Chapter 1145: Ancient Academy Records, Lots of Fun 32

After half an hour, Xie Beiyao and Ling Xiuyu returned to the courtyard, their expressions much more relaxed.

He walked over to the lazily drinking Jin Chen and said, 'Thank you.'

Jin Chen raised his chin slightly, gesturing for the two to sit, then continued the previous topic.

'The purpose of the undercover agent is to sow discord; as soon as suspicion arises between them, it will inevitably affect the competition's outcome.'

Lan Wuyang finally regained his vigor, slinging his arm over Tingyang's shoulder, shaking his head in exasperation, 'Truly shameless!'

Jin Chen: 'We might as well play along; on the eve of the competition, we'll put on a show for the undercover agent.'

'Once we leave, the undercover will spread the news, and His Majesty will immediately take action.'

All nine nodded in unison, 'Alright, let's do that.'

The atmosphere finally returned to how it used to be, and because of this incident, everyone felt a surge of determination, their resolve to win the competition growing stronger.

And Xie Yuancheng's courtship plan was also 'proceeding steadily.'

Whenever there's a chance, he'd move in close, seeking hugs; even during training he'd deliberately create opportunities—such obvious little thoughts, which he assumed were secret crushes, but Jin Chen wouldn't notice so quickly.

In fact, Jin Chen saw it all, happily indulging and enjoying it, going along with everything as requested.

Another day of training time.

Xie Yuancheng has a strong learning ability; he can now skillfully grasp the essentials of this technique and even integrate the martial arts he practiced since childhood.

Jin Chen didn't need hands‑on instruction; he just trained alongside him, but when he wasn't paying attention, Xie Yuancheng disappeared again.

He sheathed his sword, habitually glancing at the top of the wooden post, and sure enough, Xie Yuancheng had climbed up again to practice his lightness skill.

Then, the next second.

'Ahhh, Jin Chen! I can't keep my balance!'

Xie Yuancheng suddenly struck a one‑legged crane pose, his body swaying a few times.

Jin Chen was slightly startled, instinctively wanting to fly up to rescue him, but he saw Xie Yuancheng's eyes full of eager anticipation, without a trace of fear.

He promptly held back his hand, helpless yet amused, arms crossed leisurely as he said, 'Come down then.'

Sure enough, he took the bait!

Xie Yuancheng nearly couldn't hold it in, quickly adjusted his expression and leapt down, precisely crashing into Jin Chen's arms, his arms clasping around Jin Chen's neck as if frightened.

Jin Chen stepped back a few steps, firmly holding the person steady, and mildly reprimanded, 'It's so dangerous; if you get hurt, it won't be worth it.'

Xie Yuancheng let out a soft hum, completely unbothered, 'I was about to fall, and you're still being fierce.'

'Are you just hoping to see me get hurt?'

Jin Chen's lips curled into a faint arc, pretending not to notice, he gently patted the youth's back, softening his tone: 'My fault; I should be properly coaxing the precious Little Crown Prince.'

Xie Yuancheng tilted his head in his embrace, eyes bright, 'Then since I've trained myself tired today, let's go rest.'

{Villain Heartthrob Value detected: 5, total now 65! }

Watching the two leave, the remaining companions: '……'

Tingyang pointed at his own nose, 'Are we really the kind of people who are easily overlooked?'

How did it end up that the whole drill field seems to have only those two alike!

Ye Susu patted his shoulder, speaking earnestly, 'Just get used to it; your other side.'

Looking to the right, after clearing up the misunderstanding, Xie Beiyao and Ling Xiuyu are even more intimate than before; even though they practice different things, it doesn't stop them from wiping each other's sweat, pouring water for each other, or occasionally hugging.

Tingyang: 'Eh'

Sining silently took out poison, his eyes narrowing slightly, annoyed by these lovey‑dovey couples.

The companions have all been spoiled by the constant affection!

'I've been saying lately I always smell sweet on myself—must have caught it from them!' Wanzhou shouted.

Jiang Yao laughed uncontrollably, retracting her long whip, and said coquettishly, 'You really don't know? Lan Wuyang the other day wore your outer shirt to dig out a beehive, leaving half the honey on your clothes.'

Wanzhou: '……'

Lan Wuyang let out a few 'ahhh's and bolted.

——

Xie Yuancheng's 'pursuit' wasn't completely ineffective.

One morning, just after he returned from the old master, he learned from Tingyang that Jin Chen had received a sealed order from the Divine Pavilion and had been staying up in the tree ever since.

Xie Yuancheng hurried over to look for him, and indeed saw Jin Chen up in a tree.

He decisively climbed up, sat beside Jin Chen, propping his chin on his hand, and asked, 'Why do you always like sitting in the tree?'

Jin Chen reached out and pinched Xie Yuancheng's cheek, his tone lax, 'This way I can watch whether the Little Crown Prince is training seriously.'

Xie Yuancheng didn't believe it, and he could also tell that Jin Chen wasn't in a good mood; someone carrying hatred can't possibly be happy all the time.

Xie Yuancheng shifted awkwardly, tilted his head to look at him, 'If you need a hug and comfort, I can…'

Before he finished speaking, Jin Chen had already pulled him into an embrace, restraining his waist with some force.

A gentle breeze brushed by, the nearby leaves swaying.

Xie Yuancheng reached back to hug Jin Chen's waist, his heart suddenly feeling a sour ache.

This idiot was indeed secretly feeling sad.

'What happened?' Xie Yuancheng asked softly.

Jin Chen lowered his gaze, the emotions from the original self lessened after reading the order, 'The Northwind Kingdom, to force me out, has been loudly proclaiming within its borders how my elder brother was tortured and killed.'

'My elder brother is already dead, yet they still drag him into this.'

Xie Yuancheng listened, his brows knitting tightly.

'What… this is really excessive!'

He wore a solemn expression, 'The Northwind Kingdom's royal family, from top to bottom, is utterly shameless.'

'Don't they fear offending the Divine Pavilion?'

Jin Chen smirked, "Just go ahead and smash the cracked pot; who knows?"

"Don't be sad; once the competition starts, we'll find a chance to kill the Eldest Prince and avenge your older brother."

Xie Yuancheng earnestly thought of a solution, and didn't forget to pat Jin Chen's back to comfort him.

This embrace lasted a long time; Jin Chen's emotions settled, his arms stretched in a lazy stretch, then he leaned back into Xie Yuancheng's hold as the tree branches swayed gently.

Xie Yuancheng's little schemes stirred again; he gave a soft cough, looked up at Jin Chen's slender brows and eyes, and asked, "Do you have someone you like?"

Jin Chen raised an eyebrow mischievously, his eyes showing some understanding.

"Yes."

"Really? You actually have someone..."

Xie Yuancheng was slightly surprised, then thought again and asked, "Is it me?"

Very straightforward, not even giving Jin Chen any time to react.

Jin Chen laughed in his clear voice and countered, "If it's not you, what should the Young Crown Prince do?"

Xie Yuancheng turned his head away, haughty and overbearing.

"If it's not, then make it me!"

He grabbed Jin Chen's collar, loomed over him, and gazed into his smiling eyes, saying, "Let me guess, just who is this person..."

Jin Chen wrapped one arm around him, his voice dropping considerably, then suddenly reached out and gently brushed the cheek of the person in his embrace.

"No need to guess, it's you."

Their gazes met, and a certain emotion quietly arose.

Having heard the answer, the Young Crown Prince, who had just been brave and haughty, began to blush; Jin Chen's gaze grew increasingly scorching, as if it could devour a person.

When Xie Yuancheng sensed Jin Chen approaching, he instinctively avoided his gaze, until their breaths mingled and their lips touched.

A tingling sensation spread through his limbs; Xie Yuancheng gently closed his eyes, letting the warm, familiar scent of agarwood envelop him.

The light kiss gradually took on an aggressive edge; Xie Yuancheng clutched Jin Chen's chest clothing, his breath scorching, feeling the suction's force was extremely strong.

After a long while the kiss ended, Xie Yuancheng secretly opened his eyes, slightly pursing the corners of his mouth in a smile, and murmured softly, "I knew you had long been deeply enamored!"

Jin Chen smiled and went along with the coaxing, "Yes, I cannot do without you, deeply devoted."

Hearing that, an inexplicable joy filled his chest; Xie Yuancheng's grin grew wider and wider, bright and charming.

He lunged into Jin Chen's embrace again, kissing the corner of his mouth, "Since you say that, then I also like you."

"Couldn't be better."

【Detected Villain Heartthrob Value 20, accumulated 85!】

【Detected Villain Blackening Value -10, accumulated 20!】