Chen Cong nodded slightly and said, "Black Elder, I know your standing and strength in this secret realm's Vine Sea, but the Chen Clan is no pushover either. I hope we can coexist peacefully rather than sour our relations over trifles."
At those words, Black Elder's smile gradually faded. He gazed at Chen Cong and said slowly, "Chen Cong, rest assured. Old Black may like strange and curious things, but I'm not without principles. I'm interested in that girl's martial soul only because its fluctuations are unlike those of any martial soul I've ever encountered. That simply piqued my curiosity."
"You're right, Black Elder. Xiao Yi's martial soul is indeed special," Chen Cong replied softly, while secretly remaining on guard, ready to respond to any unexpected turn.
"Special? Heh heh, I'd call it exceedingly rare." A teasing note colored Black Elder's words, and even the wrinkles on his face seemed to smooth out.
Chen Cong's heart sank. Black Elder was speaking the truth.
There were many vine-type martial souls in this secret realm's Vine Sea, but Xiao Yi's stood alone, radiating the aura of a monarch.
Such a martial soul was undoubtedly a tempting morsel in the eyes of many soul beasts in the Vine Sea Secret Realm, and would naturally draw their covetous attention.
"Black Elder, you also know that Xiao Yi is the hope of our Chen Clan. Her safety is something our clan will never neglect." A note of firmness ran through Chen Cong's voice. He had to make Black Elder understand that he would never allow Xiao Yi to come to any harm.
Black Elder burst into laughter. "Oh, Chen Cong, Chen Cong, you people from the Chen Clan really do protect your own. Although we old fellows reached an agreement with your clan back then,