22: Boy, the first person in the world

The next day, at the village entrance.

On the giant rock shaped like a peach, the words 'Nanshan' were crookedly carved.

Perhaps weathered by time, the giant rock was covered in lush green moss, appearing dark and deep, giving it a heavy metallic texture.

A man and a woman, finally unable to control their leisurely pace, walked here.

'Well, seeing someone off for a thousand miles still ends with a parting. I've seen you off this far, you can walk the rest of the way yourself.'

With his hands clasped behind his head, Su Ye said lazily while yawning, looking completely indifferent.

Looking at the young man's slightly indifferent expression, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes dimmed slightly, and she forced out a smile.

'You take care of yourself too. Without me holding you back, your cultivation will probably be twice as effective.'

'Maybe when we meet again, your cultivation level will have surpassed mine.'

'That's for sure!'

Su Ye smiled dashingly, raising his index finger to form a vertical 'one'.

'My goal is to be the number one in the world!'

'If I can't even surpass you, how can I aim for the top spot?'

Number one in the world?

A one-ring Soul Master actually wants to become the number one person in the world?

Such boastful words would certainly be met with disdain if heard by other Soul Masters.

Throughout the continent, there are quite a few Title Douluo, and even they dare not claim to be number one, let alone a twelve-year-old young man.

Zhu Zhuqing didn't mock him. Following his words, she teased him playfully, 'Becoming the number one on the continent isn't that easy. You have to defeat all strong enemies before you're worthy of the title 'number one'.'

'It seems I have to work hard too. It would be a pity if I didn't get to see you become the number one on the continent.'

In her sight, the young man's star-like eyes were brilliant, his demeanor as elegant as the wind, his temperament extraordinary.

The breeze stirred the broken strands of hair on his forehead, and his entire being exuded an invisible aura of confidence.

The 'one' formed by his finger was unwavering, as if 'it' emerged from his finger, and the young man seemed to be able to grasp it just by clenching his fist.

Watching this scene, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes sparkled brightly, her sweet smile like a spring breeze, and she greatly looked forward to seeing that day.

Su Ye said angrily, 'Look at what you're saying, it's as if you're going to your death.'

'Catch!'

Zhu Zhuqing raised her hand and steadily caught the item the young man threw over.

Her fist opened, and a black gemstone ring lay quietly in her palm.

Hmm?

Zhu Zhuqing looked up and stared, her face showing a hint of confusion. Didn't you snatch this thing like a treasure? Now you don't want it anymore?

Su Ye raised his gaze indifferently and muttered speechlessly, 'No choice, your fingers are too thin. This thing can only be worn on my little finger.'

'As the future number one in the world, if this matter gets out, it would really damage my reputation.'

'By then, someone will surely say, what number one in the world, he's just a thief who steals undergarments, ah ptooey, a thief who steals rings!'

Stubborn as a dead duck, Zhu Zhuqing put the storage ring back on her finger, and a hint of proud smile appeared on her lips.

'Alright, take care of yourself from now on.'

Su Ye waved his hand, saying a few extra words as a final farewell.

'Don't keep a cold face all day. No one else's words count for your own life, only yours.'

'Even if you can't fight against fate in the end, it doesn't prevent you from having a wonderful life striving for it. Even if it's just a fleeting moment, it should be breathtakingly beautiful.'

Saying that, Su Ye added, 'Of course, forget about that guy Dai Mubai. Relying on a man like him is not as good as relying on yourself.'

'You're beautiful and have a good figure. Someone like you doesn't need to worry about not being able to get married.'

A strange emotion flashed in her heart, and Zhu Zhuqing lightly bit her pink lips.

Her face was as red as a ripe apple, and she softly hummed, 'Um, what you said earlier, does it still count?'

Hmm?

Su Ye looked confused. After thinking about it, he really didn't know what she was talking about and could only seek clarification with his eyes.

'No, nothing.' Zhu Zhuqing immediately denied it.

?? Su Ye scratched his head in confusion, glancing sideways at someone. He hated being kept in suspense the most.

Afraid that Su Ye would continue to question her, Zhu Zhuqing cleared her throat and quickly changed the subject, looking at him and saying:

'Su Ye, you've saved me so many times, and I haven't properly thanked you.'

'After you finish hunting Soul Beasts, you can come find me in Soto City. I'll treat you to a meal then.'

Gazing deeply, a hint of expectant smile appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's warm face, which she then tried her best to conceal.

'You're right. Since he has chosen to give up his future and live a life of pleasure, I won't hold onto any hope for him anymore.'

'Rather than relying on others, it's better to become strong myself.'

'Actually, I... I... I'm just going to Shrek Academy this time to break things off with him.'

Zhu Zhuqing looked sincerely at the young man in front of her, her eyebrows drooping in grievance. She was a little anxious inside, afraid that someone wouldn't believe her.

'Oh~' Su Ye replied indifferently, his eyes flickering, as if saying 'do you have anything else to say?'

As for Soto City, he would definitely go there, after all, his treasure was still there.

You... blockhead!!

Zhu Zhuqing bared her teeth in indignation, snorted coldly, and turned away.

She lowered her flushed cheeks, breathing greedily through her mouth. That last sentence seemed to have used up all her strength.

'Well, I wish you a smooth journey.' Seeing that Zhu Zhuqing really had nothing more to say, and he had reminded her of everything he needed to, Su Ye turned and walked towards the village.

Hearing Su Ye's departing footsteps, the girl sighed disconsolately. Without raising her head, she turned and headed west.

Just as she was about to put the bundle into the storage ring, suddenly, the appearance of a familiar item made her feet feel rooted to the ground.

'This is...!!'

It was a fragment of a classic text. The words 'Medicine Classic' on the cover shimmered with golden light.

Holding the item in her hand, and looking at the six large characters on it, 'Read it yourself, don't spread it', Zhu Zhuqing's nose tingled, and her eyes suddenly turned red.

After thinking for a moment, she resolutely turned her head and chased after him in the direction of the village.

Walking on the small path in the village, Su Ye seemed a little absent-minded, always feeling that something was missing.

No, no, no~

How could I possibly like arguing~

Illusion!

It's all an illusion!

Su Ye shook his head, angry at his own lack of ambition, then excitedly pounded his palm. His gaze, looking at the distant mountains, was brilliant.

'The first page of the sword manual says to first kill the object of your affection. This saying is absolutely right. Women only affect cultivation speed.'

'With such a hot figure, swaying back and forth in front of me every day, it really affects my cultivation mindset.'

'It's good that she left. I can finally cultivate in peace. Heh, when I'm strong, what kind of woman can't I find? And I can find several.'

'Mom used to say that women with big butts are not only comfortable but also good for bearing children. She probably wasn't lying to me...'

Su Ye, who was concentrating on contemplating 'philosophy', didn't notice at all that a tigress was standing behind him.

Su—! Ye—!

With her pretty face flushed and about to burst, Zhu Zhuqing was so angry that her delicate body surged like waves. In shame and indignation, she kicked the young man in the backside.

A moment later.

Here, only a young man rubbing his backside and walking towards the village remained.

'Damn it, this woman really has no martial ethics at all.'

'If you want the alchemy content of the Medicine Classic, you don't just snatch it, do you? And she's from a noble background? Who did she learn this from~'