Volume One: The Youth Enters the World Chapter 105: Return

He carefully removed Mu Qiaoqiao’s outer garment, then took off his own, pulling her gently into his embrace. Closing his eyes, he entered the meditative state he used when absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth during cultivation, attempting to draw the leaking spiritual energy back into his body. After a while, a look of delight appeared on Fang Tian’s face. Just as the old master had said, the rate of absorption was gradually increasing, and the pain on Mu Qiaoqiao’s face was slowly fading.

As time passed, Fang Tian could feel his inner spiritual power steadily growing fuller due to the influence of the extreme cold spiritual energy. Perhaps it would not be long before he broke through to the next cultivation stage. Although he had known that this chilling energy could be absorbed, he never expected it to bring such great benefits. This surprised him, and he found himself growing curious about the true nature of the cold energy within Mu Qiaoqiao. Still, it was her secret; he would not ask her directly. Otherwise, she might suspect him of having ulterior motives, and he would have no way to explain himself—especially as he was now holding her, with both their garments partly removed. If she awoke to such a scene, her first instinct would surely be to give him trouble.

Thinking of this, Fang Tian felt a twinge of embarrassment. He had no idea how Mu Qiaoqiao would react and could only hope she would remain composed.

The leaking spiritual energy was rapidly absorbed by Fang Tian. After about two hours, the old master’s voice echoed in his mind, “Little Tian, the seal is completely closed now. The young lady should be fine.”

“Alright, I understand,” Fang Tian replied, realizing Mu Qiaoqiao was no longer in danger. He glanced at her sleeping form and decided to help her dress. Leaning over to reach for her clothes, just then, Mu Qiaoqiao in his arms slowly opened her eyes. She looked up at his face, then at the clothes in his hand, recognizing them as her own. Looking down at herself, she realized her skin was exposed, her modesty undone.

Finding her cheek pressed against Fang Tian’s chest in such an intimate position, her face instantly flushed with shyness. After a moment, she whispered, “How long do you plan to keep holding me like this?”

Fang Tian, caught off guard by her voice, looked down and was momentarily stunned by her bashful expression. Quickly regaining his composure, he hurried to explain, “I have to clarify, I was only saving you—I didn’t do anything improper.”

Seeing his anxious defense, Mu Qiaoqiao retorted with a hint of annoyance, “I know that, but you can’t keep holding me like this, can you? Or do you really have designs on me?”

“Of course not! Do I look like that kind of person?” Fang Tian did his best to stay calm and gently laid her down.

Once she was settled, he placed her clothes beside her and said, “You’ve just woken up and might feel weak. Rest here for a while.”

“Alright, but… could you leave for a moment?” Mu Qiaoqiao suddenly asked, a little embarrassed.

Fang Tian was puzzled. “Why?”

Her face flushed red as she looked away, thinking to herself how obtuse Fang Tian was. Here she was, barely covered, and he meant to just stand there watching?

At that moment, the old master’s amused voice sounded in Fang Tian’s mind, “Little Tian, best step outside. The young lady is shy; she can’t stand you looking at her like that.”

Only then did Fang Tian realize his mistake. It was indeed improper to linger in her presence like this. Though the sight before him was enchanting, to continue would be overstepping boundaries. With an awkward chuckle, he quickly turned and stepped out of the cabin.

Outside, Fang Tian walked toward the prow. They were still on the island, and as he looked into the distance, he noticed one spirit boat was missing—no doubt the Second Prince’s group had already departed. Reflecting on the events of the past few days, he felt a sense of emotion. So many had come, and in the end, more than half had perished. If he hadn’t been cautious, the consequences might have been even worse.

As these thoughts drifted through his mind, Fang Tian remembered the spirit disk in the hands of the bandit chief, one with a spirit-locking formation—a practical artifact. It would be a pity to leave it buried on this island. Perhaps…

With that, Fang Tian decided he would retrieve it, but only after Mu Qiaoqiao had recovered. If something happened to her while he was gone, it would hardly be worth the risk.

Another hour passed. Within the cabin, Mu Qiaoqiao, after adjusting her breath and composing herself, finally regained enough strength to move. She dressed, rose, and stepped out of the cabin. Seeing Fang Tian at the prow, she approached and softly asked, “Fang Tian, when shall we leave?”

Fang Tian replied, “Are you feeling well now?”

Mu Qiaoqiao nodded, “I’m fine.”

“Wait here a moment. I need to fetch something from the island. I’ll be back soon,” Fang Tian said, deciding it was time to retrieve the spirit disk.

“Alright.”

With that, Fang Tian leapt off the boat toward where the bandit chief’s corpse lay. Watching his departing figure, a strange new feeling stirred in Mu Qiaoqiao’s heart. Recalling how she had lain in his arms, her cheeks grew hot, a delicate blush spreading across her face. She pressed her hands to her cheeks, overwhelmed with shyness.

Night began to fall. Retrieving the spirit disk took Fang Tian some time. When he returned, he found Mu Qiaoqiao waiting for him at the prow. He hurried aboard.

Seeing her waiting, Fang Tian smiled, “I’m back. We’ll leave right away.”

Mu Qiaoqiao returned his smile, “Alright.”

The two of them headed back into the cabin and set out to return home.

Inside the cabin, both focused on the nautical chart, confirming their heading as the spirit boat sailed across the sea. Once certain of their course, they sat across from each other in silence.

After a while, Fang Tian found the quiet a little awkward and decided to break it. “I didn’t expect you to be so formidable, little one—not even Fu Cang was your match.”

Mu Qiaoqiao shot him a glare, “Little one? I have a name, you know.”

Fang Tian scratched his head, unsure how to continue.

Then Mu Qiaoqiao said, “From now on, just call me Qiaoqiao. After all, we’ve been through life and death together.”

Fang Tian chuckled to himself, amused by her words. “Life-and-death companions, is it?” It did sound rather dramatic.

“Alright, Qiaoqiao it is. As for what you call me, it’s up to you,” Fang Tian replied with a gentle smile.

“Let me think…”

After a moment, he asked, “Have you decided?”

“How about… Little Tian?” Mu Qiaoqiao said, her large eyes sparkling.

“You’re younger than me! Isn’t that a bit odd? You’re not my elder,” Fang Tian protested, a little dissatisfied.

“I don’t care. I think it sounds nice. That’s settled,” Mu Qiaoqiao said with a mischievous grin.

“Fine, you can call me whatever you like,” Fang Tian replied with a sidelong glance.

“What’s this? You sound reluctant.”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

“Your tone says otherwise. And you haven’t answered for taking advantage of me yet.”

“How did we get back to that? You know I was only trying to save you,” Fang Tian said, exasperated by how she kept turning his words against him.

“But you did touch me.”

“So what do you expect me to do? Are you planning to offer yourself in marriage?” Fang Tian replied with a half-serious, half-playful tone.

“I… I…” Mu Qiaoqiao was struck speechless, her face turning crimson as her heart raced. Clearly, Fang Tian’s words had startled her.

At that instant, the boat suddenly shook and tilted. Distracted, her heart pounding, Mu Qiaoqiao lost her footing and stumbled straight into Fang Tian’s arms.

He caught her, holding her close. Looking down at her delicate form, he murmured, “Could it be you really mean to…”

Held in Fang Tian’s arms, Mu Qiaoqiao’s mind went blank, her face burning like a ripe apple, so red it seemed one couldn’t help but want to take a bite.

After a moment, the boat steadied. Flustered, Mu Qiaoqiao wriggled free from his embrace, kept her head down, and darted out of the cabin. She had planned to study the charts with him, but now she was far too embarrassed to stay. Even if it was the boat’s movement, she had ended up flinging herself into his arms. Her face felt aflame—she couldn’t imagine how to face Fang Tian if she stayed any longer.

Watching her flee, Fang Tian shook his head. He turned back to the charts to confirm their course. With only the two of them aboard, he had to keep constant watch and could not leave his post.

Several hours passed as they sailed the open sea. Then Mu Qiaoqiao quietly slipped back into the cabin and whispered, “Little Tian, are you hungry?”

Fang Tian suppressed a sigh. It seemed he couldn’t escape this new nickname. “I’m alright—not really hungry.”

“But I am. Could you make something to eat?” Mu Qiaoqiao asked, blinking her eyes.

Fang Tian considered for a moment. “Alright, you watch the charts while I cook.”

Mu Qiaoqiao’s face brightened with delight. She moved to his side, signaling for him to go.

Watching her, Fang Tian found her truly unpredictable—so full of quirky charm, impossible to pin down.

He left the cabin, descended to where the ingredients were stored in the hold. Back in Green River Village, he had often helped his father cook. While his skills weren’t exceptional, he could manage something edible.

After a simple meal, the two alternated watching the charts and checking the power core. The spirit boat sailed smoothly across the sea, time slipping by, their destination—Greenwood Island—drawing ever closer.

After four or five days at sea, Fang Tian and Mu Qiaoqiao finally returned to Greenwood Island.