212: Chapter 212 I almost forgot about the important matter

The next day at noon.

The great battle from last night was still playing hazily in Chen Yi's mind when his phone rang.

It was a call from Lei Han.

"Big Brother Chen Yi—"

Lei Han murmured hoarsely, sounding like he had a hangover, "Wuwuwu, I got dumped—"

"What, did that little beauty dump you?"

Chen Yi let out a yawn and pressed the speakerphone button, seemingly having expected this.

After all, she was the Demon Empress, and her target was Chen Yi.

If Lei Han could actually pursue her, that would be truly bizarre!

Chen Yi walked toward the dining area while listening.

Seeing this, The girls gathered around one after another, curiously pricking up their ears.

"That beauty is named Black Rose, from Black Holdings. She really lives up to her name; she loves that dark gothic style, wearing an all-black dress. From a distance, she looks just like a real Black Rose!"

"But she's only eighteen years and six months old, she hasn't even awakened her bloodline yet!"

"Her personality—to be honest, setting aside how she made Fatty Han go crazy, she's actually okay?"

"After eating, she actually suggested splitting the bill. She didn't want to freeload or treat me like a sucker."

"It's just that when I tried to show interest, like offering to take her home, she rejected me so cleanly and decisively. She didn't leave a single opening or hint for me to buy her anything—"

"You didn't see that attitude; it was so business-like that it made me start to doubt myself! No wonder that fellow Fatty Han got so angry!"

"Being rejected so relentlessly and even with a bit of disdain by a girl whose family background is far inferior to one's own... any young master with a bit of status would feel like they've lost face and get worked up—of course, I'm mature now, I won't!"

Hearing this, Chen Yi nodded thoughtfully.

There was no need to think about these identities; they were surely robust enough to withstand scrutiny. An investigation likely wouldn't yield any clues.

He just didn't understand: what exactly was this Black Rose's purpose in approaching him?

She didn't look like she wanted to assassinate him?

"What else did you talk about?"

"What did we talk about? Just casual chat about hobbies, listening to music, reading manga and stuff. But it was mostly me talking, and she’d chime in occasionally. She didn't mention you at all! It felt like... she was just going through the motions, had a normal meal, and then sent me away—"

As Lei Han spoke, his tone became even more depressed.

It was as if he had begun to doubt his own charm.

While he wasn't among the top-tier geniuses, he still had an S-rank Bloodline and was the young master of the Lei Family, sitting on tens of billions in assets.

If you asked him to find a girl from the same social circle to contract with, it might be a bit difficult, since others could choose to marry up.

But to be brushed off so disdainfully by a girl with a background inferior to his was truly disheartening—

Chen Yi took a bite of the donut Su Taotao was feeding him and listened quietly, though he didn't fully buy this explanation.

Of course, it wasn't that Chen Yi didn't trust Lei Han's character!

It was mainly that Black Rose—or rather, the Demon Empress Rose Spirit—possessed the ability to manipulate hearts and influence emotions.

No one could guarantee that Lei Han hadn't been subjected to some subtle influence during their contact, or even if this memory of his was entirely real.

The methods of the Demon Abyss Cult were truly impossible to guard against.

In fact, Black Rose really hadn't used deep control on Lei Han.

Although her Fragrant Charm could silently influence others' minds with almost no trace left behind,

its biggest drawback was that the controlled person would retain their full memories!

If she forcibly controlled Lei Han to extract core intelligence about Chen Yi, with Chen Yi's sharpness, it would inevitably alert the enemy!

As for killing Lei Han?

That would be the action of an even more foolish person!

It would only make Chen Yi completely vigilant, which was entirely contrary to the Demon Abyss Cult's original intention of winning him over!

Chen Yi knew this as well, which was why he had let Lei Han deal with Black Rose last night.

When Black Rose controlled Fatty Han before, she only amplified his inner desires and irritability rather than completely controlling his consciousness. Thus, Fatty Han would only feel afterward that he had acted on a momentary impulse and wouldn't realize anything was wrong.

As for directly controlling Chen Yi's Contracted Spirit Beasts?

The risk was even greater; the slightest slip would expose her existence, making it meaningless!

The core goal of the Demon Abyss Cult was Chen Yi himself. They hoped he would identify with the Demon Abyss Cult's philosophy and become one of them, rather than killing him or making an enemy of him!

Therefore, it was impossible for them to make any overly aggressive moves at this stage.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Yi still cautiously swept his mind over the system status interfaces of The girls around him.

He only felt a bit relieved after confirming that everyone's information interfaces were normal and showed no signs of being controlled.

He clapped his hands, announcing the start of a new day's training schedule, and cautioned all The girls: "Yanjing hasn't been peaceful lately. Try not to go out alone! Even if you do go out, stay in groups of at least three to look out for each other, just in case!"

"Okay!!!"

The girls nodded one after another, their expressions turning more serious.

At this moment, Yun Zhiyao couldn't hold back anymore. She walked to Chen Yi's side, her beautiful face carrying a hint of confusion as she asked softly, "Chen Yi—the thing is, I... don't seem to have felt much of an increase in strength after the contract?"

Her original intention for the contract, besides her growing affection and curiosity toward Chen Yi, was more importantly to gain greater power!

Chen Yi could indeed quickly perform Energy Guidance to help them grow stronger.

But—it didn't seem to be like Luo Shiyin, who transformed from a lowly F-rank Bloodline into an SSS-rank Bloodline in a single leap?

At first, Yun Zhiyao thought she might not have met some condition, which was why Chen Yi hadn't used it on her.

But looking at it now, it seemed Chen Yi hadn't had the thought of strengthening her at all?

Chen Yi was drinking the juice Su Taotao had handed him and almost choked upon hearing this. He slapped his forehead!

During this time, he had been focused on raising The girls' levels and cultivating affinity; he had almost forgotten to perform the most important bloodline awakening for Yun Zhiyao!

Up until now, Yun Zhiyao was still an S-rank Mermaid!

"It's my oversight!"

Chen Yi put down his glass and smiled, "Power doesn't come out of thin air; it needs a key! I happen to be free today. I'll take you somewhere to help you activate your power!"

"Okay, thank you, Chen Yi!"

---

Not long after.

Chen Yi led the group of excited girls and Yun Zhiyao to a secluded lakeside in the outskirts of Yanjing.

The spiritual energy here was abundant, the environment was quiet, and the air was fresh. If it weren't for the magical beasts entrenched here, it would definitely be an ideal vacation spot!

Chen Yi directed The girls to easily clear out the magical beasts within a ten-kilometer radius, clearing the area to ensure they wouldn't be disturbed.

"Alright, Zhi Yao, transform and get into the water."

"I should transform and go into the water?"

Though Yun Zhiyao was puzzled, she did as instructed.

A soft, water-blue light shimmered around her as her figure slowly submerged into the clear lake water.