Invincible Soul Emperor

The two of them have been such a great help, Yan Lao no longer guarded against them.

Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao nodded firmly, not expecting that the Energy Core could also help improve cultivation.

Since they brought it back and were invited by Yan Lao, they definitely had to go!

"We’ll go with you," Ye Qingchen said, his tone firm.

"Alright, let’s set off then," Yan Lao said, leading them towards the Volcanic Energy Core.

Under Yan Lao’s guidance, the three of them headed towards the Volcanic Energy Core, the atmosphere becoming much more relaxed.

Yan Lao walked ahead, suddenly turning his head with a slight smile, teasing, "Ye Qingchen, I see you’re quite attentive to Xue Zhao, is she your little girlfriend?"

Upon hearing this, a blush immediately appeared on Ye Qingchen’s face. He hurriedly waved his hand, explaining, "No, no! Xue Zhao is not my girlfriend. We’re just partners."

Seeing this, Yan Lao laughed even more happily, "Oh, really? But your nervous demeanor doesn’t look like just teammates."

Ye Qingchen awkwardly scratched his head, with a hint of explanation in his tone, "Yan Lao, please don’t joke around. I really just care about her, after all we’ve been through so much, I certainly don’t want anything to happen to her."

Xue Zhao, standing to the side, watched the scene with a slight upward curve of her mouth, a sly glint in her eyes.

She didn’t say anything, just quietly watched Ye Qingchen explaining, enjoying this rare moment of relaxation.

Yan Lao turned to look at Xue Zhao, smiling, "See, Xue Zhao isn’t saying anything, why are you so nervous?"

Xue Zhao heard this, couldn’t help but chuckle lightly, gently shaking her head, pretending not to have heard anything.

Her smile made Ye Qingchen even more embarrassed, but at the same time, he felt much more at ease.

"Alright, alright, no more jokes." Yan Lao laughed and patted Ye Qingchen on the shoulder, "You both are good kids, taking care of each other in such a dangerous environment is really rare. The Xue Family has such people, it’s rare."

Ye Qingchen finally breathed a sigh of relief, the embarrassment gradually fading from his face, revealing a slight smile, "Thank you, Yan Lao, we’re just doing our best, hoping to successfully retrieve the item."

Xue Zhao also stepped forward, smiling as she said, "Yes, thanks to Yan Lao’s help, we can be safe and sound."

Yan Lao nodded, his eyes full of praise, "Good, having young people like you is great."

The three chatted along the way, the light and joyful atmosphere making their steps lighter.

Outside the Secret Realm, Xue Wei stood on a high ground, holding the Clan’s Guardian Stone.

This Clan’s Guardian Stone was deep red throughout, emitting a scorching glow, as if containing endless power of the Fire Element.

The surface of the stone was covered with ancient runes, each rune exuding a mysterious and powerful force, making the entire stone appear exceptionally dignified and solemn.

Xue Wei’s gaze was filled with coldness and pride, he sneered in the direction of the Secret Realm, a hint of disdain and mockery in his eyes.

The corners of his mouth raised slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, as if already foreseeing the success of his plan.

Standing beside Xue Wei, Ah San, seeing the Clan’s Guardian Stone in his master’s hand, also smiled.

His eyes were full of admiration, stepping forward and flattering Xue Wei, "Master, you’re truly amazing, the Clan’s Guardian Stone has finally ended up in your hands!"

As he spoke, admiration flickered in his eyes, and his voice carried a few praises, as if finding an incredibly worthy goal in front of Xue Wei.

He continued, "Master, should we take the item into the Secret Realm next?"

Hearing Ah San’s compliments, Xue Wei’s sneer intensified. He glanced at Ah San, the smile on his mouth carrying a hint of contempt, but he didn’t say much.

He nodded satisfactorily, continuing to look coldly in the direction of the Secret Realm.

"Hmph, with this Clan’s Guardian Stone in my possession, they have no idea what’s about to happen next," Xue Wei muttered to himself, his tone filled with confidence and dominance, "Ye Qingchen and Xue Zhao are no match for me. And that fool Jiang Qi handed over the item so easily."

Ah San echoed, "Yes, yes, master is right. With the Clan’s Guardian Stone, those people can’t compete with you!!"

Xue Wei looked at the Clan’s Guardian Stone in his hand, a hint of a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

He knew this stone was not only a weapon in his hand but also the key to controlling the overall situation.

He sneered, a plan already forming in his mind.

"Let’s see, who will have the last laugh in this game," Xue Wei’s voice was deep and cold, carrying an irresistible majesty.

Xue Wei asked again, "How are our people preparing inside the Secret Realm?"

Ah San immediately answered, excitement in his tone, "Master, they’re all assembled and waiting for your orders in the last checkpoint in the Snowfield."

Upon hearing this, Xue Wei nodded slightly, silent for a while, seemingly contemplating something.

A moment later, he spoke, "To unleash the full power of the Clan’s Guardian Stone, someone must respond outside the Secret Realm."

Ah San, upon hearing this, was somewhat excited, hurriedly asking, "Master, should I stay behind to respond to you?"

Xue Wei sneered, a hint of contempt in his eyes, "Your strength is insufficient."

Ah San’s expression changed instantly, lowering his head, not daring to speak further. He knew his strength was indeed inadequate for such an important task, but he still felt a bit disappointed.

Xue Wei watched Ah San’s reaction, a cold light flicked in his eyes, but he said nothing more.

Clearly, he already had a candidate in mind.

"I already have the right person in mind, just follow my lead," Xue Wei’s voice was cold and firm, leaving no room for dissent.

Ah San quickly nodded, respectfully saying, "Yes, master, I understand."

Xue Wei crossed through a dense forest, arriving at a secluded location.

It was a simple courtyard, surrounded by a simple wooden fence, appearing somewhat plain.

The ground inside the courtyard was uneven, but not overgrown with weeds, a few old trees stood lonely in the corners, their sparse branches and leaves appearing particularly desolate.

In the center of the courtyard was an old well, its edge worn, obviously bearing years of age.

Near the courtyard, there was a small wooden house, its roof tiles slightly askew, the walls mottled and peeling, looking aged.

But inside, it was very clean.

As Xue Wei stepped through the fence gate and into the courtyard, he saw a figure hurriedly rush out of the wooden house.

It was none other than Xiao Xiao, whom Xue Wei was looking for.

Upon seeing Xue Wei, Xiao Xiao immediately showed a warm smile, quickly stepping forward, excitement in her voice, "Xue Wei, you’re here, please come in, come in."