Chapter 389: The Night of Compliments

"How do you feel after successfully unlocking the navel core?" Yue asked, looking at him over the rim of her cup.

"I can actually feel the core pulsing now," Solomon responded, resting his cup on his knee. "I definitely feel significantly stronger, but I am also feeling weak and drained for some reason."

"That is normal after a major breakthrough," Yue reassured him. "You skipped a minor sub-stage and ascended directly into the next major realm in a single night. Your body is just adjusting to the massive influx of spiritual capacity."

She offered a proud smile. "It is a truly miraculous feat. I still cannot believe you were actually able to do it all in one night."

"I could not have done it without you," Solomon praised her genuinely. "You did everything. You guided my focus, you provided the energy, and you stabilized the flow. Thank you."

[1Fizzy: giving her the credit, smooth.]

[James_hayes: W Solo Man.]

[Naturic: he knows how to appreciate his teacher.]

Yue chuckled, a faint blush returning to her cheeks. "While I appreciate that you are trying to give me the credit, Solomon, you did all the actual hard work. I simply provided the qi you required, nothing else. There were many other ways to acquire that energy. The absolute control, the unwavering focus, and the mental compression... that was all you. So, all the credit belongs to you."

Solomon smiled, genuinely happy with the validation.

"You should not downplay yourself when you are working so incredibly hard," Yue added, her tone turning serious.

"While your progress might seem effortless and ’lucky’ to others, I understand and know exactly how agonizingly hard it is. Sure, you are highly talented and a very quick learner, but that is not an excuse to dismiss your own effort. I have never seen such a hardworking person in my entire life, except for my father."

She looked out over the sea of clouds. "Many people desperately want to be strong. They train, and they train hard. But there is a difference between being passionate and being obsessed. You are definitely the latter."

[Mezz_3863: the battle maniac allegations confirmed by the master.]

[M00N: Solo Man is built different.]

[sgtcwby: obsessed is an understatement.]

Solomon chuckled softly. "You are pretty awesome yourself, you know. You are a highly respected Pavilion Master at the age of twenty-two. You are clearly incredibly strong." He took a sip of his tea. "I honestly do not think I can become as strong as you even when I turn twenty-two."

Yue immediately dismissed the praise. "It is mostly thanks to my talent and my unique body constitution. And a large part of my strength is simply because I hail from the main branch of the Jin clan."

Solomon furrowed his brow in confusion. "What exactly does the Jin clan have to do with your individual strength?"

"My father, Jin Tian, was the Clan Patriarch," Yue explained softly. "But he gave up that position entirely after my younger sister’s death. Now, his uncle, Jin Shi, serves as the Patriarch. But before my father stepped down, I was rigorously trained and raised with the best resources available, groomed to be a prominent figure in the clan."

Solomon could clearly see the deep sadness clouding her emerald eyes as she spoke about her family’s fractured past. He decided not to ask any more probing questions about the tragedy.

"You literally just told me not to downplay my own hard work," Solomon pointed out gently. "And now you are doing the exact same thing. You should just take a compliment when someone gives it to you."

[Brerell: hit her with her own logic!]

[Foodball: W conversation.]

[Nick: they are so good for each other.]

Yue couldn’t help but laugh at the quick reversal. "Alright, fine. I will accept the compliment when you give it to me again."

"You are awesome, you are a Pavilion Master at twenty-two, and you are incredibly strong," Solomon repeated verbatim, offering a wide grin.

[Brerell: bro did exactly what she asked.]

[Zoomtech: flawless execution.]

"Thank you," Yue smiled, her eyes crinkling. She tilted her head curiously. "By the way... how old are you, exactly?"

"I will be nineteen in a few weeks," Solomon answered.

Yue hummed in deep amusement. She looked at him with heavy, lidded eyes, a distinct, playful intention lingering in her gaze. "So... you are really not that much younger than me."

[GoonLord: THE TENSION IS BACK!]

[Dakota_Smith: SHE IS MAKING A MOVE!]

[Ron_Selby: Solo Man is in danger!]

[Ferald: the age gap is closing!]

They talked for a while longer, enjoying the peaceful night breeze. Eventually, Solomon set his empty cup down and stood up.

"I should probably leave now," Solomon announced, stretching his arms. "We both need to get some rest."

He paused, looking around the balcony. "I completely forgot to ask earlier, since I only arrived today. Where are my assigned quarters in this pavilion?"

[LazyCat: bro is homeless.]

[User12: sleeping on the streets tonight.]

[TallicaStew: ask to sleep in her bed!]

Yue looked slightly hesitant, rubbing the back of her neck. "Well... first of all, I honestly did not know you were coming back today. And second, I had absolutely no idea you were promoted to the second year. So, your lodging has not been decided or prepared yet. While I can technically send you over to the second-year dormitories right now, I highly doubt there would be any empty, clean spaces available for you at this hour."

Solomon was completely speechless at the administrative oversight.

"Uhh... I guess it’s not really your fault either..." he let out a sigh. "Well... no worries. I will find some spot to sleep."

Yue stood up from her chair, offering a warm, inviting smile. "How about you just sleep here tonight until your lodging has been finalized? It is far too late to go wandering around the dorms anyway."

[Joshua_Swofford : MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!]

[GoonLord: BARK BARK BARK BARK!]

[DaoistAlexkg: OMG YES!]

[Vaelen: Solo Man secured the bag!]

[trenthay: best outcome possible.]