Good Things Interrupted

At that moment, Bai Ying went straight to Ye Lingling's room.

"Lingling, save me."

Ye Lingling had been asleep when she suddenly saw Bai Ying stagger into the room. She was so startled that all sleepiness vanished. Bai Ying's face was covered in blood, and his body was full of wounds. He looked utterly miserable. She immediately sat up from the bed, hurried to the door, and caught Bai Ying as he was about to collapse.

"Brother Bai, who did this to you?" Ye Lingling asked painfully, her eyes full of concern.

Bai Ying struggled to raise his head. A flash of anger and unwillingness passed through his eyes as he clenched his fists, as if he still wanted to rise and fight again. But the pain in his body left him unable to move, and he could only barely remain standing with Ye Lingling's support.

After helping him onto the bed, Ye Lingling immediately released her Martial Soul, the Ten-Heart Begonia.

Its terrifying healing power instantly flooded Bai Ying's body, and even his pain no longer felt so intense.

It had to be said that although the Ten-Heart Begonia possessed only one skill—area-wide healing—it truly lived up to the saying that with such a Martial Soul around, even dying was not easy.

In terms of support, it could even surpass the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, known as the continent's number one support Martial Soul.

Bai Ying nodded slightly and pressed his lips together, trying his best not to let out any pained groans. He knew that now was not the time to pursue responsibility. Healing his injuries was what mattered most.

Ye Lingling did not dare waste even a moment. She quickly sat cross-legged, closed her eyes, and gathered her Soul Power. A faint blue glow gradually spread from her body—the light of the Ten-Heart Begonia Martial Soul. The light grew brighter, as though a warm force were flowing out from within her and toward Bai Ying.

Bai Ying only felt a warm current enter his body. The intense pain he had been enduring actually began to ease. He looked at Ye Lingling in surprise, admiring her abilities even more. Her Soul Power flowed continuously into his body, repairing his damaged meridians and muscles.

Bai Ying's shock was beyond measure. He had never imagined that Ye Lingling's Martial Soul could be so terrifying. Nourished by her Soul Power, not only did his injuries rapidly improve, but he even felt his cultivation loosen slightly.

Just as Bai Ying was immersed in this unexpected delight, Ye Lingling suddenly opened her eyes. Starlight flickered in them, carrying determination and resolve. She softly asked, "What exactly happened? Why were you hurt so badly?"

"Never mind. I won't ask about some things. Stay here and recover properly first."

Warmth filled Bai Ying's heart. He knew that with Ye Lingling here, he had nothing to fear.

"Lingling, don't go. Stay here with me." Bai Ying's voice carried a trace of trembling and pleading.

Hearing this, a warm feeling rose in Ye Lingling's heart. She nodded gently, then sat beside Bai Ying's bed. Her movements were soft and careful, as though afraid of disturbing him. Her hand lightly brushed over his wounds, bringing a warm touch that made Bai Ying feel incomparably at ease.

"Does it still hurt?" Ye Lingling's voice was gentle and concerned, as peaceful as a spring breeze brushing over a lake.

Bai Ying shook his head slightly, a faint smile appearing on his face. "With you here, of course it doesn't hurt." His voice was low and magnetic, carrying an indescribable emotion.

Bai Ying suddenly said, "It's been a long time since the two of us have been this close, hasn't it?"

Ye Lingling's heart trembled slightly. She nodded, her voice carrying a trace of nostalgia and emotion. "Ever since you kissed me when we were children, we haven't been like this for a long time."

A faint, unnatural flush crossed Bai Ying's face. He scratched his head awkwardly and smiled. "Back then, I kept saying every day that I wanted to marry you. Do you remember?"

A smile flickered in Ye Lingling's eyes. Her thoughts seemed to return to that innocent childhood. Back then, the man before her had gently kissed her, then solemnly promised that he would marry her. Even now, those beautiful memories still made her heart race.

"Lingling, would you marry me?"

Bai Ying suddenly dropped to one knee and looked deeply into Ye Lingling's eyes. His gaze was blazing and resolute, as if he wanted to see through her entirely. Ye Lingling's face immediately turned red, her heartbeat speeding up as though the whole world had frozen.

Before she could react, Bai Ying suddenly pounced on her and pressed her onto the bed. Ye Lingling cried out in surprise, but he immediately pulled her tightly into his arms. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, as if it might leap from her chest.

Bai Ying's hot breath fell against her neck, making her feel ticklish, yet also giving her an indescribable warmth and sense of security. At that moment, Ye Lingling felt as though she were surrounded by a sea of flowers, enveloped in the scent of happiness.

Bai Ying and Ye Lingling's heartfelt confession and intimate actions seemed to sweeten the air around them. Yet this sudden turn of events left Ye Lingling somewhat at a loss. She struggled shyly, wanting to push Bai Ying away, but he held her tightly, leaving her unable to move.

Just then, a knock came from outside the door, breaking the warm yet tense atmosphere. Both of them jolted in surprise and quickly pulled apart. Ye Lingling straightened her clothes, trying to make herself look calm.

The door slowly opened, and a figure appeared in the doorway. It was Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu.

When Ning Rongrong saw the scene, her face instantly reddened like a ripe apple. She hurriedly turned around and slammed the door shut with a bang, her voice trembling slightly as it came from outside. "You two... sorry for interrupting!"

Then there was no more sound outside. Ye Lingling wanted to get up and explain, but Bai Ying held her tightly, as if he wanted to meld her into his body. His lips seemed to brush the softness of her cheek, carrying warmth and reluctance.

In the sudden silence, their heartbeats could be heard clearly. Ye Lingling's cheeks grew slightly warm. She could feel Bai Ying's body temperature and breathing, which made her somewhat flustered.

Ye Lingling shyly pushed Bai Ying away, though the blush on her cheeks had not fully faded. She looked nervously toward the door, worried that Ning Rongrong and the others might misunderstand. Bai Ying, meanwhile, lay on the bed with a satisfied expression, a smug smile at the corner of his lips.

Just then, another voice came from outside. This time, it was Xiao Wu. She seemed somewhat curious as she asked, "Lingling, are you two in there? Is everything all right?"

Ye Lingling hurriedly replied, "We're fine. Don't misunderstand." As she spoke, she adjusted her clothes and hair, trying to make herself look more normal.

Bai Ying watched her with a teasing expression, as if saying, See? This is what you get for being shy.

"Hmph, don't get smug!" Ye Lingling huffed coquettishly, then walked over and opened the door.

Outside, Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu were peering around curiously. The moment the door opened, they immediately crowded closer.

"Lingling, what were you doing just now? Why did it take so long to open the door?" Ning Rongrong asked with a gossiping grin.

Ye Lingling's face reddened slightly as she explained awkwardly, "Nothing. Bai Ying's injuries were too serious, so I was treating him just now."

Understanding flashed through Ning Rongrong's eyes. She giggled and teased, "Oh~ treating his injuries? Then did we interrupt you two?"

Ning Rongrong's words made Ye Lingling even more embarrassed. She lightly glared at Bai Ying, signaling him not to speak. Bai Ying merely shrugged innocently, as if saying, You can't blame me for this.

Ning Rongrong smiled and invited Ye Lingling. "Lingling, a few of us are planning to take a bath. Do you want to come with us?" Her voice was light and cheerful, with a hint of mischief.

Upon hearing this, Bai Ying immediately perked up. He blinked and asked tentatively, "Rongrong, are all of you going? Then can I come too?" A hopeful look appeared on his face, as if he could not wait to join them.

Seeing how eager Bai Ying looked, Ning Rongrong could not help laughing. She shook her head and teased, "You? Don't even think about it. This is girls-only time. You can't just join whenever you want."

Bai Ying immediately looked like a deflated balloon, his face full of disappointment. He pouted and muttered, "Seriously, you won't even let me take a bath."

Seeing his aggrieved expression, Ning Rongrong found it amusing, but she also felt a little sorry for him. She stepped forward, gently patted Bai Ying's shoulder, and said softly, "All right, don't be sad. Once your injuries are healed, we can take a bath together."

Bai Ying's eyes lit up as though he had seen hope again. He immediately nodded and agreed. "All right, then I'll recover as quickly as possible!"

Ning Rongrong smiled and nodded, then pulled Ye Lingling and Xiao Wu out of the room with her. Bai Ying was left lying alone on the bed, a satisfied and happy smile on his face.

The girls entered the bathroom, where steam rose everywhere, making it feel as though they had stepped into another world. The water temperature was just right, warm and relaxing. Ye Lingling, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu removed their clothes, leaving only their close-fitting swimsuits, then happily jumped into the water.

Water splashed everywhere as laughter and playful shouts rose one after another. Ye Lingling closed her eyes and let the water wash over her body, as though it could rinse away all her worries and exhaustion. Ning Rongrong swam over to Ye Lingling's side, and the two linked arms as they splashed and played in the water. Xiao Wu happily slapped at the water nearby, sometimes diving beneath the surface and sometimes leaping out of it like a joyful little fish.

Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the bathroom door, followed by a familiar voice. "Lingling, are you in there? Can I come in?"

The three girls were startled. Ye Lingling hurriedly swam to the edge and grabbed a bath towel to wrap around herself. Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu also hurriedly covered themselves, awkwardness and panic appearing on their faces.

"Who is it? What are they doing here at a time like this?" Ning Rongrong muttered softly, full of confusion.

The voice outside sounded again. It was Bai Ying. "I'm injured again. Hurry up and treat me."

Ning Rongrong glared at the door and grumbled unhappily, "That guy really never goes away!" Then she turned to Ye Lingling with a smile. "Lingling, ignore him. Let's keep bathing."

Ye Lingling nodded, though she was somewhat worried. She feared that Bai Ying's injuries might really have worsened, but she did not want to spoil everyone's fun. After hesitating for a moment, she still decided to enjoy this rare chance to relax first.

The sound of water soon resumed in the bathroom, accompanied by the laughter of the three girls. Outside the door, Bai Ying stamped his feet in anger. Leaning against the door and listening to the sounds within, intense jealousy and unwillingness rose in his heart.

Why do they get to soak comfortably in the bath while I can only stand outside? Bai Ying thought resentfully. He felt like a pitiful little outcast, while the three girls in the bathroom were living in paradise.

After a while, the bathroom door finally opened slowly. Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and Cat Girl emerged one after another. They wore pure white bathrobes, with towels lightly draped over their fragrant shoulders, revealing patches of fair skin and giving off a faint, clean bathing scent.

Bai Ying sat at the edge of the bed, his gaze drawn to them unconsciously. As he watched them leave the bathroom, their graceful figures were half-hidden beneath their bathrobes, every step seeming to tread on his heart. Especially when they occasionally revealed a smile or a playful glance, ripples stirred endlessly in his heart.

Bai Ying unconsciously swallowed, his gaze wandering over them as if he wanted to preserve the beauty of this moment forever. He secretly sighed to himself that these girls were simply too beautiful, each one seeming as though she had stepped out of a painting.

Seeing Bai Ying's infatuated stare, Ning Rongrong could not help feeling a little pleased. She walked up to him and slowly spun around, her skirt fluttering like a blooming flower. Blinking at him, she asked playfully, "Well? Am I pretty?"

Ning Rongrong's sudden action left Bai Ying somewhat stunned. He nodded blankly, even his voice trembling slightly. "P-Pretty."

Seeing Bai Ying's dazed expression, Ning Rongrong could not help laughing. She walked to his side, lightly patted his head, and said with a smile, "Silly, have you looked enough? Don't keep staring at me. I'll get embarrassed."

Only then did Bai Ying come back to his senses. He scratched his head awkwardly and smiled. "I... I just think you're too beautiful. I couldn't help looking a few more times."

Ning Rongrong wore a smug smile after hearing that, though she deliberately scolded him, "Smooth talker. Be careful, or I won't pay attention to you anymore."

Seeing this, Bai Ying quickly wiped the playful expression from his face and said seriously, "All right, I won't say anything else. You girls should hurry up and check my injuries. I feel like the wound hurts a little."

Only then did Ning Rongrong stop joking. She walked to Bai Ying's side and carefully inspected his injuries. She gently lifted his clothes, revealing the ferocious wound beneath, and surprise flashed through her eyes.

"How did your wound split open? Did you move around again just now?" Ning Rongrong asked with a frown.

Bai Ying touched his nose awkwardly and said softly, "I just wanted to come find you all. I didn't expect to bump the wound by accident."

Ning Rongrong sighed and shook her head helplessly. Turning to Ye Lingling and the other girls, she said, "Looks like we need to bandage him again. Who wants to help?"

Before long, with everyone working together, they finally finished treating his wound.

"I'm really sorry. I honestly couldn't write the Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament arc well. I truly had no idea how to continue writing it, so I just skipped over it."