Encounter

"I disagree."

"Huh? You disagree?"

"Yes, so what? I simply disagree."

"Oh, I see. Your butt just got spanked and it's itchy again?"

"."

Li Qingyan looked at him, feeling both amused and annoyed:

"Xu Changtian, can you please stop being so childish? What time is it?!"

"."

Xu Yuan didn't say anything more, and reached out to grab Li Qingyan's arm under her red sleeve, preparing to forcibly turn her body around.

In Cangyuan, the attribute bonuses gained from consuming Demon Crystal will disappear after obtaining the antidote.

Therefore, if everything goes smoothly, the power he gained by becoming Strange Ghost will likely plummet back to its original level by then.

If we don't seize the opportunity to restore our husbandly authority now, who knows when we'll be able to do so again?

"Stop!"

"I order you to stop!"

"Xu Changtian, are you out of your mind?"

"Smack!"

"."

With a slightly flushed face, Li Qingyan bit her lip, stared at the smiling man before her for a few moments, and then gritted her teeth and uttered four words:

"A petty person who has achieved success."

"Thank you for the compliment."

Xu Yuan briefly sensed the texture of his hand, then chuckled and withdrew it, "I, Xu Changtian, have never been some kind of refined gentleman. Is this your first time meeting me, Qingyan?"

Seeing his shameless behavior, Li Qingyan could hardly suppress her anger:

"Xu Changtian, if you have the guts, go back to the army and continue being so arrogant."

"I don't have the guts."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan replied straightforwardly, "A true man can bend and stretch. Once we return to the army, I 'Qingyan."

As he spoke,

He leaned closer to her stunningly beautiful face and winked at her.

"Oh"

Li Qingyan was so angry she laughed. For the first time, she wanted to curse, but after taking a deep breath, the anger in her eyes suddenly dissipated.

She looked at him, her voice cold:

"Xu Changtian, now that you wanted to hit me, you hit me; that you wanted to molest me, you molested me. If you don't want to take it any further, can we talk about serious matters?"

"."

Xu Yuan was taken aback by the other party's sudden calmness.

How can this woman change her expression so quickly?

Li Qingyan had completely calmed down, staring at him, her voice softening slightly:

"Changtian, stop being unreasonable. Do you know what it means to take four boxes of Source Crystal bombs to Blood Nest?"

Xu Yuan paused for a moment, then asked with a gentle smile:

What does it represent?

Li Qingyan held up three slender fingers in front of him:

"First, you should know how powerful these four boxes of bombs are. If the Source Crystal bombs completely destroy the so-called 'Life Source' in the Blood Nest, do you think you could survive?"

"Secondly, even if you survive, how will you recover your body?"

"Third, now that your body has been completely transformed into Strange Ghost, although your consciousness is still the same as before, if your body were to be completely destroyed and restored, could you be sure that the person you were then would still be the same person you are now?"

Having said that,

Li Qingyan's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he stared intently into the scarlet pupils of the man before him.

In silence,

Xu Yuan suddenly grasped her raised hand and smiled gently.

"Qingyan, I know all of this."

Of course he knew about these things.

According to the information he knew from his previous life

After temporarily curing the Strange Ghost poison with the Demon Crystal, the player will receive a continuous health regeneration buff. However, perhaps for the sake of game balance, this buff is not very strong, at least not as powerful as his current ability to revive the dead and heal the wounded.

However, if a player dies in this state, there is no possibility of resurrection.

If you die, you can only remake and start over.

If Cangyuan is like this, then in reality, after Xu Changtian dies completely once, he may become a completely transformed Strange Ghost, both physically and mentally.

Just like when Luo Xiran tried to smash his head by any means necessary.

Li Qingyan abruptly shook off his hand, her delicate eyebrows furrowed as she stared at him:

"Since you know that, why are you still acting so recklessly?"

Xu Yuan glanced at his hand that had been violently flung away, stroked his chin, and asked in return:

"Who told you that I was planning to withstand the power of these four boxes of Source Crystal bombs?"

"Huh?" Li Qingyan was taken aback by the question.

"Um... Your Highness."

Bai Muxi had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up, "Didn't you just see it? Young Master knows a sword technique similar to teleportation."

"." Li Qingyan.

Bai Muxi continued softly and gently:

"Your Highness, it's understandable that you were too worried to think of this matter."

Li Qingyan snapped out of her daze, her expression unchanged, and glanced coldly at Bai Muxi:

"You think I would be so concerned about him that I would lose my composure?"

Bai Muxi, observing the situation, obediently bowed and said:

"Although Your Highness doesn't say it, Mu Xi can see that Your Highness cares about the young master. However, the young master always plans carefully before acting, and Your Highness should sometimes give him some trust."

"."

Upon hearing Little White's words, Xu Yuan laughed before Li Qingyan could reply.

They offer veiled advice and subtle criticism, along with a few harmless attempts to sow discord.

She both flattered him and mocked Li Qingyan.

What a delicious, sweet tea!

If it were Su Jinxuan or Tianyan, those two women would most likely fall for the trap directly, or even become obsessed.

The Big Ice Block will probably utter some unintentional words with a bewildered look, words that will directly deal critical damage.

As for Li Qingyan...

Is this level of tea flavor enough to deal with a cup-master like her?

She wouldn't pay any attention to her at all.

Just as I was thinking,

Li Qingyan smiled meaningfully at Bai Muxi, her eyes crinkling with a smile, "Simin, you're right. I was indeed confused by my concern."

As he spoke,

She turned to look at him, her breath sweet Ru Lan:

"Changtian, I've been so worried about you, you should forgive me, right?"

"Heh, I'll have to think about that," Xu Yuan said with a smile.

Li Qingyan rolled her eyes at him, not even glancing at Bai Muxi again, her gaze sweeping across the surrounding ground:

"Let's leave here first. Don't you think this place is disgusting?"

Xu Yuan glanced at the thick layer of flesh and mud at the bottom of the spherical cavern and retrieved the four boxes of Source Crystal bombs.

"You've been fighting for so many years, and you still feel disgusted by the sight of flesh and blood?"

Li Qingyan's eyes flashed with displeasure as he said:

"Being used to something doesn't mean you won't dislike it."

"In that case, let's burn it."

A crimson fireball suddenly rose from Xu Yuan's palm, the heat wave seeming to tear apart the surrounding space. "I can sense that some 'life essence' remains within this flesh and blood."

Upon hearing this, Li Qingyan subconsciously looked towards the cave entrance, only to see that the once empty cave walls were now covered with Black Death Fungal Mat that had climbed over them.

"Mycelial mats? You control these mycelial mats?"

"No."

Crimson Source Qi swirled around Xu Yuan as he flew with the two women back to the entrance of the passageway they had come from. He whispered:

"I haven't yet adapted to and mastered all the abilities of the higher-ranking Strange Ghost, but if this flesh isn't burned, it will once again become the host for the Blood Nest."

After saying that,

A blood-red fireball fell from Xu Yuan's palm.

As the fireball fell, it illuminated the surroundings. The instant it hit the surface of the blood pool, it spread rapidly as if it had been injected with oil, and the entire spherical cavern was brightly lit by the fire.

The burning pool of flesh, the crimson flames reflected on the sword marks on the stone walls, made the entire cavern appear as scarlet as hell.

In silence,

A strange, meaty aroma wafted into my nostrils from below.

Seeing this, Xu Yuan pinched his nose, feeling a bit tempted to eat, but then a wave of nausea washed over him, and he turned back to say:

"Let's go, the meat in the tank down there actually smells a little bit delicious when it's grilling."

"Fragrance?"

Upon hearing this, Li Qingyan's pupils contracted, and she turned her face to look at Xu Yuan with a hint of astonishment in her beautiful eyes. "What fragrance?"

"Young Master."

Bai Muxi cautiously probed, "This smell... doesn't it smell bad?"

"."

The air between the three of them suddenly froze.

for a moment,

Li Qingyan clenched his fists, turned around decisively, his red robe fluttering, tossed the Blood God Stone Pendant to Bai Muxi, and said coldly:

"Stop dawdling, let's go find the Blood Nest right now."

After saying that, she turned and left.

Bai Muxi secretly glanced at Xu Yuan, who was still standing in the same spot:

"Young Master?"

Xu Yuan suppressed his unease, turned around and smiled:

"What's wrong?"

Bai Muxi's bright eyes blinked twice:

Are you alright?

What could possibly be wrong with me?

Xu Yuan turned around, his tone as casual as ever. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"Instead of wasting your time comforting her, you should focus on finding the Blood Nest."

Li Qingyan's icy voice echoed from the depths of the passageway, "My Strange Ghost commander, come and lead the way!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan patted Little White's head, then sprinted off towards Li Qingyan.

The three of them sped along the passageway.

This time, it wasn't Bai Muxi leading the way, and it wasn't Xu Yuan slowing down their progress either.

The dark tunnels on both sides receded rapidly.

As he traveled, Xu Yuan kept glancing at Li Qingyan's flawless profile beside him.

After emerging from that cave, the princess with the bound breasts kept a cold expression and didn't utter a single word.

Some low-level Strange Ghost that wouldn't normally need to be dealt with were also directly slashed to ashes by her fiery blade in a fit of rage.

Is she worried about him?

The suspension bridge effect is truly amazing; women are all susceptible to it.

Moreover, after spending almost half a year together, even a dog would have feelings for someone, let alone a handsome man or a beautiful woman.

Ah, women.

While pondering these random thoughts, Xu Yuan suddenly realized that his carefree personality was indeed somewhat problematic.

He's almost dead—no, almost a Strange Ghost— and he still has the mind to think about these things.

This could be considered "being romantic even as a ghost," in a physical sense.

"Is there a flower on my face? Why are you staring at me like that?"

"."

Xu Yuan snapped out of his daze, the crimson Source Qi surrounding him allowing him to float in the air. He smiled and replied, "No flowers, but it's beautiful, so this young master wants to take a few more glances before the Strange Ghost transform."

"."

Li Qingyan was silent for a moment, then sighed and said in a low voice, "You really are... Hmph, I don't want to talk to you about this right now. Have you found the Blood Nest?"

"We haven't even left the fungal-covered passageway yet, so finding that Blood Nest is still a long way off."

Xu Yuan shook his head and chuckled softly, "Qingyan, now that my body has become Strange Ghost, there will naturally be some differences in physical sensations compared to humans. We still have plenty of time, so don't be too anxious."

Li Qingyan replied in a cold voice:

"So leisurely! If you were my soldier, I would show you what hell is like."

"What a pity, I'm your commander now."

"Once we return to the military camp, I will give you a good talking-to about your lazy nature."

"So you're forcing us to separate."

As he spoke,

Xu Yuan looked down at his body, which was brimming with power, changed the subject, and smiled:

"Now I finally understand why the Strange Ghost were able to run rampant ten thousand years ago. Demon Crystal can transfer most of the power of high-level Strange Ghost to other Strange Ghost. Coupled with their immortality, those predecessors ten thousand years ago were able to withstand the invasion of the Strange Ghost and even wipe them out."

"The human race at that time truly lived in a magnificent and extraordinary era."

Li Qingyan ignored him and silently increased her speed.

Xu Yuan sped up to catch up, and continued to laugh:

"Qingyan, don't you think so? I, a mere Soul Condensation expert, was able to directly obtain Mortal Shedding body after consuming the Mortal Shedding Demon Crystal. The many traitors who appeared back then were probably mostly after this."

"This is a special case for you."

Li Qingyan's voice remained cold, but he still replied, "Even if an ordinary person becomes Strange Ghost, it's impossible for them to be given a high-level Demon Crystal. Moreover, even if they were given a high-level Demon Crystal, they wouldn't know how to use its power. A low-level cultivator with only a body and Source Qi would be easily killed by someone of a higher level."

At this point, Li Qingyan paused slightly and said, "Furthermore, after a high-level Strange Ghost is killed, the Demon Crystal within its body will most likely fall into the hands of our human race's powerful members; there is no such thing as power inheritance."

Xu Yuan's eyes flickered, and he smiled:

"Qingyan, you're as smart as ever."

Li Qingyan ignored him and urged:

"Stop talking nonsense, have you found it yet?"

"I told you it's still early, there's no use in rushing this kind of thing."

Hearing the anxious words hidden beneath her cold expression, Xu Yuan smiled and said, "Life is full of disappointments, how can we control everything? The more anxious we are, the more we will disrupt our plans. Surely my Prince Qingyan understands this?"

"."

Li Qingyan bit her lip, let out a long breath, and said in a slightly calmer tone:

"Fine. I'll listen to you. At worst, I'll die here with you."

"."

Bai Muxi, who was following behind the two, was slightly taken aback when she heard this. She blinked and subconsciously wanted to say something.

No, if you all die, what will happen to the Underground City?

But in the end, Bai Muxi lowered her eyes and shut her mouth.

If it weren't for the young master and his companions, her Underground City would have been doomed to destruction.

But now, at least they have found a way out of that certain death.

Do your best and leave the rest to fate.

However, after Xu Yuan's words of comfort, Li Qingyan seemed to be in no hurry at all, at least not outwardly.

They sped away silently for dozens of miles.

She suddenly glanced sideways at the immense Source Qi that Xu Yuan was skillfully controlling:

"Changtian, as a Soul Condensation, how were you able to adapt so quickly?"

"The power to adapt to Mortal Shedding?"

Xu Yuan interrupted, pointing to himself with his thumb, and blurted out:

"Because I'm a genius, a genius even more talented than Xu Changge."

"."

A strange glint flashed in Li Qingyan's phoenix eyes, but she couldn't help but laugh out loud:

"You? Xu Changge?"

"Puff"

"."

Xu Yuan clicked his tongue, about to retort, when he suddenly sensed a burly figure moving with lightning speed, rushing towards Li Qingyan at a speed invisible to the naked eye.

Time seemed to stand still.

With a smile from Li Qingyan, the Clear Speech Sword was instantly drawn.

The Void-Stepping Slash cast instantly.

Xu Yuan appeared in front of Li Qingyan in an instant, pushed her aside, and held his sword horizontally in front of him.

Countless blood-red mirrors appeared.

Blood Ink Jade - Waltz

And the next moment,

The burly figure had already reached the two of them, his fist, brimming with immense power, raised high before slamming down!

"Boom!!!!!"

A few minutes late