In the end, Yao Xi gently bit her lip, looking at Ye Chen seriously as she spoke, "Junior Brother, we're not suited for each other. I've thought it through carefully, and I believe there will be no future for us. Therefore, you should take this token back. You are only at the sixth level of Qi Refining, and you need this opportunity more than I do.

  "This year, the Five Elements Cave has more abundant spirit Qi than ever before. If you seize this chance, there is a real possibility you could break through to the ninth level of Qi Refining or even reach Foundation Establishment in the future. However, even if that doesn't happen, if you encounter any difficulties in alchemy in the future, feel free to come and ask me anytime."

  With that, Yao Xi gently pushed Ye Chen's hand back.

  At that moment, the entire arena fell silent. Countless disciples watched in disbelief, wishing they could take the Five Elements Cave token from Yao Xi and accept it on her behalf. That was the coveted Five Elements Cave—something every Qi Refining cultivator longed for! It could expand the dantian! And Yao Xi just rejected it. It was such a waste.

  But despite the disciples' disbelief, they understood what Yao Xi meant. She didn't want to keep Ye Chen hanging, nor did she want to deceive him. That was why she had made it clear and refused his gift. She could have easily pretended, accepted the token, and gained the opportunity without much effort. Compared to Sun Ruoxin, who had been driven by greed and selfishness, Yao Xi's actions were worlds apart.

  The disciples looked at Yao Xi with newfound respect. If they were in her position, they knew they would never have been able to say no to such a precious opportunity.

  As for Ye Chen, after being rejected, he looked at Yao Xi with a slight surprise. This Yao Xi truly had a conscience. She couldn't bear to deceive a "simp." Or had she simply leveled up in her understanding?

  Regardless of the reason, one thing was clear: This gift had to be given. After hearing Yao Xi's words, a typical simp would have likely turned pale, become upset, disappointed, and asked why.

  But Ye Chen, he showed none of that. He only smiled and looked at Yao Xi. "Senior Sister, why refuse the token over something so trivial? I know very well that you don't like me, and that we will never be together in the future, but so what?"

  Yao Xi was stunned. The disciples watching were equally taken aback.

  Ye Chen wasn't finished speaking yet: "I love you, and that has nothing to do with you. As long as I see Senior Sister happy, that's enough for me. This Five Elements Cave token, I originally wanted to enter myself, but in truth, it was prepared for you! If Senior Sister defeats your opponent and obtains the spot, then I can enter with you. I absorb spirit Qi less efficiently, so you can absorb more! That's better than having someone else enter and compete with you for it. And if, by chance, you don't get the spot, then you can use mine. So, Senior Sister, there's no need to feel awkward or burdened."

  At this moment, the entire arena fell silent. Everyone, including Yao Xi, had Ye Chen's words echoing in their minds. It dawned on them...

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  Ye Chen had only taken the token for Yao Xi's sake. He was completely considering her well-being. How could someone be so deeply affectionate?

  Many of the female disciples were moved to tears. If only they could find such a man who cared so selflessly for them.

  Yao Xi stood frozen, her bright, star-like eyes filled with a whirl of complex emotions. She had, in her mind, resented Ye Chen at times. She had thought, Ye Chen's cultivation was low, and his talent was lacking—why should he take the spot?

  If Ye Chen hadn't taken the token, there were two spots available. She would have been almost certain to get one. But then, she hadn't expected to face Li Xiaoyao in the first round. Even with two spots, she would have no chance. Ye Chen's decision to take the spot early had actually turned out to be incredibly wise. Ye Chen's love for her... it was too heavy.

  At this moment, Yao Xi didn't know what to say or do. Should she accept it? Ye Chen's deep affection had left her utterly at a loss.

  Ye Chen smiled gently, taking Yao Xi's hand and placing the Five Elements token into her delicate palm.

  "Junior Brother..." Yao Xi gazed at the token in her hand, her heart in turmoil.

  Ye Chen, however, turned without hesitation, his voice carrying as he spoke, "I don't need the token. If you don't want it, Senior Sister, just throw it away!"

  With that, Ye Chen's figure already began to fade into the distance. The disciples around them looked at Yao Xi, eagerly waiting for her to throw the token away. Some even began to summon magic tools, ready to snatch the Five Elements token the moment it was discarded.

  But Yao Xi was no fool. How could she throw it away? Instead, she swiftly tucked it into her robes and quickly started chasing after Ye Chen.

  Inside, Yao Xi felt a deep sense of regret. If only Ye Chen had better talent, if only he could reach Foundation Establishment. But with his third-grade spiritual roots, it was almost impossible for him to reach Foundation Establishment.

  Still, Yao Xi had made up her mind. If she didn't break through to Foundation Establishment by the time she was thirty, she would agree to become Ye Chen's Dao partner. This decision wasn't because of the Five Elements token. It was because of Ye Chen's profound affection. Living a lifetime with a man like him would surely bring happiness.

  However, if she succeeded in reaching Foundation Establishment, then the two of them would no longer be suited to be together. Putting everything else aside, the difference in lifespan between someone in Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment would make it impossible to grow old together. When one passed away, the other would still live for another fifty years—how tragic would that be?

  At that time, she would help Ye Chen find a suitable Dao partner. She would protect Ye Chen and his descendants for life. This was how she would repay his deep love for her.

  Determined, Yao Xi hurriedly caught up to Ye Chen, no longer hesitating. She spoke sincerely, "Thank you, Junior Brother! Yao Xi will never forget this!"

  Ye Chen's face broke into a radiant smile. Yao Xi also smiled brightly, her face blooming like spring flowers. In her mind, she was sure that Ye Chen was happy because she had accepted the Five Elements token. But in truth, Yao Xi wasn't entirely wrong in her guess.

  ...

  Meanwhile, on the grand square.

  The main event had already ended. But the crowd continued to discuss in hushed tones. As for Li Xiaoyao, still standing on the stage, no one was paying attention to him anymore.

  Li Xiaoyao glared as he watched Yao Xi run after Ye Chen. His teeth clenched in frustration.

  "Damn simp, you better pray we don't cross paths in the sect tournament at the end of the year."

  But at that moment, Elder Chen spoke up, "Li Xiaoyao, what are you standing there for? The second group is about to begin!"

  Li Xiaoyao's lips twitched as he hurried off the stage. The contest for the spots had resumed after being interrupted by Ye Chen.

  ...

  Outside the crowd, Sun Ruoxin stood, watching Ye Chen and Yao Xi disappear into the distance, tears streaming down her face. She truly regretted it.