Chapter 180: Winning Over Ling Luochen, Part 2
Silk stockings were nearly useless for soul masters—unless made from silk of spirit beast origin. Otherwise, a single pulse of soul power was enough to tear them apart.
Those top-tier spirit-beast silk stockings were extremely expensive and short-lived, so few ever bought them—at most, one or two pairs to wear at a banquet or social event.
"Hehe~"
Ye Chen chuckled, crouched slightly, and gently lifted Ling Luochen's delicate foot into his hands.
The stocking felt smooth and slightly cool to the touch. Even through the thin barrier, he could feel the soft warmth of her skin beneath.
Without thinking, Ye Chen opened his mouth—
"Idiot! Don't even think about it—that's dirty!"
Ling Luochen quickly pulled her foot back and gave Ye Chen's face a playful kick, pouting.
This boy really did want to bite everything…
"I wasn't—I didn't—you're misunderstanding!" he protested immediately.
"Hmph, I don't believe you. You wanted to."
Ling Luochen glared sharply at him, then quickly pulled off the stockings and tossed them into the trash bin before he could do anything else.
Just in case he actually went and tried something crazy.
It was one thing for him to be playful occasionally, but this habit of his was far too natural—surely, he'd done it often before.
"Damn Ma Xiaotao… that woman definitely corrupted him!" Ling Luochen cursed silently to herself.
Ye Chen sighed inwardly. "I swear, I really didn't—"
"Who would believe you?" she scoffed, rolling her eyes.
"…"
Helpless, Ye Chen slid his arm around her smooth, slender waist and pulled her closer.
Her cool body pressed against his bare chest, the faintest fragrance rising between them.
The lace trim of her undergarments brushed his skin, tickling his nose and making him itch slightly.
His other hand drifted down, cupping her soft curves through the thin lace. The fabric felt fragile, barely a whisper between his palm and her skin.
"Mmm…"
A small sound escaped her lips as her body tensed slightly. Blushing, Ling Luochen buried her face against his chest.
Ye Chen smiled faintly, then lifted her gently and set her into the warm bathwater.
Ripples spread across the surface, soaking her sky-blue lace lingerie instantly. The thin fabric became almost translucent, clinging to her body and outlining every graceful curve.
Ling Luochen instinctively tried to cover herself—until she saw Ye Chen drop his towel and join her in the water.
With a splash, he sat down, drawing her into his arms. Their bodies pressed close beneath the heat and swirling bubbles.
Ye Chen reached for the shampoo, squeezing a bit into his hand. His tone softened. "Luochen-jie, turn around. I'll wash your hair."
"Hmph, at least you're being sweet now."
She pouted slightly but relaxed, turning her back to him. Her damp black hair fanned out beautifully across her shoulders, part of it floating on the surface of the water.
Ye Chen couldn't help but admire how healthy and glossy it looked.
Soul masters truly were blessed. Their bodies were perfectly healthy, immune to most ailments. Even their hair never thinned or fell out.
No one worried about fatigue or sickness—late-night cultivation was even encouraged in many academies.
His fingers slid gently through her hair, massaging her scalp just right. The scent of the shampoo mingled with the steam, light and sweet.
"Does it feel good?"
He leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear and neck.
"Mhm… it does…"
Her response came out as a soft hum, half word, half sigh, lazy and sweet. Her whole body seemed to loosen under his touch.
He rinsed the foam away carefully. Clear water cascaded over her back, tracing the line of her spine before vanishing beneath the bubbly surface.
Water continued overflowing gently from the faucet, carrying excess suds away.
"If you like it, I'll wash your hair every day," Ye Chen said lightly.
Once her hair was clean, his hands didn't stop—instead, they slipped lower, brushing along the clasp at her back.
A subtle pop echoed.
"Ah~!"
She gasped instinctively, arms snapping up.
But the warm bubbles covered everything, his hand gliding along her waist with practiced ease, brushing the soaked lace edges.
"Ah… Ye Chen…" she murmured faintly, her body yielding under his touch. The soft sigh that followed was filled with confused pleasure.
Nestled in his arms, she felt strange—but there was also a warmth, a closeness that melted her resistance.
Of course, his hands were being mischievous again.
"Luochen-jie…" he whispered against her shoulder, resting his chin there. His eyes were locked on hers.
"Wh-what is it…?" she asked weakly, though she already knew.
He didn't answer, just stared. His breath caressed her skin, setting her face ablaze.
"Mmm… alright—just promise you'll be good to me," she said softly, voice trembling. "When that awful Ma Xiaotao bullies me again, you have to take my side…"
Her heart fluttered as she spoke. After spending time with him, she realized that being Ye Chen's woman wasn't so bad after all.
He treated "his people" sincerely—and she sensed that what he showed her was only the surface of his strength.
Following him might truly be the best choice she'd ever made.
And with his protection, Ma Xiaotao wouldn't dare tease her again.
"Alright. Xiao Tao-jie is nice, but I won't let her bully you anymore," he promised quietly.
Then he leaned forward and kissed her lips.
Waves stirred in the bath.
…
Hours passed.
Later, Ye Chen carried a drowsy, content Ling Luochen back to bed.
"Terrible…" she muttered weakly, curling into his chest.
Now she finally understood why Ma Xiaotao had wanted someone to join her before.
Turns out… she'd been roped in as the substitute target.
"Rest well, Luochen-jie," Ye Chen said softly, kissing her cool cheek. "Once you advance to Soul Emperor, I'll help you evolve your martial soul."
When she finally drifted into sleep, Ye Chen quietly activated his daily sign-in.
[Sign-in successful. Reward: Intermediate Soul Spirit Contract Scroll ×1]
[Intermediate Soul Spirit Contract Scroll: Choose one spirit beast within 100 km (under 990,000 years old) and bind it as your Soul Spirit. The Soul Spirit can shift between corporeal and spiritual form with your consent.]
(END CHAPTER)
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