Chapter 387

Scarlett couldn't help but find Steven's sudden shift from a bright smile to a frozen expression amusing. Helping Steven out didn't bother her, but teasing this intriguing guy added a touch of excitement to her otherwise peaceful life. "You figured it out a while ago, huh?" Steven admitted, feeling a twinge of guilt. It was only polite to give a heads-up before seeking assistance. "Those fresh injuries on you were a dead giveaway. And hanging around like you did? It wasn't hard to put two and two together," Scarlett replied, her eyes sharp and insightful. "I've actually been thinking about how to repay you..." Steven scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Looks like the benefactor's finished paying up and is now asking for his due. Well, turns out there's no such thing as a free ride," Steven mused inwardly with a wry smile. If that was the case... "Go ahead then!" Steven clenched his jaw, shutting his eyes and bracing himself as if ready to endure whatever came his way. Scarlett blinked, perplexed. "What are you doing?" "Letting you punch me," Steven replied, opening his eyes with a hint of confusion. "I remember how much you enjoyed sparring with me back at Purple Haze Mountain, so I thought that maybe you'd like to use me as your personal punching bag. Isn't that what you meant?" Scarlett found it amusing. "What else could you have meant?" Steven asked, still uncertain. "Well..." Scarlett started to respond, then chuckled softly. She shook her head in disbelief. No wonder Steven had such a knack for colorful insults when he went off on Conrad. His cheeky comments always had a mischievous twist to them. "Afterward, how about I take you out to dinner to repay the favor?" "Sure... Wait, what?" Steven agreed, then glanced at Scarlett in disbelief. "Did she just mix that up? You're the one who helped me. Shouldn't I be treating you to dinner? What's going on?" he wondered. Before he could ask, Scarlett had already drifted away. Her steps were leisurely, but each stride seemed to carry her farther and farther. Damn, her moves were insane! Steven couldn't help but marvel at her skills. He was truly impressed. Scarlett's agility and effortless maneuvers made Conrad's Ladder Cloud Leap Technique look like amateur hour. Unlike Conrad's flashy announcements before every move, Scarlett moved with quiet confidence and skill. There was no need for theatrics. Conrad probably hadn't even seen a fraction of Scarlett's true ability. Steven realized that he had also underestimated Scarlett. "Damn, I've got to step up my game. I can't always have someone else looking out for me! I can't keep riding on others' coattails forever. Where's the self-respect in that?" Determined, Steven vowed to train harder and improve himself. He had initially figured Scarlett could handle Conrad, but he worried she might rub the Silva family's Vajra Grandmaster the wrong way. There were only a few of those heavy hitters in all of Southern Drakon. Steven didn't want Scarlett catching heat on his account, so he was dead set on training hard to become a Vajra Grandmaster himself as soon as possible. Then, he could be the one protecting Scarlett. But now, it seemed that if that Silva family Vajra Grandmaster showed up, Scarlett would end up knocking them around. Steven liked to joke about being the ultimate freeloader. But deep down, he had no intention of living off others. His plan was to rise up and take charge of his own destiny. Rumors were already swirling in Levix City about him being a kept man. He couldn't let those rumors become fact. After all, once he hit Divine-grade status, everyone would have grand titles—Master Sage of Medicine, Master Sage of Weapons, Master Sage of Martial Arts—all prestigious names. He sure as hell didn't want to be known as the Master Sage of Mooching.