Chapter 260: Not Ready to Go Home
Bo Saixi bowed respectfully.
Ye Cheng accepted her gesture calmly before speaking. "There's no need for such formality. Anyone in that situation would have chosen to lend a hand. But tell me, young lady, why were you in the City of Slaughter?"
He then added, "And why do you carry the power of the Sea God?"
Of course, Ye Cheng already knew the full story. But he couldn't act like he did.
Given his current identity, there was no logical reason for him to know such details. So, at times like this, he had to play dumb. Otherwise, slipping up could expose things he wasn't supposed to know.
Bo Saixi hesitated. She had originally intended to tell him everything honestly.
But just as the words reached her lips, she faltered.
If she laid out the full story, wouldn't the name Bo Saixi become synonymous with foolishness and lovesickness?
And, for some reason, she didn't want Ye Cheng to know that she was old enough to be his grandmother… or that she had once experienced a failed love story even if that so called romance had ended before it had even begun.
She wanted to maintain a good impression in his mind.
She didn't want him to know about her embarrassing past.
After a brief pause, she finally said, "I… My name is Xier. I'm from Sea God Island. I left to gain experience, but I accidentally wandered into the City of Slaughter and was attacked by that monster. Fortunately, before leaving, Lord Sea God granted me a protective artifact otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to resist at all."
"Xier?"
Ye Cheng was momentarily stunned by her self introduction.
Hearing him say "Xier" in his deep, magnetic voice, Bo Saixi felt as if an electric current had surged through her body. A faint blush crept up her cheeks.
No one had ever called her by such an affectionate nickname before.
Everyone else either addressed her by her full name or referred to her as High Priestess.
This was the first time someone had spoken to her with such familiarity…
And she had never imagined that hearing it would make her feel so flustered.
She was utterly embarrassed.
Watching the shy and delicate expression on Bo Saixi's face, Ye Cheng was at a loss for words.
You're over a hundred years old… Why are you pretending to be some innocent young girl?
Still…
He had to admit seeing her like this did have a certain undeniable charm.
Even Ye Cheng felt a little moved.
Admiring beauty was simply a natural instinct for men.
Since Bo Saixi clearly didn't want to reveal her real identity, Ye Cheng wasn't about to expose her.
He nodded slightly and said, "I see. So, Miss Xier, what are your plans now? If you wish to return to Sea God Island, I can arrange for an escort. Given your current condition…" He trailed off, leaving the implication unspoken.
Bo Saixi lowered her gaze, her expression dimming.
Returning to Sea God Island… She wasn't ready.
Besides, if she went back now, she might never be able to leave again.
"I… don't want to go back yet," she whispered.
Her heart was in turmoil.
She felt lost, uncertain of what to do next.
"I see…"
Ye Cheng studied her expression and quickly pieced together the reasons for her reluctance.
It was understandable.
After all, her current situation was incredibly embarrassing.
"If that's the case, why not stay here for a while?" he suggested. "Take your time to think things through. You can leave whenever you're ready."
Bo Saixi's eyes widened in surprise.
She hadn't expected him to say that.
"Why…"
"Miss Xier, if you're avoiding returning to Sea God Island, I'm sure you have your reasons," Ye Cheng said with a smile. "I won't force you. You can stay here as long as you like. Since I was the one who brought you back, I naturally have to take responsibility until the end."
"Take responsibility until the end…?"
Bo Saixi's face turned an even deeper shade of red.
Her mind started wandering in strange directions.
"…Thank you." She lowered her head, her voice soft.
After chatting for a while, Ye Cheng excused himself.
Bo Saixi was still in the process of recovering and needed rest. It wouldn't be right to disturb her for too long.
Before leaving, he instructed his subordinates to take good care of her.
Meanwhile…
Ye Cheng's clone, Sun Zhongjing, had arrived at a vast mountain range.
From his current position, he couldn't see the full extent of the mountains. But even the outer peaks were so tall that they disappeared into the clouds.
"This should be the right place."
After confirming his location, Sun Zhongjing leaped into the air.
Before him was a steep cliff, nearly vertical almost a perfect ninety degree incline.
But to him, it made no difference.
As someone capable of flight, he moved as effortlessly as if he were walking on flat ground.
Transforming into a streak of light, he shot toward the mountaintop.
He passed over peak after peak, venturing deeper into the mountain range.
Soon, the sound of rushing water reached his ears, growing louder with every step.
The air became increasingly humid.
Sun Zhongjing knew he was close.
As he drew nearer, the roaring water became deafening, and the dampness in the air intensified.
The temperature here was noticeably lower than in the outside world.
At last, a valley came into view.
Or, more precisely a waterfall basin.
The water was crystal clear, tranquil yet deep, shimmering like a massive sapphire.
To one side of the valley, a waterfall twenty meters wide cascaded down from a towering 200 meter cliff, crashing into the pool below with a thunderous roar.
The impact sent droplets spraying into the air, and under the sunlight, a seven colored rainbow arched gracefully over the water.
As soon as Sun Zhongjing arrived, he was enveloped by the cool mist drifting through the air.
The damp, fresh atmosphere was invigorating.
The surrounding mountains, lush greenery, rippling blue waters, and majestic waterfall created an undeniably breathtaking scene.
"A true paradise."
At last, he had found what he was looking for.
A smile appeared on Sun Zhongjing's face as he gazed at the waterfall.
Without hesitation, he flew directly toward it, landing on a rocky outcrop near the rushing water.
He didn't use soul power to shield himself, yet the cascading water failed to touch him, bouncing away as if repelled by an invisible force.
Then, with a casual wave of his hand, the waterfall normally an unstoppable torrent was momentarily pushed upward by a powerful burst of soul energy.
As the water momentarily receded, a hidden stone ledge was revealed behind it.
Sun Zhongjing pressed his palm against the ledge.
A moment later, with a series of clicking sounds, a hidden doorway appeared in what had once been a seamless rock wall.
Without hesitation, Sun Zhongjing stepped inside.
No one would have ever guessed that such a secret lay hidden behind this waterfall.
As he entered, he immediately noticed the difference.
The cave was damp likely due to the waterfall outside.
It was about three meters high and two meters wide, stretching deep into the mountain.
It was completely dark inside.
But for someone with divine perception like Sun Zhongjing, darkness posed no obstacle at all.
(End of Chapter)
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