Zhu Zhuqing stood motionless, her golden eyes locked on the tavern across the street. There, in full view of the public, Dai Mubai drank, laughed, and flirted shamelessly with two women draped across his lap. His Shrek Academy badge swung loosely from his belt, unnoticed as he poured wine with wild gestures.
"Disgusting," she muttered.
Jiang Yun, standing beside her in the shadows, said nothing.
"I knew he wasn't going to marry just one woman. I knew what came with his title," she went on bitterly. "But this? He's not even cultivating. He's squandering his talent."
"You don't seem surprised," Jiang Yun said calmly.
"I'm not. But seeing it… makes it real."
She turned away, fists clenched. "Let's go."
---
Three days later, they were deep in a wooded trail, far from any city. The forest was calm, birds chirping in the canopy above. Zhu Zhuqing walked slightly behind Jiang Yun, silent but watchful.
That night, she finally spoke again, her voice low by the fire. "You're strong. But you're not registered. You're not from any academy or sect."
"I don't belong to anyone," Jiang Yun replied. "I cultivate on my own."
"Your martial spirit… it's your body, right?"
He nodded.
"That's rare. Most body-type spirits are defensive. But you're…" Her gaze lingered on him. "Different."
"I don't depend on weapons. My body is my strength. And I've trained it to endure."
She studied him quietly. "What are your soul skills?"
Jiang Yun stood, stepping into the open grass. "I'll show you."
He tapped his belt, and a faint shimmer of red energy radiated outward. In an instant, armor formed over his frame—crimson plates with dark black lining, a helmet with glowing red eyes. The atmosphere around him shifted, oppressive and powerful.
Zhu Zhuqing instinctively tensed.
"This is my combat state," he said. "An extension of my martial spirit. It increases my physical power, speed, and defense."
He stomped once—boom—the earth cracked beneath his foot.
"My first soul skill is Mighty Kick. It enhances the next kick with explosive force. If it connects, it usually ends the fight."
He straightened. "My second skill is Crimson Lock. Once I fix on a target I can see, any follow-up attack will land. It can't be dodged."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes narrowed. "That's… terrifying."
"It's not invincible. It consumes soul power fast and only works if I maintain line of sight."
The red armor faded into motes of light, revealing his normal appearance.
A long silence passed between them.
"Where are you headed next?" she asked finally.
"Sunset Forest," he said simply.
"Why?"
"I'm searching for a place. One that might help me grow faster. That's all I can say right now."
She was quiet again, then nodded. "Then I'll come with you."
He looked at her, surprised.
"I don't want to go back to my clan. I won't be just a tool for marriage." Her voice was calm, but firm. "If you're heading toward strength, then I'll follow. I'll prove my worth."
Jiang Yun gave a small smile. "Then let's move together. From now on."