Chapter 54: Chapter 51
"Has your training concluded?" Qian Renxue inquired, turning to the person beside her. She took a delicate bite of a cookie, savoring its strawberry flavor.
"In truth, I'm not entirely certain. We've covered physical and skills training, followed by combat, spirit power conservation, and finally team coordination, tactics, and formation," he replied, taking a bite of homemade bread which he had dunked into a cup of hot, sweet coffee.
"The only logical step forward seems to be true combat. After all, we have spent most of our time sparring with each other in the class, but I feel that this may have lost its utility, given we are well acquainted with each other's abilities and techniques," Cai Wen mused.
"Interesting," Qian Renxue hummed in response, reaching for another treat from the table laden with sweets and desserts. She chose a donut and took a bite.
"Your treats are always the best, Wen," Qian Renxue complimented, her smile radiant as she savored her donut.
As time passed, Cai Wen found his life becoming monotonous, filled with an endless cycle of training, cultivating, studying, and sleeping. He decided to take up baking as a hobby, given his fondness for sweets and his past experience with numerous recipes.
"I'm glad you enjoy them," Cai Wen said, a warm smile spreading across his face. He appreciated her reaction - it was a stark contrast to their initial interactions, where she seemed more reserved and lonely. Now she seemed much more like any other girl, and he found himself wanting to spoil her, though his intentions were far from inappropriate.
"What about your training, Xue?" Cai Wen asked.
"Well, it's pretty much the same," she responded in a somewhat disheartened tone. Her regimen consisted of physical and skills training, academic study, and exploring her martial spirit abilities to discover alternative uses.
However, her mood seemed to improve as an idea came to her. A smile spread across her face as she teased, "That's about to change soon, though."
"Why is that?" Cai Wen asked, intrigued.
Qian Renxue turned to face him, her mischievous smile broadening. "It's a secret," she declared.
"But that's hardly fair, I shared my plans with you," Cai Wen protested, his curiosity piqued, though he was far from truly upset.
"Nope, it's still a secret," she replied, her attention returning to the array of treats before her.
"Just don't overindulge and end up gaining weight," Cai Wen teased.
"Considering the intensity of our training, it would be a miracle if we gained weight," she retorted, continuing to enjoy the chocolate-filled buns she held.
"Good point," Cai Wen admitted, having momentarily overlooked that fact.
The pair spent their time enjoying their treats, with Qian Renxue particularly enthralled by the variety of sweets she had never tasted before. Cai Wen, on the other hand, was content to sit back and enjoy the view of the garden in the elder palace, a location that had become a favorite for them to spend time together.
The week-long vacation, dedicated to allowing their bodies to recover, had already passed. Cai Wen was now on his way to the familiar training grounds where they usually practised and sparred. Hu Liena, walking alongside him, had been wearing a frown since sunrise.
"What's bothering you, Big Sister Nana? You seem to be in a sour mood," Cai Wen finally couldn't resist inquiring, concern laced in his voice.
Hu Liena glanced at him before voicing her unease. "I'm not certain. It's just that since this morning, I've had this nagging feeling that something irritating lies ahead."
"Huh?" Cai Wen found himself at a loss, trying to decipher her cryptic declaration. His eyes suddenly widened in realization. 'Could it be... her time of the month?'
Lost in thought and battling her unease, the two finally reached the familiar grounds, where most of their teammates had already gathered.
Yan was engaged in a light-hearted conversation with Xu Mei. Their laughter and smiles suggested they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Xie Yue, on the other hand, was quietly listening to a group of teammates, interjecting occasionally with a few words.
Upon their arrival, Cai Wen and Hu Liena immediately merged with the group. The atmosphere became more vibrant with their presence. Over the past few months, Cai Wen had managed to cement good relationships with most of his teammates. They admired him for his strength and humility, even though his occasional arrogance tested their patience.
A few minutes later, all twelve students had assembled, and Ghost Douluo made his appearance.
"Good, it appears everyone is present. You have all completed your first, second, and third training sessions. Now, we will move on to your fourth training," Ghost Douluo announced. "But before we begin, there's news to share. Our team is about to welcome a new member."
"Eh, I beg your pardon, Elder Ghost, but isn't this a tad inappropriate and somewhat untimely?" Hu Liena interjected. "We've developed a certain level of coordination and trust amongst ourselves. Introducing a new element will disrupt the harmony we've achieved and necessitate a reevaluation of our established formations and strategies."
Ghost Douluo responded, "Your concerns are valid. However, this too is a form of training. Sometimes, you'll gain unexpected allies and need to collaborate. This will enhance your adaptability. Now, your new teammate is..."
"Me!"
Just as Ghost Douluo was about to reveal the name, a voice interrupted him from above. Everyone looked up to discover a young girl descending from the sky. Her six wings, combined with her golden hair, gave her the appearance of an angel descending to earth. Her icy gaze and haughty demeanor somehow made her look even more adorable.
Despite her young age, her striking appearance drew the attention of most boys in the class, making them momentarily forget their surroundings.
"Eh, Renxue, what brings you here?" Cai Wen's voice broke the spell.
Qian Renxue touched down gently on the ground, casting a mischievous smile at him. "It's a surprise silly," she announced with a twinkle in her eyes.
(This would be my last chapter and I am back to my Filled Schedule)
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone