Since he had decided to accept the Life Metal, Xiao Chen stopped declining it.
He looked at Gu Yue, whose eyes were filled with sincerity, his expression solemn.
"Gu Yue, I'll accept this Life Metal. I'll remember this favor."
At his words, Gu Yue's delicate little face briefly froze, and she hurriedly waved her hands. "Huh? There's no need, Brother Chen. Really!"
"I told you, I don't need you to repay me."
Xiao Chen shook his head gently, his attitude utterly firm and leaving no room for argument. "Gu Yue, you don't need to say anything else."
"I'll definitely repay the favor I owe you. Nothing you say will change that. You don't get to make my decisions."
Seeing how serious Xiao Chen was, Gu Yue knew he was stubborn and that arguing further would be useless. Warmth filled her heart, along with a tiny trace of anticipation, and she could only nod gently. "Mm... thanks."
"There's no need for thanks between us, Gu Yue." Xiao Chen chuckled helplessly, and the atmosphere between them softened.
A radiant smile blossomed across Gu Yue's face, her eyes brimming with delight and anticipation. "True! I'm looking forward to your gift, Brother Chen!"
Seeing the girl's expectant expression, Xiao Chen said no more and reached out to take the jade box Di Tian offered him.
The jade box felt smooth and warm in his hand. Even through its casing, he could clearly sense the vast, pure aura of life inside. An endless stream of life energy spread from Xiao Chen's palm throughout his body, nourishing his physique.
With a thought and a slight stir of soul power at his fingertips, Xiao Chen put the jade box containing the Life Metal into his portable storage soul tool.
After putting away the Life Metal, he looked