CHAPTER 333: CHAPTER 333: THE MIGHTY MAID (3)_1

In such an environment, where she could have been buried alive, she didn’t feel the slightest fear. Instead, there was a faint sense of peace and warmth because she was in a warm embrace, protected in someone’s arms, and that someone was none other than Third Young Master Ye.

Luckily, they were underground at the time. Otherwise, such a huge explosion would surely have caught the attention of others.

As the massive sound erupted, the entire cave instantly blew apart. The Man-Eating Flower was reduced to shreds under the attack of the Sky-Piercing Cannon and vanished into the depths of the cave.

With a CLINK, a green bead fell from mid-air and landed on the ground, emitting a crisp sound in the silent cave.

Shangguan You lifted her head from Third Young Master Ye’s embrace to look at the bead that had rolled into the corner and then glanced at Elder Shi, who had been knocked unconscious by the Sky-Piercing Cannon’s blast.

Feeling the strong and powerful embrace, Shangguan You’s face flushed an inexplicable red. She struggled slightly as her clear eyes met Third Young Master Ye’s smiling ones.

"You can let go of me now."

"Girl, you were formidable. You’re truly someone worthy of my attention," Third Young Master Ye said with a smile, his tender gaze fixed intensely on the girl in his arms, his deep eyes filled with strong delight and an affection that Shangguan You could not comprehend.

"That’s only natural. You should see who I am," Shangguan You said, raising her head and speaking smugly upon hearing Third Young Master Ye’s praise. Third Young Master Ye is complimenting me, so of course, I have to show off a little!

"HAHAHA, my girl should have this kind of spirit. Only a girl like this is worthy of me," Third Young Master Ye said, looking at her smug little face. He then bent down and gently kissed her cheek, laughing heartily only after sensing her stiffness.

"You’re taking advantage of me!" Shangguan You shouted angrily, struggling to free herself. She was both angry and aggrieved.

"My girl was very valiant today. This kiss is a reward for you, not taking advantage of you, girl," Third Young Master Ye said, tightening his embrace and watching Shangguan You silently, his eyes sparkling.

"HMPH, who asked for your reward?" Shangguan You huffed. Though her words denied the gesture, Third Young Master Ye’s doting look made her heart feel incredibly sweet.

"Where do you think you’re going? Drop what you have in your hands!" came the icy voice of Second Young Master Ye. Shangguan You turned towards the source of the sound. Elder Shi had, at some point, taken the bead that had emerged from the Man-Eating Flower and was hastily running towards the cave exit.

"This Wood Spirit Bead belongs to me. Does the Ye Family really think they can just take it?" Elder Shi stopped, his face wary as he regarded the group. Due to excessive blood loss, his body was shaking despite his attempts to appear strong.

I never expected the Man-Eating Flower could emit electric shocks! It must be because it swallowed the Wood Spirit Bead.

"Elder Shi, I’d advise you to drop the Wood Spirit Bead. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being rude. I wouldn’t want you to experience the Sky-Piercing Cannon again," Shangguan You said coldly from within the cave. I never expected to find the Wood Spirit Bead here! I was just wondering where to find the Wood and Gold beads, and now one has practically delivered itself to my doorstep.

An opportunity delivered to my door is not one to be missed. Besides, if I remember correctly, this old man wants my life. How could I let such a ticking time bomb go and leave myself with endless trouble?

"Girl, this belongs to me, don’t forget. Furthermore, you posed as Elder Meihua and stole three beads. If I were to spread this news... HEHEHE. Imagine what kind of situation you and your family would face. It would be easy for you all to be ruined," Elder Shi said with a sinister smile, his grip on the Wood Spirit Bead tightening.

"Really? If you can leave here alive, go ahead and talk. I want to see whether you die first or if my family is ruined," Shangguan You scoffed, aiming the Sky-Piercing Cannon at Elder Shi once more. I hate it most when someone threatens my family. Anyone who threatens their safety doesn’t deserve to live.

"What do you want? Are you planning to silence me by murder? Third Young Master Ye, isn’t your Ye Family going to do anything?" Elder Shi asked, anxiously retreating. His body trembled. He clearly remembered the power of that Sky-Piercing Cannon. If it could shatter a Man-Eating Flower, it could surely do the same to him.

"The Ye Family isn’t interested in these beads. Besides, this girl is one of ours. What’s hers belongs to the Ye Family, so you might as well hand it over," Third Young Master Ye said with a light chuckle.

"Hand over the Wood Spirit Bead, and I’ll spare your life," Shangguan You said, rolling her eyes. Third Young Master Ye is still spouting nonsense, but I’ll let him carry on, she thought.

"If I hand over the Wood Spirit Bead, what if you Ye Family members go back on your word and don’t let me go?"

"If you don’t hand it over, I’ll blast you into pieces. Even if you go to the Western Paradise, I’ll retrieve it just the same. You have no choice," Shangguan You spoke icily. With just a slight movement of her hand, his body would be blown to pieces once more.

Cold sweat poured down Elder Shi’s forehead as his body shivered lightly. He was struggling internally. Hand it over, and I die? Don’t hand it over, and I also die? Either way, it’s death. If that’s the case, I might as well take a gamble! With that thought, Elder Shi placed the bead on the ground and quickly stepped back several paces.

"Elder Shi, you certainly know how to read the situation. Not bad. I like people like that; they tend to live longer," Shangguan You sneered. The Water Chains snatched the Wood Spirit Bead, and with a flick of her hands, she tossed it directly into her storage space.

Her movements were swift, so swift they made Third Young Master Ye’s eyes narrow. This girl, is she afraid we’ll snatch it? There’s no need to be like this, he thought, shaking his head and smiling faintly.

"Can we let him go now?"

"We can let him go, but I have a few questions. If your answers satisfy me, Elder Shi, I’ll let you leave immediately," Shangguan You said, aiming the Sky-Piercing Cannon at Elder Shi once again as pale blue Water Element swirled around her right hand.

"What do you want to ask?" Elder Shi took a few more steps back, more cold sweat beading on his forehead.

"Zhuge Feng. Where did you take him?" Shangguan You asked, casually playing with the pale blue Water Element in her hand, her tone indifferent.