Since childhood, Er’er’s imperial mother had taught her that there was no true heart in this world that could be begged for—all that could be gained through begging was pity. Jealousy and envy would only annoy others. So even though she felt uncomfortable inside, she could never quarrel with Zhong Qin.

That was the fragile yet persistent self-respect of those from the mortal imperial family.

Therefore, even though the pride in Zhong Qin’s eyes was almost overflowing, Er’er simply turned her head to the side, leaned against the wall by the bed, and began to regulate her breathing.

Zhong Qin pouted unhappily: “Why aren’t you responding? At least talk back—it would be livelier.”

“I have no strength,” Er’er answered honestly.

She had lost too much blood. Even with spiritual power supporting her, her physical body was still suffering. It was already difficult enough to endure this interaction. Now, with her entire body feeling ice-cold, she wished she could pull over all the bedding to wrap herself up and have a good sleep.

However, Zhong Qin, perhaps in severe pain, insisted on finding something to do. She tugged at the corner of Er’er’s blanket: “They’re still fighting over there. Aren’t you curious? What if Supreme God Li Ye can’t defeat them?”

“He will,” Er’er murmured.

If someone like Zhen Huan Gong could defeat him, then he wouldn’t be Li Ye.

“But aren’t you curious about what those people from the Ninth Heaven will do?” Zhong Qin snorted. “I heard from my father that more reinforcements are coming.”

“This is the Underworld. No matter how many reinforcements come, they’re useless.”

Her voice grew fainter and fainter. Er’er pulled back the blanket corner and wrapped herself up like a small hamster, closing her eyes.

Zhong Qin continued to chatter, and instinctively, Er’er kept responding softly.

“Does Zhen Huan Gong hate Supreme God Li Ye?”

“Mm.”

“How did they know Supreme God Li Ye was cultivating here? I heard my father say that Supreme God Li Ye concealed it very well.”

“I don’t know.”

“…”

The surroundings were quiet for a moment, and the tension in Er’er’s mind finally relaxed. She was about to drift into sleep in a daze.

But Zhong Qin suddenly asked another question: “What about you? Do you also admire Supreme God Li Ye?”

“I used to,” Er’er mumbled as she turned over. “But not anymore.”

The surroundings fell completely silent. Er’er’s mind relaxed, and she continued to sink into deep sleep.

The light in the room was dim. Zhong Qin covered her shoulder and turned to look at the person standing at the doorway, coquettishly raising the corner of her eyes.

“Don’t blame me,” she said softly. “I was asking an extra question for your sake, since you saved me. Who would have thought…”

Who would have thought that even a Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven could be abandoned?

Black blood dripped from the Phoenix-Slaying Blade onto the ground. Li Ye silently watched for a moment, casually dissolved the blade, then lowered his head and stepped through the door. His tall figure cast a shadow over Zhong Qin.

Zhong Qin couldn’t smile anymore. She pouted, covering her shoulder as she changed the subject: “Is it resolved?”

“Your father is seriously injured,” Li Ye said. “Zhen Huan Gong has left the Underworld with his people, but there are still immortals engaged in battle with your guards.”

“Then it’s resolved.” Zhong Qin raised an eyebrow. “My injury is no less severe than my father’s. Don’t think about sending me away now.”

Li Ye didn’t respond. He merely glanced at the bundle on the bed, then looked back at her with a gloomy expression.

“It’s not my fault,” Zhong Qin raised both hands, complaining: “Weren’t you the one who injured her? If not for Zhen Huan Gong, I think she might have been left there just now. She’s angry with you—what does that have to do with me?”

Pressing his lips together, Li Ye said irritably: “It’s not my fault either.”

He hadn’t intentionally hurt her. Besides, he had important matters to attend to. How could he have focused solely on her in such a situation?

Looking at Li Ye with a complex expression, Zhong Qin suddenly wailed again: “I thought you were so devoted when you saved me today, and I was quite touched. Why do you only care about this little girl?”

With others, he was a high and mighty immortal, but when it came to this young girl, he displayed all seven emotions and six desires without any concealment.

How could this be?

Jealously glancing at the bed, Zhong Qin put her feet down and sat on the edge, swinging her legs: “Anyway, she doesn’t like you anymore. Would the Supreme God consider this servant instead? I, too, have a mortal body and can live outside the Underworld.”

Listening indifferently, Li Ye extended his hand.

Zhong Qin was delighted and was about to raise her hand to accept, but she saw him reach past her to pick up the sleeping person from the bed, blankets and all.

“…” Awkwardly lowering her hand, Zhong Qin pouted and reluctantly moved aside.

The person in his arms seemed even lighter. Even with the bedding, there was hardly any weight. She was still a soft bundle in his arms; if not careful, one couldn’t even find her face.

Looking down coldly, Li Ye snorted and pressed his lips together.

Women were so petty. They didn’t care about important matters. If he didn’t consider her, she would get angry with him. Could admiration be withdrawn so easily?

That was what he thought, but he had never been confident about it. Even now, holding her tightly, he still felt uncomfortable all over.

He wasn’t the one who had attacked first today. She had wronged him. The accidental injury was his mistake, but she hadn’t even wanted to hear his explanation.

She did have feelings for him, so without thinking, she had given him her defensive barrier.

… Thinking about it this way, he was indeed in the wrong.

Li Ye was used to being domineering and wanted to find a way to prove he wasn’t at fault, so when she woke up, he could make her apologize to him. Then she would obediently hug him, and everything would be fine.

But now he was somewhat afraid—afraid that when she opened her eyes, her gaze would be cold and disappointed.

Just thinking about that expression, Li Ye tightened his grip. Without hesitation, he made a hand seal, cutting open his finger, and transferred his blood to her.

This was the blood of an ancient god! Zhong Qin watched with extreme envy and instinctively reached out.

Then she was forcefully repelled by the barrier around Li Ye.

“Stingy,” she complained, holding her shoulder as she sat down, sulking: “You men are all the same. When you do something wrong, you think giving good things will make up for it. Have you asked if she even values your divine blood?”

Slightly startled, Li Ye’s face darkened: “It’s none of your business.”

“I’m only saying more because I’m thinking of repaying your kindness.” Rolling her eyes, Zhong Qin said, “Let me bet with you. Guess when she wakes up and discovers you’ve given her divine blood, will she be so moved that she embraces you, or will she remain unmoved and simply say thank you?”

This bet was too boring for Li Ye to play along with. He was busy and still needed to clean up the aftermath. He had only come here because he had a moment to spare. Who cared if she…

The person in his arms moved slightly.

His body stiffened. Li Ye’s breathing slowed as he gradually looked down.

Er’er’s lips were covered in blood, looking rich red and bewitching, but when her eyes opened, they were still clear and bright.

Such sweet blood.

Licking the corner of her mouth, Er’er looked up and, unsurprisingly, met a familiar pair of gray pupils.

After a slight pause, she half-closed her eyelids again and said faintly: “Thank you.”

Li Ye: “…”