Chapter 123: Tang Yi's Inner Thoughts

Tang Yi had never truly considered—or rather, had deliberately chosen to ignore—the question of what exactly Larulath meant to him.

Larulath was his partner spirit. In an ordinary spirit world, this would be no question at all. But this world was not ordinary.

This was a world where spirits took on feminine forms.

His partner spirit was a beautiful and adorable young girl. Although biologically, they could not be classified as humans, and their physiology was fundamentally different, it inevitably stirred strange, peculiar thoughts within him.

For the native inhabitants of this world, who had been subtly influenced over two centuries, the presence of these special spirit girls had long been accepted as normal, their perceptions deeply ingrained.

But Tang Yi’s soul did not belong to this world. Despite outwardly trying to conform to its customs in speech and behavior, inside, he was different.

“Sometimes I wonder if I’m a strange person,” Tang Yi suddenly said as they embraced.

“Huh? No, I don’t think so,” Larulath replied.

Though she said this, she couldn’t help but compare herself to her trainer, who was undeniably unique.

At times, Larulath even found herself wondering if what attracted her was precisely those qualities that clashed with others—though she would never admit this aloud.

Tang Yi chuckled softly. “Isn’t it strange to be kissing your own spirit?”

“Ah, that’s... that’s not... I mean...” Larulath tried to explain that it was for skill practice.

But Tang Yi interrupted immediately, “That’s just an excuse. Yes, a convenient excuse to make ourselves feel better.”

Larulath felt a mix of helplessness and resignation. She was no longer a child—surely she could see through such a clumsy excuse. But he shouldn’t call it out.

If he did, it would be too awkward.

She loosened her grip as if wanting to pull away.

But Tang Yi tightened his embrace. Unless Larulath used telekinesis, there was no way a girl of her stature could outmatch his strength. And Tang Yi was confident that in this strange atmosphere, she wouldn’t use her powers on him... right?

His forehead still rested against Larulath’s green hair. He inhaled the faint, delicate fragrance and sighed softly. “Lately, I’ve been thinking about buying you some perfume with my money, but on second thought, I’ll pass. You already smell so lovely—more fragrant than any perfume.”

“Ah, that…” Larulath was taken aback. Her trainer was acting unusually today, and it made her inexplicably nervous.

“To be honest, I’m confused about many things,” Tang Yi continued. “I often feel like my thoughts don’t quite fit into this world, but I can’t tell if the world is wrong or if it’s me.”

Larulath didn’t quite understand, nor did she know how to respond.

Tang Yi wasn’t seeking an answer; he was simply speaking his mind. “Ever since I met Fang Tianze, I realized I’m not the only strange one. Honestly, that realization has somewhat eased my burden.”

Larulath pondered this. She could tell that Tang Yi still respected Fang Tianze—not merely because of his champion title, but for something deeper.

“There are things I hadn’t planned to tell you, fearing they might confuse you. But what you just said truly touched me. So I think some heartfelt words should be shared with you.”

Larulath panicked completely, stammering, “T-today’s late... m-maybe we can talk about this... l-later?”

“Don’t try to run!” Tang Yi, like a domineering CEO, pulled the struggling Larulath back into his embrace.

Though she looked aggrieved, she didn’t let go of his hands. This small gesture convinced Tang Yi that she was only a little tsundere.

“I’ve truly been happy with you by my side. Sometimes I can’t help but think—if we could just be together like this for a lifetime, it wouldn’t be so bad,” Tang Yi said dreamily, then laughed. “Maybe it’s too soon for a high schooler to think about a lifetime.”

“Hmph, it’s definitely too soon! One day, you’ll find a girlfriend and get married—then she’ll be the one to stay with you forever!” Larulath tried to sound casual but her words came out sour, even to her own surprise.

Tang Yi scoffed, then made a sudden decision. “Fine, I won’t get married in the future.”

“Huh?”

“Yes, I won’t marry a human.”

“B-but—”

“I know the law. Some things aren’t up to me. But whether or not to marry a human—that’s still my choice, isn’t it?”

“But…” Larulath felt secretly delighted, though she still thought it wasn’t quite right.

“From now on, we’ll start earning money together, buy a big house—an even bigger one, preferably by the sea—and move in together. No one else matters, just us. How’s that?”

“All right,” Larulath said, a little hopeful.

“Then it’s settled.”

After making this decision, Tang Yi felt a sense of relief.

There were still things he couldn’t express fully. He understood some matters couldn’t be rushed. He needed time for himself, and more time for Larulath.

Today’s conversation had pierced just a little through the barrier between them—not completely, but enough.

Tang Yi shifted his forehead slightly, lowering his face until they were gazing directly into each other’s eyes.

Larulath, sensing what he intended, fought back her shyness and whispered, “Buying a big house just for us—is that your promise?”

“Yes.”

“How long is this promise valid?”

“Forty years.”

“Ah?” Larulath frowned. “Don’t people usually say ‘forever’ at times like this? Why put a time limit?”

“I’m only eighteen now. Forty years from now, even if I’m still doing hard labor, I should have bought a place by then. Besides, by that time, I’ll probably be retired. If we still can’t afford a house, then we’ll just have to stay in this little place and grow old together.”

“I’m willing to do that!” Larulath said stubbornly.

Their lips met again.

For some reason, this time Larulath seemed unusually calm compared to a few days ago.

Though Tang Yi’s promise was distant, it was like a soothing balm that quieted the anxious turmoil in her heart.

Being together forever—it was truly wonderful.