A week passed by in the blink of an eye.
During this week, Zhu Zhuqing did nothing but eat and sleep, recuperating quite thoroughly. She felt as if she had gotten a little "chubby," though this was merely her own perception and not that of Yun Ming, as she hadn't seen him once since their conversation on the first day.
For most of the week, Zhu Zhuqing stayed in bed to recover, and even on the rare occasions she left the bedroom, she never caught a glimpse of Yun Ming. It wasn't that Yun Ming was intentionally avoiding her; rather, Zhu Zhuqing rarely came out, and they seldom spent time in the common areas. Yun Ming was either in the hotel's backyard practicing with his spear and contemplating his cultivation, or he was in his own room reading or meditating. Since Zhu Zhuqing didn't seek him out and Yun Ming wouldn't disturb her, it was natural that they didn't cross paths. Zhu Zhuqing could only confirm he was in the suite most of the time by sensing the Soul Power fluctuations he intentionally let out.
This week also convinced Zhu Zhuqing that Yun Ming was merely being kind; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so indifferent and hands-off regarding her presence.
Thanks to the peaceful recovery, Zhu Zhuqing's injuries had improved significantly, as expected of a Beast Spirit Soul Master. Aside from the wound on her waist, the injuries on her limbs had all healed.
Inside Zhu Zhuqing's bedroom.
"Knock, knock!"
Sensing the familiar Soul Power fluctuation outside the door, Zhu Zhuqing responded calmly.
"Come in!"
The person outside entered the room.
After a week, Zhu Zhuqing finally saw Yun Ming again. This time, he was accompanied by a female physician, specifically brought in to check on her injuries.
Back in the Star Dou Great Forest, conditions had been limited and the situation urgent, leaving Yun Ming no choice but to knock her out to treat her. Now that they were in Soul Hunting Town, with proper conditions available, Yun Ming naturally sought out a female physician to assist with her care.
Yun Ming explained to the slightly puzzled Zhu Zhuqing.
"It's been many days; it's time for a thorough check-up."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded upon hearing this, and Yun Ming left the room, leaving the space to the two women.
Half an hour later, the door opened and the female physician walked out. Yun Ming stepped forward to ask.
"How are her injuries?"
The female physician replied with a faint smile.
"Young Master, there is no need to worry. The wounds have mostly healed, and she should be fully recovered in about two or three days."
This young man is handsome and attentive; he will surely be a man who cherishes his Wife in the future!
Hearing the physician's words, Yun Ming nodded, paid the fee, and saw her out of the suite.
"Creak~"
Shortly after, the door to Zhu Zhuqing's room opened, and she stepped out.
Having seen the physician off, Yun Ming turned back to see Zhu Zhuqing, whose face was still slightly flushed from the treatment. For a moment, he found her quite stunning and pleasing to the eye. He then spoke in a gentle tone.
"The physician says you will be completely recovered in two or three days."
"Congratulations! You've recovered from your grave injuries!"
Zhu Zhuqing responded as well.
"Thank you!"
However, this time it was clearly more sincere than the last. Perhaps it was because she had witnessed Yun Ming's attitude toward her—a strange mix of neglect and concern. He hadn't shown his face for seven days, yet he had gone out of his way to find a female physician to treat her, even though he could have easily done it himself.
Yun Ming simply replied with a faint "You're welcome" and moved on to the main topic.
"A week has passed, and there are two things I would like to ask you."
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
"The first is what we discussed before, regarding your sister sending you away. Do you still need me to provide clarity on that?"
Hearing Yun Ming mention Zhu Zhuyun, a complex expression appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's cold face. Yet, this time, her eyes were no longer devoid of life; they held a hint of gratitude and helplessness—gratitude that her sister had allowed her to live this long, and helplessness at being born into the high-ranking Zhu Family, only to live like a prisoner.
Guided by Yun Ming's insights, Zhu Zhuqing began to re-examine the love and hate she had harbored for Zhu Zhuyun over the years. Viewing her own life—which she had once deemed cold—from the perspective of a third party, she was shocked to discover a hidden, burning warmth buried beneath that icy exterior.
Ever since Zhu Zhuqing was betrothed as the so-called Imperial Consort, she didn't know how many times Zhu Zhuyun had attempted to assassinate her. Yet, every single time—even when she had felt desperate and certain of death, in situations far more dangerous than this recent arrow wound—she would always, as if by divine intervention, find a loophole in Zhu Zhuyun's plans or receive help from a "benefactor," allowing her to escape.
Previously, Zhu Zhuqing had simply assumed she was lucky, and that Zhu Zhuyun's assassination attempts were purely for the sake of the Crown Prince's consort position, driven by a desire to kill her own sister. But looking back now, those attempts seemed more like a way to temper her spirit, to help her adapt to the cruelty of the Soul Master World and force her to see the darkness of the world.
With their talents being equal, her sister Zhu Zhuyun was seven years her senior, and they had received the same education. This meant it was difficult for Zhu Zhuqing to ever outmaneuver her sister, and the outcome was essentially predictable. For both of them to survive, one had to leave.
After clarifying all of this in her mind, Zhu Zhuqing looked toward the direction of Star Luo City with a complex expression. She then remarked to Yun Ming with a sigh.
"No need! I already understand what Big Sister meant."
Hearing the way Zhu Zhuqing addressed Zhu Zhuyun—Big Sister? It seemed she had figured it out. Seeing this, Yun Ming asked about the second matter.
"I see! Understood!"
"In that case, what are your plans for the future? If you need my help, don't hesitate to ask."
Zhu Zhuqing felt a bit lost at this question. The reason she had fled the Star Luo Empire in the first place was to find the fiancé who had abandoned her to save his own life, to see if he had been cultivating diligently all these years, and to see if they could carve out a path to survival together. Now that she understood her sister's intentions, did she still need to find that person?
Zhu Zhuqing didn't know. She answered Yun Ming's question while also wanting to hear the perspective of an outsider like him.
"I originally intended to go to Shrek Academy."
"BOOM!"
Upon hearing the words "Shrek Academy," a bolt of thunder inexplicably exploded in Yun Ming's mind. He seemed to see the apocalyptic scene from when the Atlas Spear awakened once more, but this time, he saw fragmented details he hadn't noticed before. Yun Ming saw that within that scene, the golden-armored, god-of-war-like figure he had possessed had finally said something to someone: "For the sake of Shrek Academy, live on," or something to that effect. Furthermore, Yun Ming could feel that this "Shrek Academy" and that person were both incredibly important to "him" and to himself!!!
As these thoughts crossed Yun Ming's mind, his entire emotional system felt as if it had spiraled out of control. Self-reproach, nostalgia, sorrow, deep love—all these emotions surged forth at once, instantly shattering his mental defenses and causing two tears to fall from his eyes involuntarily.
Yun Ming felt like a stranger to these sudden, inexplicable emotions. Even though he had never heard of this "Shrek Academy" before, the name tugged at his heartstrings.
These emotions arose from nowhere, and he had no idea where they would lead him!
Zhu Zhuqing was also stunned to see Yun Ming suddenly shed tears, and for a moment, she could not continue speaking.
ps: For a romantic like Yun Ming, if you aren't going to marry her, then don't flirt; keep your distance! The awakening of his memories is linked to Shrek Academy and that person, namely Ya Li!
The female lead is set as Ya Li, but Guantou wants to change her Martial Soul. Is she bound to the Angel of Hope? I would like to hear the thoughts of you esteemed readers.
Asking for monthly tickets, asking for recommendations.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: DaoistReader