"You…"
When Qian Renxue saw Xiao Tianyang's expression, her initial shyness vanished, replaced by concern. "Are you okay?"
"I won't die just yet," Xiao Tianyang replied, his face filled with sorrow.
Qian Renxue was puzzled. "Then why do you look like that?"
"My hair… it's gone," Xiao Tianyang said, on the verge of tears but unable to cry.
Qian Renxue: "..."
'Even in a life-or-death situation, you are worried about your hair. Are you incredibly carefree, or just out of your mind?'
"Woof Woof Woof!"
Bubu, standing nearby, was stomping his feet in frustration.
What kind of time was this to be flirting? Didn't they realize a thousand year soul beast was right behind them? Worse yet, a ten thousand year soul beast was approaching not far away. How could they be in the mood for this?
This time, prepared, Xiao Tianyang sprang up like a carp.
With a swift motion, he scooped Qian Renxue into his arms in a princess carry. In the next moment, he activated Graceful Steps upon the Waves and darted away from the spot.
Boom!
Another fireball crashed down. Though caught off guard earlier, Xiao Tianyang wasn't so careless this time.
When he finally stopped at a safe distance, he had a moment to glance back at the soul beast that had ambushed them.
Since Qian Renxue was already here, there was no need to hide his Ancient God Eyes in this life-and-death situation. A flash of golden light erupted as his God Eyes opened, immediately locking onto the soul beast.
Soul Beast: Flame Magma Beast
Type: Fire, Earth
Year: 70,809 years
"I can move on my own. Put me down," Qian Renxue said, her voice unusually soft.
Xiao Tianyang looked down and nearly fainted, feeling a nosebleed coming on.
"Don't look!" Qian Renxue's face turned crimson with embarrassment. Despite her best efforts to cover herself with her hands, some glimpses were inevitable.
Xiao Tianyang quickly set her down, turned his back, and handed her a robe. "If you don't mind, wear this."
Qian Renxue shot him a glare but took the robe and covered herself, feeling slightly more at ease.
Suddenly, Xiao Tianyang turned around and bowed deeply, his expression solemn. "Thank you for being generous!"
Qian Renxue: "..."
His words nearly made her faint on the spot.
'How could someone be so shameless? To say such a thing at a time like this—utterly ridiculous! '
Whoosh!
Hearing the sound of wind, Qian Renxue's pupils contracted.
She ignored everything else and tried to pull Xiao Tianyang back. But to her surprise, he not only shook off her hand but also turned around to counterattack.
At the same time, his first soul ring lit up, followed by the others.
"Take this!"
Nine flames merged into one, surging with soul power, forming a massive palm print that shot toward the fireball without hesitation!
Boom!
The flame palm print collided with the fireball, shattering it on impact. The two attacks canceled each other out.
Qian Renxue was stunned for a moment before quickly grabbing Xiao Tianyang's arm. "This is the Flame Magma Soul Beast—it's extremely difficult to deal with. That was just its normal attack. We're no match for it. Retreat now!"
"No need!" Xiao Tianyang stood firm, unmovable as a mountain. "If you trust me, stay. I'll give you a fortune."
Qian Renxue looked into his gray eyes, momentarily confused. His face, so beautiful it could make even women jealous, was incredibly deceptive.
But what struck her most was his demeanor—calm and unshaken, as if even the collapse of Mount Tai wouldn't faze him. It gave her an inexplicable sense of security…
But the next moment, her body was yanked aside.
Then, she heard Xiao Tianyang's teasing voice: "I know I'm handsome, but you don't have to keep staring, do you? Also, isn't this a bit of a bad time to admire my face?"
Qian Renxue: "..."
All the goodwill she had just felt vanished in an instant.
"What are you planning to do?" she asked, her expression serious.
"You came here to find your seventh soul ring, right?" Xiao Tianyang asked while dodging another attack from the Flame Magma Soul Beast.
Seeing no point in hiding it, Qian Renxue nodded. "Yes, but shortly after I arrived, I was ambushed by the Flame Magma soul Beast. I haven't had the chance to hunt for a soul beast."
"I've already prepared a gift for you. See that over there?" Xiao Tianyang pointed toward the Golden Flame Tiger Bear he had defeated earlier. It wasn't dead yet.
"That's… the Golden Flame Tiger Bear!"
Qian Renxue hadn't noticed it earlier due to the chaos and Xiao Tianyang's presence.
Her knowledge of soul beasts far surpassed his amateur understanding. With just one glance, she could discern almost everything about the Golden Flame Tiger Bear.
"It's close to 70,000 years old… Wait, you said you defeated it?!"
Originally, Qian Renxue was analyzing the situation, but she suddenly realized the key point and couldn't help exclaiming.
"Of course. Did you think it just fell over on its own?" Xiao Tianyang rolled his eyes.
"But that's a 70,000-year spirit ring. I'm afraid my body won't be able to handle it…" Qian Renxue couldn't help but feel worried.
"With me here, you can try boldly. Unless you still don't trust me," Xiao Tianyang said, his charming eyes locking onto hers.
"Fine, I will believe you!" Qian Renxue said seriously. "At least this time."
Xiao Tianyang didn't mind her words. After all, if there was a first time, there would definitely be a second. Women often resisted a little at this stage, showing their reserve. It was understandable.
With a smile, Xiao Tianyang reached into his storage ring and pulled out a palm-sized wooden box.
"This pill is called the Heart Protecting Pill. Don't worry about its specific effects—just know it'll help you absorb that soul ring." He handed the box to her.
"Did you use this to absorb your spirit rings?" Qian Renxue asked, not doubting him but shocked by the implications.
"Don't get me wrong. I rely purely on my strength and talent," Xiao Tianyang said, slightly offended. "I, Xiao Tianyang, don't need such external aids to grow stronger… Oops!"
He stumbled, nearly falling. Patting his chest, he muttered, "Only sometimes."
Qian Renxue: "..."
'Why are you trying to crack a joke at the most inappropriate times?'
Was it intentional, or was it just his nature?
Looking down at the wooden box in her hand, a complex expression flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes.
…
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