Chapter 245: Wang Dong – Don't, We're Outdoors!
"ROAR!"
The Xiezhi lunged fiercely, its massive shadow falling over Xiao Xiao.
Shhh—!
A streak of dark-golden light burst forth as five enormous spectral claws, each more than a meter long, materialized before Xiao Xiao's raised hand.
The Dark Gold Dreadclaw—the top-tier external soul bone perfectly fused with her right arm—was unleashed in full combat for the first time.
Raw, terrifying power surged through her arm, nearly tearing her muscles apart. Gritting her teeth, Xiao Xiao focused every ounce of will and slammed her claws downward.
"Dreadclaw—Rend!"
Five streams of dark-gold light flashed—so fast they could barely be seen, so sharp they sliced reality itself.
There was no deafening explosion—only a faint, crisp shhht, like silk being cut cleanly in two.
The charging Xiezhi froze mid-air, mere inches from Xiao Xiao.
And then—
Riiip!
Its enormous body, clad in black-green scales that could normally repel destruction, split apart from chest to shoulder as if it were nothing but soft cloth.
The cut was flawless—straight, mirror-smooth.
Organs, bones, flesh—everything crumbled under the claws as if sliced by a hot blade through butter.
A crimson fountain erupted, splattering in the air like a grotesque rainstorm.
Thud!
The monstrous corpse hit the ground with a heavy crash, soaking the earth in blood that spread like ink, staining the forest floor bright red.
The violent soul energy that had filled the forest moments ago vanished instantly.
Xiao Xiao stood frozen in her striking pose, her right arm still extended, trembling slightly from exhaustion.
Her pale face was dotted with crimson blood, the contrast making her seem both fragile and fierce.
The attack hadn't consumed too much soul power—but the physical toll of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw was immense. That single blow had nearly drained her body's strength completely.
Her light-green dress was torn in several places, the lower hem shredded into strips that exposed the lining beneath. It made her look pitifully disheveled. Thankfully, her underlayer remained intact, sparing her from worse embarrassment.
Bzzz—
The Xiezhi's body dissolved, leaving behind a glowing purple soul ring, its aura strong and steady—an eight-thousand-year treasure.
"Xiao Xiao, well done."
In a blur, Ye Chen appeared at her side. Gently wiping the blood from her face, he pulled her into his arms, his tone warm and full of praise.
"Phew… that nearly scared me to death…"
Feeling Ye Chen's familiar embrace, Xiao Xiao relaxed completely, her trembling subsiding into quiet relief.
She'd dared to face the Xiezhi only because he was there beside her. Still, her back was drenched in sweat from the tension.
"Alright, let me help you restore your soul power first. We'll make sure you're adjusted before absorption." Ye Chen led her to a patch of grass nearby.
"Mm…"
Xiao Xiao blushed softly, understanding what he intended, but didn't resist.
They sat close together on the grass. Ye Chen crossed his legs first, and Xiao Xiao, in practiced familiarity, wrapped herself around him slightly so their energies could flow in sync as they meditated to recover.
Not far away, Wang Dong walked over, puffing her cheeks as she watched them.
"This guy… he totally planned this…" she muttered under her breath.
She'd expected a drawn-out, thrilling fight—only for Xiao Xiao to end it with one single strike.
She'd been knocked around, torn her clothes, and all for nothing!
And that move Xiao Xiao used—it was clearly a soul bone ability!
Such a powerful external soul bone… that had to be Ye Chen's gift.
He'd never given her a soul bone.
The more Wang Dong thought about it, the more that bitter feeling bubbled up.
Still, she knew better than to interrupt him now. With a sigh, she pulled out a robe, wrapped it over her torn outfit, and sat sulking in the corner, drawing circles in the dirt.
A few minutes later, Xiao Xiao finished restoring her soul power and began absorbing the purple soul ring.
That's when Wang Dong got up again, marched over to Ye Chen, and grabbed him by the collar. "Ye Chen! That soul bone—did you give it to Xiao Xiao? You never gave me one!"
Her voice carried anger, but there was an unmistakable note of hurt hidden beneath it.
"That was Xiao Xiao's own find," Ye Chen explained gently, holding her by the waist. "When I took her to get her third soul ring, she defeated a Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear and got that soul bone herself. She earned it."
Wang Dong's lips pursed, her face half sulky, half uncertain. "Really…?"
He smiled and hugged her closer. Her torn clothes revealed fair, smooth skin beneath—the sight stirred a hungry warmth in his chest.
"Alright…"
Wang Dong sighed softly, her voice shrinking to a whisper.
Truth be told, she couldn't stay mad long. Once Ye Chen held her close, all her frustration seemed to melt away.
Especially when his breath brushed against her cheek—her pulse quickened, her thoughts dissolving into heat.
Ye Chen noticed the faint disappointment still flickering in her expression. Smiling, he tilted her chin slightly and kissed her gently on the lips before saying, "You want a soul bone too, right? Fine. The Wanbao Pavilion should have plenty in stock. We're not short on money anymore—after you reach Soul Sect, I'll buy one just for you."
In the original story, Huo Yuhao had to borrow money to buy her a soul bone. But Ye Chen didn't need loans—his wealth could buy a hundred.
If Wang Dong wanted it, he'd never deny her.
"Really?"
Her eyes lit up instantly at the surprise.
"Of course!" Ye Chen chuckled. "When have I ever said no to you?"
His tone was tender, indulgent. His hands, still holding her slim waist, wandered lower as he pulled her closer.
"Mm… Don't…"
Wang Dong's face flushed deeply as she squirmed in his arms. "Not here… we're outdoors…"
But before she could finish, Ye Chen lowered his head again and kissed her, silencing her words with warmth.
Her hands, which had been pushing weakly against his chest, trembled… then clutched at his shirt instead.
His kiss was slow, gentle, coaxing rather than forceful, washing away all her nervousness and lingering fear.
Bit by bit, her tension melted. Her slender arms slid up around his neck, drawing closer as her thoughts drifted away completely.
(END CHAPTER)
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