Chapter 25: Making Friends?

"I'll join you."

A voice, neither too soft nor too loud, reached the ears of the two. Looking up, they saw Jun Han approaching.

"Brother Jun, come! This barbecue is so fragrant." Ning Rongrong picked up a skewer of grilled lean meat, eating one herself and handing the other to Jun Han.

In just a few short months, Ning Rongrong had grown to trust Jun Han deeply; he was even capable of making Bone Douluo take him on as a disciple.

Jun Han accepted it, sat down opposite Ning Xi, and began eating the barbecue with extreme elegance.

"...Brother Jun is truly refined," Ning Rongrong praised.

Refined—too refined. Simply wonderful!

She always felt that Jun Han didn't seem like the type to eat such things. The aura he exuded was more aristocratic than the aristocrats themselves, as if he were untainted by the mundane world. It was as if they belonged to two entirely different worlds.

Little did she know, her random musings had hit the truth.

"Hey, you three brats, eating so well over here!"

Bone Douluo's voice came from behind. The three turned to see him walking over with his hands behind his head, accompanied by Sword Douluo.

"Grandpa, why are you here?" Ning Rongrong asked, pleasantly surprised.

"To join in the fun."

Discarding any semblance of dignity, Bone Douluo plopped down onto a large rock nearby and snatched a skewer of meat from the grill. He shoved it straight into his mouth, seemingly fearless of the heat, mumbling, "Delicious, delicious."

Sword Douluo sighed, gracefully taking a seat on another stool, and naturally picked up a skewer to eat as well.

"Hmm, my little apprentice's skills are as good as ever. It's a pity, it will be hard to taste this for the next five years. Alas!"

Sword Douluo had been teaching Ning Xi swordsmanship for a year. The two had developed a bond, and parting ways now brought a touch of reluctance. Fortunately, over the past year, Ning Xi had been diligent and eager to learn, mastering quite a lot. He felt much more at ease.

"If Master enjoys it, then please have more," Ning Xi said, her eyes curving into a gentle smile.

"Little Jun, once you reach the academy, take good care of yourselves and Xi'er. If anyone bullies you, hit them back! If you can't win, come back and find us!" Bone Douluo patted Jun Han's shoulder, speaking with earnest sincerity.

"Master, I understand," Jun Han nodded.

Bone Douluo was merely offering a casual concern; with his disciple being as formidable as he was, there was little chance he would ever need to come running back for help.

"Alright, finish up and go get some sleep."

Everyone set aside their worries for the moment, enjoying the warmth of the scene.

***

The next morning, at dawn.

Xue Qinghe arrived at the city gate early.

"Sister! You must come back often and think of me!" Ning Rongrong’s eyes were slightly red, filled with melancholy.

Ning Xi sighed helplessly. She was still just a child, after all. She took a piece of jade from her pocket and handed it over. "I carved this myself. Take it. It's only a temporary parting, not a permanent one. Be good."

Ning Rongrong nodded vigorously, clutching the jade, and finally broke into a tearful smile.

Xue Qinghe had been watching for quite a while, scoffing inwardly. It was only a brief separation, yet they acted as if it were a life-or-death farewell. Children were truly just children—so naive! But even he failed to notice the faint trace of longing in his own eyes.

Ning Xi and Jun Han boarded the carriage, followed by Xue Qinghe. Being of noble status, the carriage was quite spacious and comfortable.

"Xi'er and Rongrong share such a wonderful bond; it’s truly enviable," Xue Qinghe remarked softly.

Ning Xi smiled faintly. "Your Highness will also find people who treat you that way; there is no need to envy others."

Xue Qinghe’s lips curled into a cold, self-deprecating smile. "Heh, Xi'er speaks the truth."

Jun Han sat beside Ning Xi, remaining silent.

"Little Sister Xi'er, once you reach the academy, don't be nervous. If there is anything you cannot resolve, just let me know," Xue Qinghe said with a smile.

For some reason, Ning Xi felt this person was somewhat artificial, far too skilled at masking his true self. However, her expression remained unchanged as she said calmly, "Then I thank you, Your Highness."

Xue Qinghe was handsome, and Ning Xi herself was no less striking. Many women had tried to approach him, but he had no interest in them. Having seen many beauties, this was the first time he had encountered a girl like Ning Xi—at once cool, detached, and gentle, maintaining a distance that felt impossible to bridge. Even though she was young, in a few years, this quality would only become more pronounced.

He didn't dislike it. Perhaps it was his envy of the bond between Ning Xi and Ning Rongrong that kept his distaste at bay.

"This is my personal token. If you ever have trouble, you can seek me out, and I will resolve it for you." He took a token from his robe and placed it in Ning Xi's hand.

He stared into her eyes and said, "Little Sister Xi'er, can we be friends? I truly envy the bond you have with little Rongrong."

Ning Xi was stunned. Jun Han looked at him with surprise and hostility, the jealousy in his eyes rising uncontrollably, though he hid it well.

Envy? Friends?

Could it be that such a noble Crown Prince actually wanted to be friends with her?

Xue Qinghe offered a faint smile. Regardless, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was destined to be on his side in the future, so why not start with Ning Xi? The Heaven Dou Empire would be his, and Ning Fengzhi would surely stand with him; besides, he didn't dislike her. As for the others, they weren't worth his attention.

After some consideration, Ning Xi decided to maintain a friendly relationship. As long as there were no conflicts of interest, being on good terms was acceptable.

"We are already friends, Your Highness," Ning Xi replied politely.

"No need to call me Your Highness. Just call me Brother Xue from now on," Xue Qinghe waved his hand, feeling a sense of relief. Once the tedious formalities were dropped, he felt much more at ease.

"Brother... Xue?" Ning Xi whispered, feeling a sense of unease. It felt rather strange.

Xue Qinghe’s lips turned upward. Even if it wasn't his real name, he found it strangely pleasant to hear. "Yes. Call me that from now on."

Given how talented and beautiful she was, he decided he wouldn't plot against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School for now; pulling them over to the side of the Spirit Hall would be enough.

A chill inexplicably radiated from Jun Han. The temperature inside the carriage, previously comfortable, dropped significantly. He stared coldly at Xue Qinghe, who, to his surprise, met his gaze without backing down.

Xue Qinghe’s smile widened. This kid was interesting.

Ning Fengzhi had already told him that the boy possessed the rare "Brain" body spirit, and his spirit power was already at level eighteen, approaching level twenty. With such innate talent, it was no wonder Bone Douluo had taken him as a disciple.

Seeing the look in his eyes, as if he wanted to devour him, was quite amusing. Could it be because of this little girl?

Xue Qinghe’s gaze returned to Ning Xi, finding her more beautiful the longer he looked. A face of peerless beauty, like a fairy from a painting. Cold as frost, her brow revealed an extraordinary air, yet at the same time, she inadvertently revealed a gentle and moving glow.

But he liked to snatch the things others cherished. Especially things he happened to take an interest in himself.