364. Fortify Willpower

The window of the room wasn’t fully closed, letting in faint noises and a cool breeze.

Bang!


The wind blew the window open, and a chilly draft poured in.

Lying in bed, half-asleep, Qian Renjue felt a sudden dampness on his forehead as the cool air brushed over him.

He shivered, every hair standing on end, and abruptly opened his eyes. Gripping the blanket, he glanced over to the empty space beside him.

“Ling Yuan? Are you there?!”

Shivering and clenching his teeth against the cold, Qian Renjue’s voice startled Ling Yuan, who was sitting nearby, half-asleep.

Her dazed eyes opened wide, her head dropping for a moment before she caught herself, looking around in the dark, alarmed, like someone caught sneaking around.

Realizing her current state, Ling Yuan’s face flushed as she lowered her head to wipe away the slight drool from her nap.

Qian Renjue’s violet eyes wavered, fully awake but reluctant to move in case he disturbed the little bunny asleep in his arms, surrounded by the lingering warmth of her presence.

As Ling Yuan composed herself, she looked back at Qian Renjue, who was still processing everything.

Her eyes sparkled with shy affection, and her voice held a soft quiver, almost as if she were about to cry.

“Your Highness~”

Nervously clutching her dress, the shock of the moment had left her breathless.


Qian Renjue, finally snapping back to attention, gazed at her in the moonlight, her shoulder strap slipping down, revealing her shoulders and collarbone.

He’d never felt so clear-headed and yet so flustered.

Not knowing what to say, he closed his eyes, his voice barely a murmur. “Ling Yuan… you should rest soon.”

Ling Yuan swallowed, finally breathing normally, glancing at Qian Renjue’s furrowed brow. She wanted to reach out and smooth it, but the cold wind kept her grounded as she glanced outside and at the little bunny in his arms.

Perhaps if Xiao Wu weren’t here, she would have had a different way of expressing herself.

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll close the window first.”

With that, Ling Yuan gently lifted Xiao Wu’s ankle, straightening Qian Renjue’s clothes for him, the movement sending a slight thrill through her.

Qian Renjue took a deep breath, trying to relax enough to fall back asleep. Ling Yuan adjusted her strap and walked over to the window, the moonlight giving her lips a frosty glow.

Click!


She closed the window, stopping the cold wind, and the room returned to darkness.

Ling Yuan brushed her lips with her fingertips and noticed the unfinished yogurt Xiao Wu had left on the table.

She picked it up and drank the rest, savoring it just as she had earlier.

Soon, silence settled over the room. Ling Yuan lay back down beside Qian Renjue, feeling a bit nervous as she leaned close. Sensing no rejection, she gently held his arm, resting her head on his shoulder, murmuring softly, “Goodnight, Your Highness~”

Ling Yuan didn’t feel like she was doing anything wrong.

This was a plan Ling Yuan had for a long time: to sacrifice herself, to help temper His Highness's willpower and build his resistance.

Ling Yuan believed Qian Renjue wouldn’t ignore her—she had permission, after all.

Qian Renjue had tacitly agreed to it.

If it hadn't been for Lady Xue interrupting last time, she wouldn’t have waited until now.

The yogurt before bed seemed to have a calming effect, and Ling Yuan soon fell asleep. Qian Renjue opened his bright violet eyes, surrounded by warmth on both sides.

Ah Yin must have seen this too! With Ling Yuan setting the example, could Ah Yin be far behind in expressing her feelings?

Qian Renjue glanced sideways at Ling Yuan, half of her figure visible.

Why was she being so secretive? Why not just say something? What if, in the future, Ah Yin, whom he carried everywhere, decided to act the same way and sat down without asking? Would he ever get any sleep?


---

As day broke, a purple mist rose on the horizon, and the first light bathed Tang San, who stood on the roof. His purple aura subsided as he gazed toward the seventh dormitory, feeling a bit dazed.

Usually, Xiao Wu would be there, calling him to go for a morning run and exercise. Although his aura hadn't fully dispersed, he would sometimes accompany Xiao Wu and the other students of the seventh dormitory on their runs.

Exhaling deeply, Tang San brushed aside his thoughts, did a final check on his prepared Zhuge Crossbow, and reminded himself not to fail this hunt.

A mere ten-year soul skill was too weak, especially since Blue Silver Grass was fragile even with added resilience.

He jumped down from the rooftop and ran toward the academy entrance, where his teacher was waiting.


---

In the inn, Qian Renjue had risen early, sitting cross-legged on the bed with his eyes closed in meditation.

Ling Yuan, her attire somewhat disheveled, opened her beautiful eyes to see Xiao Wu nestled against her, gently nuzzling her warm skin. Blushing, Ling Yuan gently moved Xiao Wu aside.

“Take her to freshen up,” Qian Renjue’s calm voice came.

Ling Yuan looked over at Qian Renjue, noticing the flush on his face, and smiled, nodding compliantly. “Yes, I’ll go right away.”

Lifting her shoulder strap, Ling Yuan picked up Xiao Wu and carried her toward the bathroom.

“Aah! Lady Ling Yuan!” Xiao Wu squealed from the bathroom soon after, followed by splashing sounds as Ling Yuan cheerfully helped wash her face.

It seemed His Highness wasn’t ignoring her—there would be chances again.

Qian Renjue raised his eyebrows, casting a puzzled glance toward the bathroom.

Shortly after, Xiao Wu came running out, her hair disheveled. She stood by the bed, resting her hands on Qian Renjue's legs, looking up with a mischievous smile.

“Your Highness, did you bring anything tasty for Xiao Wu last night?”

Caught off guard, Qian Renjue gently nudged her away, half-jokingly replying, “Last night, Ling Yuan ate it all.”

“What?! Lady Ling Yuan!” Xiao Wu looked disappointed and shocked.

Ling Yuan, just stepping out of the bathroom, blushed furiously at his remark.

What had he supposedly prepared for her?

No matter how bold the bunny, this wasn’t meant for her!

“Alright, let’s get going so we won’t be late,” Qian Renjue said, standing up, taking Xiao Wu’s small hand, and leading her toward the door.

“Sister Ling Yuan, come along.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Ling Yuan replied, smiling and quickly following him. She reassured herself—His Highness would gradually get used to this.

Holding Qian Renjue’s hand, Xiao Wu looked up and softly asked, “Your Highness, Xiao Wu is hungry.”

“I brought breakfast made by Nana. You can have some now.”

“The little brat made it? Sure!”

The door closed.

Ling Yuan held Qian Renjue’s arm as they, with Xiao Wu, left the inn.


---

Meanwhile, outside the walls of Notting Academy, Tang Hao lay collapsed, being dragged into a narrow alley by two scarred men.

“Aah—”