Decision

The power of Interpretation has a long history in this world.

In ancient times, Interpreters were not called as such; they were known as Spirits.

Interpretive power is a nearly omnipotent, transcendent force. As long as humanity can provide a rational imagination, it can simulate almost anything. Consequently, in the ancient past, these “Spirits” held incomparably lofty status, akin to deities.

However, no matter how immense their power, these “Spirits” could not escape the essence of human nature. Conflict was inevitable, and from conflict, strife was born.

Slaughter. Combat. Development.

Through countless ancient wars, Interpretive power evolved. It shifted from a creative force meant to improve human survival into a source of infinite destruction. It wasn’t until the modern era, when the wars between the “Spirits” were ended by a singular, supreme powerhouse, that the Federation was established and civilization flourished.

Only then, under the influence of peace, did Interpretive power gradually return to its original creative function. Those dangerous techniques developed by the “Spirits” specifically for slaughter were collected, summarized, and sealed away—eventually becoming known collectively as Taboo Spirit Arts.

“Is this the origin of the Taboo Spirit Arts?”

Late at night, Xiao Yuehua stared intently at the information she had found on her phone, her expression flickering between light and shadow. In her other hand, she tightly gripped a small parchment booklet she had obtained just today.

In truth, had this been any other time, she wouldn’t have spared a second glance at this Forbidden Art. In this era of peace, something so blatantly illegal was practically useless.

“But…”

Her fingertip unconsciously came to a rest on a specific page of the parchment.

[Heart-Beguile]: By transforming Interpretive power into a hybrid energy—a mixture of Succubus Charm, Heart-Bewitching Demon Force, Fox-Spirit Allure, and Shadow-Ghost Miasma—the user sacrifices all offensive capabilities to drastically enhance their verbal power of persuasion and seduction.

“Beguilement… Can it help me win back the Professor’s heart?”

In the dim dormitory, Xiao Yuehua’s face rose and fell with her breath under the glow of her phone. Her eyes looked hollow, bordering on the eerie.

“So, do you understand this point now?”

“Mhm… more or less.”

“Good. Let’s look at the next one. This concept is a major point; it’s highly likely to appear on your test.”

“Is that so?”

“Don’t look at my face. Look at the textbook.”

“The same goes for you, Professor. If you aren’t staring at me, how do you know I’m looking at you?”

“I can feel it.”

“Liar. It’s not like you have a third eye…”

Inside the Interpretation Room, the Professor was giving Ning Rou a private tutoring session on theoretical concepts.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yuehua stood silently outside. Through the window, she stared fixedly at their backs, her expression terrifyingly tense. Every time she stood here, she was reminded of the early days of her own tutoring, when she would secretly watch the Professor enjoy his Cloud Cookies every morning.

Thinking back, her perception of the Professor began to change from that very moment. The memories of that period had always been a treasure she kept secret in her heart.

But now, even this treasure hidden deep within her was being contaminated by an outsider.

There was always a ‘Ning Rou’ by the Professor’s side now. Even over a single cookie, the two of them would share it as naturally as close friends.

Xiao Yuehua hated that sight. The person sitting by the Professor’s side, sharing cookies, should clearly have been her.

He was her tutor, yet because of a so-called bet, he had unilaterally suspended their sessions. He had said he would help her experience all kinds of emotions, yet he had abandoned her and chosen Ning Rou.

She understood that there were reasons for everything the Professor and Ning Rou were doing.

But it wasn’t right.

For her—and her alone—it was unfair.

So…

“I’m sorry, Ning Rou. I still don’t want to give up. That bet of yours… I don’t plan on honoring it anymore,” Xiao Yuehua murmured in a voice only she could hear.

As today’s tutoring session drew to a close, Jiang Li habitually packed away his laptop and materials. He noticed that Ning Rou was acting a bit fidgety, making no move to get up.

Such an expression was quite uncharacteristic for the usually carefree Ning Rou. Curious, he spoke up in a teasing tone:

“What’s wrong? Does Teacher Ning Rou have anything else to instruct her student on?”

Sure enough, Ning Rou let out a giggle, and most of the awkwardness dissipated. She scratched her cheek, her eyes wandering as she spoke.

“It’s just… didn’t the Professor say he was going to treat me to dinner?”

“I did.”

“You weren’t joking, right?”

“Of course not.”

“Then…” Ning Rou’s expression brightened considerably. “Is the Professor free this weekend?”

“Well…” Jiang Li suddenly hesitated, causing Ning Rou’s face to stiffen.

“The Professor has plans?”

“Yes,” Jiang Li nodded. “I might need to ask for that person’s permission first.”

“That person?”

“My teacher. I still have classes with her this weekend.”

“…Professor, you’re a bully!”

It took Ning Rou a moment to realize Jiang Li was referring to her. She huffed and playfully punched his shoulder. Running to the door, she turned back with a beaming smile.

“Then it’s a deal! We meet at 8:00 AM on Saturday. Don’t be late, Professor!”

With that, Ning Rou ran off, as nimble as a cat, quickly disappearing from sight.

Jiang Li shook his head with a faint smile. Perhaps his luck was finally turning around. Ever since he had temporarily cut off contact with Xiao Yuehua according to the bet, his “quest progress” had become unexpectedly smooth.

Unlike Xiao Yuehua, Ning Rou was easy to understand. His relationship with her didn’t require calculation; it progressed naturally and step-by-step. In contrast, the sense of being manipulated when he was with Xiao Yuehua was truly bone-chilling to recall.

Of course, it wasn’t that Jiang Li disliked or rejected Xiao Yuehua. On the contrary, he felt a heavy sense of guilt toward her. After all, the shift in Xiao Yuehua’s psyche was definitely inseparable from his own actions.

It was just that when facing a target who could turn the tables and control him, a sense of powerlessness was inevitable.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

From behind, crisp footsteps approached.

“Student Ning Rou, did you leave something behind again?” Jiang Li turned around instinctively.

But standing before him was Xiao Yuehua. Her long hair hung still, her expression eerily quiet.

The sudden visit of this unexpected guest caused Jiang Li’s expression to freeze instantly.

“Professor.”

Xiao Yuehua stared deathly into Jiang Li’s eyes.

“You don’t seem very happy to see me. Am I unwelcome?”

Her voice was cold and ghostly, sending the internal alarms in Jiang Li’s mind screaming with a sense of crisis. If not for that familiar, beautiful face, Jiang Li would have almost thought he was looking at a phantom from a horror movie.

Knowing that his reaction had caused her to misunderstand, and wanting to soothe her, Jiang Li let out a sigh.

“Student Yuehua… it’s been a long time.”