Entering the Star Dou Great Forest once again, the mindset of the two was completely different.
A few days ago, every step had been filled with danger—they had nearly lost their lives here. In that sense, they truly shared a bond forged through life and death.
As their relationship grew closer, Lin Xian found himself becoming more and more indulgent.
Zhu Zhuqing, in turn, seemed to go along with him in almost everything.
For example, even now, while they were resting at the side of the path, Lin Xian's hand naturally rested around her slender waist…
"Can you be a bit more serious? We didn't come here for a picnic."
"I am being serious, alright? We've been searching for two days and still haven't found the Spirit Beast we're looking for."
"Well, at least we brought enough food. If needed, we'll just keep searching. We can also fight some Spirit Beasts along the way to sharpen our skills."
"A single overwhelming force can crush everything. I'll just drop another planet."
"That's you. I don't have such ridiculous Spirit Abilities."
On the first day alone, they encountered five battles, large and small.
Zhu Zhuqing handled all of them.
During one of those fights, while dealing with an Armored Rhino, they were nearly ambushed by a group of Wild Stars.
At that moment, Lin Xian cast a shield over Zhu Zhuqing and casually unleashed Galaxy Fall, instantly leaving the enemies disoriented and overwhelmed.
It could only be said—this ability was absurdly powerful.
Now that Lin Xian's spirit power had recovered, both of them could travel using spirit power, making their speed far faster than before when they had fled back to Soto City.
Soon, they both came to a stop.
They exchanged glances… and burst into laughter.
In front of them was a clear, gently flowing river, its banks marked with numerous Spirit Beast footprints.
Not far away stood a small cave.
A very familiar place.
"Does this count as revisiting old ground?"
"I suppose it does. Should we stay here for the night?"
"Sounds good."
Near the cave entrance, the collapsed earth from before had filled with water. With a few more rains, it would likely turn into a small pond.
"By the way… wasn't that move of mine pretty handsome?"
Lin Xian struck an exaggerated pose, gesturing dramatically.
Seeing his antics, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but laugh.
"Very handsome! And very impressive."
Though her words were simple, she spoke them with complete sincerity.
Just like that night—
When he had stood alone at the cave entrance, shielding her from the wolves.
Inside, the cave remained unchanged. The bloodstained clothes from before still lay where they had been left.
With a flick of his hand, Lin Xian summoned the self-cleaning blanket and spread it out.
"Thinking back to how miserable we were back then… it really makes you feel something."
He sat down casually and looked at Zhu Zhuqing.
"Yeah… I really thought I was going to die in the wolves' jaws back then."
She sat down beside him without hesitation.
For a while, neither spoke.
They simply watched the moonlight and listened to the gentle flow of the river, sinking into a quiet calm.
"Do you… want to hear my story?"
"Of course. If you're willing to tell it."
Having finally found someone to confide in, Zhu Zhuqing spoke without holding back.
Cold stares. Injustice. Isolation. Suppression.
Her childhood revolved around these things.
Such was the cruelty of a great clan.
Though her family stood in glory beside the Star Luo Imperial Family, producing imperial consorts for generations—
Only she knew the suffering hidden behind that prestige.
She spoke of her past. Of her fiancé. Of why she had traveled thousands of miles to Soto City.
Lin Xian already knew much of it, but he said nothing, quietly listening.
"When you're sad, it's okay to cry. Tears don't mean weakness… or should I lend you my shoulder?"
Hearing his voice, Zhu Zhuqing leaned gently against him.
Her tears broke free, soaking into his clothes.
"The past is over. You're no longer bound by it. You're a new Zhu Zhuqing now—you can live for yourself."
After her emotions settled, Lin Xian held her lightly and spoke softly.
"But… if one day my clan and the Imperial Family both come after me… if they try to kill me no matter what…"
"Then I will stand against ten thousand soldiers for you."
"And become your safe harbor."
Zhu Zhuqing suddenly looked up.
Her tear-filled eyes met his.
That same expression—
The same unwavering resolve as the night he faced the wolf pack alone.
Before Lin Xian could react, she leaned forward.
Cool, soft, trembling… carrying the faint salt of tears.
His eyes widened.
He…
Had just been kissed.
Clearly, she only knew the basics, with no idea what came next.
And so—
Teacher Lin Xian stepped in.
Though he had never experienced it before, observation counted too.
He had learned plenty from… various "materials."
The roles quickly reversed.
What began as her impulsive move soon turned into his lead.
They became entangled beneath the moonlight, so absorbed that even the night seemed to dim in embarrassment.
Eventually, Zhu Zhuqing collapsed into his arms, breathing heavily.
This time, she truly felt his warmth and passion.
"So fragrant…"
At his whisper, she buried her face even deeper, like a shy ostrich.
"Zhuqing, there's something I need to tell you. My Spirit—"
She gently pressed a finger to his lips.
"I know."
"I don't ask for much… just that, no matter what happens in the future, there will always be a place for me in your heart."
"That's enough."
From the moment their bond formed, she had already understood.
Like a moth drawn to flame—
Lin Xian knew, in that instant, he would never let her down.
"Zhuqing, I have something for you."
"In my hometown… it represents a promise."