Obedient Little Husband

Their eyes met, and for a moment they fell into an awkward silence.

Ji Xueruo's beautiful eyes widened as if struck by lightning. She was about to burst into a tirade, but looking at the boy's unfocused gaze, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

So she quickly and without hesitation elbowed You Su with her left elbow, scolding, "Why are you standing so close!"

"It smells so good, I want to get closer and smell it."

You Su was quite frank, even taking a deep breath as if she were intoxicated, and naturally didn't mention her actions of secretly using her Black Eyes to observe the two key points from behind.

Ji Xueruo's face flushed crimson. She let out a muffled groan, then turned away and completely dressed, her back to You Su. However, she hadn't put on the scale armor yet; she needed to relax and recuperate for a while.

"You're my brother-in-law, and I'm your aunt. I hope you can keep some distance." The girl's voice was cold. She then sat cross-legged, closed her eyes, and remained silent.

You Su his cheek on his hand, gazing intently at the girl. He wasn't saddened by her deliberate distance; it was a bet they had made, and the mere thought of reuniting was enough to fill him with sweetness. Besides, if she were clinging to him like a little bird, she wouldn't be the Miss Xue Ruo he knew.

"You close your eyes too!"

Seemingly sensing You Su's unwavering gaze, the girl, unable to concentrate on her meditation, let out a cold snort.

You Su chuckled lightly, refraining from further teasing the girl who was meditating.

The flowers and trees on the island, bathed in Spiritual Qi, bloom in a riot of color in late spring.

Stepping out of the cave, the damp sea breeze rustled through the flowering trees, scattering petals like a prodigal son leaving a trail of sorrow, resembling a fragrant snowfall.

You Su took a deep breath and found the fragrance refreshing and invigorating.

"The caves Miss Xue Ruo sought were all surrounded by seas of flowers, truly breathtaking scenery," You Su remarked. He couldn't see them, but he could guess their general location.

"It's a dark and windy night, I could have found you anywhere, why would I need your flattery?"

Ji Xueruo turned around and glared at You Su. Sunlight fell on her beautiful face, reflecting a bright and dazzling light off her skin.

"Where did I flatter you? By the way, do snakes have butts?" You Su asked curiously.

Ji Xueruo's eyebrows shot up immediately. "When we first met, you were willing to pretend to be a gentleman, but now you take pride in being vulgar?"

You Su still maintained an innocent expression, "I am asking this in good faith, Miss Xue Ruo, please don't misunderstand."

Seeing that this man was truly shameless, Ji Xueruo was too lazy to argue with him. She spat and said, "Stay close, or don't expect me to look for you like a mother looking for her fool if you get lost."

You Su found it amusing. He wasn't truly a taciturn person, but he was used to speaking little. Yet, for some reason, he always enjoyed bantering with this proud girl who liked to argue with him, finding it quite entertaining.

The girl was like a black cat that was easily provoked, or a venomous snake that liked to hiss and flick its tongue. She had a dangerous quality that humans should keep away from, yet people couldn't help but constantly test the edge of danger.

"You know... I've never had a mother since I was little..."

With a tearful expression and an innocent-looking handsome face, if You Su were to hold up a sign asking for a sugar daddy on the streets of Henggao City, he would probably be snatched up by rich and capricious women. Unfortunately, this tactic was ineffective against the ruthless Ji Xueruo.

"Is this how you usually deceive women into feeling sorry for you?" Ji Xueruo asked coldly, already taking the first step.

How can telling the truth be called deception?

You Su inwardly grumbled, but the image of the beautiful woman soaking in the Lotus Birth Pool floated into his mind. He dared not answer and hurriedly followed the girl who had been guiding him, the blind man.

Where are we going?

"Let's go back to the place where the Fire Armadillo appeared the night before."

"That Divine Beast is not something that Condensing Water Realm can handle," You Su reminded him worriedly.

"Where Divine Beast roam, there are bound to be heavenly materials and earthly treasures. The appearance of a Divine Beast on this island that surpasses the strength of the Condensing Water Realm must have a profound True Immortal Zhengyang behind it," Ji Xueruo she spoke of important matters. "Hopefully, someone else hasn't gotten there first."

You Su nodded slightly. At present, there were no clues in the search for the Heavenly Awakening Inheritance, so this suddenly appearing Fire Armadillo was naturally the biggest focus.

"If the inheritance has already been taken, the trial should be over. Let's go, there's still a chance."

Ji Xueruo did not answer again, and the two of them quickly traversed through the mountains and forests, one after the other.

You Su sincerely praised the girl's amazing memory, as she could remember the night road she had only walked once.

The girl just looked at him like he was a fool, but she didn't hold back and told him her secret to remembering directions.

It turned out that she had been in a hurry to run You Su that night, and in order to remember the way, she had deliberately sprinkled a kind of powder called snake scale powder along the way. Only snakes could detect this powder. Fortunately, it was only windy and not rainy on this Secluded Island, so they could still vaguely follow the powder to find their way.

You Su's admiration for the girl grew stronger. He had cultivated with two masters, absorbed cultivation from the Little Dog Qianhua, and used many Evil Cultivator as resources to reach the peak of the lower Water Condensing Lower Realm. Ji Xueruo Ruo, on the other hand, did not have as many methods to assist her cultivation, yet she had also reached the Water Condensing Lower Realm.

It should be noted that she and her junior sister were the same age, but she was a few months younger than herself. Moreover, the young girl had many miscellaneous matters to attend to in her clan, unlike those second-generation immortals who only needed to focus on cultivation. She truly carried too much on her slender shoulders, and the hardships and struggles she endured were unimaginable.

"Miss Xue Ruo is truly amazing," You Su suddenly praised sincerely.

Ji Xueruo paused, sensing the sincerity in You Su's words, and felt a warmth in her heart, a sense of happiness that her efforts had been recognized.

"I can't compare to you. When we first met, my cultivation level was higher than yours, but now you've surpassed me."

"If I were asked to handle clan affairs while simultaneously engaging in rigorous cultivation, I could never achieve what Miss Xue Ruo has."

"No need to be modest. Lingruo said that you joined the Evil Warding Department and often need to go out to exorcise evil spirits. You are already much better than those geniuses who only care about their own interests."

You Su was genuinely happy to receive a compliment from Miss Xue Ruo, and asked solicitously:

"Miss Xue Ruo, you seem to be under a lot of pressure. How do you usually relieve stress?"

Ji Xueruo's cheeks flushed instantly, and her soft tone hardened again, "Why did you ask this for no reason?!"

"Naturally, I would like to give Miss Xue Ruo some gifts."

"No need to worry, I don't feel stressed at all, I'm already used to it."

Ji Xueruo answered coldly, then quickened her pace, as if that would shut the meddlesome blind man up.

But how could anyone truly be used to stress? When it comes to relieving stress, she usually does two things:

The first thing was to appreciate the 'love poems' sent by You Su. Putting aside the full of implications in the poems, each one was a good poem worth savoring repeatedly. The second thing was, of course, to be forced to enjoy the pleasure from her sister. Even though this occasionally caused trouble in her daily life, she had to admit that it was very effective in relieving stress.

Sometimes, she would even combine these two things, appreciating poetry while...

Of course, these were secrets she could never tell You Su.

After a period of trekking, they were getting closer and closer to the place where Ming Dao had fallen.

The two slowed down as they noticed an increasing number of cultivators around them. Clearly, news of the Fire Armadillo had spread quickly, and these cultivators were all there for the potential inheritance.

Although they didn't sense any hostility, just to be on the safe side, the two of them naturally couldn't rush in recklessly anymore, lest they accidentally run into someone's encirclement.

"Remember to keep your distance from me. You just killed Ming Dao, so your identity is sensitive. There are many people here, so don't get too close to the Demon Race," Ji Xueruo reminded her.

"Isn't that unnecessary..." You Su reluctantly.

"It's better to avoid trouble." The girl glanced at You Su, but couldn't bring herself to say the resolute words.

Finally, Ji Xueruo saw the deep pit created by the Fire Armadillo.

The pit was roughly thirteen meters wide. Standing on the treetop and looking down, it was pitch black and the bottom was nowhere in sight.

"No matter what, the Fire Armadillo is a fire-attribute divine Divine Beast. Although it likes to live underground, it's unlikely that it could dig such a hole in a short time unless it has the strength of the Void Glimpse Realm. But judging from its aura that day, it's at most a high-level Feather Transformation Realm cultivator," Ji Xueruo said calmly.

"You mean this is the entrance to its cave?"

"I guess so," Ji Xueruo continued her analysis. "That's why it disliked Ming Dao so much that day. It already hates water, Ming Dao insisted on making it rain in front of its house."

"Evil people really do get their just desserts," You Su laughed.

"There are quite a few powerful auras watching you here, and you can still laugh?" Ji Xueruo glanced at You Su.

This was already the outer area of the deep pit, and the crowd was particularly dense. Naturally, many eyes were drawn to the newly arrived human and demon. Some were wary, some were disdainful, and some were eager to try their luck.

Among them were several prodigies who were in no way inferior to Ming Dao. They had also heard about everything that happened that night and naturally recognized You Su, who was the protagonist that night.

"I'm not laughing for them, I'm laughing for you," You Su teased.

Ji Xueruo glared at the heartless young man and genuinely regretted traveling with him.

Just then, You Su sensed a familiar presence approaching them.

In a short while, a figure stood on the branch next door.

With flowing golden hair and a robust physique, he was none other than Ao Yunlie of the Golden Lion Clan.

"Miss Ji, Brother You, how have you been?"

Ao Yunlie greeted him cheerfully, not pursuing the matter of Ji Xueruo's departure without saying goodbye that day.

Ji Xueruo returned the greeting. She tried her best to maintain good relations with these powerful demon clans that occupied the sacred mountain, especially since Ao Yunlie was already considered to have an excellent reputation among those proud and arrogant Demon Race.

"Many thanks to Brother Ao for saving my life that day," You Su said, clasping his hands in gratitude.

"It's nothing. Even if I didn't help, Miss Ji wouldn't let anything happen to you."

Ao Yunlie waved his hand, looking at the handsome man and beautiful woman dressed in black, and thinking of their equally heaven-defying combat power, the word "perfect match" unconsciously came to mind.

"Even a small favor is a kindness. If Brother Ao needs anything, I, You, will do my utmost."

"Is that really true?" Ao Yunlie asked bluntly.

A promise made is a promise kept.

Even without the "snatching someone from the tiger's mouth" incident, Ao Yunlie's act of driving Ming Dao away with his Lion's Roar Skill that day could be considered a favor.

"Very well, I suppose you two have returned here because of what the Fire Armadillo is guarding."

"Has Young Master Ao made a discovery?" Ji Xueruo asked hurriedly.

"It's not really a discovery, just a guess. Even if what this Fire Armadillo is guarding isn't an inheritance, it must be a priceless treasure." Ao Yunlie cast his gaze into the deep pit. "I've already gone down into the pit to explore, but once I reached a certain depth, I felt a threat from the Fire Armadillo. I suspect this pit leads directly to its lair, and what it's guarding is inside the lair."

"So, the Fire Armadillo hasn't left its cave since that night?" You Su asked.

"Indeed, it doesn't seem to be warlike by nature, and has never actively sought trouble with outside cultivators. Only a few fearless individuals thought they could steal something and quietly sneaked into its cave, and then they never came out again."

"Infiltrating won't work, so are we supposed to force our way in? It's at least at the mid-stage of the Feather Transformation Realm. If it stays in the cave, there won't be enough room for many people. Sending more people in would be like moths to a flame." Ji Xueruo frowned. The difference between Feather Transformation and Water Condensation Realm was obvious, let alone a ferocious Divine Beast.

"That's right, but we're not without a chance." Ao Yunlie's eyes were burning. "Do you know why the Fire Armadillo went to Ming Dao first that day, instead of Brother You?"

"Because the Ming Dao is the source of the rainfall," Ji Xueruo replied.

"Miss Ji is indeed incredibly intelligent. News of the Fire Armadillo spread very quickly. Including the two of you, there are a total of forty-three cultivators gathered here, including several at the Water Condensation Perfection, and quite a few renowned figures. The Little Saint Son of the Western Wilderness Continent Savage Holy Hall is proficient in the art of rainmaking; he has already calculated that a heavy rain will fall in a day. The Fire Armadillo will not allow rainwater to flood its nest, so it will definitely come out to repair the hole. While it is out of its nest, we can send a large number of people to besiege it, and then send a small group to infiltrate the nest to search for treasure. This way, the problem can be solved."

Ao Yunlie truthfully explained the plan and finally extended an invitation to the two, saying, "I have witnessed the fighting prowess of Brother You and Miss Ji that night; both are peerless. With your participation, our chances of victory will greatly increase. We might not even need to merely delay it, but kill it directly."

The Feather Transformation Realm is indeed powerful, but this gathering comprises the most outstanding geniuses of the Five Continents. Who among them lacks the ability to defeat enemies beyond their realm? With such a group of geniuses working together, as long as they force the Fire Armadillo out of its comfort zone, killing it is not entirely impossible.

"But with so many people, are you sure Brother Ao can all cooperate?"

"If we don't do this, we simply won't be able to get past the Fire Armadillo." Ao Yunlie was very confident. "And I won't hide it from you two, everyone who's stayed here has reached a consensus."

You Su, however, thought this was nonsense. If they couldn't reach a consensus, they wouldn't be able to gather here. Those who were unwilling to cooperate but still wanted to steal the treasure would naturally be squeezed out and not allowed to approach the cave.

"Could it be that Brother Ao brought these people together?"

"Brother You guessed correctly, I was indeed the initiator. Forty-one cultivators, both human and demon, are willing to cooperate. Furthermore, we have all signed an agreement that anyone who violates the rules will be punished, regardless of whether they are human or demon."

"Rules? Then who gets the treasure in the end?" Ji Xueruo realized the crux of the problem.

"Everyone who goes down into the cave must Heavenly Dao Oath: if it is a treasure, whoever gets it keeps it; if it is a legacy, then the Heavenly Awakening Spiritual Light must be shared with all those who participated."

"If it's a treasure, then wouldn't all our fighting to the death be for someone else's benefit?" Ji Xueruo asked again.

"All cultivators at the Water Condensing Upper Realm must remain on the ground to participate in the siege. I believe that for those willing to fight the Fire Armadillo, no treasure is more important than the inheritance of the True Immortal Zhengyang. Even if it all comes to nothing, there's nothing to regret."

Ao Yunlie's confident words were true; no matter how precious the treasure was, it couldn't compare to that Heavenly Awakening Spiritual Light.

"So, Brother Ao wants me to join the battle? To kill that Fire Armadillo together?"

"That's right." Ao Yunlie had already unknowingly set up a soundproof barrier. "I sincerely invite you two to join me."

Ji Xueruo pursed her lips slightly, "But we are both at the Water Condensing Lower Realm."

"Only Brother You will participate in the battle. His battle with Ming Dao made him famous overnight, while Miss Ji can enter the cave to search for treasure." Ao Yunlie finished speaking with a meaningful smile.

Ji Xueruo immediately understood the meaning behind the words. Clearly, the rule that cultivators at the Water Condensing Upper Realm must participate in the battle was to ensure sufficient combat power and to ensure fairness for those entering the cave.

In fact, among the cultivators gathered here, only You Su and Ji Xueruo were at the Water Condensing Lower Realm. Those who entered the cave to search for treasure were all at the middle level of the Water Condensation Realm, so it could be considered a fair competition.

According to the rules, both You Su and Ji Xueruo could enter the cave to search for treasures. However, You Su's reputation had already spread, and these cultivators at the Water Condensing Upper Realm would not allow You Su to compete with those at the Water Condensation Realm cultivators without participating in the battle. This would be tantamount to giving the treasures in the cave to You Su.

"Did Young Master Ao deliberately hide this from them?"

Ji Xueruo believe that Ao Yunlie couldn't see through the strength she displayed that night, which was far beyond what these Water Condensation Realm could achieve.

Therefore, it is understandable that Ao Yunlie, as the initiator of the operation, would conceal his strength from his fellow Demon Race.

"It's because Brother You's reputation is too great," Ao Yunlie chuckled, not answering directly. "However, Miss Ji must also swear Heavenly Dao Oath."

Ji Xueruo pursed her lips. Although she was slightly displeased that You Su had stolen the limelight this time, it was not necessarily a bad thing. Otherwise, she would not have been allowed to enter the cave to search for treasure.

Admittedly, this rule is very beneficial to her and You Su. Most people here are definitely in factions, so even if they end up with treasures instead of inheritance, one side of the forces that stay on the ground to fight will benefit, and they won't be working for nothing.

She and You Su were essentially in cahoots, so sending her to compete with those in the mid- fortuitous opportunity the Water Condensation Realm meant that she and You Su were the least likely of these forces to work for free.

Wait a minute, why is Ao Yunlie acting like he already assumed she and You Su were in cahoots?

"This will be a historic moment; the human race and the Demon Race will join forces once again on Heaven Awakening Island. What do you two think?"

You Su didn't speak, but looked at Ji Xueruo like a dutiful husband who would never do what his wife said.

Ji Xueruo raised her eyebrows slightly. Although You Su was a rascal, he still trusted her completely. This made her feel as if she had returned to the time when they supported each other and went on an adventure in the Jade Ring Pool, and her heart was filled with warmth.

"I... we'll join."