Chapter 247: Xiao Xiao's Fourth Soul Skill—Seal!
"Don't worry~ I'll never give away your secret. I'll just say I slipped off a cliff, found a heavenly treasure, and boom—rank 40 just like that," Wang Dong said with a playful grin.
She knew her family would definitely ask questions. If they ever suspected something, they might even confront Ye Chen about it.
Since she had gained such benefits from him, there was no way she'd sell him out.
Whatever excuse she invented, she'd never let anyone know the truth.
"Good. This'll stay a secret between us. Don't tell anyone," Ye Chen said with relief.
The Clear Sky Clan's Old Niu and Old Titan were tough to deal with; he'd rather avoid that trouble altogether.
"Mm-hmm~"
Wang Dong nodded, then nuzzled softly against Ye Chen's neck, her tongue lightly brushing against his skin.
When Ye Chen wasn't teasing her, she truly loved his scent—it made her feel safe, comfortable, even happy.
…
Time passed quickly.
Two hours later, Xiao Xiao's breakthrough finally neared its end.
Nearby, Ye Chen and Wang Dong had long since finished meditating—and had done… other things as well.
For instance, Wang Dong's white stockings had mysteriously vanished, likely dirtied and buried under a tree somewhere.
Crackle.
The fire burned brightly, fat dripping from the roasting Xiezhi meat, sizzling golden over the flame and filling the air with mouthwatering aroma.
The flesh of an eight-thousand-year soul beast was incredibly nutritious—an invaluable source of vitality—and they weren't about to waste it.
Wang Dong sat close beside Ye Chen, swinging her pale legs idly as the smell of roasting meat enveloped them.
"Alright, it's done."
Ye Chen sliced off a perfectly cooked chunk and brought it to Wang Dong's lips. He used a touch of soul power to cool it for her.
"Mmm~"
She took a bite happily, savoring the rich, savory flavor. "It's so good~"
Her eyes squinted with satisfaction.
Ye Chen had chosen the most tender part of the Xiezhi's body—the meat beneath its abdomen. With a spirit beast of such level, every bite was bursting with soul energy.
"Eat slowly, mind your manners," Ye Chen teased, leaning in to lick the grease from the corner of her lips.
"Ugh, that's gross! You just licked my saliva…" Wang Dong complained halfheartedly, blushing even as her tongue flicked subconsciously against the same spot.
Ye Chen just laughed. "I don't mind~"
Their lighthearted banter filled the clearing.
Suddenly, a deep hum of energy resonated nearby—the clear surge of powerful soul fluctuation.
Both turned toward Xiao Xiao.
Her absorption was complete.
A radiant aura surrounded her body, and Ye Chen nodded approvingly.
The eight-thousand-year soul ring had not only stabilized perfectly but lifted her cultivation beyond rank 40—straight to rank 42. The residual medicinal essence of her celestial herb likely amplified the enhancement.
"Phew…"
Xiao Xiao exhaled, sweat glistening along her forehead. Absorbing such a powerful ring had pushed her limits, but she had succeeded.
"Xiao Xiao, how do you feel?"
Wang Dong hurried over.
"Much better… just a little tired," Xiao Xiao said with a small smile.
"Congratulations."
Ye Chen stepped forward and pulled her into a warm hug. "My Xiao Xiao is now a true Soul Sect!"
"Mm, thank you, Ye Chen~"
She rose on her toes and planted a quick kiss on his cheek before resting softly against him.
Her gratitude was heartfelt, her affection just as genuine.
In half a semester, she'd reached what would take others years. Without Ye Chen, she'd still be training painfully with the rest, struggling for modest progress.
In this world, cultivation relied as much on opportunity as on effort—and Ye Chen had given her both.
"Xiao Xiao, what kind of skill did you get this time?" Wang Dong's curious voice interrupted, smiling mischievously.
"Ah…"
Xiao Xiao stepped back quickly, embarrassed to still be in Ye Chen's arms. "My fourth skill seems to be a type of powerful sealing ability."
"A sealing skill?" Wang Dong's eyes sparkled. "Show us! It's an eight-thousand-year ring, after all!"
"Right, let's test it," Ye Chen said, nodding. "Use it on me. I'll evaluate its effect."
He couldn't recall the skill's exact details from memory, and while his system could analyze it precisely, he wanted to see it in action himself.
"Okay!" Xiao Xiao said, energized by curiosity.
She raised her right hand. "Spirit, arise—Three-Life Town Soul Cauldron!"
A massive bronze cauldron materialized before her as her four soul rings—two yellow, two purple—rose behind her in sequence.
The fourth, deepest purple glowed brightly.
WHOOM!
The spectral image of an enormous cauldron expanded, nearly three meters wide, and came crashing down toward Ye Chen.
Ye Chen calmly activated his Ice-Scale Armor to guard himself but made no effort to dodge.
BOOM!
The shining cauldron fell, surrounding him instantly in its shimmering projection.
Its pressure wasn't built for attack—it was pure restraint. Nevertheless, the moment it encased him, Ye Chen could feel the sealing force attempting to suppress his movements and drain his soul energy.
The skill's strength was remarkable—it could suppress enemies up to two major ranks above her level.
Against most Soul Emperors, it would immobilize them for several seconds.
But Ye Chen was another story entirely.
While his cultivation didn't seem far removed, his actual power was leagues beyond hers.
With one hand, he raised an ice-covered palm and pressed firmly against the inner wall of the cauldron's barrier.
Thud!
A deep vibration echoed through the air.
Then—
Crack… BOOM!
In a single motion, the enormous spectral cauldron shattered into fragments of energy, the resulting backlash knocking Xiao Xiao backward a step and scattering shockwaves through the clearing.
Her face paled as she staggered, barely steadying herself.
The sheer casualness of his counter left her speechless.
She had finally stepped into the Soul Sect realm, gained an eight-thousand-year ring, and executed her most powerful skill—yet Ye Chen had shattered it with a single palm.
She looked at him, awe shimmering in her clear eyes.
Just how strong was this man she loved?
(END CHAPTER)
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