Chapter 10: Xia Qingwu's Kiss

As Wang Li and Xia Qingwu continued their conversation, the atmosphere between them grew increasingly charged with anticipation and determination.

Xia Qingwu leaned forward, her eyes shining with resolve as she outlined her plan to assist Wang Li in safeguarding the forty freed women. "I propose that we have them join the Jade Lotus Palace," she suggested, her voice tinged with conviction. "As one of the leading sects of the Righteous Sect, the Jade Lotus Palace has the resources and authority to provide them with a safe haven."

Wang Li's eyebrows raised in surprise, intrigued by Xia Qingwu's suggestion. "The Jade Lotus Palace?" he echoed, contemplating the implications of such a decision.

Xia Qingwu nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Yes," she affirmed. "With my authority as the Third Elder's disciple, I can ensure that these women are taken in as disciples of our sect."

Wang Li's expression softened with gratitude, impressed by Xia Qingwu's commitment to their cause. "That's a generous offer, Qingwu," he acknowledged, his tone appreciative. "Thank you for your assistance."

Xia Qingwu waved off his gratitude with a dismissive gesture. "It's the least I can do," she replied humbly. "But remember, their fate within the Jade Lotus Palace will depend on their cultivation aptitudes."

Wang Li nodded in understanding, acknowledging the importance of this caveat. "Of course," he agreed.

As their conversation turned to other matters, Wang Li revealed the startling revelation he had uncovered during his recent travels—the identity of the individual responsible for spreading malicious rumors about the Wang Family.

"It was Ye Fan," Wang Li stated, his voice tinged with bitterness. "He orchestrated the downfall of the Wang Family, seizing control of our resources and martial techniques for his own gain."

Xia Qingwu's eyes widened in shock at the mention of Ye Fan's name. Though she had never been particularly fond of him, she had always held a measure of respect for his abilities and reputation.

"Why would Ye Fan do such a thing?" Xia Qingwu asked, her tone laced with disbelief. "He was always regarded as a skilled and honorable cultivator. What could possibly drive him to commit such treachery?"

Wang Li's expression darkened as he pondered Xia Qingwu's question. "I can only speculate," he replied, his voice tinged with frustration. "But it seems that Ye Fan's greed knows no bounds. He sought to enrich himself at the expense of others, using deceit and manipulation to further his own agenda."

He went on to recount Wang Xiangyi's harrowing ordeal at the hands of Ye Fan, describing how he had enslaved her and attempted to coerce her into submission through false promises and manipulation.

Xia Qingwu's indignation flared at the revelation, her fists clenched in anger. "To think that he would stoop so low," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Such behavior is despicable and unforgivable."

As Xia Qingwu processed Wang Li's revelation about Ye Fan's treachery, a flicker of memory stirred within her. With a furrowed brow, she recounted a message she had received from Ye Fan a month prior, delivered via a communication talisman. In the message, Ye Fan had callously informed her of Wang Li's supposed demise, offering himself as a source of support in her time of need.

After ensuring that Ye Fan had left the vicinity, Wang Li escorted Xia Qingwu into the underground hideout, his mind buzzing with plans to outmaneuver their adversary.

"We must act quickly," Wang Li urged, his voice tinged with urgency as they entered the concealed chamber. "Ye Fan's spiritual prowess is formidable—he'll soon see through the illusionary array guarding the entrance."

Xia Qingwu nodded solemnly, her gaze sweeping over the gathered women with a mixture of concern and determination. "What do you propose we do?" she inquired, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Wang Li's lips curved into a wry smile as he revealed his daring plan. "I've set a trap for Ye Fan," he confessed, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "A trap that will surely keep him occupied."

Perplexed, Xia Qingwu arched an eyebrow inquisitively. "And what kind of trap might that be?" she pressed, her curiosity piqued.

Wang Li's expression darkened as he recounted his clandestine arrangement with the Crimson Bear Gang. "I've enlisted the aid of the Crimson Bear Gang," he explained, his voice laced with determination.

Understanding dawned in Xia Qingwu's eyes as she grasped the gravity of Wang Li's plan. "The Crimson Bear Gang," she echoed, her tone tinged with approval. "They've long harbored enmity towards Ye Fan after their leader's brother was killed by Ye Fan."

A flicker of satisfaction danced across Wang Li's features as he nodded in agreement. "Exactly," he affirmed, his voice tinged with resolve. "Their leader boasts formidable strength—a middle stage Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, no less. With the combined might of the Crimson Bear Gang, they stand a chance of defeating Ye Fan."

With a collective sigh of relief, Wang Li, Wang Xiangyi, and Xia Qingwu led the forty women out of the underground hideout, their hearts heavy with the weight of their precarious situation.

As they emerged into the open air, Xia Qingwu produced a jade bottle, from which she extracted a sizable Flying Ship. Its sleek design and intricate runes bespoke its formidable power, but its operation demanded a substantial amount of spirit stones.

With practiced efficiency, the forty women boarded the Flying Ship, their expressions a mix of gratitude and apprehension. Each one shared a heartfelt embrace with Wang Li, their young master, before stepping aboard.

In those brief moments of embrace, Wang Li poured forth the full force of his Yin-Yang Cultivation Ability, channeling it to enhance the Spiritual Roots of each woman. Though fleeting, the effects were palpable, leaving the women with a newfound sense of strength and resilience.

Left standing outside the Flying Ship, Wang Xiangyi remained steadfast by Wang Li's side, her determination mirroring his own.

Meanwhile, Xia Qingwu, poised to depart, hesitated for a moment before enveloping Wang Li in a warm embrace of her own. In a spontaneous display of affection, she pressed her lips to his, igniting a spark of passion between them.

Caught off guard by the unexpected display of affection, Wang Li's initial surprise melted into a profound sense of connection. Lost in the moment, he reciprocated her kiss, the world around them fading into insignificance.

Unbeknownst to Wang Li, the power of his Yin-Yang Cultivation Ability surged forth at this moment as it was now significantly enhancing not just Xia Qingwu's Spiritual Roots, but also her physique and her cultivation!