Chen Xiaojun asked with concern, "Xiao Yi, you suffered two shocks, one after the other. Does anything feel especially uncomfortable?"
Worry threaded through his gentle voice. His gaze stayed fixed on Xiao Yi, afraid of missing even the slightest change in her expression.
Xiao Yi merely shook her head gently. She did not want Chen Xiaojun to see her looking so vulnerable.
She drew a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil within her, and said in a slightly trembling voice, "I'm fine. I'm just not quite used to it yet."
Chen Xiaojun looked at her and sighed softly. He took out a soft cloak and gently draped it over her shoulders.
He reached out and gently stroked her hair, his tone tender yet firm. "Xiao Yi, your External Soul Bone is incredibly rare. Not only can it strengthen you, it will also make you more unique and beautiful."
Xiao Yi's heart fluttered at his words. She looked up at Chen Xiaojun, a trace of complicated emotion flashing through her eyes.
She bit her lip, a stubborn edge entering her voice. "It was hideous. I don't want it. I don't want to look like that again-not even if you beat me to death."
Watching from the side, Chen Cong offered gentle reassurance. "Xiao Yi, you haven't mastered control over your Hair-and-Skin Soul Bone yet. That's why that happened. You can try using only part of it, such as just the bracelets, anklets, and strands of hair you have now. That way, its appearance won't be a problem."
Hesitation flickered in Xiao Yi's eyes. She lowered her head to look at the green tattoos on her wrists and ankles, feeling conflicted.
She looked up at Chen Cong and said dejectedly, "Oh. I understand."
Chen Cong looked at her, knowing she still