305. Gluton Cat

"Thank you, Sister Yin'er."

"You are Master’s disciple, no need to be so formal."

Under the lush branches, in the shade of the trees.

After receiving Ah Yin’s massage, the soreness in Zhu Zhuqing's legs had eased.

She gazed at the delicacies laid out by Qian Renjue.

Unable to stop herself from swallowing.

"Grrr~"

"Heh, what are you staring at? You’ve been running for so long, sit down and have some food," Qian Renjue said to Zhu Zhuqing with a smile.

Ah Yin quietly knelt behind Qian Renjue, gently massaging his back with her delicate hands.

"Mm!"

Zhu Zhuqing scrunched her dainty nose and nodded heavily.

The aroma wafting through the air made her mouth water, and her appetite was piqued.

She immediately sat cross-legged beside Qian Renjue.

Grabbing the large bowl Qian Renjue had prepared for her, she began to devour the food eagerly.

"This is sweet and sour pork your teacher's ancestor made just this afternoon," Qian Renjue said with a smile, adding more food to Zhu Zhuqing's bowl with his chopsticks.

"Thank you, teacher," Zhu Zhuqing replied, her mouth stuffed with fish, looking a little chubby.

"Heh, how is it? Tasty?"

"Delicious!"

Zhu Zhuqing's glossy lips glistened with oil as she licked the corners of her mouth, resembling a cute, greedy kitten.

"If it’s good, eat more."

Qian Renjue lovingly ruffled Zhu Zhuqing’s hair.

He was quite satisfied with this disciple—diligent and obedient.

Zhu Zhuqing's long eyelashes fluttered.

"Teacher, aren’t you eating?"

"I’m still full."

Qian Renjue shook his head, reaching out to grasp Zhu Zhuqing's ankle and commanded:

"Stretch your leg out so I can check it."

"Yes."

Zhu Zhuqing obediently stretched out her left leg.

Qian Renjue held her calf and gently squeezed it.

A strange look appeared on his face, and he looked up with a smile.

"Zhuqing, don’t you think it’s time to increase your training?"

"Huh? Why?"

Zhu Zhuqing, chewing, looked slightly troubled and confused.

"Your little tummy is starting to show."

Qian Renjue couldn’t help but chuckle, glancing at her round belly.

"…"

Zhu Zhuqing froze, biting her chopsticks. She grabbed the small bit of fat on her waist, her face turning a delicate shade of red.

Lowering her head, she nibbled on the chopsticks, feeling a slight pang of grievance.

The extra weight she’d gained was entirely Qian Renjue's fault.

She had been eating regular meals, but almost every time Qian Renjue visited, he would bring a feast.

The food was so delicious that her appetite naturally increased.

Over time, she gradually put on some weight.

Despite this, Zhu Zhuqing harbored no complaints, only a warm feeling.

She enjoyed this feeling of being cared for and fed.

It was real, not fake love.

Zhu Zhuqing bit her chopsticks and whispered, "Zhuqing will be more careful from now on."

"Haha, it’s no big deal."

Qian Renjue smiled gently.

He raised his hand and cupped her slightly chubby face, rubbing it—it felt wonderful.

"Kids with a bit of chubbiness are cute too."

"Ugh~"

Zhu Zhuqing pouted, looking at her slightly childish teacher, her face blushing.

She couldn’t help but feel a bit envious.

Her teacher’s master and grandmaster must have treated him very well.

Not only did they make delicious food for him, but they likely doted on him as well.

Otherwise, her teacher wouldn’t have this kind of personality.

Qian Renjue released Zhu Zhuqing, reminding her, "Alright, I was just joking. You’re still growing, so eat up."

With that, Qian Renjue picked up a piece of donkey meat and brought it to Zhu Zhuqing's mouth.

"Mm."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly, opened her mouth, and ate the donkey meat.

She even licked the oil from Qian Renjue’s fingertips.

Qian Renjue returned his focus to her calf, continuing to examine her bones.

Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing, chewing slowly, curiously asked, "Teacher, is sister apprentice also very strong?"

"Of course."

Qian Renjue didn’t even look up as he replied.

"She’s only thirteen, but she’s almost at level forty-eight."

"That’s amazing."

Zhu Zhuqing’s eyes widened in awe.

If she didn’t fully grasp Qian Renjue’s talent, she was now clearly impressed by Hu Liena’s.

Especially since Zhu Zhuqing’s twin sister, Zhu Zhuyun, was also thirteen, but only at the level of a Soul Master.

The difference between them was like night and day.

Furthermore, Hu Liena’s spirit ring configuration was likely exceptional too.

Qian Renjue nodded, agreeing, "She’s very strong, but she still has a ways to go to catch up to your teacher."

"…"

Zhu Zhuqing rolled her eyes at Qian Renjue’s boast, but there was a touch of fondness in her expression.

That childish competitiveness was a bit cute.

Zhu Zhuqing smiled sweetly and teased, "But what about Grandmaster? Surely they’re stronger than you?"

"Of course."

Qian Renjue’s smile was genuine, his voice softening.

"Your grandmaster is currently the strongest female soul master on the continent and will soon be the strongest soul master overall."

"The strongest soul master?"

Zhu Zhuqing was dumbfounded.

The title of strongest female soul master and strongest soul master carried entirely different weight.

Seeing Qian Renjue's confident expression, Zhu Zhuqing felt only trust, admiration, and anticipation.

She couldn’t help but look forward to meeting her grandmaster one day.

Swallowing her food, she asked, "Teacher, will I ever get to meet Grandmaster?"

"You’ll have the chance."

Qian Renjue nodded with a smile.

After all, he and Qian Renxue were their children, so there was no doubt.

Qian Renjue quickly finished his examination.

Releasing Zhu Zhuqing’s tender leg, he smiled.

"Your body’s in good shape. It’s about time to take you soul hunting."

"Soul hunting?"

Zhu Zhuqing looked at him, confused.

"But teacher, I just reached level nine. I can’t add a spirit ring yet."

"If I say you can, then you can."

Qian Renjue reached out, pinching her soft cheek.

"Your progress is impressive, so I’m planning to help you surpass level twenty today."

"Level... twenty?!"

Zhu Zhuqing’s heart raced, her eyes wide in disbelief as she stared at Qian Renjue.

The Soul Grandmaster stage...

That was where her sister, seven years older, currently stood.

"Teacher, are you serious?!"

"Why would I lie?"

Qian Renjue smiled, gently stroking her silky hair.

"Be good, fill your belly, and I’ll help you break through."

"Mhm, mhm."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded firmly, not asking any more questions.

Her teacher was right—he treated her well and had no reason to deceive her.

Zhu Zhuqing mechanically stuffed her mouth with food, eager to finish the meal and begin the ‘impossible’ training.

Qian Renjue gently patted Zhu Zhuqing’s soft back, smiling warmly.

"Slow down. I’m not going anywhere."

"Mhm, mhm."

Zhu Zhuqing kept her head down in the bowl, responding in a muffled voice.