Chapter 206: Danger Again

Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy

Ning Qingxue looked up, her face radiant with joy after receiving the necklace Ye Mo had crafted. She wanted him to help her fasten it, but his hands brushed against her chest as he reached for the clasp. She cried out, instantly regretting her gasp.

Ye Mo startled, realizing his hands had touched her breast. The softness startled him; he nearly lost control. Had she not screamed, he might have lingered.

He quickly withdrew his hands, apologizing awkwardly. After a long silence, he mumbled, "Sorry, I almost lost control."

Ning Qingxue's face flushed crimson. Annoyed, she thought, Idiot! If you wanted to touch me, just do it! Why say anything? She buried her head against his chest, a mixture of hope, joy, and apprehension swirling within her. His touch, she decided, meant he reciprocated her feelings. He hadn't acted on his impulse when she'd been wounded and shirtless, but this time… this meant he liked her.

She waited, but Ye Mo remained still. Looking up, she saw his awkward expression. She wanted to assure him she didn't mind, but the words wouldn't come. He's so dense, she fumed. Did I really have to spell it out?

"Let me help you with that," Ye Mo said, breaking the silence. He took the necklace and fastened it.

"Is it pretty?" Ning Qingxue asked, admiring it.

"Very pretty," Ye Mo replied sincerely. The pearls complemented her skin tone perfectly, enhancing her already striking beauty.

"It's beautiful, thank you, Ye Mo," she said, captivated by the necklace's luminescence.

Her earlier inadvertent action had nearly undone Ye Mo's self-control, but the thought of Luo Ying steadied him. He produced water and breakfast.

After they ate, Ye Mo packed up, then hoisted Ning Qingxue onto his back, securing her. He was about to leave when she spoke.

"Be careful," she warned. "There's a large, cat-like creature."

Ye Mo smiled. "I killed it last night. It was incredibly fast and nearly killed you; it was my first priority."

As he spoke, the feel of her body against his back ignited a fire within him. His self-control, he worried, was waning. He needed to maintain focus if he wanted to succeed in Foundation Establishment.

Ning Qingxue felt a warmth spread through her and murmured a soft "Mhm," then after a pause, added, "Actually, I wasn't angry this morning. In fact… I… I also like…"

Her voice trailed off, inaudible to Ye Mo.

Just as he was about to respond, he stopped. Two bloody bodies lay at their feet, clearly having fallen from the cliff.

His heart sank. More people. He didn't want to frighten Ning Qingxue, so he said, "Qingxue, close your eyes. Open them when we're at the top."

She had already closed them. As long as she was with Ye Mo, she felt safe.

He retrieved the rope from his ring—a sturdy, unfamiliar material—and began his ascent. With people above, he needed to be cautious. Another Earth Level master like Bian Po would be too much, even with his recent power increase, especially now that he was carrying Ning Qingxue.

Looking up, he saw only mist, sunlight filtering through. He couldn't fathom how she had descended. Regardless of whether he found Luo Ying, he vowed to protect her.

The cliff was challenging, but not insurmountable. His Wind Controlling Technique allowed him to ascend with ease, even while carrying her. He utilized the technique, propelling himself upwards to successive rock faces.

After several ascents, they had gained several hundred meters.

The wind brushed past Ning Qingxue, and she opened her eyes to find herself airborne on Ye Mo’s back, the mist far below. For a moment, she forgot her fear of heights, exhilarated by the flight.

Then, looking down, dizziness overcame her. They were so high! She couldn't believe she'd climbed down the night before.

The realization struck her—she couldn't have done it alone. She instinctively hugged Ye Mo tighter, feeling completely safe in his arms. Only he could offer this unwavering security.

Noticing her movement, he turned. "Don't be scared. There may be people at the top. We need to be careful."

"Mhm, I'm not scared with you," she replied instantly.

Ye Mo rested briefly, then used his Wind Controlling Technique repeatedly, nearing the top. He heard the sounds of combat. Many knew about the Red Leaf Pumpkin Fruit, but the strength of their pursuers remained unknown.

Two hundred meters further, he could clearly see the combatants. A man in his fifties, bald with triangular eyes, fought a woman in her thirties—a beautiful but cold nun wielding a horsetail whisk. Their blows were aimed at vital points. The man's sword was equally deadly.

Ye Mo was shocked by their skill. They were at least as strong as Bian Po—two Earth Level masters. He was outmatched, and if caught, he'd be killed.

Both combatants sensed Ye Mo's presence and looked towards him. His heart sank. This was trouble.