Applied Immortality

“We can’t shake him if we take Wu Shiqin.”

Wang Qi’s calm and harsh words had Mao Zimiao paling.

Yang Jun got a boost in strength out of nowhere and was fast enough to keep up with Wang Qi. Wu Shiqin was in dire straits. If he carried her, Yang Jun would catch them.

[Ditch Wu Shiqin and flee?]

It was the best solution, but Wang Qi recalled his grandfather sobbing at his father’s grave.

“Ha-ha-ha, I’ve done enough regretful things for a lifetime. I don’t feel like adding anymore.

“Ah’Zimiao, I seem to recall you’re good at running, yes?”

Mao Zimiao nodded, then reacted in shock. “Y-you… No, I won’t run, nya.”

Wang Qi raised the girl’s head. “Listen, you silly cat. If we took Shiqin, no one would escape. You have quick movements and are the only one certain to find a Foundation Establishment cultivator. It’s the best solution with the highest probability.”

He used lofty terms such as probability and best solutions to convince the girl. Her big eyes teared up. “Little Qi…”

“Take Wu Shiqin a bit further and hide her, then move as fast as you can to find the Foundation Establishment cultivator! Remember that!”

Mao Zimiao lowered her head; her voice was a faint whisper. “Ear…”

“What? I don’t have time to rub them.”

Wang Qi took out the low-grade flying sword he never used from his storage bag and stood up to wait for Yang Jun.

“If… you come out of this safely, I’ll… let you touch my ears, nya…”

Wang Qi turned his shocked face around. Mao Zimiao blushed under his stare, carrying Wu Shiqin and ready to leave.

Wang Qi was quick to rub her cat ears. “Hey, don’t I rub them whenever already?”

“Nya! Let go!”

[I must’ve been really out of my feline mind to ever have feelings for this insensitive prick, nya!]

“Also, don’t talk like I’m dying.” Wang Qi let go. “Bookworms are on a whole other level than underachievers!”

[Don’t go raising such a classic flag, stupid cat. Are you trying to get me killed?]

Yang Jun appeared in the distance, coming over with Wu Shiqin’s magical rope. Mao Zimiao feared that staying any longer would make things worse for Wang Qi, so he ran with Wu Shiqin.

Wang Qi took a deep breath, staring at Yang Jun with the sword at the ready.

Yang Jun showed no reaction as Mao Zimiao fled the scene. He threw away the rope and glared at Wang Qi.

Wang Qi sneered. “It looks to me like you hate me more than the silly cat.”

Since time immemorial, antagonists loved to hear themselves talk. [Every second stalled is a second won.]

Wang Qi had total confidence in stalling Yang Jun rather than beating him.

[Then again, beating this underachiever should be doable.]

Yang Jun broke out in cold laughter. “Ha-ha-ha, yes, I do hate you… from the moment we met…”

Wang Qi took two subtle steps back as he stalled with careful words. “Oh? The first time we met, as in the day before yesterday when you asked for advice, wait. That wasn’t our first meeting. Just what did I do to make you hate me so much?” 

[How am I supposed to add fillers here?]

“Ha-ha-ha, ah-ha-ha-ha! You have no clue, do you, bookworm?” Yang Jun cackled, “It’s only natural that I’m unworthy of being remembered by someone like you.”

“Just what did I do…”

Yang Jun revealed a deranged smile. “That day you stormed into my room when I was reviewing, saying I was being too loud…”

“Noise pollution is on you…”

“Then you started showing me where I’m wrong in my reviewing. You snatched my textbook, scribbled something on it, pointed out the crucial aspects, and went over the topics to teach me how to solve the problems…” 

Wang Qi gazed at the heavens. “It was only my duty. What’s awful about it?”

Yang Jun’s face twisted with malice. “Agh, I… hate that condescending face! I hate your incredible talent! “I hate how good you are at explaining it to others. To me!”

“Shouldn’t you respect knowledge?” Wang Qi was annoyed. “The fruits of our seniors’ pursuit of Dao are the foundation of our strength.”

“You know nothing!” Yang Jun wailed.

Wang Qi crossed his arms. “I only explained stuff to you, not harmed you.”

“You don’t understand. A guy like you… like you, can’t understand me!”

Wang Qi sneered. “Ho~, and how am I supposed to understand if you don’t say it? I’m no pansy and hold no interest in understanding such a ma-, crap!” 

Yang Jun’s puch cut his mockery short. Wang Qi had to scramble away, whining, “Hey, I wasn’t finished!”

Yang Jun spoke uncaringly, “What I hate the most is that insufferable look you pull when you help others…”

“If you hate it so damn much, then screw off! Where was your self-respect the day before when you asked me for help?” 

“You know nothing!” Yang Jun howled, “I’m burdened with a bloody vengeance. All I desire is the death of all demons! There’s not a moment of pause in my path. Everything is for retribution!”

“Am I stopping you from getting it?”

“M-my talent stinks beneath y-yours. You can stroll away on your path with the support of a five best’s Foundation Establishment true disciple and your friends. Seeking Dao looks fun to you… I can’t accept it!” Yang Jun clutched his head. “The first time I saw you, I wondered how the world could have someone like you. I just can’t tolerate you, you, a…”

“Oh, I get it.” Wang Qi’s features turned to convey pure disdain. “It’s obvious now; I can’t tolerate losers like you either.” 

[Hate me for my guidance and taking it for arrogance?]

[Then get your shit together and study harder! Prove me wrong and put me in my place!]

And what do you do?

[I wrote a perfect answer, and instead of being grateful, you want to ruin it?]

[Jealous? Of what, of ‘I have few friends?’ Or do you envy me for my ruined home and lost family?]

“Spiteful.” Wang Qi huffed.

The word was like a signal for them to strike at the same time.