Ling Yuan will do even better in the future.”

“Uh…”

Qian Renjue was momentarily taken aback, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

“That’s not what I meant!”

“Jue, what are you two whispering about?” Bibi Dong’s voice cut through, instantly breaking the intimate atmosphere.

Qian Renjue cleared his throat awkwardly. “Nothing, Mom.”

“Yeah, right! I heard it all!” Ice Emperor's voice suddenly interjected, causing both Qian Renjue and Ling Yuan to feel like they’d been caught red-handed. Their expressions turned guilty in an instant.

“Ice Emperor!” Qian Renjue hurriedly tried to stop her, realizing too late that he had forgotten about the small, sharp-tongued scorpion on his shoulder.

Ignoring his reaction, Ice Emperor, feeling jealous, declared loudly,
“Just now, Qian Renjue said that the domain was a thank-you gift for someone who had seduced him!”


“What?!”

Bibi Dong, Qian Renxue, and even Ning Rongrong gasped in disbelief.

He gave a gift for something like that?! Seriously?!

Qian Renjue’s face darkened immediately.

His playful words, when translated by Ice Emperor, sounded incredibly bizarre!

Ling Yuan, equally stunned, felt overwhelmed. How am I supposed to face anyone after this?!

Seeing that Bingdi was about to spill even more secrets, Qian Renjue hurriedly stopped her.

“Ice Emperor! Stop making things up, or I’ll deal with you!”

Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming coldly.

Without hesitation, they stepped forward, exuding an imposing aura.

“Mom, Sis, listen to me! It’s not like what Bingdi said…” Qian Renjue stammered, trying to explain.

Ling Yuan, her face burning red with embarrassment, hurriedly said,
“Your Majesty, Miss Xue, it’s all my fault—please don’t…”

“Ling Yuan, this has nothing to do with you!” Bibi Dong cut her off sternly before she could finish speaking.

“Ah!”

Qian Renjue grabbed Bibi Dong’s hand, which was pinching his ear, struggling to defend himself.

“Mom, I was just joking! Don’t listen to Ice Emperor's nonsense!”

Before Bibi Dong could respond, Qian Renxue pinched his other ear.

“Jue, no wonder you’re so charming! Turns out it’s because you’re so generous!”

“Sis, please let go! I still have my dignity!”

Hearing Qian Renxue’s words, Qian Renjue realized they weren’t really angry at Ling Yuan. They were just taking the chance to vent their frustration. After all, he was often dismissive toward them, and his habit of giving away valuable items like a spendthrift had left them dissatisfied.

“Pfft!”

Ning Rongrong couldn’t hold back her laughter, though she covered her mouth tightly. Since my dear brother cares about his dignity, I’ll just laugh quietly.

Xiao Wu and Xiao Fei Die didn’t seem surprised—they were already used to this.

Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing, seeing this playful side of her teacher for the first time, couldn’t help but find it amusing. His approachable demeanor made her feel closer to him.

Hu Liena, however, was pouting indignantly.

If it’s about seduction, haven’t I done my part, too? Why hasn’t Senior Brother rewarded me yet? Am I not doing enough?

Ling Yuan stood in front of Qian Renjue, her heart aching slightly at the sight of him being teased. At the same time, she breathed a sigh of relief. I knew it!

The higher-ups had already approved my actions. They wouldn’t come after me for it now.

Meanwhile, Ice Emperor had already fled the scene, vowing never to offend those two women again.

After a while, Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue finally let Qian Renjue go. They hadn’t really hurt him—it was just a symbolic act to release some pent-up frustration.

Watching Qian Renjue crouching on the ground, holding his head like a wronged bride being forced into marriage, Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue couldn’t help but smile in satisfaction, feeling pleased with themselves.

“Alright, Jue. Mom didn’t even use much strength. Get up—we’re heading home.”

“Did you hear that? Get up and let’s go!” Qian Renxue said, lightly kicking him.

Ling Yuan hesitated, wanting to help him up, but feared the mother and daughter duo’s authority, so she could only watch apologetically.

“Ahem.”

Qian Renjue coughed twice before slowly getting up. Turning toward Ling Yuan, he instructed,
“Sister Ling Yuan, stay here and watch over Zhuqing and the others. I’ll be back soon.”

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’ll take care of everything!”

“Good.”

Qian Renjue straightened up, trying to maintain a serious expression. But seeing the amused faces of Ning Rongrong and the others, he couldn’t help but feel slightly awkward.

“Well… Nana, take Da Ming and the others with you. Later, you can send them to the orphanage to keep the kids company.”

“Yes, Senior Brother!”

Hu Liena, noticing the faint bite marks on his ears, no longer showed any resentment. Holding back her laughter, she pulled out a pink sack and began gathering Da Ming and Er Ming.