Xiao Xiaoxiao couldn’t wake Yun Qingxue and didn’t know how to find herbs to treat her. She felt the only thing she could do was fetch some water for Yun Qingxue first.
But now, in this desolate wilderness, she couldn’t bear to leave Yun Qingxue alone while she searched for water—what if wild beasts appeared?
So, she had no choice but to struggle forward, dragging Yun Qingxue along with her.
They hadn’t gone far when a dark, thread-like object came flying toward them at an alarming speed.
*Clang! Clang!* The sound of metal colliding echoed through the air.
“Soul Shackle Chain.” Xiao Xiaoxiao reached out, trying to recall it, but the chain retreated, evading her grasp.
“Has it really gained sentience?” Xiao Xiaoxiao muttered. The Soul Shackle Chain hovered eerily in mid-air, maintaining a distance of about two meters from her.
“Come back!” She stretched out her hand again, attempting to summon it.
The soul-hunting artifact used by underworld enforcers naturally exuded an indescribable aura of death. For it to be floating so brazenly in the mortal realm’s wilderness was downright bizarre!
The chain remained motionless. Normally obedient, it was now outright rebellious.
A ghostly blue flame flickered from the chain, and within the glow, the phantom image of a man materialized.
Clad in a long black robe, the man’s features blended both delicacy and ruggedness—handsome yet undeniably masculine. His narrow, piercing eyes seemed capable of discerning all truths and intentions.
“Ming… Ming Di?!” Xiao Xiaoxiao’s expression stiffened slightly. The supreme ruler of the underworld had appeared—was there some new order for her?
Or perhaps this great lord had just helped her and Yun Qingxue and was now here to collect payment?
Considering these possibilities, Xiao Xiaoxiao silently curled her lips. Knowing Ming Di, the second scenario was far more likely. While the King of the Underworld was reputed to be impartial, Xiao Xiaoxiao felt “never at a loss” described him more accurately.
Ming Di’s deep gaze fixed on Xiao Xiaoxiao, carrying an invisible pressure. His lips parted as he issued an arrogant command: “Return to the underworld at once.”
Xiao Xiaoxiao tightened her grip on Yun Qingxue, meeting his gaze with stubborn defiance. “I—I won’t go back!”
Had she not met Yun Qingxue here, she would have obeyed without hesitation.
Back in the underworld, she had witnessed firsthand the terrifying power of the vengeful spirit she had accidentally released. If not for her own mistake, she would never have accepted the mission to hunt it down.
But now, she had befriended Yun Qingxue. They had faced grave dangers together, sharing hardships.
If Yun Qingxue were fine, she might have complied with Ming Di’s order.
Yet now, her friend lay severely injured and unconscious in this desolate wilderness—how could she abandon her and return alone?
Ming Di narrowed his eyes. “You *must* return. That is an order!”
“I won’t go back! Qingxue is my friend. She’s badly hurt—I’m not leaving her!!!” Xiao Xiaoxiao’s large eyes burned with determination.
“Fool!” Ming Di gritted his teeth in frustration.
Xiao Xiaoxiao pretended not to hear, stubbornly clinging to Yun Qingxue.
“Come back now. She won’t die! But if you stay any longer, *you* will!” Ming Di’s voice, though still imperious, carried a hint of coaxing.
Having such an idiot under his care meant endless headaches for him, the King!
“I—WON’T—GO—BACK!” Xiao Xiaoxiao’s voice grew even more resolute.
“You—!” Ming Di’s face darkened with anger.
Normally, seeing him this furious would have made Xiao Xiaoxiao immediately cave in with flattery.
But now, her mind was wholly focused on Yun Qingxue’s condition—she couldn’t care less about Ming Di’s temper!
In other words, was she supposed to abandon her gravely injured friend just to avoid upsetting him?
Even as a ghost, she had standards—such heartless behavior was beneath her!
“Dare you defy my decree?” Finally, Ming Di resorted to pulling rank.
If not for the fact that Xiao Xiaoxiao had indeed erred by accidentally releasing the vengeful spirit—and punishing her was necessary to silence criticism—he would never have sent her to this wretched Xuanling Continent!
Yes, in Ming Di’s eyes, Xuanling Continent was nothing but a dangerous, miserable place! Too many hazards lurked here!
His original plan had been to send Xiao Xiaoxiao here for just a few days—a mere formality—before recalling her to the underworld.
Who could have guessed that in barely over a day, this girl would already be embroiled in such chaos?
And… Ming Di’s sharp gaze flicked toward the unconscious Yun Qingxue.
That person’s identity was far too complicated. He didn’t want his naive Xiao Xiaoxiao getting too close to her!
“You *must* return. This is an order!” Ming Di added coldly, his tone unyielding.
Without waiting for her consent, he immediately began casting a spell to open a passage between the underworld and Xuanling Continent.
Realizing the situation was dire, Xiao Xiaoxiao quickly switched to a fawning smile. “Ming-Ming, Di-Di, little Ming Di—Your Majesty! Your Majesty, please! Just give me a few more days! Once my friend recovers, I swear I won’t delay a single second—I’ll roll straight back to the underworld at once, okay?!”
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