Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 857: Chapter 857: You Have to Take Responsibility for Me

Under Ye Qingchen’s continuous infusion and guidance of energy, the fire element within Xue Zhao’s body gradually began to be released, and her physical condition started improving.

Xue Zhao felt the burning within her body slowly dissipate, and her consciousness also became gradually clearer.

Her brows slightly furrowed, and her eyelids began to twitch, as if struggling to break free from the shackles of the nightmare.

Xue Zhao’s breathing gradually became stable, and the rise and fall of her chest were no longer so urgent.

As Ye Qingchen continued to guide the energy, the energy flow within her body became smooth, and her body temperature gradually returned to normal.

Xue Zhao’s eyelids finally lifted a little, revealing a thin line of weak light.

Although her vision was blurry, she gradually began to make out some shapes.

Xue Zhao blinked her eyes, trying hard to fully wake up.

Gradually, her eyes regained their brightness, first seeing the cave ceiling above her, then Ye Qingchen beside her.

Ye Qingchen had been watching her face nervously all along. When he saw Xue Zhao’s eyes slowly open, the large stone weighing on his heart finally fell.

Ye Qingchen finally breathed a sigh of relief, flashing a reassuring smile, with a hint of excitement in his voice: ”Xue Zhao, you’re awake!”

Xue Zhao’s gaze gradually focused, finally seeing Ye Qingchen’s face clearly.

Her lips moved slightly, emitting a weak sound: ”Ye Qingchen... where is this? What happened?”

Ye Qingchen held her hand tightly, feeling that her palm was no longer so hot, and the worry on his face gradually faded.

He smiled and said, ”You were unconscious for a long time. When we were collecting Fire Crystal Stones at the bottom of the Lava Lake, your body was affected by the high temperature. Fortunately, Yan Lao guided us in time, and I used energy to help you channel the fire element within. Now you’re safe.”

Xue Zhao gradually came to her senses, feeling some discomfort on her body. She looked down and discovered she was completely naked.

Her face immediately changed, eyes widening in surprise, feeling her cheeks instantly turning red as if on fire.

She quickly used both hands to cover her body, raising her head to look at Ye Qingchen, her expression full of complex emotions.

”This... what happened? Ye Qingchen, you have to take responsibility!” Xue Zhao’s voice carried a hint of shyness and excitement, staring openly at Ye Qingchen.

Seeing this, Ye Qingchen immediately displayed an awkward and tense expression, hurriedly explaining: ”Xue Zhao, don’t misunderstand! When you lost consciousness, the fire element within you went out of control. Yan Lao said it had to be done naked to guide energy for you. I was only following his instructions, absolutely nothing else!”

He tried to keep his tone calm, but the slightly urgent expression betrayed his inner turmoil.

That Xue Zhao, just because of this, shouldn’t insist he marries into her family!

He’s in the prime of his youth and doesn’t want to get married so early!

Ye Qingchen continued, ”Really, you should recover quickly, that’s the most important thing! I only wanted to save you.”

Looking at Ye Qingchen’s anxious appearance, Xue Zhao felt a wave of amusement rising in her heart.

She could sense Ye Qingchen’s sincerity and genuine intention, though the surprise earlier made her momentarily unable to accept it, she now found it somewhat amusing.

Her lips slightly curled into a smile, a mischievous glint flashing in her eyes.

”Oh? You just wanted to save me?” Xue Zhao asked seriously, though her gaze held a playful smile.

Ye Qingchen nodded eagerly, quickly saying, ”Yes, yes, I just wanted to save you!”

Xue Zhao suddenly leaned in closer, saying softly, ”Did you peek just now?”

Ye Qingchen was startled by her words, his face turning even redder, frantically waving his hands: ”No, no! I definitely didn’t peek! I was focused on guiding your energy, I didn’t have time... no time to look at anything else!”

Xue Zhao watching Ye Qingchen’s flustered and clumsy appearance, couldn’t help but burst into laughter. She gently patted his shoulder, teasingly saying: ”Okay, okay, I’m just teasing you, don’t be so nervous. You saved me, how could I blame you?”

Ye Qingchen was stunned for a moment, then relaxed, forced a smile: ”You really gave me a scare.”

Xue Zhao looked at him with a smile, softly saying: ”But still, thank you, Ye Qingchen. Although the process was... unique, I know you were trying to save me.”

Ye Qingchen finally relaxed, smiling: ”Good that you’re okay, just don’t make me marry into your family.”

Xue Zhao gave Ye Qingchen a playful glare, smiling.

After getting dressed, Xue Zhao looked radiant, though still somewhat weak, she had considerably recovered.

At this moment, Yan Lao appeared again, he entered the cave and upon seeing Xue Zhao had recovered, he relaxed immediately.

His face displayed a rare expression of ease, letting out a long breath.

”It’s great to see you fine, my heart can finally settle.”

Yan Lao spoke slowly, his furrowed brow relaxed, eyes filled with a hint of relief and satisfaction.

He could now see that these two definitely weren’t the ones polluting the Energy Core.

However, the internal affairs of the Xue Family really are a mess, someone had been poisoned to such an extent.

He walked up to Xue Zhao, carefully examining her briefly, confirming her complexion had returned to normal, his worry gradually dissipating.

He lightly patted Ye Qingchen’s shoulder, approvingly saying: ”You did great, Xue Zhao’s quick recovery was thanks to your efforts.”

Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao shared a smile, Xue Zhao blinked at Ye Qingchen again.

”By the way, Yan Lao, those Fire Crystal Stones should total a hundred.”

Ye Qingchen took out the Fire Crystal Stones from the bag, placing them before Yan Lao. Each stone gleamed with a fiery red light, as though containing infinite flames within.

These Fire Crystal Stones varied in size, some as large as a fist, others only the size of a thumb, but each emitted a strong energy fluctuation, their surface smooth like a mirror, giving off a heart-palpitating heat.

”These are the Fire Crystal Stones we collected from the bottom of the Lava Lake,” Ye Qingchen explained, ”Xue Zhao collected many at the lake bottom, and lastly that Fire Dragon fell down uninvited.”

Yan Lao nodded, roughly counted them, and indeed they were enough.

He looked contentedly at these Fire Crystal Stones, a hint of joy flickered in his eyes. Then he picked up one stone, examining it carefully, feeling the surging energy within.

”These Fire Crystal Stones are of great quality, enough to repair the Energy Core,” Yan Lao said, his tone carrying a hint of praise, ”Your task this time was excellently completed, these stones will significantly aid the restoration of the Energy Core.”

He carefully stored the stones, turned to Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao, saying: ”Next, I’ll need to integrate these Fire Crystal Stones into the Energy Core to restore the volcano’s stability. Do you want to join me? To be honest, the Energy Core could greatly enhance your cultivation.”