Through her secret observations, Meng Hongchen realized that Wang Chen-gege and Ye Guyi weren't actually having any intimate contact.
But even so, just seeing another girl standing so close to Wang Chen-gege made her feel restless and irritable.
Her large blue eyes stared intently at the sparring pair.
When she saw Ye Guyi's longsword almost graze Wang Chen's chest, her heart nearly leapt into her throat.
This Ye Guyi—how reckless! What if she actually hurt Wang Chen-gege?
As Meng Hongchen fretted—
Inside Ye Guyi's courtyard, the duel was reaching its end.
With a final clash of spear and sword, both stopped at once. It was a draw—neither able to gain the upper hand.
Ye Guyi thought to herself, *I didn't expect Wang Chen's combat ability to be this formidable. Even though his raw strength is inferior, he still fought me to a standstill. That refined spear technique must have cost him immense effort. I really judged him by his looks before.
Still… I've been hiding my true strength and not using soul skills. Even if he catches up in cultivation someday, he won't surpass me.*
Her pride in her Angel Spirit was absolute—she believed no one of her rank could match her.
Wang Chen, meanwhile, thought, *As expected of the Angel Spirit, one of the strongest martial spirits. Even without soul skills, relying only on soul tools, Ye Guyi's combat strength is no less than Wang Teng's.
Right now, without my third soul ring, I'm at a disadvantage in every aspect. If Ye Guyi actually used her skills, I'd probably need Ring Tempering—maybe even Ring Explosion—to win.*
Had Ye Guyi known his thoughts, she would surely have gone all out to show him the true power of the Angel.
Both of them were panting lightly, their strength and soul power drained.
Trying to move his plan forward, Wang Chen praised warmly, "Guyi, you're amazing. You didn't even use soul skills, yet you're already so strong. If you did, who among the Soul Elders could stand against you?"
Hearing this, Ye Guyi lifted her chin proudly, her delicate nose shining in the sunlight.
But remembering her "ordinary Rank 3 Soul Engineer" cover identity, she quickly forced humility. "N-no, my soul skills aren't very strong. Everything I have relies on soul tools."
Wang Chen let it drop with a smile and suggested, "Why don't we share our insights after the spar?"
Thinking of his exceptional combat techniques, Ye Guyi nodded eagerly—clearly wanting to learn and improve.
They laughed and chatted as they walked to the stone benches, sipping water and exchanging lessons from the duel.
Watching this scene, Meng Hongchen's jealousy boiled over. She could no longer contain herself. With a leap, she burst from hiding and stormed straight into Ye Guyi's home.
The Soul Saint known as Number Three, tasked with protecting Meng Hongchen in secret, hesitated but recalled Jing Hongchen's orders: safeguard the young miss's safety, but don't interfere in her private interactions with Wang Chen.
Number Three scanned the surroundings, saw no threats, and quietly resumed her hidden guard post.
Inside, Ye Guyi's delicate face frosted over. Drawing her golden longsword, she aimed it straight at the intruder. "Who are you? Why are you trespassing in my home?"
Wang Chen blinked in surprise. "Meng'er? Why are you here?"
Ye Guyi's vigilance eased slightly at his words. "Wang Chen, you know her?"
Meng Hongchen swept her eyes over Ye Guyi, sizing up her graceful figure and stunning looks. Full of vinegar, she asked Wang Chen pointedly, "Wang Chen-gege, aren't you going to introduce this beautiful young lady to me?"
Wang Chen felt a headache coming. He had only known Ye Guyi for a few days—how did Meng Hongchen already find out? Then it clicked: Sun Yu hadn't been bothering Ye Guyi lately. Not because he was scared, but because he'd tattled to the Hongchen family.
Glancing at Meng Hongchen's accusatory posture, Wang Chen felt helpless.
He was completely innocent—his dealings with Ye Guyi were purely to use her Angel Spirit's holy power to purify the Soul-Devouring Dagger. He hadn't even touched her hand!
And he certainly didn't have time for romance now, not with his family in crisis. With his looks, background, and talent, he could have any number of admirers if he wanted.
But here and now, with Meng Hongchen barging in, he had no choice but to calm the storm.
He said, "Meng'er, this is Ye Guyi, a friend I recently made."
Then, with deliberate openness, he turned to Ye Guyi. "This is Meng Hongchen, my childhood sweetheart—and the person I love most."
He declared it plainly, hiding nothing.
Meng Hongchen's cheeks flushed scarlet, her fair face blooming like peach blossoms. The sourness in her heart evaporated at once. If not for Ye Guyi standing right there, she would have clung to him like an octopus.
Ye Guyi, did you hear that? Wang Chen-gege himself said I'm the one he loves. Whatever ideas you have, drop them—he'll never choose you. Hmph!
Ye Guyi suddenly understood. So she's his girlfriend, Meng Hongchen. No wonder she charged in like that. She must have misunderstood us.
She gave Meng Hongchen a careful look. Her beauty was not inferior to her own—truly a worthy match for Wang Chen.
But Meng Hongchen caught the glance and snorted, folding her arms. "Ye Guyi, isn't it? You seem awfully close to Wang Chen-gege. How exactly did you two meet?"
Sensing her jealousy, Ye Guyi smiled and extended her hand. "Hello, I'm Ye Guyi. Wang Chen has told me about you. Seeing you today, you really are as cute as he said. Don't worry, I only see him as an ordinary friend."
Her tone was sincere, her gaze clear. With her Angel Spirit, Ye Guyi was inherently righteous and kind. She would never stoop to stealing someone else's partner, no matter how attractive or skilled Wang Chen was.
Meng Hongchen, however, eyed her suspiciously. Who knows if she's telling the truth? Even if she doesn't feel that way now, what about later?
Ignoring Ye Guyi's offered hand, she slipped to Wang Chen's side, clutching his arm tightly. "Wang Chen-gege, come with me. I have something to say."
Wang Chen gave her a helpless look, then turned apologetically to Ye Guyi. "Guyi, sorry for this intrusion. It's my fault—I should have explained things to Meng'er beforehand.
To make it up to you, I'll compile my combat techniques for you. They might be useful."
A clever move—both apology and gift, while creating an excuse to visit again.
Combat techniques, while valuable, weren't priceless like Ring Tempering. But Ye Guyi had seen his skill firsthand. Her eyes lit up. "Thank you, Wang Chen. You're too polite. We're friends—next time, bring Meng Hongchen along to play."
Her honesty pleased him. His smile widened. By giving her this benefit, he smoothed over Meng Hongchen's intrusion and secured an opening for the future—when he would bring up the Soul-Devouring Dagger and guide her into purifying it.
And perhaps the dagger's dark power might even boost her cultivation.
Since the Spirit Gold was unknown on the continent—only Electrolux, the Silver Dragon King, and Di Tian knew of it—there was no risk of Ye Guyi realizing the dagger's true value.
Meng Hongchen, however, only grew more resentful seeing her beloved Wang Chen apologize to another girl.
Ye Guyi, amused by her pouting, decided to defuse the tension. "Wang Chen, go with Meng Hongchen for now."
"Alright," he nodded. "Guyi, I'm sorry again. Next time, we'll exchange more properly."
Then he left with Meng Hongchen.
In a quiet corner, Meng Hongchen released his arm, fuming. "Wang Chen-gege, do you like Ye Guyi? Otherwise, why give her something so precious? You're making me so angry!"
Wang Chen laughed helplessly. "Meng'er, don't be silly. Guyi and I are just friends. We were only discussing combat techniques."
She looked up at him, eyes searching. "Really? Then why were you two laughing and smiling? Is sharing battle insights that fun?"
He lightly tapped her nose. Sweet words flowed easily from his lips. "Silly girl, what are you jealous of? You're the one I love most."
She ducked her head, murmuring, "But when I see you with her, I feel uncomfortable."
Wang Chen pulled her into his arms. "Meng'er, don't overthink. You're the most important to me."
Snuggled close, she whispered, "Then you have to keep your word. If you lie, you're a puppy."
"I promise," he said. "But tell me—didn't your grandfather forbid you from seeing me?"
Meng Hongchen's eyes brightened. "I quarreled with him a few days ago, and he relented. He allows me to see you in private now. That way, no other girl can steal you away."
"Don't worry," Wang Chen chuckled. "No one can."
Holding her soft figure, he soothed her until her mood lightened.
With her arms looped around his neck, her blue eyes sparkled with affection. "Wang Chen-gege, I missed you so much these past few months."
Blushing, she planted a kiss on his cheek before darting away like a startled rabbit, face and neck burning red.
Wang Chen touched his cheek, eyes narrowing at the fleeting warmth.
Watching her retreat, he shook his head and smiled faintly.
Once I become clan leader of the Wang family, a powerhouse on par with a Rank 9 Soul Engineer, I'll bring a proper betrothal gift, ride a soul tool carriage to the Hongchen family, and openly claim Meng Hongchen as my wife.