Chen Xiaojun's heart burned with anxiety. Throwing everything else aside, he hurried forward.
Xiao Yi looked at him. Seeing Chen Xiaojun, who normally remained unruffled by praise or disgrace, with anxiety written all over his face sent a warm current through her heart.
"Brother Xiaojun, I did it!" Xiao Yi said softly. Her voice was quiet, but it carried a faint, indescribable joy.
She had finally taken a crucial step. Chen Xiaojun's third Soul Ring was 9,900 years old, while hers was 8,000 years old. She was the only youngster of their time who had kept pace with him.
She had completely absorbed that mighty energy and made it her own.
Her Immortal Evergreen Vine had also grown more luxuriant. Its vitality had strengthened, and its aura had become mightier and more profound, like a dragon newly awakened, brimming with boundless power and majesty.
Chen Xiaojun could not help spreading his arms and embracing Xiao Yi. His gaze blazed with warmth, hope, tenderness, and deep affection. He held her tightly, as though he wanted to meld her into his very flesh and blood.
"Haha, Xiao Yi, you've finally finished absorbing that 8,000-year Soul Ring! You scared me half to death just now," Chen Xiaojun said with a laugh, though an almost imperceptible tremor lingered in his voice.
A blush swiftly spread across Xiao Yi's cheeks, and her delicate, translucent earlobes were also dyed a captivating rosy red.
She gently pushed Chen Xiaojun away and protested coyly, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum, "Brother Xiaojun, you... you're picking on me."
Her voice had turned soft and sweet, enough to make anyone's heart flutter.
The elderly men watched the two of them with fond, knowing smiles.
Suddenly, Xiao Yi's face, which had just regained its healthy glow, turned white. Cold