Translated by: La0o9

Proofreader: Arya

So I really did run into the big rooster.

Gu Qing Shan smiled and greeted him.

I came for the call of the Bramble Birds

Ah, so thats why. Sadly Im already too old, otherwise I wouldve joined to get a few things as well. Worst case, Ill just sell them for a few spare change

Ahaha

After some small talk, the big rooster suggested that they eat dinner together.

According to it, the town was so big that it took this long to run into some living people, who knows how long itll take until they ran into each other again.

Without waiting for Gu Qing Shan to refuse, the big rooster had already stopped Gu Qing Shan from talking.

He swung his wing and ordered a top-grade meal combo for 4.

Gu Qing Shan and Su Xue Er exchanged glances.

They couldnt refuse such hospitality without being rude.

Not to mention, since they didnt have anything else to do, and they were still not yet full, it wasnt a problem to accompany the other party for a bit.

The 4 sat down.

May I ask for the name of this lovely lady? the big rooster looked to Su Xue Er and politely spoke.

Hello, I am Su Xue Er

Aah- the big rooster patted Gu Qing Shan on his back: A beautiful flower and a pile of cow manure, what a perfect combo. I wish the two of you happiness

Thank you Su Xue Er sweetly smiled.

Gu Qing Shan just helplessly endured as he looked towards the log.

May I ask who this esteemed one is? he asked.

Ah, this is an esteemed lady, she doesnt allow me to give her name, erm- the big rooster was a bit troubled as he glanced towards the log.

Its fine a low female voice came from the log, both of these little ones are related to our old friends

The log started to peel back bit by bit, revealing a realistic beautiful woman made of wood to everyone here.

She first looked at Gu Qing Shan, intrigued: New member of the Iron Fist Club?

I am Gu Qing Shan freely admitted.

Has Barrys leg truly healed?

It certainly has

The hex he was under was quite the powerful one. I originally thought he would come to me begging, but he instead endured what a fool, is dignity really more important than your own life the wooden woman was irritated.

Why does he not ask for your help? Su Xue Er carefully asked.

Because he once faced me in the casino, losing everything down to his underpants the wooden woman lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.

Seems like she really was an old acquaintance of Barrys.

Gu Qing Shan couldnt really say anything for Barry.

Barry? You mean Iron Fist Barry? the big rooster was surprised.

That is him Gu Qing Shan replied.

Ah, I still owe him a small favor the big rooster begrudgingly mumbled.

The wooden woman then turned to Su Xue Er and asked: Is your Teacher still well?

Su Xue Er was a bit shocked.

Do you know my Teacher? she sat up gracefully.

Of course, master of the Blood Sea, since you have the scent of the Blood Sea contract on you, I could tell right away

Su Xue Er tried asking: Can I ask, about you and my Teacher

Hes courting me

The wooden woman answered curtly.

Su Xue Er felt cold sweat running down her forehead.

Relax, young lady, Im not going to become your teachers wife the wooden woman said as she saw her panicked look.

The big rooster was holding his breathe this entire time, laughing as he heard this: Well said, that guy Bloodcloak is too much of a bookworm, nothing like a real man should be

It was at this time that beautiful tableware started to appear on the long table.

One after another, the food also showed up.

Dig in, Im starving to death the big rooster said.

The wooden woman glanced over all the food and spoke irritated: Why arent there any chicken?

The rooster froze briefly before answering awkwardly: That is can we not eat chicken?

Youre not really a chicken, you just look like one. Can you not get in the way of me eating chicken? the wooden woman said.

The big rooster went silent for a bit before slapping the table, saying: Right, Im not a chicken

It then ordered a portion of chicken sandwich, some chicken soup and an entire braised chicken.

It was now that the wooden woman relaxed her scowl.

Youre decent, much stronger than that Bloodcloak she whispered softly into the big roosters ear.

The big rooster was ecstatic, happily replying: Of course I am, milady

The wooden woman nodded with satisfaction and began with gracefully drinking some chicken soup.

The big rooster then narrowed his eyes, looking back at Gu Qing Shan.

Boy, besides this lady, no matter who they are in the entire 900 million worlds, if they dare mention a single word about eating chicken, Ill beat him up so bad that his mother wont recognize him. This is a matter of principle

He very solemnly sent his voice.

Gu Qing Shan tried his best to keep a straight face.

Indeed, the strong should uphold their own principles he replied with a completely serious voice.

The big rooster then nodded in satisfaction.

When dinner was over, it was already late at night.

Both parties left the diner.

Before saying their goodbyes, the wooden woman said nothing and placed a leaf on Su Xue Ers forehead.

The leaf gave off a lapis-colored light before sinking into Su Xue Ers forehead.

Although Im not an expert at fortune telling, I can tell that your future is quite worrying the wooden woman said.

Its really nothing Su Xue Er awkwardly smiled.

Gu Qing Shan just silently listened on one side without saying anything.

Hearing Su Xue Er, the wooden woman shook her head: Young girl, dont let your guard down. Consider this leaf of mine a little bit of protection

Su Xue Er politely replied: Thank you, may I ask what I should call you?

The wooden woman waved her hand without saying anything.

She headed down the other side of the road.

Alright, well see you tomorrow, the vacation is long the big rooster also said goodbye to them.

He quickly chased after the woman.

Gu Qing Shan and Su Xue Er stood still until the other two went out of sight.

She said your future was worrying Gu Qing Shan seemed a bit concerned as he looked at Su Xue Er.

Its nothing, I have a very powerful master

Did something happen? Xue Er, you have to tell me

Su Xue Er looked at his expression that didnt take no for an answer and giggled a bit: Alright, theres a minor problem. Let us find a place to stay first, Ill tell you before we sleep

Gu Qing Shan nodded.

How was the meal? Su Xue Er asked caringly.

Im a bit too full, lets go, we need to find a place to stay

Yeah, Im a bit sleepy, lets go, lets go

There were quite a few inns in the town.

Gu Qing Shan and Su Xue Er looked at a few of them before deciding on one that was particularly serene and peaceful.

Su Xue Er quickly registered them there with Gu Qing Shans room card.

From this moment onwards, Gu Qing Shan sensed that Su Xue Er was a bit off.

She was becoming anxious.

Strange

Gu Qing Shan felt more and more suspicious.

But after a few moments, Su Xue Er came back with a small key.

She plugged the key into the void of space.

A door opened there.

Su Xue Er took Gu Qing Shans hand and went in.

Look, the one I picked was a school dorm Su Xue Er said.

Gu Qing Shan looked around.

Sure enough, this was a normal female dorm room that left no details out.

Alright, then where do I sleep? Gu Qing Shan asked.

Youll be sleeping here

What about you?

Ill also be sleeping here

What?

This time it was Gu Qing Shans turn to be anxious.

At the same time, he faintly understood what Su Xue Er was anxious about.

If thats the case its normal for her to be anxious.

While Gu Qing Shan was thinking, a small, soft, fragrant body hugged him.

It was Su Xue Er.

She was hugging him.

The girl closed her eyes, looked up and softly kissed Gu Qing Shan.

Time felt like it stopped.

Gu Qing Shan was thinking of so many scenarios, considering what kind of danger Su Xue Er could be in while preparing himself to listen to what Su Xue Er had to say.

But he didnt expect Su Xue Er to do such a thing.

A moment like this was something he had never experienced before.

All of Gu Qing Shans worries and thoughts went away.

Their lips parted.

Su Xue Er gently stroked Gu Qing Shans face, whispering: Sleep, Qing Shan

Gu Qing Shan slowly closed his eyes and fell down on the bed behind himself.

Su Xue Er silently stared as him, then peeled off a transparent layer from her lips.

As the transparent layer left her lips, it slowly turned into a card in her hand.

There wasnt anything depicted on the card but a pink lipstick mark.

[Gift of a witchs kiss]

[A person kissed by this card will fall into a wonderful slumber for 3 days straight]

[Only those who possess the same kissing techniques as the witch will be able to escape the dream]

Su Xue Er put the card away and sat down on the side of the bed.

She silently stroked Gu Qing Shans face.

She did nothing and just looked at him longingly.

Until a certain moment, when chimes and light appeared around Su Xue Er.

The call of the Bramble Birds.

One hour outside, one day here.

Time was up.

Su Xue Er sighed.

Qing Shan, you eating the skeleton meant that youve been demonized

She finally told the truth.

But when I took the card, it showed me nothing

This was because Ive finally escaped from my original fate, where nothing else can control or manipulate me anymore

Su Xue Er took out the [Predictor of Fate] card.

She returned it into Gu Qing Shans breast pocket.

The only things I do right now are things that I wish to

So I will take over the dangers on your way for you according to the cards prediction, as long as I take it for you, you will be safe. And if you can safely make it through this, you will surely become a peerless Combatant

At this point, Su Xue Er warmly smiled.

You only need to stay here and sleep, awaiting my return

Saying so, Su Xue Er took out another card and threw it to the air.

The card enveloped Gu Qing Shan.

[The Binding Oath]

[The target of this card can only move around within an area of 5 meters, unable to leave]

Su Xue Er thought for a bit and took out another card.

This card was different from the ones from before.

It was giving off a bloody glow.

Lord Bloodcloak was standing in the card, holding a shield in his hand.

[Blood Sea deck: The Lords protection]

[After this card is activated, it will form a protective barrier around the selected area. No person or attack will be able to break through it]

Su Xue Er activated the card.

A blood-colored barrier expanded from the card to envelop the room.

Three cards.

The first was to put Gu Qing Shan to sleep.

The second was to force him to stay here in case he woke up early.

The third

Even though no one should be able to get hurt in Aboul, Su Xue Er still used her strongest defensive card to protect this room.

Only after using 3 layers of protection did Su Xue Er finally feel relieved.

Stroking Gu Qing Shans face, she whispered: If I dont return

She kissed Gu Qing Shan.

This was a true goodbye kiss.

You have to live well

Saying so, she disappeared from the room.

Only Gu Qing Shan remained here.

Gu Qing Shan laid on the bed, his eyes closed without moving.

The [Gift of a witchs kiss] put him to sleep for a total of three days.

During this, the call of the Bramble Birds would end.

In truth, since the time had come, everyone will be allowed to enter its world, but those who arrived first get to enter first.

And so, Gu Qing Shan will definitely miss the call.

The three cards ensured that he wont be able to do anything- or meet any danger.

Time slowly passed.

The spatial waves formed when Su Xue Er left gradually calmed.

The room was silent.

All of a sudden, an autumn-like blue sword appeared from the void of space, twirled in the air and turned into a blue-dress maid.

Shannu.

Seeing Gu Qing Shans sleeping expression, she couldnt help but feel a bit troubled.

Gongzi was put to sleep, what do I do now?

Indeed, as the sword spirit of the Divine Sword, she can cut through all techniques and spells.

But Su Xue Er was very smart, all the spells affected Gu Qing Shan directly, and they were all activated when Gu Qing Shan least expected.

Shannu was unaffected by any Laws, so she wasnt affected by the cards.

But Gu Qing Shan didnt put up any defense, so he was.

And now, not even Gu Qing Shan could escape from the three cards effects.

Shannu stood by the bed, a bit troubled from what to do, but moved at the same time.

She couldnt help but sighed: Who couldve thought such a devoted woman actually exists

A sudden male voice responded.

What devoted woman? More like a silly girl

Gu Qing Shan opened his eyes and got up from the bed as he spoke.