"Don't worry. Follow me and serve me well. In the future, obtaining a Transformation Pill might not be impossible!"
After planting a Soul Seal on the Amethyst Winged Lion King, Xiao Bai saw it remain in shock for a moment before collapsing to the ground with a look of utter despair. He couldn't help but feel a bit speechless.
Although he had never studied the art of leadership, he understood the principle of wielding both the stick and the carrot. So, he painted a grand picture for the Amethyst Winged Lion King.
Upon hearing this, the Amethyst Winged Lion King was initially skeptical. But then, recalling the formidable soul power of its new master, a trace of excitement flashed in its eyes. Could it be that he was also an Alchemist?
Seeing the Amethyst Winged Lion King suddenly light up with enthusiasm, Xiao Bai smiled in satisfaction. Even though this beast was now under his control, it would still be troublesome if it chose to feign obedience at critical moments. It was better to entice it with benefits first and observe its future performance.
At that moment, Yun Zhi also walked up curiously. Looking at the massive lion that had been fighting her fiercely just moments ago, now utterly docile and devoid of its previous fury and killing intent, she couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
She hadn't expected to encounter such a remarkable young man during this trip to the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
"Ah Niu, are you really not coming to the place I mentioned?" Yun Zhi asked, reluctant to see such a promising talent drift away.
"I won't go and trouble your friends," Xiao Bai replied with a smile, shaking his head. Then, noticing her expression, he asked, "Are you about to leave?"
"Yes." Yun Zhi nodded gently and said softly, "I've already been out for several days. Now that everything is settled, I must return."
She had been away for too long, and there were many matters to handle within her sect. She needed to return as soon as possible.
"This is the Purple Spirit Crystal you wanted." Xiao Bai took out a crystalline object from his storage ring and handed it to Yun Zhi, ignoring the side glance from the Amethyst Winged Lion King.
"Thank you." Yun Zhi accepted the Purple Spirit Crystal with her delicate hand, speaking in a soft voice.
"No need to be polite. I promised to help you, after all." Xiao Bai smiled gently.
Yun Zhi's beautiful eyes looked softly at Xiao Bai—the young man who had saved her twice, taken care of her, and helped her. A complex emotion surfaced in her gaze.
"Come with me." As if making a firm decision, she suddenly took Xiao Bai's hand and led him back into the cave.
Xiao Bai had no idea what she intended to do, but he followed her in, puzzled. When they reached the depths of the cave, Yun Zhi stopped.
"Turn around. Don't look back, and don't use your soul power to peek!" Yun Zhi bit her lip slightly, her gaze shifting uneasily as a faint blush spread across her delicate face.
"Alright." Xiao Bai seemed to understand what she was about to do. His expression turned solemn as he agreed and turned around. To ensure privacy, he even set up several layers of soul barriers in the cave passage.
Seeing him turn away, Yun Zhi's jade-like hands trembled slightly as she loosened her plain robe. She carefully removed the faintly glowing, light-green metallic inner armor from her body. In an instant, a flawless, sculpted figure was exposed to the dim light of the cave.
Blushing slightly, Yun Zhi quickly put her dress back on. Then, holding the inner armor in both hands, she looked at Xiao Bai's back and said softly, "You can turn around now."
Hearing this, Xiao Bai turned around and first glanced at Yun Zhi, whose face was still slightly flushed. Then, his gaze fell on the inner armor in her hands, and he immediately understood.
Yun Zhi stepped forward, handing the armor to Xiao Bai. She spoke gently, "You have your own opportunities and don't lack cultivation techniques or battle skills. It seems I have little else to offer you. This piece of armor, the Heart of the Ocean, is made from a rare metal found inside the belly of a Rank 6 sea magical beast, the Three-Tailed Blue Whale. Its defensive power depends on its owner's strength. With your Dou Ling level, I believe you will find it useful. Consider it a token of gratitude."
At first, Xiao Bai's expression was calm and warm, but as he listened to her final words, his eyebrows gradually furrowed, and his face slowly turned cold.
Seeing that he didn't take the armor, Yun Zhi was puzzled. But when she noticed the sudden change in his expression, she was momentarily at a loss—what had upset him again?
"If this is compensation, then please take it back. I don't need it!" Xiao Bai said coldly.
Yun Zhi understood and couldn't help but feel amused. She did indeed have the intention of repaying him, but more than that, she wanted this inner armor to protect him. She hadn't expected him to misunderstand, so she had no choice but to rephrase her words.
"Alright, alright, I misspoke, okay? This is a farewell gift, not compensation. Satisfied now?"
"That's more like it." Xiao Bai muttered, finally accepting the armor. He ran his hand over it and found that it didn't feel like metal at all—rather, it was as soft as silk, carrying a faint warmth and a subtle fragrance.
Seeing his mood shift from cold to warm so quickly, Yun Zhi found it amusing. This little guy could be incredibly mature at times, taking care of others with great attention to detail. Yet, at other times, he behaved like a child. A peculiar warmth rose in her heart.
As she watched him absentmindedly stroking the inner armor, her face suddenly flushed. That had just been on her body—it almost felt as if his hands were touching her directly. Feeling uncomfortable, she quickly interrupted him, "Alright, put it away now!"
"Hehe… does this count as a love token?" Xiao Bai chuckled, storing the armor while winking at Yun Zhi in a teasing manner.
"Ugh, what love token? That sounds awful!" Yun Zhi's face turned slightly red as she knocked him on the head in annoyance. "You little rascal, you're too young to be thinking like this!"
Seeing her charming and slightly exasperated expression, Xiao Bai felt a stir in his heart. Realizing that they would soon part ways, he acted on impulse, spreading his arms as he softly said, "Yun Zhi, I want to hug you."
Yun Zhi was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected him to push his luck further. Her first instinct was to refuse, but when she saw the reluctance in his eyes and remembered how he had behaved properly over the past few days, her heart softened. She lowered her gaze—neither agreeing nor refusing.
Seeing this, Xiao Bai knew she had consented. Feeling a surge of joy, he reached out and wrapped his arms around her slender waist, pulling her into his embrace.
As he held her trembling, delicate body, he tightened his embrace, breathing in her faint, soothing fragrance. His chin gently rubbed against her smooth forehead.
Yun Zhi's emotions were complicated. She had cultivated alone for so many years, never expecting that her trip to the Magical Beast Mountain Range in search of the Purple Spirit Crystal would lead to this...
At that thought, she sighed softly. Her pale, snow-like arms reached out hesitantly before finally wrapping around Xiao Bai's sturdy waist, resting her delicate head against his chest.
"Are you really not coming with me?" Yun Zhi asked again, listening to his strong and steady heartbeat. The thought of parting, unsure of when they would meet again, made her voice unconsciously softer.
"When I've settled some matters, we will meet again. I have a feeling that day won't be too far away." Xiao Bai gently stroked her silky hair, amused that Yun Zhi was no longer mentioning her so-called 'friend.'
But thinking about the future, his gaze turned resolute—this time, he wouldn't let her be put in a difficult position.
"Mm." Yun Zhi had expected this answer. She hadn't really thought he would agree, so she simply nodded.
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