CHAPTER 194: CHAPTER 194 BREAKTHROUGH (3)_1

Her body trembled violently with pain, sweat beading on her forehead. Layer by layer, black impurities began to flake off her once-smooth skin.

While enduring the agonizing surge of Spiritual Energy within her meridians, she could clearly feel a thin channel within them slowly thicken to the width of an index finger after being scoured by the Spiritual Energy. Her stagnated Spiritual Energy rushed forward once again.

Level 3. She had finally broken through.

Shangguan You collapsed onto the grass, unconscious. The invisible bracelet on her wrist emitted a dazzling burst of purple light, which flashed and then vanished.

Ye Shao watched Shangguan You faint. As the purple light suddenly vanished, he couldn’t help but step forward, catching the unconscious Shangguan You. His devilishly handsome face filled with both confusion and distress. She must have broken through a barrier just now, but a first breakthrough shouldn’t be this painful. Why is she in such agony, and why is the Spiritual Energy inside her so wild?

Ye Shao’s handsome brow furrowed slightly. No matter what, she’s the woman I set my sights on from the first glance. Regardless of how special she is, she will always belong to me.

Thinking this, Ye Shao’s lips curled up again. She’s so special, and not yet very strong. I’ll protect her well, ensuring no harm comes to her.

Ye Shao smiled gently, his deep eyes seeming to shine brighter than the stars, casting a brilliant light in the dark night. He extended his long-fingered hand, his fingers lightly grazing her cheek. Seeing the black impurities on his fingers, he couldn’t help but wrinkle his nose in disgust.

"So dirty," Ye Shao murmured, his lips twitching as he scanned her from head to toe, his gaze finally settling on her face.

"I’m quite the clean freak," Ye Shao muttered aloud to himself, a smirk playing on his lips. "Since you’re so filthy, I’ll just have to see this through and get you cleaned up. HA HA HA! I’m such a good person, now you know, right?" He then thought, Giving Shangguan You a bath... an excellent idea. Let’s see where she can run off to after that.

"Heh, to have me personally attend to you, you’re the first and will be the last. When you wake up, don’t get so excited you faint again," Ye Shao muttered under his breath, then scooped her into his arms. He walked into the darkness. This time, Ye Shao didn’t use any Spiritual Energy, simply holding her like an ordinary person as he walked step by step toward the harbor.

Shangguan You was soaked with sweat. Ye Shao, also somewhat disheveled from helping her, found his usual aloof and devilish charm greatly diminished. He held Shangguan You as if she were a precious treasure, his movements careful and gentle. Yet, the roguish smirk playing on Ye Shao’s lips was undeniably irksome.

Just as Ye Shao reached the harbor with Shangguan You in his arms, several yachts approached, their powerful searchlights shining directly into his eyes.

Ye Shao’s eyes narrowed slightly, then relaxed. For this girl’s sake, I’ll endure it for now. Otherwise, anyone who dared shine a light in my eyes like that would be made to regret ever being born. I’m always the one dealing with others; no one has ever dared to treat me this way!

"Who goes there?" In moments, numerous soldiers in green uniforms swarmed from the yachts. Simultaneously, many black-clad individuals emerged from other yachts. They surrounded Ye Shao, treating him as an enemy, their guns trained on him.

This was Inferno Sect territory, so caution was naturally warranted. Thus, the newcomers were on high alert when they encountered a lone man the moment they came ashore.

"Ye Shao? How can it be you?" Shangguan Qing exclaimed, staring at Ye Shao’s disheveled state and the unconscious figure in his arms. He pushed through the crowd toward Ye Shao, reaching out to take the unconscious Shangguan You.

"Of course, it’s me. If it weren’t for me, who would have rescued the girl?" Ye Shao said calmly, stepping back a few paces to evade Shangguan Qing’s hand. I saved this girl. No matter what, I should meet the Shangguan Family elders first. Besides, I don’t trust handing her over to Shangguan Qing. This girl is mine. No one else can take her or touch her now.

If Shangguan Qing knew what Ye Shao was thinking, he would surely give him a good thrashing. My sister! No one but me is allowed to touch her!

"You’er!" Shangguan Hao cried out, his voice filled with joy and relief. My daughter is safe! Dressed in a crisp, green military uniform, he exuded a powerful aura as he walked towards Ye Shao. Seeing Shangguan You soaked through, his eyes turned cold, a frigid glint flashing within them. Damn that Inferno Sect! Now that You’er is rescued, we’ll get her to the hospital first. After the New Year, I’ll settle scores with Inferno Sect again! My, Shangguan Hao’s, daughter is not someone anyone can bully! Since they dared to make a move, they will pay in blood!

"Uncle," Ye Shao greeted Shangguan Hao politely. This is the girl’s father; he’ll naturally be one of my elders too.

"Mr. Ye, thank you for saving my daughter. I, Shangguan Hao, will remember this favor. If you ever encounter an issue you can’t resolve that is within my power, don’t hesitate to come to me," Shangguan Hao said, nodding gratefully to Ye Shao. A favor from the Commander-in-Chief was no small matter. Then, with his large hands, he carefully took the unconscious Shangguan You from Ye Shao’s arms, held her tightly, and strode toward the yacht.

"All units, withdraw! Return to base!" Shangguan Hao commanded authoritatively.

"Yes, Commander!" the green-clad soldiers replied with a salute, then retreated to the yachts in a well-drilled manner. Ye Shao swayed, and Shangguan Qing, who was beside him, quickly steadied him.

"Thank you for saving You’er. Come on, let’s get you to the hospital," Shangguan Qing said gratefully, then helped Ye Shao towards the yacht. Ye Shao’s lips quirked up slightly, a knowing glint in his eyes.

The men in black watched the yachts depart. One of them took out a phone, dialed a number, and a moment later, relayed the orders: The target has been rescued. Other matters can be dealt with later. So, the men in black boarded their own yachts and departed, leaving the area clear. The seven or eight yachts that had gathered were all gone.