Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT) novel Chapter 521

Chapter 521: Undeniable charm

The ground offered him a single clue—a faint trail of tracks leading away. Han Xin’s jaw tightened. His anger surged hotter, fiercer. Without hesitation, he followed the tracks, his pace quickening until he was nearly running.

He was ready to catch up, ready to confront Xiang Yu when his steps faltered. There, just ahead, Xiang Yu crouched low, his attention wholly fixed on a plant nestled in the cracks of the earth.

Han Xin’s anger erupted again, sharper, deeper. His strides were swift as he closed the distance, grabbing Xiang Yu and forcing him upright. The motion didn’t stop there—Han Xin pressed him hard against the rough wall of the crevice, his grip firm, unyielding.

Xiang Yu blinked, startled, but recognition softened his reaction. When he saw it was Han Xin, his tension dissipated, his features relaxing in an instant. His calm only fueled Han Xin’s fury further.

He had seen Han Xin angry before, but this time, a deep-seated fear sliced through him. Han Xin was shaking, a storm brewing just beneath the surface. "You said I should tug the rope twice if I was okay," Xiang Yu began tentatively.

Han Xin narrowed his eyes. "And did you do that... huh?" His voice was low, laced with frustration.

Xiang Yu opened his mouth to explain, but before he could get a word out, the radio crackled to life. Han Xin, still gripping Xiang Yu’s collar, released one hand to click a button on the radio. "I am fine. Come down," he said sharply.

"Okay," came Han Zhan’s voice through the static. "And Xiang Yu?"

Han Xin continued to glare at Xiang Yu, his expression fierce. "I found him," he replied curtly.

"Okay," Han Zhan affirmed.

Han Xin put the radio away, turning his full attention back to Xiang Yu. "You better have a good reason why you didn’t report back."

Xiang Yu held up his hands defensively. "I have a good reason... look." He pointed down at a plant growing at their feet.

Han Xin’s gaze followed his gesture. There was a small plant, vibrant and flourishing amidst the barren land, an anomaly against the desolation of the wastelands. Most plants in this region were shrivelled or dying, but this one stood tall and healthy.

Xiang Yu finally said, "Can you let me go now? Unless... you want to kiss me."

The words hung in the air, teasing and bold. In an instant, Han Xin released him, stepping back with a mix of frustration and disbelief. Xiang Yu laughed lightly while straightening out his clothes, clearly amused.

Han Xin was seething. He wanted to say something more, something sharp and cutting, but just then, the others began to descend into the valley, and he restrained himself. "Let’s go," he ordered tone firm. "Don’t go off on your own. Stay in the group."

Lu Lu was the first to arrive at the bottom. As he passed Xiang Yu, he bumped his shoulder hard, a silent challenge in the action. Xiang Yu watched the movement with amusement, a smile creeping across his face.

He knew Lu Lu was itching for a second round, and the thought made Xiang Yu’s pulse quicken with excitement. He was more than eager to teach the man another lesson.

Han Xin’s hand moved without thought, his fingers brushing Xiang Yu’s chin. A gentle pinch followed, firm but not harsh, forcing Xiang Yu to turn his gaze away from Lu Lu’s retreating silhouette.

"Stay close," Han Xin said, his voice steady but low. He grabbed Xiang Yu’s arm and began to pull him forward. The uneven ground beneath them cracked with each step as they pressed on through the jagged terrain.

The group trudged in silence until Su Jing flushed from the heat and broke it. "It’s so hot," she snapped, dragging out the words like a sigh. "We have been walking forever, and nothing. He’s sending us on a wild goose chase."

Lu Lu glanced over his shoulder and sneered, the edges of his lips curling. "What made you think he was being genuine? Why would he help us find—" His words died as Xiang Yu lunged at him, knocking him off balance.

Gunfire erupted, sharp and unrelenting. Bullets tore through feathers and flesh as the group defended themselves. Han Xin’s voice rang out over the commotion. "Move out! Find smaller gaps!" _{freewёbnoνel.com}