Chapter 169: Shang Hongxue: I am Brother Chuyang's future wife

Time passed minute by minute, second by second.

Two hours passed, and by afternoon Chen Chuyang and the others ate a meal prepared by Liu Yuer; this woman was very virtuous, doing well in this regard, no longer needing Chen Chuyang to lift a finger, she managed and learned on her own, her cooking skills still good—Chen Chuyang approved of his third uncle's choice, not blind.

Over this period of getting along, Chen Chuyang also became familiar with this woman; she was lacking in no aspect, loved learning, had talent, and after being taught something once she picked it up, needing no instruction from Chen Chuyang, being very self-motivated.

For example, Dragon Tooth Rice, she managed it well, strictly following the standards Chen Chuyang gave her; at the same time she also took care of some spiritual herbs, doing so well, many matters on Longshe Shan were handled by her, including those spiritual fruit trees, weeding, and so on—all done by her.

Liu Yuer and Zhang Nongqian, who couldn't stay idle, were very diligent, working all day except during rest periods, unafraid of fatigue or hardship; these two women were self-motivated and very satisfying, leaving nothing to criticize in any aspect.

This was fine; Chen Chuyang felt relieved, but he still had plenty to do—some spiritual herbs still needed his personal care, many secrets of Longshe Shan also needed to be concealed, some places were dangerous, and Chen Chuyang did not allow them to approach.

Especially within the formation, nothing could be moved; Chen Chuyang strictly forbade this.

"Brother Chuyang, is Sister Hongxue dead?"

Liu Yuer went to work, leaving Zhang Nongqian here watching; she was uneasy about Sister Shang Hongxue and unwilling to leave.

Sitting behind Chen Chuyang, she had watched for a long time and couldn't help asking: "Sister Hongxue has shown no movement for a while; shall we open and take a look?"

Chen Chuyang's Spiritual Sense continually fixed on Shang Hongxue lass; she had entered some state, her body accustomed to the flames of the Alchemy Furnace, all over her body burst forth an indescribable energy, insulating against the external flames.

Those liquids were all absorbed by her, merging into her body, her heartbeat accelerated—this beating was not ordinary.

The Spiritual Sense noted that the heart began a major movement; a layer of seal appeared, and amid repeated rushes of Wild Dragon Snake blood, a slight anomaly emerged, this rush also causing those seals to loosen, as if about to break.

"The seal has been triggered."

"Indeed, as I guessed, when Hongxue's body reaches a certain limit, it will break the seal."

"The first layer of seal on the heart restricts her body; once broken, Hongxue lass's body will leap forward dramatically."

"This step is the most difficult and also the most dangerous first step; a slight mistake could lead to trouble."

Chen Chuyang stared, not daring to lose focus.

At the critical moment, although the heart's loosening was not obvious, at least this path was correct.

Earlier soaking of the liquid could not provoke any movement of the heart.

Those seals, Chen Chuyang could help undo, but the time has not yet come.

"If solved by one's own strength, the benefits are many."

"As for me, I'd rather not intervene, to see if Hongxue lass can break through on her own."

For bodily breakthrough, it's best to do it oneself; if others help, it will ultimately fall short a bit.

Sense of achievement and that confidence also need a little cultivation; teaching someone to fish is better than giving them a fish—Chen Chuyang still understands this principle.

"Brother Chuyang, are you all right?"

Zhang Nongqian waited a long time, but did not wait for Chen Chuyang to answer her.

She thought Chen Chuyang had also met with trouble, and couldn't help asking again.

Chen Chuyang opened his eyes and smiled: "I'm fine, little lass; don't worry about your Sister Hongxue, she's okay."

"How could she die so easily? With him here, no one can take Hongxue lass's life."

Zhang Nongqian breathed a sigh of relief: "This is good, this is good; Sister Hongxue is so good, she must not come to harm."

This is the first person who has been so good to me, and also the first sister who does not despise me.

During this time following Shang Hongxue, she learned a lot and also came to accept this elder sister.

From the heart, she regarded Shang Hongxue as family.

Perhaps this is Shang Hongxue's charm, something other women lack—her kindness, purity, simplicity, and smile can infect others and even change them.

One day later.

The Alchemy Furnace opened.

Shang Hongxue was brought out.

She lay on the ground, her body patched with black and red.

Her clothes were slightly torn, and a layer of gauze like green ripples protected her, isolating most of the danger.

The hairpin also emitted light; after the danger passed, these two Spiritual Artifacts dimmed.

Chen Chuyang checked and found nothing wrong, then took out a piece of clothing to cover where she was leaking light.

Zhang Nongqian saw Sister Hongxue's miserable state, and tears fell uncontrollably.

"Sister Hongxue, don't die; if you die, I'll have no sister."

"Wuu wuu wuu."

"Sister Hongxue, why aren't you speaking? Don't die."

Chen Chuyang didn't know what to say, just watching Zhang Nongqian; I quietly watch you operate.

Shang Hongxue couldn't bear it, opened her eyes: "That little Qian sister, sister isn't dead."

Zhang Nongqian then stopped her wailing, lowered her head, and blinked.

Her tear-blurred eyes regained clarity.

"Sister Hongxue, you're not dead—great! I thought you had died, you scared me to death, wuu wuu wuu."

Good grief, she started crying again.

Soon after, she turned into a little flower cat.

Shang Hongxue sat up, saw that she was exposed, glanced at Chen Chuyang— that look, that smile, seemed to be teasing Chen Chuyang.

Chen Chuyang was instantly speechless; this lass, even at this time, still teasing himself.

Really a little sprite.

"Shush-shush."

Shang Hongxue went to wash up and changed into a fresh set of clothes.

She felt refreshed and clear-headed.

"Brother Chuyang, why is my skin like this?"

It's either red or black skin, some of which can't be washed off.

Chen Chuyang examined a bit and said, "Your body hasn't fully transformed yet; once you awaken, you'll be like me."

"As expected." Shang Hongxue gave Chen Chuyang a glance, her little hand couldn't help but loop around his arm, taking the opportunity to pinch his waist.

This move is innate for women; no need to learn, it comes naturally.

"Chuyang brother, you did this on purpose, knowing it would hurt so much, yet… you ignored me, I almost died in there."

Her face full of resentment, her eyes fixed on Chen Chuyang.

Chen Chuyang explained, "I warned you before, the inside of the Alchemy Furnace is dangerous; you managed to hold on, truly unexpected."

He gave a thumbs-up, praising the little girl.

"This time, you did great."

"Hehehe." Shang Hongxue burst out laughing.

That face was replaced by a smile.

"That's only natural; I am Shang Hongxue, Chuyang brother's future… wife."

The last two words, only she could hear.

Chen Chuyang naturally understood her meaning; he neither denied nor directly admitted, but lifted his head and rubbed her head.

This little lass is truly endearing.