Battle Through the Heavens: It turns out I'm actually the patriarch of the Xiao family!

Chapter 58 One Step Ahead of Medusa

Xiao Chen's fingertips touched her slightly cool, damp face, and he felt the subtle trembling.

"Of course it's true," he said in a relaxed tone.

Qinglin raised her eyes, which were now even clearer and greener from being washed by tears. They were like jade soaked in clear water, filled with undisguised gratitude, joy, and a deep trust.

"Senior, are you really willing to let Qinglin stay by your side?"

Seeing Qinglin's behavior, Xiao Chen felt a pang of heartache.

He could clearly feel the scars left on her by the malicious gazes and mockery that had accompanied her as she grew up.

"Qinglin, I've told you before, don't care too much about what others think. You're not living for others; you're living for yourself."

Xiao Chen's expression was serious yet gentle.

"Waaah————"

Perhaps because of her overwhelming emotions, or perhaps because it was the first time in many years that she felt so at ease, Qinglin felt as if all her bones had been removed, and she leaned forward softly, her forehead resting against Xiao Chen's warm shoulder.

The heat radiated from her burning cheeks through the thin fabric of her clothes, and her shoulders still trembled slightly from lingering sobs.

This is a completely unguarded, dependent posture, like a fledgling returning to its nest.

Xiao Chen sighed silently, but a soft smile appeared on his lips.

U felt the softness and affection in his arms. The hand that had been wiping her tears fell down and gently and naturally wrapped around her slender, trembling back, patting it softly and rhythmically.

His other hand rested on her head, his fingertips running through her loose, slightly damp hair, stroking it gently and silently.

After a long while, the suppressed crying gradually turned into intermittent sobs.

Qinglin's small hands, which were gripping Xiao Chen's clothes, gradually loosened a little, but they were still curled up, as if she were holding onto some precious token.

She nuzzled against his shoulder, but accidentally smeared her still-wet tears onto his clothes.

"I'm sorry—senior—I—I'm so useless—I actually—I actually cried like this—"

"And it got your clothes dirty—"

Her voice grew softer and softer, thick with nasal tones and a deep sense of shyness.

After the initial joy and relief subsided, a belated blush crept onto her flushed face.

She actually lost control and threw a tantrum in front of her seniors—it was so embarrassing!

But deep down, an unprecedented sense of satisfaction washed over me like warm water, making me feel cozy and comfortable.

Xiao Chen chuckled, feeling the burning heat of the little head buried in his shoulder.

He patted her back gently twice more, his tone full of indulgence and teasing: "It's okay, clothes can be washed if they get dirty. But if you cry again, your little face will really turn into a little cat, and you won't look pretty anymore."

He deliberately slowed his tone, with a hint of teasing, and tapped the tip of her exposed, bright red ear with his fingertip.

"I finally found such a cute and considerate maid, I hope she doesn't cry too much."

These words finally made Qinglin, who had been hiding her tears in her shoulder, burst into a soft laugh, a sound that was both shy and relieved.

Her previously tense and curled-up body completely relaxed, nestled entirely in his arms.

The morning light outside the window seemed to become softer and warmer, quietly flowing into this tranquil and cozy moment.

The reason Qinglin woke Xiao Chen was actually at Xiao Chen's own behest.

Just last night, that lazy guy, Xiao Jin, finally found the location of the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame.

It is located in the southeastern part of Shimo City.

Xiao Chen planned to take the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame before Medusa could.

The vast desert is ravaged by yellow sand.

"Xiao Jin, are you sure we're here?"

Xiao Chen gazed at the flat desert before him.

The terrain here is extremely ordinary, with no features that would attract attention.

Flat sandy areas like this are almost countless in the vast desert.

Xiao Chen knew that the location of the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame was indeed in an inconspicuous flat sandy area, but he did not expect it to be so inconspicuous.

Behind Xiao Chen were Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, along with dozens of elite members of the Mo Tie Mercenary Group.

However, at this moment, they all looked puzzled.

For those who have lived in Shimo City for several years or even more than a decade, this place is utterly ordinary.

Moreover, some of them even went back and forth here to complete the task several times.

But they never felt that this place was any different from other places.

Seeing that Xiao Chen dared to doubt her, Xiao Jin immediately rolled her eyes and said, "Believe it or not, it's up to you."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen shrugged and smiled, "Then you should have found the passage by now, right?"

'

"Forget about finding a passage, I just opened up a completely new one."

"Right here."

Xiao Jin darted to a slightly sunken sandy area.

Then he opened his mouth and spat out a beam of golden light.

boom!

A huge hole suddenly appeared, pitch black inside, with a faint warmth rising from it.

"Great job, Xiao Jin, you're very efficient."

"In that case, let's set off."

"You all cultivate fire-attribute techniques, so come down here and broaden your horizons. It might help your cultivation," Xiao Chen said, looking at the members of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group.

"Yes!" With Xiao Chen around, these people were not worried about their safety.

"Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, you two stay outside and guard the area. You absolutely cannot let anyone cause trouble. This sand layer is not very stable. If we are not careful and it collapses, it could bury anyone who goes in alive."

"Don't worry, Ancestor. During this period, anyone who dares to enter this area, no matter who they are, we will have no choice but to deal with them ruthlessly!" Upon hearing this, Xiao Li's face immediately revealed a fierce aura.

After giving all the instructions, Xiao Ding took out a large bundle of rope from the side, tested its strength, tied it to a wooden stake that had already been fixed in place, and then threw the rope into the hole.

"The other brothers will be here soon. If any of you want to come up, just call out," Xiao Ding said with a smile, clapping his hands.

Xiao Chen nodded in satisfaction and took the lead in arriving at the dark cave entrance.

He turned his head and waved to Qinglin beside him.

Seeing Xiao Chen's signal, Qing Lin quickly ran forward, her strange emerald green eyes looking at him with curiosity and liveliness.

His gaze swept over those captivating emerald eyes, and Xiao Chen smiled slightly. Without a word, he stretched out his arm and gently pulled Qing Lin into his embrace, much to her surprise.

He said gently, "You come down too, we'll need your help later."

The sudden intimacy made Qinglin blush instantly. She lowered her head shyly and murmured "Mmm".

"Everyone, let's go!" Xiao Chen chuckled, nodded slightly to Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, and then leaped into the dark cave while holding Qing Lin.

He doesn't need any rope.

My body plummeted rapidly through the deep tunnel, the wind whistling past my ears.

Xiao Chen subconsciously tightened his grip on the girl in his arms.

"Azure Lotus Core Flame—I'm finally going to see you in person—"