Feng Wu ran as fast as he could. Even though it was very late and very dark, that didn't stop him from moving freely through the forest.
Lin Wuyue, dizzy in his arms, could only think of one thing: to become strong as soon as possible. She was too weak at that moment. She couldn't afford to depend on others, much less when she was about to steal the resurrection fluid. If she was discovered, she would definitely die.
Despite her racing thoughts, whether from dizziness or because the teenager's arms held her firmly, Lin Wuyue gradually drifted off to sleep.
When the sounds of battle faded, Feng Wu glanced back. The fight was indeed over. He saw his brother's solitary figure amidst the sea of fire. He watched him for a moment, then refocused on the path. He was looking for a cave to rest in. He wasn't worried about Linyuan; he could easily catch up with them.
He lowered his gaze and contemplated the little girl's beautiful face. Even with the dirt and disheveled hair, she was still adorable. Her childlike face made anyone feel tenderness.
Seeing her sleeping so comfortably on his chest, Feng Wu deliberately slowed his pace as he looked for a place where he could rest.
He soon found a small cave. He used his spiritual energy to scan the interior. Seeing that it was empty, he went inside.
Still holding the child, he removed his undergarment to wrap her up.
He heard footsteps entering the cave. He glanced inside and, seeing that it was Linyuan, said
You'd better help me light a fire. If he catches a cold, it'll be a real problem.
Linyuan, lost in thought, simply nodded.
"What happened?" he asked afterward.
Feng Wu sighed.
"It's really strange. The situation between Pelvia and Celis isn't good... What were those foreign rats doing here? Did they want to steal the resurrection fluid? They even dared to bring it to him... This is more complicated than it seems."
Linyuan frowned. He remembered the gaze of the man in black… that gaze directed at Feng Wu and at…
His gaze shifted to the back of the sleeping girl.
No. Impossible, he told himself, dismissing the idea immediately.
Lin Wuyue, for her part, wasn't completely asleep. She was listening intently.
When he was emperor, he had divided the continent into four countries to prevent wars and famines. He didn't allow second- or third-rate countries to exist, making the four nations first-rate powers.
If the situation was delicate between Celis and Pelvia… could it be because of the resurrection fluid?
Perhaps Celis had become greedy and wanted to conquer Pelvia. Although Pelvia had a strong military and possessed the Iron Sword Sect and the Medicine Sect… Celis was not a country to be underestimated.
He continued listening.
"The country of Celis has grown greedy," Feng Wu said angrily. "The Forest of No Return is full of wild beasts, but it's also part of our border. The spirit resurrection fluid belongs to us."
"It seems we must hurry and gather it before they do," he added. "The consequences would be unimaginable if they get it first."
Linyuan frowned more and replied with a simple "hmph." His gaze returned to the girl for a moment.
"We'll leave at dawn," he said finally. Then he sat in the lotus position to heal his wounds. Feng Wu, after lighting the campfire, also began cultivating.
Lin Wuyue's mind raced. If that liquid was so important to the countries, perhaps it was a national treasure.
She didn't want to die for it, but… if she was caught stealing it… she'd be in serious trouble.
She consoled herself with the thought that the best thing to do would be to hide well in that forest and not come out for a long time.
After thinking for so long, she didn't realize that dawn had already broken. She hadn't slept at all and was exhausted.
When Feng Wu tried to wake her, she was drowsy and grumpy. But before she could even frown, he swept her into his arms.
We have to go right now. I'll carry you for a bit. Get some sleep.
Lin Wuyue knew perfectly well that she wasn't injured enough to be carried, so she tried to smile.
"Big Brother Wu, you're so kind... but Xia Yue can walk."
What she really wanted to say was: Put me down already.
But Feng Wu misinterpreted her tone as shyness and pulled her closer to his chest.
"Don't worry. I'll carry you. Get some sleep."
Lin Wuyue insisted,
"You don't have to be so nice to me... Brother Wu, I can walk by myself..."
But he firmly shook his head. Seeing that he wouldn't let go, she had no choice but to continue acting like the innocent little sister he thought she was.
In the sunlight, the forest seemed like paradise. Everything was green and beautiful. If it weren't for the wild beasts, Lin Wuyue would consider living there forever.
There were many medicinal herbs on the ground. She wanted to pick them, but Feng Wu kept carrying her like a doll. She could only watch him helplessly.
Seeing the path, she knew they were near White Fish Lake.
Sure enough, as she expected:
"White Fish Lake is further ahead. We'll rest there," Feng Wu announced.
Hello dear readers, from this chapter onwards the book will only be updated on Mondays and Wednesdays.