Recap
As they neared the wildfire, the world turned a demonic red. Shen Chaomu, his senses alert, spotted a crimson salamander, its flames illuminating the smoke-filled air. He launched himself from the vehicle, golden light flakes surging toward the creature. Before it could unleash its fiery breath, it was pinned and subdued. Hunters swarmed it, tranquilizing it and transporting it to the aircraft.
Back in the vehicle, Long Shiyu stirred, snuggling closer to Shen Chaomu and instinctively reaching out to caress his waist.
The vehicle continued its journey, the roar of the fire and the scent of burning wood fading into the distance.
Shen Chaomu thought of Song Qianqian’s words: “Brother Shen, you like him, don’t you?”
A spark ignited within him, a warmth spreading through his chest.
Several water ghosts lay wailing on the ground, their forms dissolving into puddles of ectoplasm. The corpses of ghouls formed a grotesque mound in the distance. Qiu Ruowen, her hair streaked with silver, sheathed her blood-stained dagger and returned to her combat vehicle.
Back at the defense line, she was met with anxious faces. “Chief, how is the front?”
“The beast horde is contained, for now,” she reported.
“Are you injured?”
“Minor scrapes.” She gestured vaguely toward her shoulder and hand. “I’ll tend to them myself.”
Inside her tent, she unbuttoned her blood-soaked uniform, revealing deep gashes on her shoulder and arm. The medical robot whirred to life, efficiently cleaning and bandaging the wounds. Qiu Ruowen winced as antiseptic stung her flesh, then swallowed a painkiller. She couldn’t afford to be hampered by pain in the coming battles.
Cerberus, the three-headed hellhound, still rampaged across the planet, its fiery breath leaving a trail of destruction. Like the other recent beast emergences, its awakening was sudden and inexplicable.
The current outbreak period was the worst in history, fueled by Akasa Mo’s prolonged reign. He had held the throne longer than the old Dragon King, and was soon to surpass even the Ghost Whale’s reign.
Qiu Ruowen avoided strong painkillers, needing to maintain her focus. As the adrenaline faded, the throbbing of her wounds intensified. She distracted herself with her terminal, reviewing reports and association announcements. Her thoughts drifted to the Ghost Whale, the legendary Beast King from humanity’s early spacefaring days.
Every Star Police officer and hunter was shown the grainy footage of their first encounter with the creature. Two starships, fleeing from monstrous space beasts, their weapons fire illuminating the void. Then, a colossal, crimson eye opened in the darkness.
Radar systems went haywire. The whale, its form dwarfing the starships, emitted a soul-shattering song that tore at their spiritual defenses. It devoured the fleeing ships and their pursuers with ease, its form disappearing into the darkness.
This was the primal fear humans held toward strange beasts and the throne. Their advanced technology, their powerful weapons, were nothing but snacks for these creatures.
Even the most advanced fleets couldn’t defeat the Ghost Whale. He remained the most powerful Beast King in recorded history.
His successor, the nameless king, had held the throne for a mere two years before being overthrown by the old Dragon King, followed by Akasa Mo.
Qiu Ruowen’s gaze lingered on the file detailing the nameless king, then the timer on her terminal beeped. The painkillers were taking effect. She dressed, checked her weapons, and prepared to join the next line of defense.
Her deputy entered.
“Any updates on the investigation?” Qiu Ruowen asked.
“The Star Police have cleared him. His whereabouts and finances are in order,” the deputy reported. “But those are just his personal funds. There’s no mention of family finances. With the Shen family backing him, there might be hidden expenditures.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Qiu Ruowen said dismissively. “Those old geezers watch him like hawks. What else?”
“Nothing new. As for ‘Shi Yu,’ there’s no concrete proof he’s a strange beast, but they’re inseparable.”
Qiu Ruowen paused. “These youngsters are reckless,” she said finally.
“Should we report it?”
According to procedure, the declaration should have triggered an investigation. Many hunters had faced such scrutiny, sometimes even ending up in interstellar court.
“No,” Qiu Ruowen said, “wait.”
“Why?” her deputy asked, surprised.
“He’s still a useful tool,” Qiu Ruowen replied, securing her backpack and daggers.
“But I thought you were always…”
“Impartial?” Qiu Ruowen smiled. “As a hunter, I’m pragmatic. We prioritize results.”
“You’ll take action after the outbreak?” the deputy asked. “Have you chosen the next chief?”
Qiu Ruowen tossed her backpack onto the passenger seat of the combat vehicle, its weight causing the vehicle to lurch. “Not necessarily,” she replied, starting the engine. “And if a knife is sharp, as long as it’s pointed at the enemy, its flaws are irrelevant.”
“I see…”
“We’ll observe. Even wolves were domesticated eventually. But you said most of his funds are accounted for.” She pressed the accelerator. “What about the rest?”
“Unusual. He’s been spending excessively on food lately.”
“Food?” Qiu Ruowen raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, an abnormal amount. Two months ago, he ate eight bowls of ramen in one sitting, then, within an hour, bought two servings of fried rice and a mountain of snacks.”
“Anything else?”
“He spends a lot on games, especially something called ‘Happy Beans.’ He recharges it daily. It’s excessive.”
“Continue the investigation. Report any developments.”
The vehicle sped toward the region ravaged by Cerberus.
The aircraft descended, the ancient tree’s branches swaying in the wind. A hot air balloon ascended, the long grass rippling beneath it.
Long Shiyu went directly to the balcony, enjoying the fresh air and the view of the barbecue stalls below. The aroma, though less intense than at night, was still enticing.
“Hungry?” Shen Chaomu asked from inside.
“Not yet. Just planning my next meal.”
Shen Chaomu chuckled. “Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll get the materials from Romeo and heal your injury.”
The wildfire situation had stabilized, thanks to Bai Yiyi’s efforts.
“This is a tourist spot,” Long Shiyu commented.
“Yes, it is.”
“Want to go exploring?”
“Where?”
“Anywhere. Somewhere new.”
“You’re tired. Another day?”
“Ying!”
Two minutes later, they were dressed in casual clothes. Shen Chaomu insisted Long Shiyu wear a light jacket. “The temperature drops significantly at night,” he explained.
“Fine.” Long Shiyu was excited for their outing.
They left their treehouse and encountered Fang Qing, his hair a mess, a faint burning smell clinging to him. “Why did that experiment fail?” he muttered to himself.
Two orc children giggled nearby. “That’s the man, meow, who almost blew up his treehouse yesterday.”
“He’s crazy, meow.”
“I heard him chanting about poison. Maybe he’s a pervert.”
Shen Chaomu’s gaze fell on them, and they scurried away, mistaking him for Fang Qing’s accomplice.
Fang Qing, oblivious, scribbled a formula in his notebook. “Going out again?” he asked.
“Just for a walk,” Shen Chaomu replied.
“A walk?” Fang Qing’s eyes lit up. “Just the two of you? I’ll come! I need to find a new plant. Last time, with Yang Zhiming, wasn’t productive. We’re both a bit…limited in our mobility. It would be much easier with you, Xiao Shen…”
Before he could finish, Song Qianqian emerged and dragged him away.
“Hey, hey, Miss Song, what are you doing?” Fang Qing protested. “It’s just a walk in the forest. It’s on the way…”
“Shut up,” Song Qianqian snapped. “Your brain is addled from all those poisons.”
They disappeared down the path.
Long Shiyu looked at Shen Chaomu, confused.
“Don’t mind them,” Shen Chaomu said, putting an arm around his shoulders. “Let’s go.”
They rented a convertible off-road vehicle, perfect for sightseeing. Long Shiyu proudly displayed a photograph – their first picture together, taken on the bus.
“You printed it?” Shen Chaomu asked, touched.
“Of course. It’s special.”
Shen Chaomu smiled, then, ignoring the speed limit, sped off. Long Shiyu, thanks to his racetrack experience, was unfazed.
They slowed as they entered the rainforest.
“We’re here,” Long Shiyu announced, consulting the map on his terminal. “Ten kilometers west, and we’ll reach the single-plank bridge and the boulders.”
Shen Chaomu adjusted their course.
They arrived at the boulder, a few tourists snapping pictures beside its jagged form. The tourists soon departed, thankfully before recognizing Shen Chaomu.
Long Shiyu hopped out and patted the rock. “This looks like Fang Qing,” he declared.
Fang Qing, back at the inn, sneezed violently.
“Why would you say that about someone?” Shen Chaomu asked, amused.
“Look,” Long Shiyu insisted, pointing. “This is his collar, his nose, his eyes, even his hair.”
Shen Chaomu studied the rock. “You’re right. It even has that lecherous expression he gets when he’s experimenting on someone.”
“I told you I wouldn’t lie.”
“How many times have you lied to me?” Shen Chaomu countered, his tone light.
Long Shiyu skipped over to the single-plank bridge. “Because you wouldn’t like all my secrets. But someday, you’ll know everything.”
He stepped onto the narrow bridge. Below, a thick layer of leaves cushioned any accidental falls, their softness a stark contrast to the jagged rocks.
Legend told of Doris and Cosimo crossing this bridge, the Black Knight riding alongside them. The white deer children, with their innate balance, navigated the narrow path with ease. Travelers who crossed it were said to receive blessings from the forest.
Long Shiyu took a tentative step, then another. The bridge was narrow, and maintaining his balance without his tail proved challenging. He was about to turn back to look at Shen Chaomu when a hand steadied him.
“Go on,” Shen Chaomu’s voice said from behind.
With Shen Chaomu’s support, the crossing was easier. As they reached the middle, a gust of wind sent a flurry of leaves swirling around them.
Back on solid ground, Long Shiyu smiled. “You’re amazing,” he said. “Will we really receive blessings from the forest?”
“We’ll see,” Shen Chaomu replied, brushing a leaf from Long Shiyu’s hair.
They returned to the vehicle. “The next stop is Lake Leia,” Long Shiyu announced, consulting the map.
The roof retracted, transforming the vehicle into a convertible. The wind whipped through their hair as storm clouds gathered overhead.
They reached the lake, its blue surface a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant green. Ducks paddled, and water plants swayed gently. A wooden bridge led to a pavilion in the center.
As they reached the pavilion, a light rain began to fall, creating ripples on the lake’s surface. The ducks disappeared, and silvery fish darted beneath the water.
“Will there be a rainbow?” Long Shiyu asked hopefully.
“Maybe, if we’re lucky.” Shen Chaomu settled onto a wooden chair in the pavilion, the humid breeze carrying the scent of the forest, a fragrance that reminded him of Long Shiyu.
Time passed slowly, the rhythmic patter of rain a lullaby. Though Shen Chaomu could easily shield them with his spiritual power, they lingered, enjoying the peaceful interlude.
The rain subsided after twenty minutes, the clouds parting to reveal the sun.
“No rainbow,” Long Shiyu said, disappointed, as they crossed the wooden bridge. Watching a rainbow together would have been another perfect “romantic moment with the princess.”
Shen Chaomu smiled. “Maybe next time,” he said. “Where to next?”
They explored the area, their journey punctuated by another brief rain shower that intensified the autumnal chill. As dusk approached, Shen Chaomu suggested, “There’s a hotel twenty kilometers west. Shall we head there?”
“Okay,” Long Shiyu agreed, his gaze drawn to the towering trees.
They drove for ten minutes, chatting idly, when Long Shiyu suddenly yelled, “Stop!”
Shen Chaomu braked, and Long Shiyu scrambled out, not even bothering to open the door.
A pink flower bloomed by the roadside, its layered petals like an origami rose, the center a pearly white that faded to a translucent cherry pink at the edges. It trembled in the breeze, delicate and shy.
A perfect flower for a princess.
As Long Shiyu reached for it, a blur of motion snatched it away. A young Dead Leaf Monkey, perched on a branch, held the flower triumphantly, its chattering a mocking taunt.
Before Shen Chaomu could react, Long Shiyu took flight, his powerful wings sending leaves and branches scattering. He intercepted the monkey, retrieving the flower. The startled creature fled.
Shen Chaomu, watching from the vehicle, chuckled.
Long Shiyu landed, presenting the flower to Shen Chaomu with a flourish. “Here you go,” he said, beaming.
Shen Chaomu accepted the gift, his gaze lingering on the photo displayed on the dashboard – their smiling faces a testament to their unlikely bond. They had shared extraordinary moments: escaping the circus, navigating the tunnel, the embrace at the waterfall, the missile strike, the collapsing bridge, the flight through the wildfire.
Compared to those, this was a simple, ordinary day. No rainbows, no grand adventures.
But as he held the delicate flower, a realization bloomed within him.
It’s adoration.
___
To support the author’s raw: click here.
Support me here + advanced chapters: click here.
Update: Every Weekday
Leave a Reply