Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 354: Chapter 354: Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, Green Dragon Fruit Tree

The woman in white was puzzled. Every martial artist who entered the Chaotic Labyrinth did so to find opportunities and raced against time. There was also a time limit, which made them even more desperate to seize every second.

However, the young man before her, who had clearly entered earlier than her party, was wasting time by standing still.

Unable to curb her curiosity, the woman in white spoke to Ye Qingchen, ”Hello, my name is Liu Qinghan. Why are you wasting time here instead of searching for opportunities?”

Liu Qinghan’s words interrupted Ye Qingchen, who was searching for a way out of the maze. This added to his frustration, and he replied irritably, ”Rushing around now is just as pointless as not moving at all. It’s a complete waste of time.”

Ye Qingchen’s indifferent attitude left Liu Qinghan slightly stunned. With her attractive appearance and demeanor, she was the adored junior sister in her Sect, and everyone she met was polite and eager to please. But this young man wouldn’t even spare her a glance.

Yet, Ye Qingchen’s words gave Liu Qinghan food for thought.

She recalled the Sect elders’ instructions before her departure. The Chaotic Labyrinth was filled with mazes. Could it be that this young man has discovered some clues?

With that thought, Liu Qinghan decided to stay by Ye Qingchen’s side to see what his plans were.

Ye Qingchen glanced at Liu Qinghan and then looked away. He admitted that Liu Qinghan was indeed beautiful, but his heart already belonged to someone else. He certainly wouldn’t develop feelings for her just because she was attractive.

Ye Qingchen ignored Liu Qinghan and continued using his Dual Pupil Martial Soul to search for the maze’s exit.

Liu Qinghan did not speak again to disturb him. Instead, she sat quietly to the side, observing their surroundings.

A quarter of an hour later, Liu Qinghan was astonished to see the dozen or so people who had been ahead of them somehow circle back from behind. These people were still in a great hurry and paid little attention to Ye Qingchen and Liu Qinghan as they rushed past.

They’re going in circles!

It was only then that Liu Qinghan understood that this place was indeed a maze. No wonder this young man wasn’t in a rush. At the same time, she felt a measure of respect for Ye Qingchen. Everyone had entered the Chaotic Labyrinth around the same time, but while others were still blundering around like headless flies, this young man had swiftly figured things out.

As time passed, the same group of people appeared behind Ye Qingchen and Liu Qinghan for the fifth time. Finally noticing something was amiss, they stopped in their tracks and stared at the two of them.

Feeling their gazes on her, Liu Qinghan could only shrug helplessly, indicating she was just as clueless.

At that moment, Ye Qingchen suddenly began to move.

He slowly walked ahead on the path, and Liu Qinghan quickly followed. After a few paces, Ye Qingchen turned left and entered the white fog.

Liu Qinghan bit her lip and followed him. After a moment’s hesitation, the dozen or so people behind them did the same.

Upon entering the fog, the view ahead suddenly opened up, and the mist instantly vanished. Looking back, the path they had come from was gone completely.

Ye Qingchen didn’t stop, continuing onward and completely disregarding the strange looks from those behind him. He kept changing directions, and the scenery constantly shifted. About an hour later, he finally paused, his gaze settling on an enormous bush a hundred meters away.

”Is that... is that a green dragon fruit tree?” Liu Qinghan covered her mouth and exclaimed in surprise.

The green dragon fruit tree only matured once every millennium. It could help a martial artist cleanse their Martial Soul, enhancing their aptitude and Cultivation. It was of immeasurable value!

Ye Qingchen nodded but didn’t rush forward.

Liu Qinghan curtsied to Ye Qingchen and said, ”Thank you, Young Master, for leading the way. Otherwise, I don’t know how much longer I would have been trapped in that maze.”

Ye Qingchen shook his head without replying, his attention still fixed on the green dragon fruit tree.

The green dragon fruit tree had about twenty ripe fruits. These fruits were incredibly potent mid-tier heavenly treasures that could rapidly boost a martial artist’s cultivation. The effect was practically heaven-defying!

By now, the dozen or so others had arrived and were equally stunned by the sight of the tree. Greed filled their eyes as they stared at the twenty-odd green dragon fruits.

They had only escaped the maze by following Ye Qingchen, yet not a single one of them offered him thanks. Instead, they eagerly rushed toward the green dragon fruit tree.

Liu Qinghan stamped her foot in frustration. ”You people are too much! If it weren’t for this Young Master leading the way, you’d still be stuck in that maze! Now that we’ve found green dragon fruits, they should rightfully belong to him. What are you scrambling for?”

”What a joke,” one of them retorted with disdain as they ran. ”Since ancient times, heavenly treasures belong to the strong. Besides, we escaped the maze on our own. What does it have to do with him?”

The group didn’t slow down at Liu Qinghan’s reproach.

Hearing their words, Liu Qinghan grew even angrier. ”Have you no shame? Someone saved you, yet you show no gratitude. How are you any different from beasts?”

At this, one of the men stopped and shot Liu Qinghan a cruel look. ”Keep spouting nonsense and I’ll kill all of you. You’re a pretty little thing, though. I don’t mind raping you before I kill you.”

The threat enraged Liu Qinghan even more. She was about to teach them a lesson when Ye Qingchen held her back.

Puzzled, she stopped and looked at him. Ye Qingchen simply smiled, shook his head, and said, ”Forget it. Let them be.”

Liu Qinghan reluctantly stood down, but her bewilderment deepened. She didn’t take Ye Qingchen for a coward. How can he be so timid! And to think I was standing up for him, speaking out for him! Hmph! My kindness was completely wasted on him!

Just then, the group reached the green dragon fruit tree and began to climb it, trying to pick the fruits.

HISS!

A giant green python as thick as a water bucket suddenly appeared. The python opened its gaping, blood-red maw, spraying a viscous green liquid toward the crowd.

Those touched by the liquid began to rot, turning into pools of blood in an instant. A dozen people collapsed in the blink of an eye, and only a couple of martial artists farther away managed to escape.

The python flicked out its forked tongue, shooting a glob of the liquid at one man. He died instantly. Then, its giant tail whipped out and coiled around the other survivor.

This was the same man who had threatened Liu Qinghan moments ago. Utter despair filled his eyes as he reached out toward Ye Qingchen for help, but Ye Qingchen coldly turned his head away.

The python constricted its body, relentlessly squeezing until it had crushed the man into a bloody pulp.

Horror filled Liu Qinghan’s eyes as she watched the cruel scene unfold. She instinctively hid behind Ye Qingchen.