The next morning, when Ye Chu saw Bai Xuan, she had faint dark circles under her eyes. She had clearly not slept well the night before. This made Ye Chu smile. He had not expected Bai Xuan to lose sleep over his upcoming departure from Yao City.
“Brother Ye Chu! What are we playing today?” Yao Yao bounced over to his side and planted a kiss on his cheek with her rosy little mouth. Yao Yao loved clinging to him, and Bai Xuan, watching from nearby, could not help thinking that Yao Yao would probably be sad for quite some time after he left.
“How about I build you a little house out of mud today?” Ye Chu scooped Yao Yao into his arms and gently pinched her soft, tender cheeks.
“No way! I’m not a three-year-old baby who plays with mud!” Yao Yao pouted, her clear eyes showing displeasure. “I’m already four! No more mud from now on.”
The words stunned Ye Chu, and he burst out laughing. He glanced at Bai Xuan and, sure enough, saw a blush colouring her cheeks.
Bai Xuan had watched Yao Yao obsess over mud every day, with Ye Chu patiently joining in, often leading others to mock them as simple-minded. Not wanting Ye Chu to be wrongly branded an idiot, she had put tremendous effort into stopping Yao Yao from playing with it.
“Why are you staring at me?” Bai Xuan noticed his gaze lingering on her and shot him a reproachful look, her tone tinged with shyness.
“I was just wondering if Sister Bai Xuan must be exhausted.” Ye Chu smiled, his eyes drawn to her full breasts that strained against her clothes. He could not help recalling that fleeting glimpse from one unforgettable night.
Bai Xuan clearly remembered it too. Her pretty face flushed hot in an instant, and she hurriedly looked away, spitting lightly in annoyance. She thought Ye Chu was utterly incorrigible.
Seeing Bai Bao approaching, Bai Xuan glared fiercely at Ye Chu before pulling Yao Yao off to play in the courtyard.
“I heard about yesterday too. I never imagined you had reached such a realm!” Bai Bao had just returned from outside, where the whole of Yao City was buzzing about the previous day’s battle. Learning it was Ye Chu had left even him astonished.
“Just a small scuffle.” Ye Chu laughed. “From Uncle Bai’s vigour, your body must have fully recovered.”
Bai Bao nodded. “That is thanks to you. Thanks to this sha qi crisis, I have faintly touched the outline of the third layer. I thought I would never reach it in this lifetime, yet a calamity has turned into a blessing.”
Ye Chu was used to such outcomes with Bai Bao. “Then congratulations, Uncle Bai. Stepping into the Innate realm would make you one of Yao Kingdom’s foremost experts.”
“Yao Kingdom is only a small kingdom. Even becoming the strongest here is nothing to boast about.” Bai Bao smiled. “Even entering the Innate realm, I would not consider myself particularly powerful.”
Ye Chu knew Bai Bao’s vision far surpassed that of anyone from a minor kingdom like Yao, so he naturally would not mock him for speaking grandly.
“By the way, I heard you directly met a palm strike from an Innate realm expert yesterday?” Bai Bao asked curiously. “Is it true?”
“Uncle Bai heard about it too?” Ye Chu smiled. “It did happen. But Uncle Bai, do not attempt it lightly. The gap between Innate and Intent Transformation is vast. It is easy to suffer severe injury and lingering hidden ailments.”
“I know that.” Bai Bao said. “That is why I am curious how you blocked his strike unscathed.”
This inevitably amazed Bai Bao. In his eyes, an Innate realm expert was a mighty lion, while Intent Transformation was merely a wolf. Fierce as a wolf might be, it could not match a lion and would struggle to withstand even one blow.
Yet Ye Chu had not only blocked it but stood here completely unharmed.
“I truly cannot see through you.” Bai Bao shook his head. “But I know your master is extraordinary, so I will not pry.”
“Is Uncle Bai not the same? With your knowledge and skill, you hide away in a small place like Yao City. Will you not tell me your secret?” Ye Chu laughed heartily.
“Haha! Keep guessing!” Bai Bao laughed, then seemed to remember something. “Would you do me a favour?”
“Hm?” Ye Chu asked curiously.
“Many forces from the empire have suddenly emerged, hunting everywhere for those who entered the Great General’s Tomb last time. Though I was discreet, no wall is truly impenetrable. If you found me, others certainly can too.” Bai Bao sighed softly. “My only worry is Bai Xuan and Yao Yao. Yao Yao is too young, and you know how beautiful my daughter is. Many covet her, so I hope you will watch over them.”
Ye Chu smiled. “Are you not afraid I might covet them?”
“Hahaha! Your reputation may be ruined, and you are indeed no saint. But at least you would not stoop to despicable means. If you have the ability to win Bai Xuan’s consent yourself, then I will not interfere.”
Hearing this, Ye Chu could not help chuckling inwardly. He thought Bai Bao underestimated him far too much, assuming his daughter would surely reject him.
“Then look after them yourself. I have no interest, and besides, I will be leaving Yao City soon.” Ye Chu laughed.
“You are leaving?” Bai Bao frowned, fell silent for a moment, then said nothing more. “Very well. I know you want the method to enter the General’s Tomb, so I will tell you everything.”
With that, Bai Bao suddenly drew a yellowed book from his robes. “This has been passed down from our ancestors. Once you understand everything in it, you can attempt to enter the Great General’s Tomb.”
Ye Chu took it sceptically and flipped through casually, seeing various curves sketched inside. He was about to ask something when Bai Bao cut in. “Read it first. Ask me later if anything is unclear.”
Ye Chu nodded and put the book away.
“What I said earlier was just preparing for the worst, in case something happens to me. I hope that, if the time comes, you will help Bai Xuan if you can.” Bai Bao suddenly sighed and patted Ye Chu’s shoulder.
Seeing how seriously Bai Bao spoke, Ye Chu paused, then nodded. “Even without Uncle Bai saying it, I would do so.”
“I know your background is no ordinary one. That much is clear from how you dispelled the sha qi in the Great General’s Tomb for me. With your word, I am much more at ease.” Bai Bao said. “There are indeed treasures in the Great General’s Tomb, but do not be reckless. Even with my ancestral methods, the slightest mistake means nine deaths and one life.”
Ye Chu had experienced the dangers within and naturally understood.
“Grandpa! Brother Ye Chu! What are you talking about? Come play with me quickly!” While Ye Chu and Bai Bao spoke, Yao Yao hopped over from the courtyard, hugged Ye Chu’s leg, and shook it.
“Alright! How about eagle catches the chicks today?” Ye Chu smiled at Yao Yao. “Let your little aunt be the chick?”
As he spoke, Ye Chu’s gaze drifted involuntarily to Bai Xuan’s full, rounded peaks. He thought that if he accidentally brushed against them during the game, no one could blame him. It would just be a mishap.
Bai Xuan clearly noticed his look. Clever as she was, how could she miss his intent? She quickly pulled Yao Yao over. “Yao Yao, didn’t you want to play horsey? Go to your Brother Ye Chu!”
“……”
