บท 23: Another deviation and déjà vu

As a cloud of white smoke billowed forth from the jade pendant, Xiao Chen's eyes were drawn to the ethereal figure that materialized within it.

Before him stood a woman of undeniable beauty, radiating an aura of confidence and authority that commanded attention.

Her heroic stature and commanding presence seemed to instill a sense of surrender in those who beheld her, her eyes gleaming with an arrogance that bordered on defiance.

Yet, despite her imposing demeanor, it was impossible to overlook the allure of her mature physique.

With curves that accentuated her femininity, her ample bosom, curvaceous hips, and slender waist held an irresistible charm, captivating all who gazed upon her form.

Particularly striking were her golden-brown eyes, which seemed to hold a mesmerizing power as they locked onto Xiao Chen.

In their depths, a subtle shift in expression could be perceived, hinting at a depth of emotion and complexity hidden beneath her confident facade.

Now it was Xiao Chen's turn to be captivated, his gaze lingering on Ji Rongmei with a mix of awe and intrigue.

Though he had already seen her appearance in his memory, seeing her in person evoked a different sensation altogether.

As Ji Rongmei noticed Xiao Chen's fixed stare, a blush of shyness and embarrassment tinted her cheeks.

she quickly composed herself, her eyes glinting with a hint of intimidation as she addressed him.

"If you possess the ability to perceive me despite my attempts at concealment, then you are certainly no ordinary individual,"

she remarked, her voice carrying a subtle edge of authority.

"But do not assume that you can address me as you please. Should you dare to do so again, be prepared to face the consequences."

Her words carried a warning, leaving no doubt as to the seriousness of her resolve.

Ji Rongmei's subtle test was aimed at gauging Xiao Chen's level of interest in her. She knew that if he were truly interested, he would refrain from addressing her with formalities such as "senior," and vice versa.

Unbeknownst to her, Xiao Chen had been anticipating this moment.

Suddenly, Xiao Chen feigned a mistake, immediately retracting his previous address.

"Senior, Please forgive this junior for his ignorance," he said, his tone carrying a hint of contrition.

Upon hearing Xiao Chen's words, Ji Rongmei's eyes dimmed momentarily, a fleeting sense of disappointment washing over her.

However, she quickly regained her composure, reminding herself of the priority at hand: her quest for revenge.

With her focus reaffirmed, she was about to push aside any fleeting emotions, returning to her usual calm and collected demeanor.

But she saw a playful smile gracing Xiao Chen's lips, Ji Rongmei quickly grasped the fact that she had fallen victim to his teasing.

Feeling a sense of relief wash over her soul, Ji Rongmei couldn't help but feel sweet in her heart, knowing that she had been acknowledged and appreciated for her beauty.

However, she maintained her outward composure, concealing any traces of her inner emotions, as she addressed Xiao Chen with a hint of anger, her powerful aura emanating around her.

"Hmph, if it weren't for your necessity in entering the tomb, I would have surely taught you a lesson," she remarked, her voice laced with authority.

Xiao Chen couldn't help but laugh inwardly at Ji Rongmei's adorable display, he remained composed as a system prompt sounded in his mind.

[Ding* Ji Rongmei's favorability for the host reached 54.]

He recognized that Ji Rongmei's confirmation of his interest in her had contributed to this increase.

Xiao Chen couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the rapid progress he had made in building their relationship.

Xiao Chen continued his playful teasing, his expression feigning surprise as he posed his question to Ji Rongmei.

"Does. that mean, Senior, you've agreed to enter the tomb with me?" he asked, his tone suggesting a hint of mischief.

Upon hearing Xiao Chen's question, Ji Rongmei realized that she had acted too hastily in agreeing.

Without uttering a word in response, she hurriedly made her way toward the portal, her actions betraying her inner turmoil.

Especially stung by Xiao Chen's use of the term "senior," Ji Rongmei couldn't help but regret her decision.

After all, who would want their crush to address them in such an elderly tone?

Meanwhile, Xiao Chen turned his attention to Ye Fan, delivering a swift slap to the other cheek, causing Ye Fan to lose consciousness.

With Ye Fan taken care of, Xiao Chen quickly made his way towards Ji Rongmei.

As for Ji Rongmei, she paid little mind to Ye Fan, dismissing him as nothing more than a useless individual who relied on her protection to maintain a facade.

As Xiao Chen and Ji Rongmei stood before the portal, a mysterious voice resonated from the depths of the tomb once again.

"[Initial Requirement completed.]"

"[Main requirement completed.]"

"[It is detected that Two people have perfect harmony in thier inner thoughts .]"

"[It is detected that Two people are interested in each other.]"

As the mysterious voice exposed her inner thoughts, Ji Rongmei was left dumbfounded, her initial shock evident despite her attempts to maintain composure.

Ignoring Xiao Chen's incredulous expression, she struggled to control the rising heat in her cheeks, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her.

her embarrassment was quickly replaced by a sense of relief upon hearing the Tomb's confirmation of their mutual interest.

Even Xiao Chen was surprised by the unexpected assist but he refrained from further embarrassing her.

He understood that after Ji Rongmei had initially asserted her seniority, admitting to an interest in her junior would undoubtedly lead to a degree of embarrassment for anyone in her position.

Observing Xiao Chen take the lead and enter the portal without further teasing her, Ji Rongmei couldn't help but feel a sense of sweetness wash over her.

Despite their earlier banter and teasing, she could see that Xiao Chen was still considerate of her feelings.

Entering the portal together, Xiao Chen and Ji Rongmei found themselves on a simple, round platform.

Their surroundings seemed almost surreal, and their initial sense of dizziness soon faded as they took in their new environment.

At the center of the platform floated a mesmerizing white flame, casting an ethereal glow that left both Xiao Chen and Ji Rongmei stunned.

Now they realized that what they had witnessed from the outside was merely a facade.

Ji Rongmei's eyes widened with recognition as she gazed upon the flame, a flicker of familiarity stirring within her memory.

she couldn't quite place where she had seen it before, the flame seemed to evoke a sense of profound significance within her.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chen maintained a composed demeanor and inwardly he was filled with excitement.

He recognized the flame immediately as the Celestial Flame of Harmony

It is renowned as the foremost flame in the division of harmony and is ranked among the top four heavenly and earthly flames in the upper realm.

The ethereal white flame seemed to shimmer with excitement as Xiao Chen and Ji Rongmei made their way onto the platform within the tomb.

Upon reaching the center of the platform, they noticed two futons positioned facing each other. It was clear that this was meant for them to sit and Subdue the celestial flame together.

Curious about the flame's identity, Ji Rongmei turned to Xiao Chen and inquired, "Junior Xiao, Do you know the name of this flame?"

"I do senior and It's the Celestial Flame of Harmony," Xiao Chen replied without hesitation.

Ji Rongmei's eyes widened in astonishment.

"What? So, it is the celestial flame of harmony but how could a Heavenly and Earthly Flame ranked in the top four be found in this lower realm?" she exclaimed, silently marveling at the revelation.

'And to think, it appeared alongside an unparalleled talent, which can rarely be found even in the upper realm,' she added in her heart, casting a meaningful glance at Xiao Chen.

As they settled onto the futons facing each other, Xiao Chen and Ji Rongmei prepared themselves to absorb the Celestial Flame of Harmony.

As Both of them knew and were confident in each other's strength, they focused on the task at hand

Unbeknownst to Xiao Chen, the flame before them was not the illustrious Celestial Flame of Harmony he had known in the plot.

The truth is that it was a rudimentary form of an unknown ancient flame, shrouded in mystery and unpredictability.

The reasons behind this deviation from the expected scenario, particularly why Ye Fan had failed to uncover the truth in the original plot remained elusive.

It was clear that the answers to these questions could only be revealed at the opportune moment when the circumstances aligned and the timing was ripe.

As they commenced absorbing the white flame, its resistance became palpable against both Xiao Chen and Ji Rongmei.

While Ji Rongmei faced a formidable challenge due to her bloodline suppression, the celestial flame of harmony swiftly redirected its focus toward Xiao Chen.

Observing this development, Xiao Chen couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement.

Had the flame targeted Ji Rongmei instead, it might have stood a chance, given her current soul form.

However, it now confronted Xiao Chen, who possessed an even more formidable physique.

Just as Xiao Chen contemplated activating his physique to counter the flame's assault, he noticed Ji Rongmei rushing to his aid with a concerned expression.

A sense of déjà vu washed over him, prompting him to open his mouth to explain. However the next second his lips were blocked.