The flower between your legs

Meanwhile, in the depths of the First Hell...

"Chen Mei, return to your cell," a resounding voice reverberated throughout the infernal hell.

"You scoundrel! I'm not your servant to heed your pitiful commands. If I choose to leave, not even your grandfather could prevent my departure," Chen Mei retorted, her visage contorted in anger.

"Presumptuous!" bellowed a subordinate of Yōumíng Wáng, hurtling towards Chen Mei.

"Before, I bowed my head to you and accepted your punishment as a means of repentance for failing to shield my master from your treacherous betrayal. I've atoned enough; now, it's time for me to resurrect my life from where it was cut short!" Chen Mei shouted, snapping her fingers. Yōumíng Wáng's subordinate transformed into a crimson mist, splattering across the faces of the demons below.

Chen Mei vanished from the depths of hell, reappearing amidst the vast expanse of space. From there, she gazed upon a distant realm before vanishing once more, this time materializing within a lush forest.

Within the forest cave….

He persisted in his cultivation for several days until the guards relented in their intense search efforts. Throughout this period, Ronin took on the role of a chef within the cave. Extracting proteins, calories, and minerals directly from the food, he infused them into Mei Ling's body, aiding in the assimilation of these essential nutrients by each and every one of her cells.

The next morning...

"I am Ronin. And you?" Ronin inquired.

"My name is Xu. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Brother Ronin," Xu greeted, bowing her head respectfully.

"The pleasure is mine. We should move. The situation outside has calmed," Ronin replied, and both of them stepped out of the cave. With Mei Ling on his back, Ronin proceeded towards the forest where Hafiz and Zhen Xia awaited his arrival.

After several days of travel, they neared the forest and ventured within. A mist enveloped Ronin, and an icy chill permeated the air. Ronin exhaled, releasing a frosty breath, while Xu trembled from the cold.

[ "Master," a melodious whisper emanated from the shadows as Ronin stepped into the forest. ]

Surveying his surroundings with a resolute expression, Ronin heightened his senses, remaining vigilant. Suddenly, a sharp wooden object lunged at him from the left. Swiftly, Ronin caught it between his two fingers. Another wooden projectile aimed at him from the right, and with the same dexterity, he seized it as well. Ronin stomped his foot onto the ground, a surge of force dispelling the mist and cold. Xu's shivering ceased.

[ "Master is now mortal," a mellifluous voice whispered from the shadows. ]

*Clap... clap...*

"Master, you've grown stronger," a voice reached Ronin first, preceding the appearance of a somber-faced middle-aged man before him.

"Yes, your perception has certainly improved," a voice reached Ronin first, followed by the emergence of a woman with an unattractive visage beside him, her fingers gently brushing through his hair.

"Ah…" Xu let out a startled cry, seeking refuge behind Ronin, her countenance etched with fear.

"Don't worry, despite their appearances, they're kind-hearted and benevolent individuals. They wouldn't harm innocents," Ronin reassured, placing a comforting hand on Xu's head and offering a serene smile.

"Hmm," Xu nodded slowly, gradually emerging from behind Ronin.

"Frightening, you say?" Zhen Xia attempted to kick Ronin, but he instinctively evaded the attack and materialized behind her. Extending his arm, he pulled her into his embrace, playfully giving a smack on her butt.

"Never launch sneak attacks on me unless you want to face consequences like this in the future," Ronin chided, his hand playfully squeezing her butt.

"In that case, I'll just keep sneaking up on you," Zhen Xia retorted, slipping free from Ronin's grasp.

"Ahem," Hafiz cleared his throat subtly, a reminder of Xu's presence.

Blushing, Xu peeked through her fingers, gradually lowering her hands from her face once she realized the intimate display had ceased.

"Why is Mei Ling still asleep? What's happened to her?" Zhen Xia inquired, her face etched with concern.

A heavy sigh escaped Ronin's lips, and he began recounting the events that transpired after he had arrived at Jin Zhao's mansion.

Zhen Xia's fists clenched tightly, and she gritted her teeth as she spoke, "His death was at my hands."

"His death is at our hands," Hafiz interjected.

"Hafiz, you know how to regain your peak strength, so I won't meddle in your affairs. You can grow stronger in your own way. I'll be embarking on a separate journey to resurrect Mei Ling's mother. Take care of Mei Ling until I fulfill my purpose," Ronin declared, carefully passing Mei Ling into Hafiz's arms.

"As you command, my lord," Hafiz affirmed, accepting Mei Ling into his embrace.

"Zhen Xia, you're accompanying me. You'll gain strength during our journey, and I'll entrust Xu to your care," Ronin directed his gaze at Zhen Xia.

"Alright," Zhen Xia nodded in agreement to Ronin's words.

All of them shared a meal prepared by Ronin before he and Zhen Xia together with Xu set forth on their quest to revive Xin Ling.

"Lotus Pavilion, I'm on my way," Ronin murmured inwardly as he stepped out of the forest.

"So, where are we headed now?" Zhen Xia inquired.

"To the Lotus Pavilion in Lotus City," Ronin replied, carrying Xu on his back.

"The Lotus Pavilion? Why are we going there right now?" Zhen Xia pressed.

"To gather intelligence," Ronin stated.

"Intelligence for what?" Zhen Xia's face displayed curiosity.

"To learn more about the Ocean Continent," Ronin explained.

"The Ocean Continent? Isn't that the most enigmatic continent in this realm?" Zhen Xia questioned.

"Yes, precisely why I'm seeking information about it," Ronin clarified.

"By the way, is your flower still intact?" Ronin inquired, curiosity dancing in his eyes.

"What flower?" Zhen Xia's brows furrowed in confusion.

"The flower between your legs," Ronin said with a mischievous grin.

"The flower between my legs?" Zhen Xia glanced down at herself and then retorted, "You're such a pervert!"

Xu covered her ears and continued walking, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue.

"What? How did I become a pervert for asking a simple question?" Ronin countered, feigning innocence.

"Whatever, I'm not going to answer your ridiculous question " Zhen Xia huffed, her expression displaying irritation.