Xiao Yi Xian felt the change in temperature around her and became curious. She focused for a moment and quickly realized that the warmth was coming from the person in front of her.
She knew very well that, given his strength, he wouldn't be affected by the cave's chill at all.
That left only one explanation—he had noticed her reaction earlier. Even though he hadn't looked back, he was clearly aware.
Following behind him, Xiao Yi Xian stared at Xiao Bai's back, a little surprised. So this bastard actually has a gentle side? If only he weren't so irritating when he speaks and didn't act so domineering…
Thinking of this, she hesitated for a moment before tentatively reaching out a small hand to grasp the back of his robe. She had wanted to do this for a while but never dared to before.
The only source of light was in Xiao Bai's hand, and his body blocked most of it, leaving her surrounded by darkness. She felt a little scared.
As her fingers grasped the fabric, she felt its texture against her palm. Holding onto it lightly, she waited for his reaction. Seeing that he didn't respond, she quietly sighed in relief. With her hand gripping the bastard's robe, her uneasiness faded, and she no longer felt afraid.
Xiao Bai had already noticed her little movements but chose to ignore them. If she wants to hold on, let her.
Seeing her behavior, he couldn't help but find it a bit amusing.
Wasn't she bold just a moment ago? She dared to enter the cave alone, yet now she's acting so timid?
Did she drink a whole pot of motivational soup before coming in? Is that how she worked up the courage earlier?
After walking forward for another ten meters or so, Xiao Bai suddenly stopped and turned around. His gaze was calm yet piercing, his expression cold.
Xiao Yi Xian was startled by his intense look and stammered, "W-what?"
"Let go," Xiao Bai ordered, his voice low as he gestured toward the hand clutching his robe.
Hearing his flat tone, Xiao Yi Xian obediently let go, though she muttered in dissatisfaction, feeling a little wronged.
"So stingy! I was just holding on a little. Why get so mad?"
Xiao Bai's face darkened.
A little? She had practically turned the back of his robe into a flowing cape! Every step he took, he felt a tug, making his movements awkward.
The cave floor was uneven, so he couldn't pull too hard, or she'd definitely trip.
Sighing inwardly, he extended a hand toward her.
Xiao Yi Xian immediately took a step back, hiding her hands behind her back, and looked at him warily.
"What are you doing? Men and women shouldn't casually touch! I don't want to hold hands!"
Sure, he had hugged her earlier, but that was unavoidable. Now that she could walk on her own, she'd rather deal with a little fear than take his hand voluntarily.
She wasn't about to just let him hold her hand so easily! A girl still had her pride!
Xiao Bai let out a cold chuckle and gritted his teeth as he spoke.
"Sleeve."
Xiao Yi Xian blinked. Sleeve? What sleeve?
Then it hit her—he was telling her to hold onto his sleeve instead.
Her face immediately flushed red. So I completely overthought that just now…
Feeling a little embarrassed, she hesitated before taking two small steps forward. Looking at the wide black robe with gold embroidery in front of her, she silently reached out and gently grasped the sleeve. Then she glanced up at Xiao Bai cautiously.
Seeing this, Xiao Bai didn't say anything. He simply turned and continued forward, holding the torch in one hand while the other rested behind his back.
Xiao Yi Xian followed closely behind, matching his steps. She kept her gaze fixed on his tall figure, lost in thought.
After walking for another ten minutes or so, Xiao Yi Xian noticed that Xiao Bai had suddenly stopped. She quickly halted as well, but after waiting for a while, she saw that he didn't turn around, which left her somewhat puzzled.
Peeking her small head out from behind him, Xiao Yi Xian looked ahead and saw a large stone door emitting a faint yellow glow. So, they had finally arrived at their destination.
Xiao Bai walked up to the door, carefully examining it from top to bottom. Using his soul force, he probed the massive stone door. It was thick, and though it was reinforced with an earth-element mechanism, such a thing couldn't stop him.
"The yellow glow on the stone door clearly indicates an earth-element mechanism. I can help you! You just have to share a little of whatever's inside with me. How about it?"
A playful voice came from beside him. Xiao Bai turned his head and saw that the girl, who had previously been somewhat wary, now looked noticeably more lively.
"You understand the mechanisms?" Xiao Bai asked calmly.
"Ahem, I've only read a few books about them. I wouldn't say I'm an expert—just somewhat knowledgeable, that's all."
Xiao Yi Xian cleared her throat and waved her small hand dismissively. Despite her modest words, her expression showed anything but humility. Inside, she was secretly excited.
Bastard, hurry up and beg me! As long as you ask, I'll open this door for you!
Seeing her proud look, Xiao Bai felt a bit amused and suddenly had the urge to tease her. He furrowed his brows and asked, "How much do you want?"
Hearing his question, Xiao Yi Xian was overjoyed inside but kept a serious expression. She carefully raised one delicate finger.
"One gold coin?" Xiao Bai asked in mock surprise, then immediately said in a firm tone, "No problem, open the door!"
Xiao Yi Xian nearly exploded with anger. One gold coin? You idiot, I meant half! Who cares about your measly gold coin?!
"Half…!" She gritted her teeth and held up her finger in front of his face.
Xiao Bai, noticing her frustrated yet adorable expression, felt a hint of amusement flicker in his eyes.
"Too much."
"Then thirty percent?"
Seeing Xiao Bai shake his head again, Xiao Yi Xian refused to give up. "Twenty percent, no less!"
"No deal. One gold coin."
"Then open it yourself, you bastard!" Furious, Xiao Yi Xian stomped off to the side, squatting down in frustration. She ignored Xiao Bai, though she kept sneaking glances at him out of the corner of her eye, waiting for him to give in and ask her for help. As long as he softened his tone and said something nice, she would open the door for him.
Before that incident earlier, she hadn't really cared about what was inside the cave. She only wanted to leave safely with her life and dignity intact.
But after what had happened, she realized that, despite his cold exterior, he wasn't such a bad person. That made her curious enough to test him a little. However, this stingy man refused to budge!
'You stingy bastard! Will it kill you to say something nice?!'Xiao Yi Xian fumed internally, watching him ignore her completely.
Xiao Bai, unfazed by her sulking, continued inspecting the stone door, considering whether to break it open.
After a moment's thought, he shook his head. Better not—if he destroyed the door, the cave might collapse.
Instead, he used his soul force to scan the entire door, following the internal mechanisms carefully to locate the switch.
It didn't take long for him to understand the structure of the mechanism and find the activation point.
The switch was right behind Xiao Yi Xian, just a short distance away.
All the while, Xiao Yi Xian had been secretly observing him. When she saw him walking toward her, she felt a surge of excitement.
'I knew he couldn't do it without me! Hmph… Now he's finally coming to beg for my help!'
'But no way! Unless this bastard says something nice to make me happy, I won't move an inch!' she thought proudly, crossing her arms with a smug expression.