Martial arts have become extinct worldwide, yet I am forced to have a large family.

"Knock knock".

The next morning, there was a gentle knock on the door of Yang Xian's hotel room.

"They're here..."

Yang Xian replied first, then quickly went to open the door.

Outside the door, Zhou Xier was already standing there, looking quite pretty.

The girl was wearing a brand new light blue JK uniform today, with the pleats on the skirt neatly arranged.

Pure white stockings encased her slender and shapely calves, and she wore a pair of shiny leather shoes, exuding a youthful and adorable aura.

Her long, lake-blue hair was meticulously styled, flowing smoothly over her shoulders, with the familiar ahoge (cowlick) still standing upright on her head.

However, the top button of that shirt bore too much pressure.

"Brother Yang..."

"Does Xi'er look good today?"

Zhou Xier's two small hands nervously intertwined in front of her, and a charming blush appeared on her fair cheeks.

This meticulously crafted outfit was designed by "Battle Joy".

In the days leading up to the competition, Yang Xian had already taught Xi'er a lot of common sense about life.

Including but not limited to how to buy things online, how to read a map, how to book a room...

Xi'er is no longer the little cutie who just got lost when she first came to the city.

"Um!"

"Xi'er is both beautiful and adorable!"

Yang Xian breathed a sigh of relief.

She wasn't overly saddened by yesterday's events; she remained the same innocent and adorable Xi'er.

Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Zhou Xier's eyes lit up instantly.

She let out a happy chuckle and took a step forward.

"Xi'er wants a hug..."

Before Yang Xian could react, the girl opened her arms and threw herself into his embrace.

The girl's petite body bumped into my arms; she was soft and fragrant, just like a blueberry cake.

Since joining forces to defeat Wang Yi and his sister two days ago, Xi'er's personality has indeed become much more proactive and confident than before. She is no longer like she was at the beginning, when she would shyly lower her head even when making eye contact with people.

Yang Xian felt the warmth and softness in his arms, and a few minutes later, he gently patted her back.

"Xi'er, that's enough, you've been holding her long enough."

"Brother Yang, let Xi'er hold you a little longer~" The girl in his arms just buried her face even deeper.

Upon hearing this, Yang Xian was taken aback.

When did this little girl learn to be coquettish and refuse others?

He glanced at the top of the girl's head subconsciously; the single ahoge (cowlick) was still standing upright, proving that the body was still dominated by the adorable and silly girl.

Zhou Xier whispered softly against Yang Xian's chest:

"Don't worry, Brother Yang, Xi'er won't tell your wife..."

"Let's just cuddle here a little longer, we won't be discovered..."

"From now on, Xi'er won't be able to hug anyone she wants..."

Yang Xian's heart softened, and all the words of refusal stuck in his throat.

That's it.

Since you've said that, what else can we do?

Here, I'll give you a hug.

He let the girl's face gently rub against the fabric of his shirt.

But... what's with that tense yet exciting feeling of guilt?

Is this reaction normal?

That's probably a reaction every normal man would have... right?

------

Afterwards, Zhou Xier suggested that they go hiking together.

For martial artists, climbing mountains requires almost no effort. The two walked and stopped along the way, and soon approached the summit.

"Brother Yang..."

Zhou Xier suddenly stopped and looked up at Yang Xian: "Your wife... is that older sister on stage that day?"

A mountain breeze swept by, ruffling the girl's blue hair.

Her voice was soft, but her question was direct.

Yang Xian remained silent for a moment.

He knew the other person was referring to Jiang Mengyun, but he didn't know how the girl had guessed it.

"Um."

Yang Xian couldn't bear to lie to the other party, so he could only nod gently.

This answer was exactly what the girl expected.

Zhou Xier, on the contrary, revealed a relieved smile, her eyes filled with pure envy.

"With such a beautiful older sister as his wife, Brother Yang must be very happy."

"She looks so amazing, so radiant... Standing next to her, Xi'er... Xi'er feels so small."

"Xi'er, you..." Yang Xian was about to say something to comfort her, but was interrupted by the girl's smile.

"Brother Yang, don't worry about Xi'er, Xi'er is fine." Zhou Xi'er faced the mountain wind, her clear eyes sparkling:

"Do you know... these days spent with Brother Yang have been the happiest days of Xi'er's life."

"Xi'er has figured it out. If she likes someone, she likes them. I like Brother Yang!"

"Even if Brother Yang rejects me, it's okay. Don't feel guilty."

"Xi'er... will always keep this feeling in her heart."

Yang Xian listened quietly, without saying a word.

Suddenly, Zhou Xi'er grabbed his hand and, with all her might, shouted loudly towards the distant sea of ​​clouds:

"Brother Yang—"

"Xi'er likes you—!"

"I'll always love you—!"

The sound echoed among the mountains.

After shouting, she turned around, hugged Yang Xian behind her, and smiled brightly.

------

In the afternoon, the two returned to the hotel.

In the lobby, a middle-aged man with slightly graying temples was already waiting there.

It was Xuan Yue, the sect leader of the Shuiyue Sect.

"Master."

Zhou Xier obediently stepped forward and bowed.

"Senior Xuan," Yang Xian greeted as well.

"Young friend Yang, there's no need for such formalities." Xuan Yue's gaze fell gently on Yang Xian. "Thank you for taking care of my unworthy disciple these past few days."

He had obviously learned about Yang Xian's matter from Zhou Xier.

"You're too kind, senior," Yang Xian replied humbly. "Xi'er and I are friends, so helping each other is only natural."

"Hehe, you young man, you don't take credit for yourself." Master Xuan Yue smiled and took out a jade pendant that was entirely ice-blue from his sleeve:

"It's our first meeting, and I don't have much to offer, but please accept this 'Water Moon Pendant' as a gift."

Seeing this, Yang Xian quickly waved his hand, "It was just a small favor, I dare not accept such an honor."

"Take it." Without further ado, Master Xuan Yue stuffed the jade pendant into his hand.

"This jade pendant contains a trace of my 'Water Moon Power,' which will enhance your ice-based martial arts."

"Take this with you, and once you enter Secret Realm 121, someone will naturally lend you a hand."

"If you need help in the future, you can come find me in Area B."

"Consider this a good deed that our Shuiyue Sect has established with you in advance."