Zi Yan's Transformation, the Dragon Emperor Reappears

Seeing the almost-smiling expression on Zi Yan's face, Xiao Ling's confusion deepened. His brows furrowed ever so slightly, and an obvious layer of distress settled over his face.

He could not help speaking again, a hint of urgency in his tone. "So this really is why you called me here? Could it be... there's something I can help you with? If there is, just say the word. I'll definitely help."

The moment Xiao Ling finished speaking, Zi Yan extended a jade-white finger and lightly tapped the tip of his nose. A sly smile flickered in her eyes, and her voice carried both teasing and helplessness. "You really are a big idiot."

She deliberately paused, looked at Xiao Ling, and continued, "If you couldn't help, would I have summoned you in the middle of such a critical stage of cultivation? Even if I missed you terribly, I know how to distinguish what's urgent from what isn't, don't I? Did you think I called you here just to fool around? Honestly."

Almost instinctively, Xiao Ling clasped the slender jade-like hand Zi Yan had reached toward him in his broad, warm palm. He could feel the faint coolness and smooth softness of her palm, and his fingertips could even sense the subtle pulse beneath her skin.

Holding her bonelessly soft hand, Xiao Ling's voice became exceptionally serious, carrying a trace of barely perceptible nervousness. "Then tell me, what do I need to do to help you? Whatever you need me to do, just tell me."

Yet faced with Xiao Ling's eyes, filled with sincerity and concern, Zi Yan slightly turned her head away as though embarrassed. Her gaze flickered uncertainly, and she began to stammer.

Her little lips parted as if she wanted to say something, yet she seemed hesitant. A faint flush