After a moment of dizziness, Zhang Luan felt warm currents of life force flowing steadily from Ye Ying’s mouth into his. He knew she was replenishing his vitality with her own.
But why this bizarre method? Don’t assume a kiss from a beauty is pleasant—her mouth held chocolate so bitter it ached his heart. Right then, Zhang Luan had only one thought.
“Damn! This is unbearably bitter!”
He tried to pull away, but Ye Ying gave him no chance. She’d even set up a field around them, restricting his teleportation ability, and forced the bitter chocolate into his mouth.
The bitter kiss lasted nearly a minute. Zhang Luan’s tongue went numb from the bitterness—he couldn’t fathom how Ye Ying had swallowed it earlier. Yet his lifespan gradually restored. He now had about sixty years of life force, enough to use the Chaos Wheel to buy back his life once.
Ye Ying released him and stepped back, panting heavily.
“If nothing else, I’ll take my leave. Yanat will come for you tomorrow, Holy Son.”
With that, she turned to leave without looking back.
“Hey, you’re just walking off? That was my first kiss!”
It wasn’t a lie—he hadn’t kissed anyone since his reincarnation.
Ye Ying stopped, took a deep breath, and slowly turned around.
“What else do you want? Akamana’s life magic only works this way. Do you think I enjoyed it?! It was my first kiss too!!”
Her voice boomed, utterly unlike her usual calm self. Zhang Luan even spotted a hint of tears glistening at her eyes’ corners.
“Nothing. Go ahead, leave.”
Zhang Luan coughed awkwardly. On second thought, despite the unbearably bitter chocolate, he’d still gained something.
Ye Ying ignored him and walked away. Watching her back, Zhang Luan touched his lips thoughtfully. Earlier, he’d only focused on the bitterness—he hadn’t noticed how sweet the High Priestess actually was.
He headed to the training ground, drew the Ends Bow, and began shooting.
Ten years had ingrained archery into his routine. Though it wouldn’t refine his skills further, it was excellent training for his frail body.
Time slipped away with each arrow.
As dawn lightened the misty sky, diligent young Guardians arrived to train. Seeing Zhang Luan, their eyes widened in surprise. Spotting the ruined crater from his explosions, surprise turned to fear.
“Holy Son is terrifying!!”
Noticing them, Zhang Luan put away the Ends Bow. He reeked of sweat. In one night, his weak body had gained five points in strength and endurance.
Not much, but decent.
Nearby, Yanat approached in his heavy armor, his gaze complex. Zhang Luan had shifted in his mind from a mysterious Holy Son to a genius fleeing some major power. Following him closely might finally bring his long-awaited breakthrough...
Yanat snapped back to attention and bowed respectfully.
“Holy Son, the High Priestess prepared a Magic Conveyance. I and a Guardian squad will escort you to Southern Sect City. Depart now, or rest first?”
Zhang Luan found his attitude jarring. They’d fought fiercely on their first meeting—why act like a lapdog today?
He disliked it.
“Speak normally. Weren’t you strong? I looked forward to sparring again. Even if I’m charming, it shouldn’t make a Guardian instructor grovel. Akamana’s teachings never said that.”
His words stabbed Yanat’s heart. Who’d choose to grovel? But without Zhang Luan, his mediocre talent would never achieve that first breakthrough. He had no choice.
“I... um, would the Holy Son rest or board now? I’ll arrange it.”
Seeing no change, Zhang Luan dropped it. Yanat’s choices weren’t his concern.
“I’m not tired. Head straight to Southern Sect City—they’re waiting.”
“Yes, I’ll bring the Magic Conveyance immediately.”
Soon, a massive, imposing Magic Conveyance rolled up before Zhang Luan.
Huge and spacious, its frame glowed with silvery magical light. Akamana’s emblem—a silver iris lance—adorned its surface, radiating power so fiercely even bold bandits would hesitate to attack.
“Who arranged this? Do you always travel like this?”
Yanat shook his head.
“No. This is solely for the Holy Son. It’s stored underground—without your ascension, it might never have surfaced.”
Zhang Luan eyed the flashy vehicle. Flaunting wealth like this? Though he wasn’t afraid, constant harassment would stretch a ten-hour trip endlessly.
“Dissatisfied, Holy Son?”
“Yes. Any other conveyances? Even if I’m handsome, no need for flashy rides to show off. Maple Blossom’s Magic Conveyance is gathering dust out back—use hers.”
Yanat scratched his head awkwardly.
“Well... last night, the High Priestess sent all other Magic Conveyances to clear goblins from the plains. Even hers and the Holy Maiden’s were given to female knights. So...”
Zhang Luan facepalmed.
“So only this one’s left?”
“Uh... yes.”
Zhang Luan pictured Ye Ying grinning smugly. Sending knights at dawn to clear goblins? Who’d believe that? Clearly, she was getting revenge!
Gritting his teeth, he climbed in.
“Drive! Drive!”
Yanat boarded the back with seasoned Guardians. As it started, dazzling particle effects flared from the tail fins. The magnificent conveyance sped away under the young Guardians’ envious stares.
