While Nie Li and his companions were engrossed in conversation, Nie Li's gaze drifted to the distance.
Amidst the rows of bookshelves stood a captivating figure, holding a thick tome, her head lowered in deep concentration.
Her purple hair cascaded like a waterfall, with two small strands tied with purple silk at her ears, adding a touch of cuteness to her presence.
The setting sun bathed her delicate face, making her even more elegant and captivating.
Nie Li's heart raced at the sight, as countless memories surged into his mind.
In the Endless Desert, they had evaded relentless pursuers among the demon beasts of the desert.
It was amidst life-and-death situations that Nie Li, with his keen sense of danger, had saved many survivors and gradually grew closer to Ye Ziyun, deepening their understanding of each other.
Even though Nie Li's cultivation was poor, and the gap between him and Ye Ziyun seemed insurmountable, they still ended up together.
That night, as Nie Li caressed Ye Ziyun’s smooth back, his passionate love was beyond control.
Under the moonlight, Ye Ziyun appeared like a flawless goddess, deeply etched in Nie Li’s heart.
Back then, Nie Li couldn’t believe that someone as beautiful as Ye Ziyun would fall for him.
Later, when Ye Ziyun sacrificed herself to protect him and the other survivors, losing her made Nie Li feel as if a dagger had pierced through his heart.
If not for fulfilling Ye Ziyun’s last wish to escort her people to safety, Nie Li would have surely followed her into the afterlife.
If not for the miraculous Temporal Demon Spirit Book, I wouldn’t have been reborn to see her again!
Nie Li took a deep breath to calm his agitated heart.
He had always looked for a chance to approach Ye Ziyun, not wanting to disturb her since her engagement to Shen Yue was yet to be finalized.
At present, Nie Li urgently needed to enhance his strength.
Only by becoming stronger could he challenge the Divine Sacred Family and reclaim Ye Ziyun from Shen Yue’s grasp.
"You all go ahead; I have some matters to attend to," Nie Li said to Du Ze, Lu Piao, and the others.
Du Ze and Lu Piao followed Nie Li’s gaze into the distance, spotting the beautiful girl holding an ancient book, peacefully immersed in reading.
Clad in a white silk dress, she was like a serene sunset fairy, pure and noble, intimidating in her majesty.
Instantly, they understood Nie Li's intent.
Beautiful things are admired by all, but in front of Ye Ziyun, they felt unworthy, lacking even the courage to approach her.
Nie Li quietly approached Ye Ziyun.
"I bet Nie Li will retreat within fifteen minutes, she definitely won’t entertain him!" Lu Piao confidently declared with a chuckle.
"I hope Nie Li isn't too disappointed," Du Ze murmured softly beside him, harboring a mischievous thought that Nie Li might end up rebuffed by the class beauty, much like Shen Yue's frequent failures to impress Ye Ziyun.
As Ye Ziyun sat engrossed in her book under the setting sun, the serene scene was too beautiful for Nie Li to disturb.
He unexpectedly discovered that Ye Ziyun was flipping through the Thunderfire Scripture.
Ye Ziyun, frowning slightly as she read, was known for her strong determination and hard work.
In terms of talent, cultivation, and knowledge, she surpassed her peers significantly and held a sense of pride in her heart.
Yet, she discovered the gap between herself and Nie Li was immense.
This Thunderfire Scripture was extremely complex!
The first volume had translations, which was manageable, but from the second volume onwards, it was written in the ancient script of the Snowstorm Empire, rendering it indecipherable to her.
In terms of knowledge, Ye Ziyun was undoubtedly outstanding among her peers, but she found herself comparing to Nie Li, a reborn individual, and realized it was futile.
Seeing Ye Ziyun with the Thunderfire Scripture in her hands, Nie Li, knowing her well, could guess her thoughts.
He couldn’t help but smile and approached Ye Ziyun, jestingly saying, "What, Ye Ziyun, are you interested in the Thunderfire Scripture too?"
Ye Ziyun snapped out of her deep thoughts, showing a hint of surprise upon seeing Nie Li.
She clearly hadn’t expected to meet him here and deduced he must frequent the library to gain such knowledge.
"This book is too profound. I can't understand much of it!" Ye Ziyun closed the Thunderfire Scripture and said gracefully, maintaining a respectful distance from Nie Li.
Her tall and elegant figure, draped in a white silk garment, emanated a calm, orchid-like aura.
Though a few steps apart, Nie Li could faintly detect her gentle fragrance—her unique scent, familiar and comforting, a scent deeply embedded in Nie Li's memories.
"The Thunderfire Scripture is written in the complex Snowstorm Empire script. But if you first learn the script of the Blackgold Empire, you'll find it much easier, as understanding Blackgold script makes Snowstorm script clearer," Nie Li smiled.
"The Blackgold Empire script?" Ye Ziyun reflected.
Before the Dark Era, three major ages were well-documented, named after the most powerful empires—namely the Holy Spirit Empire era, the Snowstorm Empire era, and the Divine Empire era.
The Blackgold Empire existed alongside the Snowstorm Empire.
Nie Li's intellect was indeed vast, earning Ye Ziyun’s admiration.
"However, learning an entire script just to read the Thunderfire Scripture isn't necessary. Besides, with your physique, it’s not suitable to cultivate Thunderfire techniques," Nie Li stated calmly, lacking the nervousness other boys had around Ye Ziyun.
He truly understood her, to the core.
"Oh? What kind of techniques should I cultivate?" Ye Ziyun scrutinized the boy before her, confessing Nie Li’s knowledge left her feeling somewhat disheartened and humbled.
"If I'm not mistaken, given your family background, your family should have used soul force to examine your physique. You’re now practicing Snowstorm techniques, likely because they best suit your physique!" Nie Li chuckled.
Ye Ziyun widened her eyes in surprise at Nie Li’s precise words.
Her grandfather had indeed used soul force to assess her physique, a family secret not to be disclosed lightly.
How could Nie Li possibly know?
Noting Ye Ziyun's expression, Nie Li knew he’d hit the mark.
He continued with a smile, "Your family might have checked your physique, but can't perceive the form of your Soul Realm, so they may not have selected the most suitable technique for you."
"The form of my Soul Realm?" Ye Ziyun furrowed her brow, puzzled by the term.
"Would you allow me to spend some time to test the form of your Soul Realm?" Nie Li asked, looking at Ye Ziyun.
Ye Ziyun looked up at Nie Li, paused for a moment, then shook her head.
"No need!" She maintained a subtle distance, wary that Nie Li's method might involve physical contact, as her grandfather’s did.
She remained cautious around Nie Li.
Understanding her concerns, Nie Li smiled softly.
"Testing is quite simple. Just get a new Soul Crystal and inject your soul force into it. I can deduce the form of your Soul Realm with a brief look."
"Oh? That simple?" Ye Ziyun gave Nie Li an apologetic glance, realizing she might have misunderstood him.
A Soul Crystal wasn’t costly.
"If you wish to test it, come find me here at the same hour tomorrow," said Nie Li, turning to leave.
Ye Ziyun looked at Nie Li in surprise.
Most boys who spoke with her would want to prolong the conversation, yet Nie Li was different.
Just what kind of person was this classmate of hers, she wondered?
Understanding Ye Ziyun’s nature perfectly, Nie Li knew that pressing too hard would only push her away.
There would be plenty of time in the future to nurture their bond; for now, leaving an impression sufficed.
Ye Ziyun lightly bit her lower lip and called out, "Nie Li."
"What is it?" Nie Li turned back, curious.
Watching Nie Li and Ye Ziyun engage in pleasant conversation, and seeing Nie Li about to leave yet being called back by Ye Ziyun, Du Ze, Lu Piao, and the others exchanged glances.
"As expected from our leader. First, he got Goddess Ning'er to deliver breakfast, now he's chatting with Goddess Ye. For the sake of future happiness, I must learn from our leader," Wei Nan muttered wistfully.
The group was filled with envy.
Talking with Goddess Ye was a rare opportunity.
Du Ze and Lu Piao exchanged looks of surprise.
"Seems we really underestimated Nie Li!"
"This guy’s hiding his talents!"
"If Nie Li can charm Goddess Ning'er, he’ll surely charm Goddess Ye too. Left and right, he’ll bask in joy!"
Unaware of his friends’ chatter, Nie Li paused when Ye Ziyun called him.
"Nie Li, your knowledge of runes is vast. May I seek your guidance on some questions?" Ye Ziyun's bright eyes fixed on Nie Li.
"Of course, I’m happy to help," Nie Li replied with a smile.
While Ye Ziyun didn’t have high expectations, the questions she wanted to ask were beyond ordinary scope.
As someone from a peak family, her knowledge of runes surpassed many of her peers.
~~ It's Monday.
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(End of Chapter)