21 Turning The Tables, Unexpected Gratitude

Indeed, assassins were quickly following behind him. As the little girl peaked over his shoulder, she was fearful but oddly calm. Xin Qing noticed this peculiarity but did not say anything about it.

As he entered a clearing, he placed the little girl behind one of the bushes. As she watched him wait for the assassins to catch up, he looked back at her, raising a finger to his lips as he held a faint smile. The little girl was quite smart and immediately understood, making an effort to remain silent.

Soon enough, three black figures arrived and stood across from him. They did not speak as they began attacking. Xin Qing still wore his signature smile, however, it did not reach his eyes. "So well trained. But in the end... it's still a dog biting at those it shouldn't." His figure flashed.

However, the same trick that allowed him to dominate the New Student Exam was no longer as effective. As the assassins were able to roughly follow his movements. As one of his strikes were deflected, Xin Qing clicked his teeth. 'Looks like my Flickering Steps needs more improvement.' However, he still ended up as the victor as the assassins had numerous cuts around their body, while Xin Qing was untouched.

The assassin's crouched lower upon seeing this, realizing they encountered a great enemy. However, their spirit ranks were still higher, and so they were confident in winning.

At this time, Xin Qing did not hold back. He had slashed out multiple Truths in a string of movements. All the Truths narrated Xin Qing's life experiences, which meant using them consecutively would strengthen each slash. The destructive effect of this was not simple addition but rather exponential growth. However, the consequence of this was that it tired Xin Qing out much faster than normal, meaning he had to quickly end the fight.

Having almost been a Sword God in his last life, he cannot be doubted. Although the first two assassins managed to avoid fatal wounds, the third could not as he did not even get to cough blood before dying. Upon seeing the fate of their comrade, the other two shuddered but did not lose focus.

After a few more rounds of this, Xin Qing had managed to become the victor. He did get many unavoidable cuts as a result, however. There was nothing to say about it, his spirit power was simply too weak right now. Xin Qing reflected on his growth at Shrek, thinking that he had grown up far too sheltered in this life. He needed to go out and seek experiences. A curious light in his eyes, he dismissed these thoughts before returning to the still-hidden little girl.

No matter how mature the little girl was, she was still a child. Having seen Xin Qing's fight from the bushes, she gave him a thumbs up, saying, "Really strong, this brother." Xin Qing couldn't help but to laugh at her expression. Smiling, he thought, 'Such a clever little girl. Suddenly calling me 'brother.' Surely wishing to reap some benefits."

In truth, Xin Qing did not really mind, in fact, he grew even more fond of the girl after this display. He could see that she was not malicious, so why could she not be a little coy? She was like a mirror of himself. Crouching down to rub her head, they smiled together.

At this time, a quiet 'Ahem' sounded. Xin Qing turned around to see a familiar green-eyed girl. It was Xiao Xiao, who held a conflicted expression.

Xiao Xiao had always seen Xin Qing as a kind of ruthless person, but he was ultimately not evil and was still a fellow student. That was why, when she saw him being pursued by dark figures, she immediately chased after. She did not expect that when she arrived, she would be greeted by such a warm scene. It made her re-evaluate Xin Qing.

Xin Qing stood up and wore a harmless smile as he looked at her. "Oh? What a kind little girl you are."

Xiao Xiao immediately understood his meaning and turned red from embarrassment and anger. "Although I think you are no good, I will not let a fellow student die because of my personal experiences. From the looks of it, I am no longer needed, so I will be leaving." As she turned around, she felt two hands on her shoulders.

Turning back, it was Xin Qing with a mischievous smile. "No good? Indeed, I am very evil, little girl. That is why I have decided to kidnap the both of you." He gave a fake evil laugh.

Xiao Xiao's face contorted in horror as her mind began to create false stories. With an expression of justice-fueled rage, she shouted, "So you kidnapped this little girl! No wonder those men were chasing after you; they were her bodyguards! Unhand me, villain, I will make you repent!"

At this time, both Xin Qing and the little girl exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. Seeing this, Xiao Xiao knew she was being played with. Flinging Xin Qing's hand away, she stormed off. It was at this time that she heard Xin Qing call out, "I will not forget your concern. I, Xin Qing, will repay a debt of gratitude to you in the future." She dismissed his words, seeing him as some kind of rogue whose words could not be trusted.

After she disappeared into the dense forest brush, Xin Qing turned back towards the little girl. His face wore a rare genuine smile not of mirth or amusement but sincere fondness as he asked the girl's name.

The girl heard his name in his proclamation to Xiao Xiao and said, "Brother Xin, this one's name is Mo Yu'er." Seeing her small, mischievous smile, Xin Qing knew he had found a kindred spirit of mayhem as he accompanied the girl to her family Clan, sharing laughs all along the way.