Chapter 4: Ah Yin Finds Peace
Ah Yin, snapping out of her initial shock, noticed the knowing look in Ye Wen's eyes and felt a shiver run down her spine.
"I I understand, Boss. I'll definitely be more careful from now on," she replied, feeling a mix of caution and relief.
As days went by, Ah Yin's gaze toward Ye Wen grew increasingly peculiar. She felt as though Ye Wen could see right through her. Then, one night, Ye Wen, known among the work study students as their "invisible tycoon," treated Ah Yin to a night out at the evening market in Notting City.
Why only Ah Yin? Well, the gender imbalance among Soul Masters was significant, and Ye Wen wasn't about to splurge his money like some careless rich kid.
While enjoying the city's unique street food, Ye Wen was in a good mood. Recently, Ah Yin had started calling him "Big Brother," no longer just "Boss." She was simple and kind hearted whoever treated her well earned her loyalty. It was no wonder in the original story that she was left vulnerable, ultimately bound in that dark waterfall cave for so many years by Tang Hao.
Although he hadn't yet upgraded to the role of a "romantic brother," this was definitely a promising start. With six years ahead, Ye Wen was confident that he could win Ah Yin's heart.
Ah Yin, however, seemed distracted, occasionally chatting absentmindedly with Ye Wen. Before they knew it, they'd wandered into a secluded park on the outskirts of the city. Since it was a small, quiet town with no major attractions, there weren't many dark elements or shady characters around, and skilled Soul Masters wouldn't bother targeting such a place for a few coins.
Ye Wen glanced up at the sky, realizing it was getting late, and was about to suggest heading back when suddenly he felt a tightness around his body. Looking down, he saw golden veined Blue Silver Grass binding him tightly.
"What the heck?!"
Before he could process it, the grass gave a sharp tug, pulling him deeper into the shadows of the park, where it was pitch dark, the only sound the distant chirping of insects.
Even Ye Wen, with his mature mindset, felt his heart pounding with nervousness.
"Ah Ah Yin, w what are you doing?" he stammered.
Ah Yin looked down, seeming conflicted, and muttered, "You don't seem surprised by my soul ring, Big Brother."
Ah… right.
From the moment they'd met, Ye Wen had helped her hide her innate soul power. His calm attitude now did indeed make it seem as though he'd long suspected something.
Ye Wen was at a crossroads in his mind. Should he play dumb, perhaps guessing that Ah Yin was from some hidden sect, or should he reveal the truth, acknowledging her soul beast origin?
After an inner struggle, a memory flashed through his mind. In the original story, Ah Yin had confessed her ten thousand year soul beast identity to Tang Hao only after they'd developed deep feelings for each other.
Ye Wen's heartbeat slowed, his fear giving way to calmness. He softened his gaze, looking at Ah Yin tenderly.
"Of course I'm not surprised. You've always been a little genius, Ah Yin."
Ah Yin bit her lip, trying to maintain a fierce expression. "So… you already know my true identity, don't you?"
Without hesitation, Ye Wen nodded, speaking softly, "Yes," and added in a near whisper, "Ten thousand…"
Ah Yin's faux fierce expression melted into one of heartbreak, and her eyes filled with tears. All this time, she'd cherished her relationship with Ye Wen, but now she wondered if it had all been a dream. Choking back sobs, she whispered, "Why… why did you say it, Big Brother?
"If you needed a soul ring or soul bone, couldn't you just… just kill me when the time came? Why tell me you knew the truth about my identity?"
The Blue Silver Emperor binding him gradually softened, eventually disappearing. Ye Wen stepped forward, gently raising his hand to caress Ah Yin's cheek.
"What are you thinking? A mere ten thousand year soul ring and soul bone are nothing compared to you," he said softly. "Ah Yin, would you… would you be willing to be part of my family? I find that I can't imagine life without you."
Ah Yin's sobs slowly quieted, and she looked up at him with tear filled eyes. His words had struck a chord deep within her heart. As a ten thousand year soul beast, Ah Yin had once been surrounded by kin, but as time passed, the solitude grew unbearable. Now, as a human, she had developed a yearning for family.
Still, Ah Yin hesitated, glancing away. "But… does it not bother you that I'm a soul beast?"
Ye Wen just smiled and, without a word, pulled her into an embrace. In a whisper, he asked, "Do you like me?"
"Mm…" Ah Yin murmured, her eyes hazy, as she clung to him, relishing the warmth of his embrace.
After a long while, Ye Wen spoke again. "That's all that matters, Ah Yin. You like me, and I like you too. A little difference in race is nothing. And since you're already in human form, I'm not interested in your soul ring or soul bone. All I need is you.
"If it'll make you feel more at ease…"
Ye Wen pulled back slightly, took Ah Yin's left hand, and gently placed it over his heart. "Leave a seed here, Ah Yin. If you ever feel I've wronged you, just nurture that seed, and you'll be able to shred my heart to pieces."
Ah Yin, stunned, quickly retracted her hand, shaking her head.
Ye Wen chuckled. For a ten thousand year soul beast, Ah Yin was undeniably kind hearted. But it was precisely this quality that made him fall for her.
Ye Wen reached for her hand again. "Actually, you're not the only one with secrets, Ah Yin. I'm not just a level five Soul Master. I'm also an innate full soul power, just like you."
Ah Yin's eyes widened in surprise, tinged with a hint of embarrassment. All this time, she'd thought she was the strongest in the dorm, only to find that Ye Wen had kept his true strength hidden. But a wave of warmth and relief soon washed over her. The unease and doubt she'd harbored vanished as the two of them shared their secrets, creating a powerful bond between them.
For the first time, Ah Yin felt a sense of true peace.
Their hands held each other tightly, and Ye Wen began explaining the secrets of a soul beast's transformation into human form. If Ah Yin reached level sixty, her soul ring and soul bone would disappear, allowing her to complete her transformation entirely.
When Ah Yin asked how he knew such things, Ye Wen simply said, "Let's just say my ancestors once held significant knowledge."
Thus, the two young souls, barely of age, pledged themselves to each other in a quiet commitment.
Ah, such is the land of love…
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10