Chapter 139: The Sixth Soul Ring, The Plan for the Ice Empress
"Ahem… about that…"
Ye Chen cleared his throat awkwardly, unsure how to explain himself.
"Pfft~"
Xian Lin'er couldn't help laughing at his flustered look.
Reaching out, she patted his head and said gently, "Alright, alright. I'm not mad. But so many talented girls around you like you—make sure you treat them right. If you mess up and turn it into a Shura Field, you'll be the one who suffers."
She spoke from experience—after all, she'd been in that kind of Shura situation before, though back then she was the one wronged.
If only Yan Shaozhe had said a single kind word, or tried to comfort her, she might have forgiven him.
But the man had run off with Cai Meier without even glancing back. That was something she'd never forget.
As for her and Ye Chen...
It had started as mere teasing on her part. But over time… feelings had grown, and things ended up as they were now.
Their relationship was taboo, so neither spoke of it openly, yet they both understood the nature of it.
This unspoken bond was fine by her.
Even if Ye Chen had fun with other women, she might feel a trace of jealousy, but she wouldn't interfere.
If he ever truly needed her help, she would even lend him a hand.
"Mm, thank you for the reminder, Teacher~" Ye Chen nodded obediently, one hand subconsciously resting on Xian Lin'er's hip.
Smack!
Her quick reflexes caught him—she swatted his hand away instantly.
"Stop that! You can't fool around like this in public—it's bad for your reputation," she said, blushing furiously.
"Sorry, Teacher… I'm just used to it," Ye Chen admitted sheepishly.
In the laboratory, she always let him do whatever he wanted. Over time, it had become second nature.
"No such behavior outside the lab," she scolded, pinching his cheek softly. "In the lab, you can do as you please—but not here!"
"Yes, yes!"
Ye Chen nodded earnestly. He knew he'd gotten careless—almost slipped up—and the last thing he wanted was to cause trouble for her.
Xian Lin'er had treated him incredibly well; he didn't want to make her life harder.
"Good~ that's my well-behaved student."
She smiled, ruffling his hair affectionately.
Ye Chen had power, talent, and discipline—or at least when she demanded it. Even when he was being mischievous, she couldn't really stay mad at him.
Then something occurred to her. "By the way, you've broken through to level 60 now. Have you decided when you'll go get your next soul ring? I can help you prepare—I'll come along when I have time."
"It's fine, Teacher. For this sixth ring, I plan to go with Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan," Ye Chen replied with a shake of his head.
"Oh? You brat—don't tell me you're involved with her too?" Xian Lin'er blinked, obviously surprised.
She had assumed he was only close to Ma Xiaotao—but now Zhang Lexuan too?
"Ahem! Don't get the wrong idea, Teacher. Senior Sister and I are innocent," Ye Chen said quickly.
The last thing he needed was for her curiosity to spiral out of control.
"Hehehe~ fine, fine, I won't pry," Xian Lin'er giggled, covering her mouth with a knowing look.
If he was denying that strongly, it probably meant yes.
She found it amusing more than anything—an extra woman here or there made no difference.
Even she couldn't deny Ye Chen's charm; it was only natural others felt the same.
Still, she couldn't help wondering just how far things had gone between him and Zhang Lexuan…
A faint unease passed through her heart.
After all… she hadn't yet gone that far with Ye Chen herself.
She had held back deliberately, for his sake.
But if another woman claimed him first… then her restraint might end up meaningless.
"No, no," she whispered under her breath, shaking her head. "Zhang Lexuan's older and sensible—she won't cross any lines…"
She forcibly dismissed the stray thoughts.
To her, Ye Chen was still young. She could indulge him in most things—but that last step, she absolutely would not allow.
Too many prodigies had ruined themselves by losing control over their desires. She would not let Ye Chen repeat that mistake.
"Still, be cautious," she added firmly. "Even with Zhang Lexuan accompanying you, the Extreme North is dangerous. Don't lower your guard."
At his current level, absorbing a hundred-thousand-year soul ring was still too risky; an eighty- or ninety-thousand-year one would suffice.
Zhang Lexuan's strength was more than enough to ensure his safety—even against formidable creatures like that, she'd be able to flee with him. Together, they could easily take down an eighty-thousand-year beast.
It was just… a bit of a pity.
She had hoped to personally help him acquire his next soul ring—nurturing him that way was one of her few pleasures.
But if he'd already arranged things with Zhang Lexuan, she wouldn't interfere. Everyone had their own plans.
"Heh, it's only the sixth ring, Teacher. When it's time for the seventh, I'll definitely need your help—something over a hundred thousand years, at least~" Ye Chen grinned slyly.
"Hmph, you'd better remember that~"
Hearing his promise brightened her mood considerably; she couldn't help smiling with satisfaction.
The two chatted a bit longer before Xian Lin'er reluctantly left.
Ye Chen then made his way to the inner court—he needed to speak with Zhang Lexuan about the trip.
He wasn't sure if she was available, but if she was, all the better. If not, he could still go alone.
With his current battle strength, he could survive comfortably even in the perilous Extreme North.
The Snow Empress rarely left her dwelling; this period, she would likely be focused on transcending her next tribulation.
The Titan Snow Demon King was massive and powerful—but far too slow to catch Ye Chen.
As long as he didn't provoke that creature, there'd be no trouble.
The Ice Empress, on the other hand—that was exactly who Ye Chen was looking for.
As long as he found her, he intended to bring her home.
She was, by comparison, the least dangerous of the lot.
Inviting Zhang Lexuan along would serve two purposes:
boosting her favor toward him, and providing insurance.
As for explaining the concept of "soul spirits," Ye Chen already had the perfect excuse—everything would be attributed to his "secret technique."
He'd already revealed plenty of unusual abilities; one more wouldn't make a difference.
Besides, given Zhang Lexuan's trust in him, he was sure she wouldn't just keep his secret—she'd help him protect it.
Glancing across the academy's main plaza, Ye Chen turned toward the inner court.
Tomorrow, after watching the finals, he would leave to obtain his sixth soul ring.
And tonight? His goal was simple—invite Zhang Lexuan personally.
(END CHAPTER)
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