Chapter 34 - Leaving The Cave

"Woah, your aura increased by a lot." Meng Xue shouted in disbelief.

Yao Meixiang gave a slight smile as she shook her head. "I'm afraid I'm not the one who benefits the most from the Spirit Liquid."

"Huh? Who else can be better than you?"

Yao Meixiang glanced at Tang Lingling and said, "Tang Lingling probably got the most benefits."

Meng Xue became dumbfounded as she was confused by her words.

'Tang Lingling joined late and even got off the Spirit Liquid briefly for some time so how could she benefit more?' Meng Xue exclaimed inwardly as she waited for Yao Meixiang to explain.

"Did you not notice the change in the Spirit Liquid when Tang Lingling returned to the Spirit Liquid after hugging Lee Tao?" Yao Meixiang asked her.

Realization soon struck Meng Xue as she held a gawking expression.

"You mean Lee Tao helped Tang Lingling with something that allowed her to absorb the Spirit Liquid faster?" Meng Xue asked in a dumbfounded tone.

"Unbelievable…" Meng Xue then muttered as she watched Tang Lingling get out of the pond with the help of Lee Tao.

"So how's your progress?" Lee Tao smirked as he released his grip on Tang Lingling.

Tang Lingling closed her eyes briefly to check on her current cultivation base.

Her expression changed when she realized how much benefits she received thanks to the expansion of her dantain.

She bowed slightly toward Lee Tao as she began to thank him. "Thank you to the Young Master for assisting this lowly servant."

Lee Tao waved his hand to dismiss her gratitude.

"I didn't do it to help you, Tang Lingling." Lee Tao said as he turned around.

"I did it for myself since you're my servant. In other words, you are now my sword and shield at the same time," he added.

Tang Lingling was dazed for a moment before nodding her head. Placing her hand in her chest, Tang Lingling showed a solemn expression.

"Yes, I am your shield when there are dangers and your sword when you want to attack." Tang Lingling said.

Lee Tao smirked as he nodded his head.

"Bring that trash in the pond over since I still have use for him." Lee Tao ordered.

Sometime later, everyone grouped up together with Tang Lingling dragging the unconscious Lin Cheng by the neck.

Tang Lingling didn't need to be polite for a person that Lee Tao despised so she could care less as long as he's still breathing.

"What are we doing now?" Jia Qiu asked.

The atmosphere was awkward with how Yao Meixiang was gazing at the interaction between Tang Lingling and Lee Tao.

Thus, Jia Qiu, being the person that livens up the atmosphere, decided to be the one to enquire for details.

Lee Tao shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm going to explore with Tang Lingling so the three of you can do whatever you want." Lee Tao said.

"Why?" Jia Qiu asked in a dumbfounded voice.

"We're all here in this situation so I think it would be better if we explore together." Jia Qiu added.

She suggested exploring as a group and not split into two teams since that would be the safest decision.

"Jia Qiu is right… We don't know the overall structure of this cave. Let alone the entire ancient ruins." Meng Xue intervened as she agreed with Jia Qiu's suggestion.

Meanwhile, Yao Meixiang remained silent as she knew why Lee Tao didn't want to explore together.

'This scoundrel… all I said was that I don't know… did you really have to go this far?' Yao Meixiang cursed silently.

"I've made my decision already so no need to convince me." Lee Tao said.

'Xiao Chu already recorded the entire structure so I don't need anyone's help.' Lee Tao laughed inwardly as he didn't want to babysit people.

Yao Meixiang bit her lips softly as she took a few steps forward.

"C-Can't we explore together, Lee Tao?" Yao Meixiang asked in a soft tone.

Lee Tao grinned evilly. "Didn't someone say that they can't trust me? Why risk yourself exploring with someone you don't place your trust in?"

Lee Tao's mocking tone was extremely hard for others to digest as they figured another trait of his.

He was extremely petty and would remember everything you have said to him in mind.

Yao Meixiang tugged on his sleeve and held a pitiful expression. "I'm sorry… won't you forgive me already?"

Yao Meixiang's action shocked Jia Qiu and Meng Xue as they rubbed their eyes slightly.

They couldn't imagine what their eyes were seeing.

"Yao Meixiang is actually apologizing?" Meng Xue and Jia Qiu muttered at the same time. They then glanced at each other and pinched each other's cheek to make sure it wasn't a dream.

Meanwhile, Lee Tao rubbed his chin softly, almost like he was pondering whether or not to accept her apology.

"Will you forgive me?" Yao Meixiang asked again.

Lee Tao didn't answer right away, purposely making it difficult for Yao Meixiang.

'If I accept the apology right away then wouldn't everyone think an apology is enough to pacify me?' Lee Tao snickered inwardly.

He was an egoist and anything that affected his personal self-interest would cause him to have the slightest dislike toward it.

Yao Meixiang was about to tear up with the suspense Lee Tao was keeping from her.

Not only would it be an embarrassment for her if Lee Toa refused to accept her apology, but it would also mean the end of their relationship.

Time slowly passed by and Lee Tao flicked on Yao Meixiang's forehead.

Yao Meixiang squealed and glanced at Lee Tao.

"W-What was that for?" Yao Meixiang mumbled as she rubbed her forehead.

"Punishment for speaking your honest words." Lee Tao said cheekily as he placed his hand behind his head.

"I hate hypocrites the most, but that doesn't mean I don't like to hear flattery words," Lee Tao added.

Afterward, Lee Tao began walking toward the Eastside.. It was time for them to leave the cave and see what's outside of the ancient ruin.