Chapter 131: Unusual Ways Arouse Suspicion

"It is really nothing. I just felt a bit bored and came to you for some company. Anyway, let us not talk about this anymore! It is getting late, and we should not disturb Brother Yu any further while he is healing. We had better go back and rest!" Lan Wu stammered, unable to provide a clear explanation. It was obvious she was hiding something from the two of them. She, who usually spoke her mind, had become hesitant and evasive this evening; something must have happened that they were unaware of. Seeing this, Yu Shang and Xiao Yin exchanged a look, and a plan immediately formed in their minds.

"The night is almost over anyway; there is no time to sleep. We might as well have a good talk about the upcoming trials. As for you, Lan'er, you have been worried sick for us all night. You should go back and rest early; I cannot bear to see you so exhausted!" Xiao Yin said gently to the visibly agitated Lan Wu. Looking back, perhaps Lan'er's earlier emotional outburst was related to this. Otherwise, how could someone as open and cheerful as her say such things? It felt as if every word was emphasizing that they were friends who shared hardships, which, in hindsight, seemed like an attempt to cover something up.

"But Brother Yu is severely injured; how can you sit and talk all night? You should come back with me and wait until tomorrow to have a long conversation!" As she spoke, Lan Wu stood up and pulled Xiao Yin toward the door. The more she acted this way, the more suspicious the other two became. What could possibly be the reason that Lan Wu did not want to stay even for a moment, as if she were desperate to escape this room because of some terrifying presence? Moreover, she only wanted to leave Yu Shang behind while rushing Xiao Yin away. This left both men deeply puzzled.

"Why are you so eager to take Xiao Yin away? Could it be that you are so love-struck that you cannot bear to be apart even for a moment? I promise you that once we finish our business, I will return him to you unharmed. As for you, hurry back to your own room. A young woman constantly appearing in a man's room will inevitably invite gossip and damage your reputation." With that, Yu Shang rose and opened the door, signaling for Lan Wu to leave. He wanted to see what this little girl was up to.

Since Lan Wu insisted on not letting Xiao Yin stay, he was determined to keep him to see what trick she had up her sleeve. Even if she had malicious intentions, she would not put her beloved in danger. This way, he could uncover the truth while ensuring his own safety—a perfect solution. However, this move carried risks; perhaps when the truth was revealed, a rift would form between Xiao Yin and Lan Wu.

"Fine, but Xiao Yin, you should come out early and not disturb Brother Yu too much!" Seeing that she could not force Xiao Yin to leave, Lan Wu sighed secretly and said helplessly. She looked at Xiao Yin with a gaze full of resentment, then cast a worried glance at Yu Shang before leaving alone. That final, fleeting look did not escape the notice of Yu Shang and Xiao Yin; both seemed to sense something. Once Lan Wu was far away, Yu Shang hurried to the bed and searched through it, as if looking for something, but the bed appeared empty.

"What was the meaning behind Lan Wu's meaningful glance at my bed before she left? Why have I searched for so long and found nothing? Regardless, your woman has been acting too strangely tonight. Why would she appear in my room for no reason? Do not tell me she came specifically to look for you; I cannot believe that. Her actions make one naturally suspicious." Yu Shang spoke his thoughts bluntly, refusing to hide the truth even if the woman was Xiao Yin's beloved.

Furthermore, Yu Shang believed that Xiao Yin would not let matters of the heart affect his judgment; in this regard, he was even more rational and clear-headed than himself. It is often said that snakes are cold-blooded and heartless; Yu Shang neither confirmed nor denied this. Xiao Yin could question his beloved for Yu Shang's sake, and if he ever had to choose between them, he would choose Yu Shang and abandon Lan Wu. Yet, Xiao Yin would never betray him for any reason. His loyalty to Yu Shang was even deeper than Yu Shang's own self-regard. Perhaps Yu Shang might betray himself for certain reasons, but Xiao Yin would risk his life to protect Yu Shang.

"Perhaps she really did something in your room, but I don't believe Lan'er truly intended to harm you. Maybe she was forced to do it, or perhaps she didn't know the consequences would be so severe. Anyway, kid, promise me you won't blame her, okay?" Xiao Yin looked at the frowning Yu Shang, pleading. He knew Yu Shang too well; he never showed mercy to those who betrayed him. In severe cases, he would even kill them. Ling Huanying was the best example of this. Whether Yu Shang acted intentionally or unintentionally at the time, he did it, and he did not want Lan'er to meet the same fate.

"If you've already discovered something, stop being coy and take it out. We have other things to do." Yu Shang said to the dejected Xiao Yin. However, seeing the little snake in such distress, his heart softened. He shook his head and gave a bitter smile. "Don't worry. She is your woman, after all. No matter what she has done, I won't take harsh measures. Besides, don't I know Lan Wu? She has a snake's mouth but a Buddha's heart; she is kinder and more gullible than anyone. I believe she didn't mean it, but the person behind her might not be the same. If you keep stalling, we will never catch the real culprit!"

"I am relieved that you think this way. I was so afraid you would hold a grudge against Lan'er." Xiao Yin breathed a sigh of relief, walked to the bed, and struck the jade pillow with his palm, channeling his internal energy into it. A pitch-black stone floated out from the pillow, hovering in mid-air and emitting a dim light. Although the stone seemed unremarkable, a closer look revealed a powerful, surging energy trapped within. It struggled to break free, but no matter how it lashed out, it could not escape.

"What is this? Why didn't I notice it when it was hidden in the jade pillow, yet you were able to sense its presence?" Yu Shang gently held the stone in his palm and was surprised to find the energy hidden within. Upon touching his skin, it immediately went quiet, looking like an ordinary stone. However, Yu Shang felt an inexplicable possessiveness toward it; he had a premonition that this item would eventually be useful.

"This is a 'Scorching Coagulation Stone' unique to the Otherworld. It can steal a person's soul without them even realizing it. In this world, apart from the ancient gods who can suppress it, only the blood of my Scarlet Snake Spirit is its natural enemy. I advise you to put it down quickly, or if it hooks your soul, there will be no way to save you!" As he spoke, Xiao Yin stepped forward, took the stone from Yu Shang's hand, and with a gentle squeeze, it vanished before Yu Shang's eyes.

"Don't refine it. I have a feeling I will need it in the future! But why does the person behind Lan Wu want my soul? Wouldn't it be easier to just take my life? Why go through all this trouble and keep me alive? I really don't understand." Yu Shang looked at where the stone had been, deep in thought. It seemed there were many people out to get him! They were just rats who dared not reveal their true faces. It must be said that these people were truly annoying!

"I know you, you brat. From the start, your eyes never left that stone. How could I be so insensitive as to destroy something you like? Don't worry, I've stored it within my own body; it won't move around. It's a bit dangerous to keep it near you, so it's safer for me to suppress it." Xiao Yin smiled as he watched the anxious Yu Shang. It was the first time he had seen him so nervous about an object; it was truly rare.

"I knew it—Xiao Yin, you understand me best. Even when I am blinded by my own heart, you are the only one who can see my true intentions. What am I to do? I am becoming more and more dependent on you. If one day you are lured away by that little girl Lan Wu, what will I do left all alone?" Yu Shang was in a good mood and couldn't help but joke, though these were his true feelings. A selfish thought suddenly surfaced: he did not want Xiao Yin to leave him, because if he left, it would mean Yu Shang would be alone again, with no one left to trust.

"Big guy, I know my charm is irresistible, but you don't have to be so obsessed with me! I need a girl by my side to satisfy my needs, unless you don't mind me flirting with others right in front of you. But I think the one most capable of being heartless is you, brat. One day, you might find a girl you like and run off with her, forgetting all about your brother who has been through thick and thin with you!" Xiao Yin pretended to be offended, though in truth, he was the one who couldn't bear to leave his brother.

On the surface, this brat was independent and mature, as if he could handle everything alone and everyone else was redundant. But only Xiao Yin knew that he was the one who most needed care, a place to rest, and someone who could see through him. He needed someone before whom he could show his most vulnerable side—the true self buried deep within his heart. Xiao Yin knew he was that person. If he left, the brat might be lonely again.

Suddenly, they felt their bond transcended all existence in the world; it belonged neither to romantic love nor was it merely friendship—it was something far greater, even surpassing kinship. They were so close that some might believe they were one soul in two bodies, connected like bone and flesh, as indispensable as a left and right hand. Their bond was truly as intimate as if they were the same person. The harmony of their interaction and the magical atmosphere between them were such that no one could intrude or sow discord into a connection as solid as rock.

"Enough, one compliment and you get carried away! Let's get back to the point. Right now, your woman has probably met up with the culprit who wants to plot against us. Do you want to go take a look to satisfy your curiosity, or perhaps to soothe that anxious heart of yours?" Even while discussing serious matters, Yu Shang could not help but tease Xiao Yin. Perhaps he knew that no matter how he treated this little snake, he would never truly take it to heart or hold a grudge.

"Stop making fun of me, you brat. So much time has passed; how could we possibly find her now? It seems we have no choice but to wait and see. I'm not afraid of anything else, but I fear that after that person uses this silly girl, they will turn against her. If they dispose of the evidence by killing her, that would be terrible!" At this thought, panic crept into Xiao Yin's heart. He could only hope the silly girl would survive the clutches of that person.

"Since you agreed to my plan to trick her into leaving, you should also trust that I wouldn't play games with your woman's life! If I didn't have full confidence, why would I be chatting with you here instead of following her to protect her along the way? Don't worry, I guarantee your Lan'er will return here safe and sound." Yu Shang looked at the anxious Xiao Yin and smiled.