What in the world kind of monstrous talent is this?
Hu Yilianruo had already reached the level of a Silver Two-Star Demon Spirit Master, and her Soul Realm was fused with the Snow Cherry Demon Spirit.
This was an incredibly powerful and rare plant-type demon spirit found deep within the Saint Ancestor Mountain Range, capable of casting potent bewitching spells.
Various creatures would be irresistibly drawn to the Snow Cherry Demon Spirit, only to be devoured.
Those who fused with the Snow Cherry found it effortless to enchant demon spirit masters of the same rank.
Normally, a small effort from Hu Yilianruo, and many men would willingly become her protectors.
Her bewitchment techniques had always been infallible, yet today, they failed!
Not only was her enchantment seen through, but the boy even recognized her demon spirit at a glance.
Was the boy across from her not too monstrous? The Snow Cherry Demon Spirit was a precious and rare spirit captured by her grandfather, something very few people knew about, let alone understood its abilities or origins.
Hu Yilianruo felt as if struck by lightning, unable to speak for a moment.
The crux of the matter was, her opponent was just a Bronze One-Star boy!
There are two types of people who can resist bewitching spells: one, those whose minds are so pure they're untouched by impurities, like children under five years old, and two, those experienced warriors who understand bewitchment inside out.
Nie Li was already thirteen, so by logic, he should have some understanding of relationships between men and women, making it impossible for him to be as pure-hearted as a child; thus, he could only be the second type.
But, how could that be possible?
Hu Yilianruo could never have imagined that within the body of this young boy resided the soul of an incredible strong figure, one even surpassing legendary levels.
Seeing Hu Yilianruo’s stunned expression, Nie Li gave a faint smile as he walked away, brushing past her.
"Nie Li, isn't Hu Yilianruo pretty?" Ye Ziyun blinked at Nie Li curiously.
Under such temptation, Nie Li had surprisingly refused.
Could it be that Nie Li had some secret difficulty?
Nie Li looked at Ye Ziyun with a grin, "Hu Yilianruo is indeed pretty, but how could she compare to you?"
Hearing Nie Li’s smooth talk, Ye Ziyun stomped her foot, "I’m nothing compared to Hu Yilianruo; she has so many admirers!" Ye Ziyun knew there were even some cousins in the Snow Wind Family smitten with Hu Yilianruo.
Nie Li understood.
Ye Ziyun referred to physical looks.
While Ye Ziyun’s demeanor and beauty surpassed Hu Yilianruo’s, in terms of figure, she was somewhat lacking.
Nie Li chuckled silently, knowing that in a few years, Ye Ziyun’s figure would rival Hu Yilianruo’s.
Only Nie Li knew how stunning and graceful Ye Ziyun would become in the future.
Unlike Hu Yilianruo, who flaunted her allure, Ye Ziyun’s elegance and nobility were unmatched.
Seeing the mischievous glint in Nie Li's eyes, Ye Ziyun pouted slightly in discontent.
Nie Li was fine as a friend, but Ye Ziyun had never considered anything beyond that.
Currently, she focused solely on cultivation, striving to become a legendary demon spirit master like her grandfather.
Nie Li had gifted her the Nine Transformations Ice Phoenix Art, bringing her closer to her dreams, making her genuinely grateful.
If any other boy acted so frivolously, she would have left long ago.
Watching Nie Li walk away, Hu Yilianruo felt a bit defiant.
Did her allure truly pale against Ye Ziyun’s?
Determinedly, Hu Yilianruo pointed at Nie Li and loudly declared, "Nie Li, one day, I’ll have you beneath my skirt! I’ve decided! I’m going to pursue this kid; he’s mine now. If anyone wants him, they’ll have to ask me first! If anyone tries to snatch him from me, they’ll have a fight on their hands!"
Hearing Hu Yilianruo’s bold declaration, everyone was stunned, staring at her in disbelief.
Hu Yilianruo, chasing after Nie Li? Everyone cast strange looks at Nie Li, then at Hu Yilianruo.
For such a beauty like Hu Yilianruo, a mere gesture would have men swarming like flies.
Yet, she was chasing after Nie Li, which was truly bizarre.
Nie Li couldn’t help but laugh at Hu Yilianruo's words.
Ye Ziyun looked at Nie Li with a faint smile.
Nie Li certainly had his share of romantic luck; first Xiao Ning’er sending breakfast, and now Hu Yilianruo chasing after him.
Who would have thought Nie Li was so charming?
Hu Yilianruo’s announcement caused a stir, quickly becoming the topic of conversation, even surprising Chen Linjian.
As the group continued their journey, traversing several towering mountains, Hu Yilianruo persistently appeared by Nie Li’s side.
"Nie Li, would you like some almond cake?"
"Nie Li, are you tired? Would you like me to lay a mat for you to rest?"
Hu Yilianruo kept appearing around Nie Li, brushing against him with her chest, fragrant again, and again.
If it were any other boy, such teasing from a beautiful woman would be too much to bear.
For Nie Li, Hu Yilianruo’s flirtations were nothing but a fragrant annoyance.
"Can you stop being such a bother? Go away, go do whatever you need to do! Move further away!" Nie Li waved her off impatiently.
The gorgeous eyes of Hu Yilianruo reddened slightly, having never been treated this way.
Was Nie Li blind to her beauty? Irritated, she threw the mat down with a huff and stalked off.
"Ah, finally some peace!" Nie Li breathed a sigh of relief, glad the troublesome girl had left.
Yet, after just a few steps, Hu Yilianruo turned back, "Nie Li, are you thirsty? I have some fine almond brew here."
Nie Li was on the verge of breakdown.
Was this woman as sticky as a plaster?
"Can you stop being so senselessly idle? Do you have nothing better to do?" Nie Li rolled his eyes.
Hu Yilianruo blinked with a sly glint, "I think I might like you. Even though you don’t like me now, it’s okay. Who wouldn’t like a beauty like me? Maybe you’re just blind now; you’ll eventually see how beautiful and cute I am!"
“Liking you would truly be a blind man’s fate!” Nie Li let out a breath and quickly walked away.
This girl was hopeless!
Of course, Nie Li didn’t truly believe Hu Yilianruo cared for him; she likely found the pursuit amusing.
Once the novelty wore off, she’d surely leave him be.
Nie Li quickly made his way to Ye Ziyun’s side.
In both past and present lives, Ye Ziyun was his love.
The girls around Ye Ziyun observed Nie Li with amused eyes, whispering among themselves.
"Is this the boy Hu Yilianruo is chasing?"
"He does have a charming look."
"Enough to match Hu Yilianruo!"
Nie Li couldn’t help but sweat at their remarks.
What a mess.
Ye Ziyun glanced at the embarrassed Nie Li and said lightly, "Why didn’t you stay with Hu Yilianruo?"
"Ziyun, you know there’s nothing between us!" Nie Li smiled bitterly, feeling frustrated.
If Ye Ziyun misunderstood, he’d be miserable.
"Why would that concern me?" Ye Ziyun shrugged, turning away, wearing a playful smile.
Seeing Nie Li flustered was quite amusing to her.
Nie Li opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say, watching Ye Ziyun’s graceful figure walk away.
When could he pull the enchanting girl into his arms like in his previous life? A long road lay ahead!
For now, he had to focus on growing stronger.
In a few years, Glory City would face the threat of demon beasts; even Ye Ziyun’s grandfather, the legendary demon spirit master Ye Mo, would fall.
Nie Li had to reach the Legendary Realm before then, a formidable challenge given the short time.
He needed to seize every opportunity to grow his power, including this trip to the Ancient Orchid City Ruins, where he must acquire the Soul Lamp!
In the following days, Nie Li continued absorbing soul force taken from Chu Yuan.
However, Hu Yilianruo was a constant distraction, sticking close even during his training.
Nie Li simply chose to ignore her.
Traversing the towering mountains for two days, they passed through winding valley pathways and finally reached a plain in the distance.
It was an ancient city ruin, spanning hundreds of miles.
Much of it was covered by dense forest, with only some broken walls visible.
Roars from demon beasts echoed from within the ruins.
Most high-level beasts had left, leaving behind only Bronze or Silver class beasts.
This relic from the age before the Dark Era hinted at human glory in those times.
Seeing the crumbled walls and scattered bones, everyone felt a sense of desolation.
If Glory City ever fell to demon beasts, it would end up just like this relic, with only remains left behind.
In the Dark Era, demon beasts ravaged the world, destroying all human empires.
Only survivors remained, fighting to repel the beasts.
Much of human civilization vanished in that catastrophe.
In Glory City, many techniques, martial arts, and runes were incomplete.
Exploring these ancient ruins could uncover items left from before the Dark Era.
Nie Li sought a Soul Lamp, a powerful artifact from a Legendary Demon Spirit Master of that era.
(End of Chapter)