Chen Nian was speechless.
He certainly couldn't abandon Ye Hongling!
Not only was this woman the daughter of the Dragon Nation's Defense Minister,
she was also one of the strongest combat forces against the catastrophe. For the sake of global nuclear peace, he absolutely couldn't let anything happen to her.
What could he do then... He'd just have to sacrifice his dignity.
Hours remained before the trial concluded.
For that duration, Chen Nian would be forced to endure the kisses of this stunning beauty.
"Relax, we have plenty of time. We can take it slow~"
Ye Hongling lifted his chin with her fingers, smiling sweetly. "Bu Yu, with a face as handsome as yours, why hide it away day after day?"
"Precisely to guard against someone like you..."
"Even from ladies?"
"If my identity were exposed, do you think other nations would just stand by? Once nation wars open later, I'd become the top assassination target for foreign powerhouses."
"It's fine, I'll keep it secret. And if you come to my family's place, my dad can provide you with the utmost security."
Chen Nian: ???
She actually wants me to become a son-in-law!
This is a blatant insult.
He stood up to leave.
"I was joking! Don't go!"
"Do you remember? In Disaster, our first meeting was in a high-difficulty fire-elemental dungeon."
"You were one of the mercenaries I hired at a high price. Because of you, we cleared it smoothly. Since then, we've had this tangled relationship that's impossible to untangle."
Chen Nian cut her off: "That last part is unnecessary."
"I'm glad you came. Thank you."
No sooner had Ye Hongling finished speaking than she pressed close like a clingy kitten, planting a kiss on Chen Nian's earlobe.
The soft, exquisite sensation sent a shiver through his body.
"Ha! Look at you, playing hard to get. You're such a tease!"
"I came to rescue you. Don't push it..."
"Are you even a man? A gorgeous woman like me is flirting with you in your arms—can't you show some reaction?"
At that moment, the fire dragon circling overhead was sliced to pieces by the Judgment Golden Sword.
"You're getting impatient! Why are you getting impatient? Mmm..."
Before Ye Hongling could finish speaking, a powerful force suddenly slammed her head back, pressing her lips against Chen Nian's once more.
Her beautiful eyes widened instantly, filled with shock yet tinged with delight.
Their first time had been rather awkward.
But this second time was different—like a scorching summer wind, intense and passionate!
Ye Hongling felt as if her very bones had melted, yet within her delicate frame, strength surged anew.
This was one of her innate abilities: "Reigniting the Flames of Desire."
With her extraordinary power restored, she no longer needed Chen Nian's protection and could continue facing the Abyss Trial.
...
"It's been so long, and they still haven't emerged..."
"Could they both have perished inside?"
Not a single person outside dared to step into the trial's light pillar.
They knew their limits—entering meant instant annihilation, no chance of survival!
"We'll know when the time's up. If they're dead, the trial failure alert will trigger."
"Survival seems impossible. If even Miss Ye couldn't endure it, who else in the world could?"
"Ah... It's a shame we still don't know who that brother is."
"I have a hunch, but I'm not certain—I can't even convince myself it's true."
"Spit it out!"
"Forget it... It's impossible. That person would never reveal themselves. I must be mistaken."
.....
During this period, the two had engaged in countless verbal sparring matches.
Ye Hongling suddenly opened her eyes.
[Congratulations! Fire Abyss Trial Success!]
[Congratulations on obtaining the first inheritance from the Fire Abyss. The skill "Heavenly Fire Divine Spear" has awakened!]
[All fire-element abilities' power enhanced. Permanent growth boost for all attributes.]
Success!
Having successfully cleared the Flaming Abyss Trial, Ye Hongling reaped immense rewards.
At that moment, the scorching heat within the trial space vanished completely.
"Ah, what a pity..."
"The trial is over. Why are you sighing?" Chen Nian frowned.
"It would've been nice if the trial never ended. Then we could've kept doing... you know... those naughty things."
"... ...."
Chen Nian held out his hand: "My task is complete. Reward."
"Fine, fine. But could you tell me your real name?"
"No."
If her real name were known, Ye Hongling could find her far too easily. Xiao Qi would get jealous, and she'd have to tell Xiao Qi too—a love triangle would be inevitable.
"Forget it. I'll find you myself. Here."
Ye Hongling snorted and handed Chen Nian the promised "High-Tier Skill Scroll."
With this, Chen Nian could bypass the harsh conditions and unlock a high-tier Word Spirit!
Chen Nian continued, "I got this after killing that boss outside. Want it?"
Rare Skill Scroll: "Celestial Fall."
A super-powered ultimate for fire spells!
Usable by any fire-element class, not just mages.
Seeing the crimson scroll, Ye Hongling's eyes lit up instantly—she clearly wanted it badly.
"I'll take it!"
"One hundred million. Friendship price."
"Damn, you're so cold, man! Just now you were kissing me like crazy, and now you want a hundred million?" Ye Hongling stomped her foot, hands on her hips.
"Business is business. I'm auctioning it in the trading space with a ten-billion-yuan starting bid. Are you sure you don't want it?"
"How about I offer myself instead?"
"Then I'm out."
"Fine, fine! So my body isn't worth a hundred million to you? I hate how wooden you are. Alright, I'll transfer it to your account later."
Chen Nian tossed the item to Ye Hongling, knowing she wasn't short on cash and wouldn't go back on her word.
He glanced at her disheveled state and pulled off his coat, hurling it toward her.
"After-sales service. You're welcome."
The coat landed on her shoulders, and Ye Hongling felt unexpectedly flattered.
Giving me clothes—isn't that just to prevent other men from seeing me exposed?
He's actually this considerate!
In that instant, Ye Hongling felt that even a hundred million yuan for this coat would be worth it.
By then, Chen Nian had already left, using the word magic "Shadow Concealment" to avoid being seen by anyone outside.
When Ye Hongling emerged, a chorus of gasps erupted outside.
"Miss Ye, you're finally out! We've been waiting for you for ages!"
"Yes, Miss Ye! We nearly lost our lives fighting those monsters. Thank goodness you succeeded!"
"Congratulations, Miss Ye!"
People rushed to flatter her, yet they also wondered—where had that man gone?
"Miss Ye, where did that masked brother go?"
"Yeah, Miss Ye, didn't you see how insane that guy was? He took down a Level 95 boss in just a few moves!"
"Who is he? Some new prodigy who just appeared?"
Ye Hongling smiled and shook her head. "I can't say."
Just as everyone was puzzling over why she couldn't speak, someone suddenly trembled and murmured in shock.
"Can't say... doesn't that mean..."
"Bu Yu?!"