Wen Yuncheng had just returned to the Imperial Capital, and the news of her safety spread. However, she was immediately summoned to the Imperial Palace. The matter of “Fu,” her ordeal, the method she used to transmit information, and the sovereigns deep within the forest were all major issues. The Empire naturally had to question her as a matter of procedure, and they would also remind Wen Yuncheng to keep confidential matters secret and not speak carelessly.

After all, the matter of a malignant tumor like “Fu” abducting a genius was too explosive. If it spread, it would cause panic and fear among ordinary people and cultivators. The Empire did not want to see this, or rather, they didn’t want the majority of people to know about it yet.

“Fu” had been eradicated once before. Prior to its annihilation, the organization’s infamy was known even to three-year-old children. The Empire still needed time to prepare, and Wen Yuncheng had no intention of disrupting their plans.

As for the Empire’s questions about the old man’s appearance, demeanor, and star rank, Wen Yuncheng answered everything truthfully. She also explained some of the effects produced by her Star Power Mutation and the method she used to send the message. Regarding what she saw and heard deep in the forest, Wen Yuncheng also reported it truthfully.

Due to this delay, it was already evening by the time she left the Imperial Palace.

Over there, after seeing off the people from the Empire, the seven sovereigns did not disperse. They looked at each other, but no one spoke about the Empire or “Fu.” They were demonic beasts and naturally sought benefits only for demonic beasts. They would work for whichever side offered them more advantages.

The Green Flood Dragon King pondered for a moment before speaking: “Fu is willing to provide me with dragon blood, so I’m afraid I’ll have to do some things for them. But rest assured, everyone, I will manage the extent of my involvement. I won’t force the Empire into a fight to the death with our Demonic Beast Forest. If I make a grave mistake, I will simply sever my ties with the Demonic Beast Forest.”

“As long as you know what you’re doing. Fu is no good, either. In its early years, that faction slaughtered many demonic beasts and stole many high-level demonic beasts’ humanoid offspring for experiments.” The Black Tortoise King nodded. He had lived for an extremely long time and had some understanding of “Fu.” In his opinion, the Empire was naturally more to their liking. For the most part, they had trade agreements, and any issues were discussed openly.

“Heh, that old geezer came to negotiate on behalf of Fu, yet he dared to have designs on my Xiao Shi’er.” The Celestial Fox King’s expression was cold and grim; he was clearly one to hold a grudge. He had no intention of contacting Fu. “Everyone, Green Flood Dragon King, even if you contact Fu, you must not conspire with them to harm or lure the juniors of my clan. Otherwise, don’t blame me for turning hostile.”

“Fox King, what are you saying? I would never do such a thing.” The Green Flood Dragon King was startled and quickly stated his position. Once he spoke, the other sovereigns also declared their stances. They all had their own clansmen and offspring and naturally didn’t want such a thing to happen.

The Black Abyss King then said, “The human race has a saying: ‘Those not of our kind are sure to have different hearts.’ The same applies to us.”

The other sovereigns voiced their agreement one after another. It was true that they each wanted to cultivate and achieve breakthroughs, and they could understand the Green Flood Dragon King’s choice, but if it meant harming their own clansmen for profit, they would definitely turn hostile. These sovereigns and some high-level demonic beasts lived deep within the forest. Compared to the outer regions, they had their own world. They usually got along harmoniously; although there were conflicts, they were generally united against outsiders.

With the serious matters discussed, they all relaxed. The Rainbow Phoenix King laughed and patted the Celestial Fox King’s shoulder. “Fox King, your Xiao Shi’er actually looks down on my clan’s Rainbow Phoenix Chickens now? What did that human kid give her? Aren’t you going to let us see?”

The other kings also grew curious. After all, the Celestial Fox King’s gluttonous Xiao Shi’er was too famous. The Celestial Fox King doted on her immensely but also found her to be a huge headache. The Rainbow Phoenix King, in particular, was constantly complaining to the Celestial Fox King. After Xiao Shi’er became a Star King, she would sneak into his territory every few days, snatch a non-sentient Rainbow Phoenix Chicken, and run off. Because of this, the Rainbow Phoenix King had even set up a special pasture just to supply the Celestial Fox King and ordered his own juniors to travel in human form to avoid being accidentally harmed by Xiao Shi’er.

The Celestial Fox King was silent for a moment, but he was also extremely curious. He didn’t refuse and invited everyone to his Xiao Shi’er’s place. Before they even got close to the treehouse, they could smell a fragrant aroma from afar…

“This smell…”

The Celestial Fox King’s nose twitched, and he, too, was tempted. The Rainbow Phoenix King started laughing. “So that human kid has this kind of skill! Haha, that makes sense. When it comes to food, humans are the most particular… Fox King, perhaps in the next agreement, you can ask the Empire to send over a few human chefs.”

The Celestial Fox King didn’t say a word. He silently crept over and opened the door a tiny crack. The fragrance immediately wafted out! The Celestial Fox King watched his cub blissfully gnawing on the golden-brown chicken on the table, her mouth greasy with oil.

“Xiao Shi’er,” the Celestial Fox King called out. Before he could even ask her to share, he saw his cub turn her head, a shocked expression on her face. He smiled and pushed the door open. The sovereigns behind him were also smiling cheerfully, looking very friendly. Just as he was about to speak, he saw Xiao Shi’er’s movements suddenly speed up.

She stuffed the meat and bones into her mouth as if afraid he would snatch her food. The remaining half of the chicken on the table was crammed down in a few quick motions, gone in the blink of an eye. For the first time, the Celestial Fox King understood what it meant to devour like a whirlwind sweeping away clouds.

The sovereigns: …

The Celestial Fox King… The Celestial Fox King couldn’t bear to watch.

Soon, he used his strength to forcibly take the storage ring and discovered the remaining ninety-nine chickens inside. He glanced at the other sovereigns, then at Xiao Shi’er, who was clutching the corner of his clothes with a pained expression as if she were about to die. He directly took out forty salt-baked chickens as “filial piety,” gave two to each of the other six sovereigns, and left with a flourish.

He had to admit, the food made by this human was quite delicious. Perhaps he really should ask the Empire for a few chefs next time.

Returning safely was a good thing, all in all. Wen Yuncheng glanced at her points. Great, only 463 left.

She walked out of the Imperial Palace, yawned, and prepared to go back to her academy dorm to sleep. Although she wanted to see her Little Ice Mountain right now, it was so late that she decided not to disturb Lin Jinyu. Lin Jinyu was probably cultivating at this hour, right? She wondered if she was in the Fire Tempering Bath…

As Wen Yuncheng was thinking idly, she suddenly saw a figure standing outside the Imperial Palace. Standing under a streetlamp powered by Star Stones, the figure’s posture was as straight and elegant as a jade tree.

“…Lin-Lin Jinyu?” Wen Yuncheng called out hesitantly. The person looked up, and Wen Yuncheng’s heart was struck hard. She ran over, and Lin Jinyu threw herself into her arms.

“I-I’m fine, really, I’m fine. I’m okay, don’t be sad, Lin Jinyu…” Wen Yuncheng clumsily comforted her. Lin Jinyu held her tightly, making Wen Yuncheng feel both happy and heartbroken. She patted Lin Jinyu’s back and heard her suppressed sobs, which made her even more flustered. “Y-You, don’t cry…”

Wen Yuncheng gently patted Lin Jinyu’s back. She knew these words of comfort were hollow, but she couldn’t remain indifferent. She could only keep saying that she was fine and hadn’t been hurt at all. She held Lin Jinyu tightly… Fear? Worry? Terror? Wen Yuncheng had felt all of it, but she had suppressed it, held it in. Things had developed smoothly, and she really was fine. But facing those sovereigns, facing that strange old man from “Fu,” and even later when meeting the people from the Empire, surrounded by a group of Star Emperors, she had been afraid.

But she hadn’t shown it. Wen Yuncheng had acted more composed than she herself had imagined. She hadn’t even relaxed after returning to the Imperial Capital, instead going straight to the Imperial Palace. Without panic or nervousness, she had methodically recounted what had happened.

And yet, after seeing Lin Jinyu, after being held so tightly by her, all those suppressed emotions seemed to burst through a floodgate. Wen Yuncheng’s nose tingled, and she, too, began to choke up.

[Ding! Application approved. Replaced with a new achievement reward: 2000 points]

[Achievement Unlocked: Survived a Great Catastrophe]

Logically, the Long Aotian Growth System wouldn’t provide help for such setbacks and hardships, nor would it apply for any compensatory rewards. But 1947 had gone and applied anyway. The main system considered it for a long time and, at 1947’s strong insistence, finally issued a token of encouragement. Then it warned 1947 not to let it happen again.

Wen Yuncheng sniffled, her emotions stabilizing a bit. She thanked 1947 in her heart. The old father didn’t say much, just offered her some comfort.

Not until Lin Jinyu had gradually calmed down did Wen Yuncheng softly and simply recount her experience. She didn’t mention being shaken so hard she coughed up blood, and she glossed over being dragged into the depths by the old man. Instead, she humorously described the gluttonous yet simple-minded little fox.

Lin Jinyu listened quietly. She didn’t share Wen Yuncheng’s relief over the chance at life brought by a salt-baked chicken. She just squeezed Wen Yuncheng’s hand and said in a low voice, “Something like this… will never happen again.”

She was lucky this time, but who could guarantee she would be so lucky next time? It was all a fluke. Lin Jinyu couldn’t imagine Wen Yuncheng being lucky enough to escape if she were abducted by someone from “Fu” again. She also didn’t think that the Protectors of the Nation would be dispatched again next time, or that her grandfather, who had also come out of seclusion, would… even receive the message.

In truth, Lin Jinyu’s memories of her grandfather weren’t deep. Ever since her father became the Sect Master, it was normal to go several years without seeing her grandfather. As a Star Emperor-level master, few could stop him from going wherever he pleased. This time, Sect Master Lin had sent out a message and had managed to get through to Grandpa Lin’s communication stone, which was a rare occurrence. In the end, it was just luck. And sure enough, after delivering Wen Yuncheng to the Imperial Capital, the old master of the Lin family had disappeared again, who knows where.

I’m still not strong enough. Lin Jinyu thought to herself. From Wen Yuncheng’s abduction to her return, it had only been a single day, strictly speaking. Yet for Lin Jinyu, that day had felt like a year.

If something had really happened to Wen Yuncheng, Lin Jinyu couldn’t imagine what she would have done. She might have endured it, cultivated even more desperately, and grown stronger… until, until she was able to avenge Wen Yuncheng. To eradicate “Fu,” she might not even have spared the demonic beasts. Many hypotheticals ran through Lin Jinyu’s mind. She had never cared for someone so much, had never been so afraid and terrified.

For the first time, her emotions were so easily swayed by another person, yet she didn’t feel there was anything wrong with it. Her feelings for Wen Yuncheng… were perhaps, perhaps more than just those of a close friend.

“Wen Yuncheng…”

“No matter what happens, don’t leave me behind again…”