Demons and monsters wreak havoc: gain one new confidante every day.

"Red Slash!"

With his second-grade internal energy, Golden Snake Skill, sword technique, and the talent of a pig-slaughtering successor, Shen You once again gathered all his skills and unleashed what could be considered his current peak attack.

He didn't even get close to Hong Xiugu; he simply swung his knife from a distance, sending a crimson flash of light flying toward the side of Hong Xiugu's face.

Hong Xiugu's expression suddenly changed, and she raised her whip to defend herself.

Swish!

The crimson blade's edge easily severed her whip as well.

It grazed her cheek, leaving a thin bloodstain on her face from which fresh blood slowly seeped.

Shen You was startled and somewhat flustered, saying, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, it's just that I really couldn't control this move very well..."

He leaned closer and saw bloodstains on Hong Xiugu's smooth and delicate face, and couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her.

Even if a girl's facial wound heals, it must still be very painful.

Hong Xiugu stared blankly at Shen You, the half-whip in her hand unconsciously slipping to the ground.

At that moment, she leaped forward and threw herself into Shen You's arms, holding him tightly around the waist.

Shen You tensed up all over, unsure of what to do with her hands and feet.

"I hate you!"

Hong Xiugu said bitterly in Shen You's arms.

Tears unknowingly soaked Shen You's clothes.

The next moment, Hong Xiugu released Shen You and ran out.

"Hey, are you alright...?"

Shen You reached out her hand, but couldn't stop her. She could only watch as the girl ran back into Renxin Hall.

Shen You herself was somewhat lost and dejected, and returned to the hall.

Only then did I realize that the romance quest had already been completed.

[Romance quest completed]

[Gained Talent: 'Unwavering Through Life and Death']

[Unwavering in the face of death: A mind so strong it cannot be easily swayed!]

[Mental stability increased threefold; resistance to illusion-type techniques increased threefold; not subject to external forces; able to see the mind's restless spirit.]

After fighting with Hong Xiugu, he unexpectedly gained the talent of "unmovable by life and death".

Shen You carefully read the instructions and found them quite useful. They not only helped stabilize the mind, resist inner demons during cultivation, and counter enemy illusions, but also allowed one to locate the Heart Monkey in advance.

The Mind Monkey is something that only fourth-grade cultivators can cultivate. With this talent, I am able to come into contact with it ahead of time. The benefits of this are self-evident.

【Ding! 】

[Affinity value increased; Hong Xiugu's current affinity value: 89 (Good match)]

In addition to gaining talent, Hong Xiugu's affinity value also increased, reaching the limit of "good marriage".

Shen You guessed that taking it a step further might require a real confession and getting together, otherwise so many women wouldn't be stuck at this stage.

"Dating is fine, but if it's really about marriage, I'll have to think about it..." Shen You's mind raced. She didn't want to be a promiscuous person. Perhaps she should choose a good partner and focus on developing a relationship with them. This way, she could break through the barrier of "good marriage".

Upon arriving at the inner courtyard, Shen You was about to return to Huangfeng Courtyard, but after hesitating for a moment, she turned around and went to Hongye Courtyard instead.

Hongye Courtyard is the residence of Pharmacist Hong, and Hong Xiugu also lives here.

Upon arriving at the Red Leaf Courtyard, Shen You casually called out to a woman in green robes, "Has Junior Sister Hong returned? Could you please call her out for me?"

"What do you want? What business do you have with Junior Sister Hong?" The woman in green looked at Shen You with hostility, her brows furrowed.

Shen You couldn't help but smile helplessly. With Hong Xiugu's background and appearance, she would naturally be sought after wherever she went. If she rashly came to find her, she would inevitably be envied by others.

"Junior Sister Hong and I are teammates in the same demon-hunting team. I'd like to exchange some information with her about demon-hunting." Shen You made up a lie on the spot.

The man in green was quite rude: "What information do you need to discuss with Junior Sister Hong alone? You should go back now; Junior Sister Hong doesn't have time to see you!"

"This matter..." Shen You's temple throbbed, "...it doesn't seem like it should be up to you to decide, does it?"

"Junior Sister Hong is the pride of our Red Leaf Academy. Since she wants to see me, it's only right that I carefully screen her!" Qingyi proudly raised her head.

"You're forcing me..." Shen You narrowed her eyes slightly, already considering whether to make a scene and just barge in.

Anyway, Hong Xiugu's affinity is already very good. Even though she challenged me to a fight just now, she will definitely stand by my side if anything happens.

"What do you intend to do?" The man in green pressed closer, showing no mercy.

Shen You had already realized that he was only at the second rank of cultivation, and slowly clenched his fists.

Just then, a voice suddenly rang out:

"Brother Shen?"

Shen You turned her head and saw that it was Han Shu, who had an honest-looking face.

Upon seeing this thing, Shen You couldn't help but frown.

He really didn't want to deal with this scheming guy.

"Brother Shen, what brings you to Red Leaf Courtyard?"

Han Shu stepped forward and spoke very solicitously.

Shen You snorted coldly: "I'm here to find Junior Sister Hong!"

"I see." Han Shu smiled and nodded. "I'll go and call Senior Sister Hong out for you right away."

"Wait, Junior Brother Han." The man in green beside him changed his expression and spoke up to stop him, "How can we let someone of unknown origin see Junior Sister Hong?"

Han Shu honestly replied to him, "Shouldn't that be decided by Senior Sister Hong?"

The woman in green was speechless.

A moment later, Hong Xiugu hurried out. Upon seeing Shen You, she slowed her pace and coldly snorted, "What are you doing here?"

"I..." Shen You thought for a moment, then simply replied, "I came to see you!"

"What's so interesting about me?" Hong Xiugu turned her head away unhappily.

Shen You walked over and casually said, "I accidentally hurt you just now, and I was really worried, so I wanted to check on your injury."

Shen You lowered her head and carefully examined Hong Xiugu's face: "Won't the injury on your face leave a scar?"

Under Shen You's gaze, Hong Xiugu's smooth face visibly flushed red.

"Why...why are you meddling in other people's business!" she stammered.

"You audacious madman!" suddenly shouted from the side, "Who gave you permission to get so close to Junior Sister Hong!"

He walked over, intending to shoo Shen You away, but Hong Xiugu suddenly raised her head and shouted at him, "Get out of my way!"

"Huh?" Qingyi was stunned.

"Who gave you permission to meddle?" Hong Xiugu glared at him fiercely. "Do we even know each other? If you don't get out, I'll have Grandpa kick you out of the Red Leaf Courtyard!"

Qingyi was shocked. He knew that Hong Xiugu always kept her word, so he dared not linger any longer. He glared at Shen You resentfully and hurriedly turned and left.

Hong Xiugu turned her head and glanced at Han Shu on the other side. Han Shu nodded to Shen You and then turned and left.

Suddenly, only Hong Xiugu and Shen You remained. Hong Xiugu lowered her head, her voice becoming soft and shy: "I'm fine...just a few minor injuries..."

Seeing Hong Xiugu like this, Shen You felt a pang of emotion. Who would have thought that the usually willful and capricious Hong Xiugu would have such a quiet and gentle side?

Shen You took out a "Jade Lotus Seed" that Third Sister had given her for self-defense and held it to Hong Xiugu's lips: "Eat this, and the wound on your face will heal."

"Okay." Hong Xiugu glanced at Shen You with a shy smile, and swallowed the lotus seed without hesitation.

In an instant, the bloody gash on her face healed rapidly, and her cheeks became smoother and more radiant.

"What kind of miraculous medicine is this?" Hong Xiugu exclaimed in surprise.

"This is a medicinal herb I specially obtained for you," Shen You said with a smile.

Hong Xiugu lowered her head again, too embarrassed to say anything.