Invincible Soul Emperor

The small courtyard was lush with flowers and plants, vibrant in greenery, with several blooming plum blossoms complementing the ancient trees, the fragrance of the flowers wafting through the air.

Ye Qingchen walked to the gate of the courtyard and gently pushed the door open, only to see Xue Zhao standing in the center of the courtyard, her face radiating a brilliant smile.

"Ye Qingchen!" Upon seeing Ye Qingchen, Xue Zhao’s eyes sparkled with joy. She stepped forward quickly, unabashedly expressing her inner delight. She wore a white gauze dress that fluttered lightly with her steps, making her look as beautiful and enchanting as a fairy.

"Xue Zhao," Ye Qingchen smiled softly, his tone gentle, "have you rested well."

Xue Zhao’s smile was as bright as a flower, holding Ye Qingchen’s hand. She gave a gentle tug and said with a laugh, "Come in, Ye Qingchen. I’ve prepared fine wine and delicacies, just waiting for you to arrive."

Her actions were affectionate and natural, as if the two had long been familiar with each other.

Ye Qingchen, being pulled by her, walked into the room, looking at her gently, feeling a warmth in his heart.

The interior was tastefully decorated, with green drapes hanging all around, a delicate celadon wine pot and plates of small dishes on the table, and the soft lighting making the whole room seem dreamlike.

Xue Zhao pulled Ye Qingchen to the table, looking at him with a smile, playfully said, "Ye Qingchen, if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to participate in this election. If Xue Wei succeeded, I’d be furious."

Her eyes twinkled with a mischievous light, a tease tinged with flirtation.

Ye Qingchen smiled faintly, shaking his head, "Xue Zhao, there’s no need to thank me. We’re partners. You helped me obtain the Buddha’s Relic, I had to do my part."

Xue Zhao chuckled softly, picking up the wine pot to pour a cup for Ye Qingchen, offering it to him: "Haha, then let’s celebrate, toast to our collaboration!"

Ye Qingchen took the wine cup, gazing deeply at Xue Zhao, clinking his cup with hers, "Haha, yes, to our collaboration!"

They drank it all in one go, the wine warm and mellow as it flowed down their throats.

Xue Zhao put down her wine cup, leaned close to Ye Qingchen, blinked playfully, saying, "Qingchen, actually I prepared another gift for you, guess what it is?"

Ye Qingchen raised an eyebrow, curiosity in his eyes, "What is it?"

Xue Zhao’s smile grew larger, feigning mystery, "Can’t guess it, can you? Then close your eyes, let me give you a feel."

Ye Qingchen obediently closed his eyes, filled with anticipation. Suddenly, a gentle fragrance enveloped him as Xue Zhao leaned in closer, giving him a big kiss on the cheek.

Ye Qingchen abruptly opened his eyes, looking at Xue Zhao’s unchanged beauty, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Xue Zhao started teasing him again.

His heart skipped a beat, nodding with a smile, "Xue Zhao, aren’t you afraid of doing something foolish when drinking?"

Xue Zhao playfully patted him on the shoulder, laughing, "If you’re not afraid, I won’t be either."

Hearing Xue Zhao’s words, Ye Qingchen laughed heartily for a while.

After a moment, the smile on Ye Qingchen’s face gradually faded.

A trace of seriousness flashed in his eyes, his tone becoming grave and steady, "Xue Zhao, about the competition today, something was very wrong. Xue Wei must have used some cheating method, otherwise, with your skills, you would definitely have won today."

Upon hearing Ye Qingchen’s words, a complex emotion also emerged in Xue Zhao’s eyes.

Her expression remained calm, but a glint of restrained cold light flickered in her eyes.

She nodded slightly, her voice low and firm, "I’ve suspected something was off for a while, but haven’t had concrete evidence. It seems you were right."

Ye Qingchen took a deep breath and continued, "Xue Wei’s actions have crossed the line, it’s not just a disregard for competition rules but also a provocation to your entire family. If we don’t act, tomorrow’s competition will become even more difficult."

Xue Zhao pressed her lips together, speaking in a slightly heavy tone, "I know what you’re saying is true. Xue Wei really has a lot of unknown forces backing him, even if I expose the cheating, they’ll help cover it up. Besides, I don’t have any evidence to expose their conspiracy publicly."

Xue Zhao’s expression was serious, her voice tinged with anxiety, "Tomorrow’s competition is decided by the Xue family’s votes, which is a huge advantage for Xue Wei. Plus, I’ve been unconscious so long and haven’t had time to prepare. For tomorrow’s competition, I really don’t know how to respond."

A glint of cold light flashed in her eyes, but she still tried to remain calm, searching for a solution.

However, her voice was undeniably worried, indicating her deep concern for tomorrow’s competition.

Listening to Xue Zhao, the corners of Ye Qingchen’s mouth slightly rose, a mysterious glint flickering in his eyes.

He took a deep breath, his expression becoming relaxed and confident, as though he had a clear plan for everything tomorrow.

His smile held an indescribable mystery, as if harboring some crucial secret.

"Xue Zhao," Ye Qingchen said slowly, with a hint of teasing in his voice, "you don’t need to worry too much about tomorrow’s competition. I’ve prepared a special surprise that will give you an absolute advantage in tomorrow’s competition."

His smile was both mysterious and warm, his eyes shimmering with an inscrutable brilliance, as if he already held tomorrow’s future in his hands.

His confidence and mystery piqued Xue Zhao’s curiosity, temporarily dispelling her worries.

"A surprise?" Xue Zhao blinked, her gaze filled with confusion and anticipation, "What exactly do you have planned?"

Ye Qingchen smiled faintly, speaking in a low voice, "Tomorrow’s competition won’t be as you imagine. Trust me, all the difficulties and challenges will be swept away tomorrow."

A glint of brightness flashed in Xue Zhao’s eyes, her worries dispelled by Ye Qingchen’s mysterious smile and confidence.

She took a deep breath, trying to relax, a hint of hopeful glow in her eyes, "If that’s the case, I won’t worry anymore. I hope your plan will be successfully implemented."

Ye Qingchen looked at Xue Zhao gently, his eyes full of concern and encouragement, "Everything is under control, Xue Zhao. All you need to do is rest well, tomorrow we’ll face the challenge together."

Ye Qingchen had just returned to his residence, walking along the bluestone path. Upon pushing open the courtyard gate, the scene before him caused a slight surprise.

Inside the courtyard, Xiao Xiao stood quietly on a piece of bluestone.

She wore a plain white dress, her sleeves fluttering slightly in the breeze.

Her hands hung naturally at her sides, her gaze seemed to pierce through the distant horizon, with a hint of depth and confusion in her eyes.

At this moment, her eyes were half-closed, as if lost in some deep thought.

Her brows were slightly furrowed, her expression grave and focused, seemingly contemplating some complex and important issue.

The surrounding flowers and trees swayed gently behind her, occasionally a light breeze brushing past the tips of her hair, bringing a slight feeling of coolness.