As the days passed, Aiden's curiosity about Fang Yuan's true identity grew stronger. Despite her ruthless demeanor and her reputation as a powerful male figure, Aiden couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye.
One evening, during a moment of quiet as they set up camp, Aiden mustered the courage to ask the question that had been gnawing at him.
"Fang Yuan," he began cautiously, "there's something I've been wondering about. You're known as a formidable male figure, but you're often referred to as 'he' or 'him.' How is it that you're a girl?"
Fang Yuan's eyes narrowed, her ruthless facade on high alert. She had grown accustomed to her male persona being feared and respected in the world of Reverend Insanity. Revealing her true identity was a vulnerability she had guarded fiercely.
"It's none of your concern," she replied sharply, her tone cold and defensive.
Aiden didn't back down, his genuine curiosity prevailing over his fear of her reaction. "I'm not trying to pry, Fang Yuan. I just want to understand. You can trust me with your secrets."
She hesitated, torn between her instinct to protect herself and a part of her that yearned for someone to truly understand her. "It's complicated," she finally admitted, her voice softer but still guarded.
Aiden nodded empathetically. "I understand that it might be difficult to share. But remember, I'm not here to judge you. We all have our pasts and our secrets. If you ever feel like sharing, I'm here to listen."
Her ruthless nature warred with her longing for connection, but she couldn't deny the sincerity in Aiden's words. "I'll think about it," she mumbled, avoiding eye contact.
As they continued their journey, Fang Yuan couldn't help but be intrigued by Aiden's genuine interest in her past. She had spent so long building walls around her true identity that the idea of someone wanting to understand her, even with her flaws and secrets, was both unsettling and oddly comforting.
Three-year-old Fang Yuan, with her newfound appearance as a girl, was curious and eager to explore the world beyond the confines of their home. Aiden, knowing her independent nature, hesitantly granted her permission to venture out into the nearby village under his watchful eye.
With Aiden's cautious consent, Fang Yuan's excitement bubbled over as she took her first steps into the bustling village. Her innocent appearance drew curious glances from the villagers, but they couldn't help but be charmed by the little girl who seemed wise beyond her years.
As she wandered through the village, Fang Yuan's keen observation skills and cunning intellect didn't diminish with her age. Rather, she used her young appearance to her advantage, manipulating the villagers without them suspecting a thing.
With an innocent smile and a few well-placed words, she easily convinced the village children to share their toys and treats. She even had the adults wrapped around her tiny finger, convincing them to give her a few extra candies or toys without a second thought.
Aiden watched from a distance, both amazed and amused by her clever antics. He knew better than to underestimate her, even in her 3-year-old form. While he was concerned that she might get into trouble, he also saw how much joy and excitement she experienced in exploring the world around her.
As the day went on, Fang Yuan's confidence grew, and her manipulative nature became even more pronounced. With her big, innocent eyes and adorable smile, she had the villagers eating out of her hand, never suspecting the depth of her cunning.
Aiden couldn't help but chuckle at her cleverness, but he also knew that he needed to keep a close eye on her. As the sun began to set, he gently guided her back home, marveling at her ability to navigate the world with such ease and intelligence.
Back at their humble dwelling, Fang Yuan's demeanor shifted slightly. The cunning glint in her eyes softened, and for a moment, she looked more like the 3-year-old girl she appeared to be. Aiden couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and concern for the unique little girl he had come to care for so deeply.
As Fang Yuan continued to explore the village with her new appearance, her innocent and charming demeanor caught the attention of some unsavory characters. Among them were a few creepy old men who couldn't resist the allure of the young girl.
These men, with their leering gazes and inappropriate comments, made Fang Yuan feel uncomfortable and uneasy. She may have appeared to be a 3-year-old girl, but her mind was that of a seasoned and ruthless individual who knew how to handle dangerous situations.
Despite her young age, Fang Yuan was no stranger to dealing with unsavory characters. With her cunning intellect and manipulative skills, she knew how to keep herself safe. She skillfully navigated the situation, deftly steering away from their advances while maintaining a facade of innocence.
But deep down, she felt a surge of anger and frustration. The idea of attracting such attention simply because of her appearance infuriated her. It reminded her of the unfairness and dangers that women faced in the world, both in the cultivation realm and in the mortal world.
Aiden, who had been observing from a distance, sensed her discomfort and stepped in to intervene. His protective instincts kicked in, and he firmly but politely told the creepy old men to leave her alone.
"Apologies, gentlemen, but the young girl is under my care, and we must be on our way," Aiden said, his voice firm and unwavering.
As the creepy old men persisted in their advances, the situation quickly escalated, and they turned aggressive towards Aiden. Fang Yuan's anger and protectiveness surged, and without hesitation, she swiftly sprang into action.
Despite her appearance as a 3-year-old girl, Fang Yuan's true abilities remained intact. With her cunning intellect and combat prowess, she deftly maneuvered around the assailants, catching them off guard with her speed and precision.
Using her cultivation techniques, she employed her ruthless tactics, taking advantage of their arrogance and underestimation of her true abilities. Within moments, the creepy old men found themselves overpowered and incapacitated, unable to comprehend how they were outmatched by a seemingly innocent child.
Fang Yuan stood over them, her expression cold and unyielding, her true nature as a powerful cultivator evident. "Leave, and never return," she warned in a voice that sent shivers down their spines.
Fearing for their safety, the men quickly scrambled to their feet and fled, leaving Fang Yuan and Aiden unharmed but shaken by the encounter. Aiden, in awe of her combat skills and fiercely protective nature, couldn't help but feel a newfound respect and admiration for the young girl he had come to care for deeply.
"Fang Yuan, that was... incredible," Aiden managed to say, his voice tinged with awe.
Her ruthless demeanor softened slightly, and she turned to him with a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "I won't let anyone harm you," she said, her voice resolute.
Aiden smiled warmly, touched by her determination to protect him despite her young appearance. "And I won't let anyone harm you either."
From that moment on, their bond grew even stronger, forged through a shared understanding of the dangers they faced in the world of Reverend Insanity. Fang Yuan's cunning and combat abilities, combined with Aiden's unwavering support and protective instincts, made them a formidable duo, able to face whatever challenges came their way.
As Fang Yuan stood over the defeated assailants, her ruthless demeanor remained intact, and she couldn't help but comment on the situation with her characteristic directness.
"Aiden, you are so naive," she remarked coldly, her eyes meeting his. "Engaging in a fight you can't win, it's foolish."
Aiden, though taken aback by her blunt words, was not deterred. He knew that he might not possess the same level of combat prowess as Fang Yuan, but he couldn't stand by and watch her face danger alone.
"I may not be as powerful as you, Fang Yuan," he replied with a determined glint in his eyes, "but that doesn't mean I'll back down when it comes to protecting those I care about."
Her eyes narrowed, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and admiration for his unwavering spirit. "Caring about others is a weakness in this world," she retorted. "It makes you vulnerable."
Aiden shook his head, refusing to accept her cynical view. "It's not weakness, Fang Yuan. It's what makes us human. To care for others, to protect them, that's what gives life meaning."
For a moment, Fang Yuan's ruthless facade wavered, a flicker of emotion crossing her eyes. But she quickly masked it with her usual cold exterior.
"Don't get in my way, Aiden," she warned, her tone resolute. "I can handle myself."
Aiden nodded, understanding that her need for independence and self-reliance was deeply ingrained. He respected her strength and intelligence, but he also knew that he couldn't stand idly by when she was in danger.
"I won't interfere needlessly," he replied, his voice steady. "But I won't let anyone hurt you either. We can look out for each other in this dangerous world."
Fang Yuan regarded him silently, her mind wrestling with conflicting emotions. While she had grown accustomed to relying solely on herself, Aiden's unwavering support and protective nature were proving harder to dismiss.
"In this unforgiving world, strength is the only thing that matters," Fang Yuan said in a cold and resolute tone. "I can't afford to risk my life for others, and I won't let you put yourself in harm's way for me."
Aiden listened to her words, his expression unwavering. "I understand your concerns, Fang Yuan," he replied calmly. "But I won't stand idly by when someone I care about faces danger. Besides, we're in this together, and I want to become stronger not just for you, but for myself as well."
Fang Yuan's ruthless nature was torn between her desire to protect Aiden and her ingrained belief that relying on others was a weakness. But she couldn't deny that his determination to grow stronger had its merits.
"You're too naive, Aiden," she countered, her voice sharp. "In this world, you can't always protect those you care about. Sometimes, strength is the only thing that can ensure survival."
Aiden's resolve remained unshaken. "Maybe so, but strength doesn't have to come at the cost of caring for others. I believe we can find a balance, Fang Yuan. Together, we can face the challenges of this world and grow stronger."
Her expression softened slightly, torn between her cynical view of the world and the growing bond she shared with Aiden. She had always relied on her cunning and ruthlessness to survive, but his unwavering support and genuine care were challenging her beliefs.
"Fine," she relented, her tone less harsh. "I'll help you become stronger, but don't expect me to be your protector. You're on your own in this world."
Aiden smiled, accepting her terms. "That's all I ask, Fang Yuan. I don't need someone to protect me. I just want a partner to face the challenges alongside."