224: Chapter 224: Only One Person.

This place had been transformed into a fully equipped private training room.

The floor was covered with special dark soft mats.

One wall was a massive floor-to-ceiling window, facing a serene bamboo forest outside with an excellent view.

On the other side, some basic training equipment and weapon racks were displayed.

“This environment... is much better than I imagined.”

Being able to have such a comfortable and functional temporary base in another world was crucial for his upcoming training.

Just as Qin Yan was admiring the training room's environment,

Hua Lu, who had been quietly following behind him, stepped lightly to his side.

She tilted her head slightly, her bright emerald eyes looking at Qin Yan from a close distance, her long eyelashes trembling slightly.

Her breathing was very light, carrying a faint, subtle fragrance that seemed to be a mix of floral and grassy scents.

It gently brushed past Qin Yan's ear.

“Young Master Qin Yan...”

Hua Lu's voice was a few shades softer than before, carrying a hint of flirtatiousness as she breathed like an orchid.

“You have traveled across worlds and must be exhausted from the journey, surely covered in the dust of travel.

Why not... let Hua Lu serve you while you bathe and change, to relieve your fatigue?”

As she spoke, she naturally leaned half a step closer.

Her slender, jade-like hand seemed about to rise, intending to straighten Qin Yan's collar, which wasn't actually messy.

Her eyes were clear, yet they held a bashful charm that spoke volumes without words.

Combined with her already outstanding appearance and the ethereal temperament unique to the Elf Clan,

she exuded a strange charm at this moment—a blend of innocence and temptation.

Qin Yan was stunned by her sudden, overly intimate actions and words.

Having never had a similar experience, he felt a surge of hot blood rush straight to his head with a 'boom.'

His cheeks and ears instantly turned red uncontrollably, and his heart skipped several beats.

“No... no need!”

Qin Yan almost instinctively took half a step back, widening the distance between himself and Hua Lu.

“I can do it myself!

Miss Hua Lu, you may leave now!”

His refusal was somewhat flustered, but his gaze was very firm, showing no intention of playing hard to get.

He was not ignorant of the ways of the world.

He understood that in such an environment, similar things might not be rare, and might even be a certain unspoken rule or 'benefit.'

But he had his own principles and bottom lines.

The path of cultivation emphasized a firm will, unswayed by external things.

Moreover, he knew well that his purpose for coming here was for the Hidden Dragon Assembly and to improve his strength, not to seek pleasure.

Having an extraordinary relationship with a female elf he had just met could bring unnecessary trouble.

Hua Lu wanted to try again, but she was rejected by Qin Yan.

A flash of disappointment and dejection crossed Hua Lu's eyes.

As one of the female elves carefully selected by Lady-in-waiting Jian Lu to specifically serve these Human Prodigies,

she not only had an outstanding appearance and figure but also possessed a certain level of martial talent and knowledge, making her a standout among the palace's female elves.

The supervisor had sent her here not only to provide high-quality guide services but naturally with another hidden meaning—hoping they could use their charm to gain the favor of these future human powerhouses.

If something were to happen and a special relationship was established,

it could bring unexpected benefits to them personally and to the future connection between the Elf Clan and certain human factions.

This was a tacit 'investment' and 'bond.'

Hua Lu had always been confident in her appearance and temperament.

She thought that when facing such a young, hot-blooded human youth, taking the initiative to show kindness should not be difficult to succeed.

But she didn't expect the youth before her to be so shy and self-disciplined.

He had rejected her.

She lowered her eyes slightly, hiding the emotions within them.

Stepping back, she resumed her previous respectful posture.

“It was Hua Lu's presumption. Please forgive me, Young Master.”

Her voice regained its previous crispness. “Since the Young Master needs to rest, Hua Lu will not disturb you.

If the Young Master has any needs, just call for me. Hua Lu takes her leave.”

After saying that, she bowed again, then turned and walked out of the training room with light but slightly lonely steps.

Soon, a faint sound of a door closing came from downstairs.

Only after confirming Hua Lu had left did Qin Yan let out a long sigh of relief, raising his hand to wipe away the non-existent cold sweat on his forehead.

“Are these elven guides'... service awareness all this 'thorough'?”

Qin Yan shook his head, somewhat amused and exasperated.

It was just that his heart was not in such things.

His mind was entirely on the upcoming Hidden Dragon Assembly and his own martial progress.

For the time being, he had no time or intention to get involved in these complex interpersonal relationships and emotional entanglements.

He stood in place for about fifteen minutes.

Once the heat on his face had completely faded and his heartbeat returned to normal, Qin Yan put the small episode behind him.

He walked to the center of the training room, his gaze becoming focused and sharp again.

“Alright, time for business.”

With a thought, he reached back and took down the 'ink trace 2.0' long spear.

Grasping that cold and heavy shaft, a sense of groundedness arose spontaneously.

He no longer hesitated and began his day's cultivation in this brand-new training room belonging to another world.

The long spear started its move, and his blood surged along with it.

The sound of the whistling spear wind rang out again, filled with a rhythm of power and determination.

It was as if he were announcing his arrival and resolve to this unfamiliar world.

Time flowed quietly during his focused cultivation.

The sky outside gradually turned from bright to a dim yellow.

Then the yellow was dyed with twilight, and finally replaced by scattered stars.

In the evening, Dean Su Zhiming arrived at the Side Courtyard.

He gathered all the human students participating in the Hidden Dragon Assembly in the small square in the center of the courtyard and gave a few brief instructions.

The main content was to remind everyone to follow the basic etiquette and rules of the palace, and not to enter certain restricted areas without an invitation;

to cherish the cultivation opportunities here, noting they could visit specific training areas in the palace, such as the Sword Arts Refinement Court;

and to remain vigilant; although this was ally territory, it was still another world, so they needed to be cautious in word and deed.

Regarding specific team coordination and tactical arrangements for the Hidden Dragon Assembly, he stated he would notify them after discussing with Princess Anya.

After finishing his instructions, Dean Su left again, seemingly having more matters to discuss with Anya.

Meanwhile, deep within the Xiguang Palace, inside Princess Anya's administrative 'Dawnlight Hall,'

soft lights illuminated the elegant and simple furnishings of the hall.

Anya was sitting behind a desk, flipping through various reports.

Lady-in-waiting Jian Lu stood quietly waiting below.

After a moment, Anya put down the report in her hand, raised her eyes, and looked at Jian Lu: “Was the arrangement for those Human Prodigies to move in today smooth? How did they react?”

Jian Lu respectfully replied: “Reporting to Your Highness, everything went smoothly.

The human guests all expressed satisfaction with the environment of the 'Side Courtyard' and have now settled in individually.

Most chose to rest alone or began cultivating.

Only a few guides were kept to answer some questions about the royal city and palace facilities.”

She paused, seemingly weighing her words, then added: “However... according to Your Highness's previous instructions, the guides we arranged all made some... extra attempts.

According to the reports, among the thirty Human Prodigies today, only one person... allowed their guide to stay overnight in the room and... had a relationship.”

(So tired~)

(One more chapter~)

(I'll work hard~)