บท 38: Chapter 38: Travel Companions

...

"Shut up!"

"Okay!"

Seeing her about to explode, Zeng Yi obediently complied, placing his hand over his mouth and making a zipper motion to indicate that his mouth was sealed.

There was no choice but to go along with this person's temperament since he was indebted to her.

Seeing Zeng Yi's actions, the girl found him amusing, making her want to laugh. However, her aloof personality didn't allow her to do so, so she could only glare at him fiercely.

"I can promise to take you to Suotuo City, but you are not allowed to talk to me. If you can't do that, then leave," the girl said calmly, her gaze fixed on the person in front of her.

After all, he had saved her once, so she considered it repaying the favor. However, his overly familiar and talkative nature was indeed vexing.

"You agreed! Alright then!" Zeng Yi exclaimed in delight. "It's just not talking to you, that's simple. I will just talk to Xiao Ju."

"Shut up!"

"Fine! Now you're the boss, I'll listen to you."

Seeing her like this, Zeng Yi reluctantly made an "OK" gesture.

Satisfied with Zeng Yi's obedient behavior, the girl nodded slightly, turned around, and continued on her way to her destination, leaving Zeng Yi with a cold back.

"Zhu Zhuqing."

"Huh?"

Zeng Yi, who was following behind her, heard her suddenly speak, leaving him confused.

"That's my name," the girl spoke indifferently.

"Oh... I see!" Zeng Yi suddenly understood. So, this girl's name was Zhu Zhuqing. But why did this name sound so familiar?

Upon hearing this name, Zeng Yi furrowed his brows and fell into contemplation, trying to recall the memories associated with this name.

That's right! I remember now. Isn't this the name of one of the characters in the protagonist's group? The one with cat ears!

Zeng Yi suddenly remembered the girl's identity. It wasn't that he had a bad memory, but after all, he had only read Douluo Dalu once during his middle school years. It had been many years since then, so it was normal for him to not remember clearly. Besides, he wasn't really a fan of novels. Zeng Yi only read a novel once.

She is going to Suotuo City now. When he saved her, he saw that she only had two spirit rings, which meant she was still a two-ringed spirit master at the beginning of the plot. She is probably going to that academy, right?

Sigh...

Thinking this, Zeng Yi let out a sigh.

He thought he had arrived too early, but it turns out the timing is just right! If it had been ten more years earlier, by now, he would have been a Title Douluo and could have shown off in front of the protagonist's group!

What a pity.

...

At night, Zeng Yi and Zhu Zhuqing ceased their journey and found a place to rest.

Next to the bonfire, Zeng Yi set up a wooden frame with two prepared wild chickens hanging from it. He continuously rotated the front end of a wooden stick, ensuring even heating of the chicken meat.

"Xiao Ju, how about we make your favorite wine and pepper salt-roasted chicken this time?" Zeng Yi smiled, taking out a wine bottle and various seasoning jars from his spatial bracelet.

"Meow~"

Xiao Ju, who was on the other side of the bonfire, being held by Zhu Zhuqing, heard Zeng Yi's words and joyfully meowed.

Seeing Zeng Yi produce various items seemingly out of thin air, Zhu Zhuqing was surprised, but she quickly calmed herself down. She knew this was a spatial soul tool, but the fact that this person possessed such a rare item indicated his extraordinary identity.

Sake was poured onto the chicken, followed by even sprinkling of salt, various spices, and since the chicken itself contained a lot of oil, Zeng Yi didn't brush any oil on it. The flame's temperature roasted the tender chicken skin, gradually turning it golden brown. Zeng Yi used his soul power to precisely control the flame's temperature, continuously flipping the chicken to ensure even roasting of each part.

Under the high temperature, the golden brown chicken skin slightly expanded and contracted, emitting sizzling oil sounds. The aroma of the wine, various spices, and the chicken's aroma blended together, permeating the air and making one's mouth water.

"Meow~"

Xiao Ju, in Zhu Zhuqing's arms, affectionately smelled the rich aroma enveloping the air. Its emerald green cat pupils were fixed on the two roasted chickens in front of Zeng Yi, unable to control its meowing.

Although Zeng Yi didn't have many skills as a cat slave, his cooking skills were quite good.

"Hehe, be patient, it'll be ready in about ten more minutes." Seeing Xiao Ju's impatient state, Zeng Yi chuckled.

Zhu Zhuqing sat on a rock, with Xiao Ju resting on her thigh. She gently stroked its fur, watching Zeng Yi attentively roast the meat. She thought that this person was quite impressive when he got serious.

Being surrounded by the rich aroma also made her salivate, longing to taste the roasted chicken. However, she didn't show it.

Gurgle~

The previously quiet bonfire suddenly made an awkward sound.

Zeng Yi, who was focused on roasting the chicken, suddenly heard the sound and instinctively looked up. His gaze coincidentally met Zhu Zhuqing's eyes.

Under the illumination of the bonfire, Zeng Yi still discerned a touch of embarrassment on her face.

"Don't worry, I won't laugh at you," Zeng Yi sincerely said to her.

But hearing his words, Zhu Zhuqing felt the urge to pick up Xiao Ju from her leg and smash it into his annoying face.

If you don't want to laugh at me, you shouldn't have said that sentence. You're such an annoying jerk.

Seeing Zeng Yi's serious expression, Zhu Zhuqing gritted her teeth and stared at him with cold eyes, as if wanting to tear him apart.

However, after Zeng Yi finished speaking, he ignored her and continued with his own tasks.

After preparing the roasted chicken, he gave one to Xiao Ju, split the other one into two portions, and gave one portion to Zhu Zhuqing. She accepted it without any hesitation.

After a hearty meal, Zeng Yi took out a piece of animal skin and spread it beside the bonfire. He lay down directly, supporting his head with one hand, and stared at the flickering flames in the darkness, contemplating life.

Sigh~ Just because of this woman, Xiao Ju doesn't cling to me anymore. It's only been less than a day since you met her, while I've been taking care of you for several years!

Looking at Xiao Ju curled up on Zhu Zhuqing's thigh, Zeng Yi felt indignant.

"What level is your spirit power?" Zhu Zhuqing stroked Xiao Ju's body, gazing at the flames while calmly asking Zeng Yi.

She really wanted to know the extent of this person's strength. Today, she witnessed him killing a Spirit Douluo without even releasing his spirit rings, which astonished her. She wanted to know how far she lagged behind him.

"Uh..."

Zhu Zhuqing's sudden question left Zeng Yi confused. Didn't you just say not to talk to you? Why are you suddenly engaging in conversation with me?

"If you don't want to answer, forget it," she said calmly.

"Well... it's not a big deal. It's just that you suddenly spoke to me, which surprised me," Zeng Yi explained.

"Thirty-fifth rank Soul Elder, it's alright," he added.

Since Zeng Yi already achieved the thirty-third rank when he left Sunset Forest, and it had been more than half a year since then, he had cultivated to the thirty-fifth rank. Plus, he was already fifteen years old. This level of cultivation was alright, and he was quite satisfied.

"Thirty-fifth rank," Zhu Zhuqing said in a somewhat subdued tone. Then, she asked another question, "How old are you?"

The thirty-fifth rank didn't differ too much from her own, but what she was most interested in was this person's age. Moreover, if she also reached the thirty-fifth rank Soul Elder, would she be able to handle a person at the same level with ease, just like him?

"Well... about my age? Let's say I'm fifteen!" Zeng Yi thought for a moment before replying. But why are you suddenly investigating my information? Could it be that you were attracted by my handsome appearance? I hope it's not the case. I don't want that.

Zeng Yi couldn't help but fantasize.

After hearing his answer, Zhu Zhuqing fell into silence, her pitch-black pupils reflecting the flickering flames.

"Fifteen years old, really amazing," she muttered softly, looking at the burning bonfire.