Chapter 69: Protecting You Completely
The sudden expulsion stunned everyone. After enduring a bout of turbulence, they were blasted out through the blowhole.
The moment they realized they were flying out, everyone’s face showed surprise and joy, but that was quickly followed by panic and unease.
The whale was suspended high above the labyrinth, unable to descend due to the high walls. After being spat out, everyone plummeted downwards like dumplings being dropped into a pot.
After manipulating the whale to expel everyone, Xu Qingsui also withdrew her spirit body and began to fall along with her physical one.
Feeling the cold wind whip against her cheeks, Xu Qingsui felt a little helpless.
She hadn’t wanted to resort to something so drastic, but the whale truly couldn’t land, and she was about to lose control. It was her only option.
Her body was falling fast. Just as she was contemplating the consequences of hitting the ground from such a height, a warm hand grabbed her own.
Xu Qingsui looked up in confusion and saw that Lu Jingyu had appeared beside her at some point and had taken her hand.
"Don’t be afraid. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you."
As he spoke, Lu Jingyu suddenly made a move. When Xu Qingsui realized what he was about to do, she looked astonished.
Lu Jingyu pulled her by the hand, yanking her into his embrace. After wrapping his arms around her, he twisted his body, maneuvering himself underneath her.
This way, when they hit the ground, Lu Jingyu would act as a human cushion, mitigating the impact for Xu Qingsui.
"You don’t have to do this. You’ll be in terrible shape if you do."
Lu Jingyu’s head rested perfectly in the crook of Xu Qingsui’s neck. Inhaling her gentle fragrance, he closed his eyes, lost in the scent.
"I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. I won’t let you get hurt."
Xu Qingsui’s cheeks flushed. She could feel the warmth of Lu Jingyu’s body against her and the hot, moist air of his breath on her neck.
"Brother Ling’an, save me!"
At this point, the other members were all trying to save themselves. As Sentinels who focused on Physical Ability in their daily training, each had their own methods.
Only Xu Ruming, feeling her body plummet and the cold wind stinging her face, was so scared her expression was almost distorted.
She was like a startled bird, completely at a loss and not knowing what to do.
The thought of the consequences of falling from such a height made Xu Ruming feel as if an invisible hand were strangling her.
Unwilling to suffer such a fate, and happening to see Lu Jingyu and Xu Qingsui out of the corner of her eye, she immediately thought of Shen Ling’an.
Forgetting the recent, subtle changes in their relationship, she began to cry out to Shen Ling’an for help.
Shen Ling’an was already weak and hadn’t recovered since Xu Qingsui had to let his blood after he was poisoned. Combined with going berserk to fight the Mutants, he could barely save himself now.
But the two of them did have some emotional foundation, after all. Upon hearing Xu Ruming’s cry for help, he still tried his best to adjust his position and move toward her.
After managing to grab Xu Ruming, he comforted her, "I’m here. I’ll do my best to absorb the impact for you."
She had seen how thoughtfully Lu Jingyu protected Xu Qingsui in his arms, using his own body as a human cushion for her.
In contrast, Shen Ling’an was only holding her hand and had offered a light, airy promise. Xu Ruming instantly felt he was being perfunctory.
She had long forgotten about Shen Ling’an’s condition and felt he was no match for Lu Jingyu.
"How is just this supposed to protect me completely? Look at Lu Jingyu! Look at what he’s doing."
Her eyes red with jealousy, Xu Ruming started comparing him directly to Lu Jingyu, despite still needing to rely on him.
Sure enough, Shen Ling’an’s brows furrowed, and a trace of displeasure showed on his face.
But, spurred by his emotions, he also glanced over at Xu Qingsui and Lu Jingyu.
When he saw Lu Jingyu holding Xu Qingsui in his arms, his face buried in her neck, Shen Ling’an’s heart jolted, and his expression turned furious.
At that moment, he recalled Xu Ruming’s claims about Xu Qingsui latching onto Lu Jingyu, and for an instant, he imagined the two of them entwined in bed.
He clearly had no relationship with Xu Qingsui anymore. He had clearly done things to wrong her long ago.
But right here, right now, he felt like someone who had caught their partner cheating in bed, his heart filled with rage.
However, he was powerless to do anything in this situation. In the end, he could only vent his resentment on Xu Ruming.
But he certainly wasn’t about to use his own body as a human cushion for Xu Ruming, the way Lu Jingyu had.
He just violently pulled Xu Ruming into his arms, venting his anger through a hidden surge of strength.
"What are you doing? You’re hurting me!"
Xu Ruming’s brow furrowed. She felt like her wrist was about to break.
She wanted to break free from Shen Ling’an’s grip, but the intense pain made her afraid to move recklessly.
Shen Ling’an’s gaze was profound as he completely ignored Xu Ruming.
In that short time, everyone was getting closer and closer to the ground.
Just as everyone braced themselves, preparing for the final landing...
A wave of water suddenly surged up, perfectly catching everyone’s bodies.
It cushioned the force of their descent, helping them land smoothly.
Back on the ground, Lu Jingyu was still holding Xu Qingsui in his arms.
As their eyes met, a strange tension flickered between them.
Many of the team members also noticed the subtle atmosphere between the two.
The saying about "the iron tree blooming" and calling her "sister-in-law" had long been circulating within the Heiyu Alliance.
Now, seeing the two of them exchanging flirtatious glances, someone bold and fond of joking finally stepped forward.
"Captain, you’re so thoughtful! If it weren’t for the great guide, we would’ve never known you had this side to you!"
"Yeah, Captain! We’d only heard rumors before and didn’t believe them! We’ve really had our eyes opened this time."
A few lines of teasing finally broke the gaze of the two who were looking at each other.
Xu Qingsui’s cheeks flushed red, and she hurriedly left Lu Jingyu’s embrace, turning her back to avoid everyone’s gazes.
For once, Lu Jingyu didn’t reprimand the people teasing him, only shooting them a mock glare.
This was a completely different person from the usual, serious Captain Lu. Everyone immediately understood that they had hit the nail on the head, which was why Captain Lu hadn’t scolded them. At that, they all laughed even more heartily.
And this scene, naturally, did not escape the notice of Shen Ling’an and Xu Ruming.
In mid-air, Shen Ling’an had nearly broken Xu Ruming’s wrist.
As soon as they landed, the first thing Xu Ruming did was wrench her wrist free.
On her fair, slender wrist, a dark, purplish-red mark had already formed.
She looked at Shen Ling’an, her eyes filled with venom, only to find his gaze fixed squarely on Xu Qingsui.
At the same time, the sound of the team members’ teasing reached her, and she found it exceptionally grating.
"What’s there to see? She has nothing to do with you anymore. Even if she did something with Lu Jingyu right here and now, what right would you have to say anything?"