156: Char joins

Upon learning that his master, Chu Tianhe, was imprisoned, Qin Feng was anxious. However, he knew well that he could not rashly tell Xiaochun. Given her feelings for her father, she would surely be thrown into a panic and overwhelmed by grief upon learning the truth. Until he was certain he could rescue his master, he had to keep this secret buried deep in his heart.

The most pressing matter was to complete the final piece of the Four Symbols Battle Array—the xuanwu position. The candidate pointed out by the System's green intel was Xia Ya, whom he had fought alongside just yesterday.

Early the next morning, Qin Feng went alone to a secluded lakeside on the west side of the city to find Xia Ya.

The morning light was dim, and the lake was shrouded in mist. Xia Ya was not wearing the heavy armor from yesterday, but a simple set of martial attire; however, that iconic, massive Tower Shield still leaned beside her. With her back to Qin Feng, she was forcefully throwing stones from the shore into the center of the lake one by one. The stones skipped across the water, creating rapid ripples as if she were venting her inner frustration.

Even from a distance, Qin Feng could feel the dejected aura emanating from her. As he drew closer, he even saw a slight redness at the corners of her eyes. Clearly, her father City Lord's words from yesterday, filled with comparison and disappointment, had deeply wounded her, a person with immense self-esteem.

"Young Miss Xia Ya," Qin Feng spoke softly.

Xia Ya paused her throwing motion and quickly wiped the corners of her eyes with the back of her hand. When she turned around, her face had regained its usual heroism and composure, though the trace of loneliness deep in her eyes could not be entirely hidden.

"Young Master Qin." She nodded, keeping her tone as calm as possible. "I've made a fool of myself before you."

Qin Feng walked to her side and looked out at the shimmering lake with her. He didn't directly mention her Family matters but said sincerely, "Young Miss Xia Ya, there's no need to be depressed about this. On the path of martial arts, while resources are important, Heart-Nature and perseverance are even more critical. To be able to reach the stage of Peak Grand Martial Master through your own willpower and life-and-death struggles in such a perilous place overseas—the hardships you've faced are beyond what ordinary Sect disciples can imagine. In my view, this is more precious and has a more solid Foundation than a cultivation level built up by piling on resources."

Xia Ya was slightly taken aback, not expecting Qin Feng to say such things. She had heard too many people compare her to her younger sister, Xia Xue, usually with tones of pitying her for being born to a concubine or having poor talent. Rarely did anyone truly see the effort she put in and the achievements she had made. Qin Feng's words were like a warm current, quietly soothing the resentment and grievance in her heart.

"Thank you for comforting me." Her voice softened a bit, no longer so tense.

Qin Feng knew the time had come. He turned around, looked directly at Xia Ya, and his tone became solemn. "Young Miss Xia Ya, I'm not just comforting you. I admire your resilience, and I value even more the 'Guardian's Heart' you show when protecting your companions on the battlefield."

He paused slightly before offering a condition that made Xia Ya's heart skip a beat. "If I could provide you with a 'king breaking pill' within a month, would you be willing to set aside your missions in Star South City and temporarily follow me to become my partner?"

"What?!" Xia Ya looked up sharply, her beautiful eyes wide with shock, almost thinking she had misheard. A king breaking pill! That was something she dreamed of, something she was even willing to strike a deal with her father to obtain! Qin Feng actually said... within a month?

Seeing her incredulous gaze, Qin Feng had a thought and spoke to the shadow of a nearby large tree, "Sister Xue."

A dark shadow slid down soundlessly, and Ji Ruxue's figure appeared. She still had that cold and aloof appearance, but the aura of a Martial King powerhouse she emitted was unmistakable.

This reminded Xia Ya of the terrifying moment when this cold woman had instantly killed a Martial King of the same level from the Corpse Demon Sect.

"She, Ji Ruxue, recently took a king breaking pill I provided and successfully advanced to Martial King," Qin Feng stated calmly.

Feeling the stable Martial King aura on Ji Ruxue and looking at Qin Feng, Xia Ya's shock was beyond words. She had witnessed Ji Ruxue's Breakthrough with her own eyes; that powerful force was definitely not fake. Qin Feng actually had the ability to obtain a king breaking pill and was generous enough to give it to those around him!

She recalled Qin Feng's unhesitating rescue yesterday, his lack of servility or arrogance when facing her father, and the various miraculous legends about him in Star South City... Such a young Martial King with limitless potential, who was sincere and generous to his companions—his invitation... Xia Ya's heart pounded violently. Following him meant the possibility of breaking free from the shackles of Family resources, an opportunity to break through to Martial King and reach a wider world! This was far more promising than completing her father's tasks, which would take an unknown amount of time to accumulate enough contribution points!

She took a deep breath, suppressed her excitement, and looked at Qin Feng with burning eyes. "Young Master Qin, are you serious?"

"I speak the absolute truth," Qin Feng said decisively.

"Good!" Xia Ya no longer hesitated. She was a decisive person by nature; once she made up her mind, she didn't dawdle. She straightened her back like a knight accepting a mission and said solemnly, "I, Xia Ya, am willing to follow Young Master Qin! From now on, I am willing to be the shield in Young Master's hand, protecting you at your side!"

【Ding, Xia Ya favorability +30】

【Current favorability: Xia Ya 30 (Initial trust, high expectations)】

A smile appeared on Qin Feng's face. He knew he had finally found the most suitable "xuanwu position." He reached out his hand. "Not a follower, but a partner. Welcome to the team, Xia Ya."

Xia Ya looked at his outstretched hand, hesitated slightly, and then reached out her own hand—slightly calloused from long-term shield-bearing—and gripped his firmly. "Partner..." This word gave her an unprecedented sense of equality and respect.

"Since we are now partners, there are some things I don't need to hide from you." Qin Feng took out the rubbings of the Four Symbols Battle Array scroll from his Storage Pouch and slowly unfurled it before Xia Ya.

"This is an ancient battle array, the Four Symbols Battle Array. It requires four people to cooperate, drawing upon the power of the stars from the four directions..." He explained the essentials of the battle array, as well as the responsibilities of the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and xuanwu positions.

"...I lead the slaughter and occupy the White Tiger position. Sister Xue has superb movement techniques and occupies the Vermilion Bird position. Xiaochun has boundless vitality and occupies the Azure Dragon position. And you, Xia Ya, you possess the firmest will to protect and the most extensive defensive experience. This xuanwu position, which focuses on defense and is as steady as a rock, belongs to no one but you!"

Looking at the profoundly mysterious array diagram and listening to Qin Feng's explanation, waves of shock surged in Xia Ya's heart. This battle array could actually allow them to contend with a Martial Emperor while at the Martial King realm? And she was such a vital link! A sense of being needed and valued arose spontaneously, instantly dispelling all the gloom in her heart.

"I... I will certainly not fail your trust!" She gripped the scroll tightly, her tone incredibly firm.

When Qin Feng brought Xia Ya back to the inn, informed Ji Ruxue and Xiaochun of the decision, and formally introduced Xia Ya as the fourth partner to join, Xiaochun happily took Xia Ya's hand. "That's wonderful! Sister Xia Ya, welcome!"

Ji Ruxue also gave a slight nod to Xia Ya, acknowledging her as a new companion.

Looking at the three companions before him—each with a different style, yet all now beginning to coalesce around him—Qin Feng felt a surge of heroic pride.

The Four Symbols Battle Array was now taking shape!

Next, it was to have Xia Ya Breakthrough to Martial King as soon as possible, and then... head straight for Medicine King Valley.