Chapter 122: Inviting Xiao Xiao to Join Tang Sect
"Of course."
Ye Chen smiled and drew out a dagger.
It was small yet elegant, about a foot long, its surface shimmering with a mix of pink and light blue hues—reminiscent of Wang Dong's butterfly wings.
The blade was smooth and graceful, faintly shaped like fluttering wings. The edge gleamed with a crystalline brilliance, soft yet sharp, and perfectly matched in color to the rest of the weapon.
Clearly, Ye Chen had crafted this dagger with great care—designed specifically for Wang Dong.
"Wow! It's so beautiful!"
Wang Dong's eyes dazzled like twin stars as she gazed at it.
Even Xiao Xiao couldn't help feeling a spark of admiration.
Though she didn't usually use daggers, this one was unlike anything she had ever seen—delicate, refined, and impossibly pretty.
Her own jade pendant suddenly seemed so plain in comparison.
Still, she wasn't the jealous type. The fact that Ye Chen had given her something already made her happy.
Besides, it was only natural that Wang Dong's gift be more special—they were roommates and closer than she was with him. Xiao Xiao only felt a hint of yearning… and a growing fondness, imagining someday she might get a chance to receive a "personal" gift too.
Ye Chen smiled and handed the blade to Wang Dong.
"This dagger is called 'Butterfly Dagger.' It's a fourth-tier soul tool tailor-made for you. You may not be able to unleash its true potential yet, but it'll serve well as a defensive weapon for now."
"'Butterfly Dagger'—what a lovely name~"
Wang Dong carefully took it in her hands, admiring every inch as if it were a priceless treasure.
She truly loved it—not only for its beauty, but because it had come from Ye Chen himself. The thought filled her chest with warmth.
If she weren't currently disguised as a boy, she would've already leapt up to kiss him on the spot.
"By the way, Xiao Xiao," Ye Chen said suddenly, as if a new thought had struck him. "Have you ever heard of Tang Sect?"
The timing was perfect. Their relationship had deepened enough for him to bring it up.
Besides, since Xiao Xiao and Wang Dong were teammates, recruiting her made perfect sense. It would also give him a reason to present her with a few Soul-Enhancing Pills—to push her cultivation up before the freshman assessment.
Wang Dong's soul power was already at level 28 and closing in on 30.
Ye Chen hadn't given her any of those Soul-Enhancing Pills though—mostly because she refused to take them, insisting she'd rather train beside him to grow naturally.
Typical Wang Dong.
"Ah, Tang Sect? You mean… the one famous for hidden weapons?"
Xiao Xiao tilted her head curiously.
She had heard of Tang Sect since childhood—a sect renowned for its mechanical weapons that didn't rely entirely on soul power. She'd always thought their designs were impressive and cool.
Unfortunately, hidden weapons were rare these days—production was low, prices high, and few could afford them.
Ye Chen nodded. "That's right. Tang Sect was the first to create hidden weapons, but the rise of soul tools pushed them into decline…"
He briefly summarized Tang Sect's current state before continuing seriously:
"Right now, Tang Sect has been greatly weakened. We need new blood—people who can help restore its former glory. Xiao Xiao, would you be interested in joining us?"
In truth, this "new" Tang Sect was Ye Chen's Tang Sect, and he intended to make it flourish again.
Of course, to him, Tang Sect was more than a sect—it was a tool, a means of uniting his allies (and, admittedly, his growing list of women).
If the original Tang Sect hadn't existed, he would have built his own faction from scratch. But since it was already there, ready to be claimed, it saved him the trouble.
"I see… well, if you're the one inviting me, Ye Chen, then I'm honored to accept. I'll do my best to help Tang Sect regain its glory!"
Xiao Xiao agreed without hesitation.
It didn't matter if the sect was struggling—it was Ye Chen's invitation that mattered most. Joining Tang Sect meant growing closer to him… perhaps even seeing him every day. Just the thought made her heart flutter.
"Then congratulations~ You're now officially one of us."
Ye Chen smiled warmly and handed her a small jade box. When she opened it, four shimmering pills lay inside.
"These are Soul-Enhancing Pills, a fortified version of the usual Soul-Boost Pills. No side effects, and you can take them multiple times. They'll help you reach the Soul Elder realm much faster. Consider them your initiation gift."
"What? Soul-Enhancing Pills… with no side effects!?"
Xiao Xiao gasped, her breathing quickening as she stared at the precious medicine.
Even if she had never heard of such pills, she trusted Ye Chen completely.
Clearly, these were treasures of great value.
She had thought joining Tang Sect meant she'd need to help them first.
She hadn't expected to be rewarded before even proving herself.
"Ye Chen… this is too generous…"
Her voice trembled as she held the box with both hands, fingers shaking slightly from excitement—and emotion.
"It's fine," Ye Chen replied calmly. "Tang Sect needs talent. Resources mean nothing if we can't nurture strength. Since our numbers are small, each disciple deserves the best we can offer. And with your talent, Xiao Xiao, the faster you grow, the better it'll be for the Sect's revival."
His tone was logical, almost practical—but each word struck straight to her heart.
Before she could respond, he added decisively, "That's settled then."
"Oh, and one more thing," he said casually. "These pills are powerful. When you take them, make sure you're in a quiet place where no one will disturb you. It'll help your soul power absorb the medicine properly."
"Alright… thank you, Ye Chen!"
Tears welled up in her eyes. The warmth in his voice, his concern—it all overwhelmed her.
If Wang Dong hadn't been sitting right there, she would've thrown herself into his arms without caring how it looked.
So what if it seemed shameless? She had already decided—if Ye Chen wouldn't chase her, she'd chase him.
"Good. This place is quiet enough. You can take one pill now. Wang Dong and I will give you some space."
Ye Chen smiled, gesturing for her to begin before turning and leaving with Wang Dong.
Xiao Xiao didn't stop them.
She watched the pills in her hands, heart pounding with both excitement and nervous anticipation.
After closing the room door tightly, she picked up one small pill.
"Let's see what this can do…"
She swallowed it in a single gulp.
The moment it touched her tongue, it melted instantly, spreading a rush of warm energy throughout her entire body.
Eyes widening, Xiao Xiao quickly sat cross-legged and began circulating her soul power, guiding the medicine through her channels—ready to absorb every bit of that miraculous strength.
(END CHAPTER)
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