Summon of the Bloodline

Inside the hidden cave chamber, only Zhen Chen and Yu Xue Yin remained. If Zhen Chen had decided to push forward, Yu Xue Yin wouldn't have been able to resist. Or perhaps… deep down, she wouldn't even want to resist.

However, if Zhen Chen had done that, Yu Xue Yin would undoubtedly be disappointed in him once everything settled. She had always looked down on men who only sought her for her beauty, wealth, and status. She understood well why they clung to her—because of her stunning appearance, enchanting aura, and prestigious background.

Especially because of her unparalleled beauty and mesmerizing body. It was a curse that made men lose themselves in desire. Because of that, she always maintained a cold and untouchable demeanor, keeping them at a distance.

But at this moment, she respected Zhen Chen's restraint. His self-control made her feel warm inside. For the first time, she found herself trusting someone on a deeper level.

Four hours later

The medicinal effects of the lake had subsided, and the water had turned crystal clear again. Zhen Chen carefully helped Yu Xue Yin onto the stone platform and asked gently,

"Sister Xue Yin... how do you feel? Any discomfort?"

Hearing his question, Yu Xue Yin blushed. She reached out, pinched his cheek, and pouted.

"What were you thinking back in the lake, hmm? You didn't even show me a bit of respect!"

Zhen Chen froze. Right... He had suddenly kissed her back then. Now that she mentioned it, his face turned red.

"T-That was... That was... Sister, think about it... You're just too beautiful! I... I acted on impulse... Ah, that was my first kiss!"

Yu Xue Yin laughed, covering her mouth as she playfully knocked on his forehead.

"Hmph... It was my first kiss too! But you stole it without permission!"

She didn't say more, but Zhen Chen understood. The most important thing was that she wasn't angry about it. That alone was enough to ease his heart. He had feared she would despise him for it.

But then, to his surprise, Yu Xue Yin leaned into his chest, her voice soft.

"Ah Chen... don't let anyone else know about this. If we're in front of others, just treat me like before. Understood?"

Zhen Chen: "....."

Yu Xue Yin snuggled into his embrace, closing her eyes.

Zhen Chen was completely stunned.

What was happening?

In front of others, they were the same as before… but when they were alone, did that mean…?

What kind of relationship did they have now?

Were they lovers?

Impossible! A woman like Yu Xue Yin wouldn't fall for a man just because of a simple kiss!

Then...

Was he just her secret lover?

Wait… Was he really going to become her hidden lover?!

Zhen Chen didn't dare to ask. This was something he could only keep to himself.

Meanwhile, Yu Xue Yin, resting in his embrace, felt a warmth she hadn't experienced in a long time. Aside from her mother's arms, she had never felt this kind of comfort before. Having lacked a father's love since childhood, this warmth was something she had never known.

Zhen Chen's promise to always stand by her side had touched her heart deeply. Unknowingly, he had become someone she could rely on.

As she drifted off to sleep, Zhen Chen heard a familiar voice in his mind.

"No need to worry. Her bloodline energy has awakened. Her cells went through an intense stimulation, and now that everything has calmed, she's just exhausted. Let her rest, and she'll be fine. In the meantime, slowly transfer a bit of your spiritual energy into her meridians."

Zhen Chen asked, "Then… what about my own bloodline?"

"Your evolving bloodline is now in its awakening stage. To put it simply, the transformation process has begun."

Hearing this, Zhen Chen felt relieved. He gently channeled his spiritual energy into Yu Xue Yin's body.

The Next Morning

When Yu Xue Yin woke up, she felt incredibly light, as if something inside her had changed.

She turned to Zhen Chen, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

"Ah Chen… I… I…"

Zhen Chen smiled at her.

"How do you feel? Like you've become a different person?"

Yu Xue Yin nodded.

"Yes… It's like I'm not the same anymore."

On the surface, she looked the same, but within, something fundamental had changed. She could sense a small, emerald-colored core forming inside her chest, surrounded by flickering silver lights. She could see into her own body with newfound clarity, something she had never been able to do before.

Zhen Chen guided her, explaining the basics of spiritual awareness and how to control her energy. However, when it came to her specific bloodline abilities, even he had no answers—she would have to explore those on her own.

Yet, Yu Xue Yin was no ordinary woman. She quickly grasped the concepts, learning to absorb and direct spiritual energy.

Zhen Chen was impressed.

"Sister Xue Yin, you're amazing!"

Yu Xue Yin looked at him, her gaze soft.

"Thank you, Ah Chen."

Zhen Chen waved his hand.

"No need to thank me! Once you master this, it'll be easier to find your uncle, and—"

Before he could finish, Yu Xue Yin suddenly leaned in and silenced him… with a kiss.

Her lips pressed against his, her hands wrapping around him like delicate vines.

At that moment, both their hearts pounded in sync.

Something beautiful had begun to bloom between them.

After a while, she pulled away slightly, her lips curving into a playful smile.

"Don't get the wrong idea! This is just payback for stealing my first kiss back in the lake!"

She was about to stand up, but before she could, Zhen Chen swiftly pulled her back into his arms.

Their eyes met, and the tension in the air grew.

At that moment, their fates had already intertwined.