Lin Jie hadn't lied to Xiao Wu—he really was exhausted. Ever since entering the Star Dou Great Forest, he had been on constant high alert. Now that Xiao Wu was here beside him, he could finally allow himself to relax.
Once he lay down, he quickly fell asleep.
As for danger, Lin Jie truly believed that with Xiao Wu around, nothing would go wrong.
The tent he was using was built for one person—just large enough to fit him comfortably. Now, as he slept, Xiao Wu sat quietly beside him, her body already very close.
She could see clearly that Lin Jie really was tired; otherwise, he wouldn't have fallen asleep so quickly.
Seeing this, Xiao Wu's heart softened. The thought that Lin Jie had come all the way to this dangerous forest just to look for her moved her deeply—her eyes even grew a little misty.
After hesitating for a moment, Xiao Wu lay down beside him, their distance less than a hand's width apart.
She didn't fall asleep though—only closed her eyes slightly. Her thoughts gradually settled as she lay there, and with that calm came reflection.
When she saw Lin Jie again, she couldn't help but think of Tang San.
Why hadn't he come looking for her?
Was it really because of her identity as a transformed soul beast that he had begun to reject her?
In this regard, when compared to Lin Jie, Xiao Wu realized something—Lin Jie was better.
And the more she thought about it, the deeper Lin Jie embedded himself in her heart.
Lin Jie had gotten used to sleeping while holding Zhu Zhuqing in his arms. Now, without someone there, he seemed slightly uncomfortable.
In his sleep, his arm subconsciously reached out.
Sensing someone nearby, he turned over and pulled Xiao Wu into his embrace.
Yet, Lin Jie's breathing remained steady—it was clear he was still asleep.
This was nothing more than an unconscious reflex.
Xiao Wu, caught in her thoughts, suddenly stiffened as she felt herself being pulled in. Her body tensed instinctively.
Opening her eyes slightly, she saw Lin Jie's peaceful expression and steady breath. It really was just a subconscious action. She wiggled slightly, but his grip was firm—she felt like she had been fused to his chest, unable to break free.
Not wanting to wake him, she adjusted her position to make herself more comfortable and settled down again.
Lying this close to him, she could clearly feel his warmth. And she realized—she didn't dislike being held like this.
In fact, it made her feel… calm. Safe.
Before dawn, Lin Jie stirred awake.
As he opened his eyes, he immediately noticed Xiao Wu in his arms.
She was clearly awake—but pretending to sleep.
Seeing this, the corner of Lin Jie's lips curled upward slightly.
A mischievous thought crept into his mind.
Since he knew Xiao Wu's true form was a Soft-Boned Rabbit, he had always been particularly intrigued by her rabbit ears.
And now… seemed like a good opportunity.
Leaning down, he looked at her up close. She really was beautiful.
Especially those long, springy, jade-like legs—they were truly mesmerizing.
Back at Shrek Academy, what had captivated Lin Jie were: Zhu Zhuqing's chest, Xiao Wu's legs, and Ning Rongrong's waist. The so-called "three perfections."
He was already obsessed with the first two. As for Xiao Wu—of course he had thoughts about her. He'd just never had the chance.
But now… with Tang San gone, the opportunity might be here.
From what he'd observed, before they came to Shrek Academy, Xiao Wu had always seen Tang San as an older brother, and Tang San had treated her like a little sister. Their feelings for each other had only started to shift after entering the academy. And because of Lin Jie's presence, those feelings hadn't developed as deeply as in the original timeline.
Lin Jie's gaze now moved to the pair of soft pink rabbit ears atop Xiao Wu's head.
Glancing at her face—eyes still shut—he slowly reached out his hand.
Once… twice… three times—stroking, caressing, gently kneading.
The sensation was quite… unique.
The "sleeping" Xiao Wu trembled slightly, her cheeks immediately flushed a deep red.
At Shrek Academy, Xiao Wu's ears had only been a visual feature—an accessory of her Martial Soul manifestation. But ever since returning to Star Dou Forest, she no longer concealed them. These were her true ears—part of her real body.
And… also one of her sensitive spots.
Lin Jie noticed her subtle reactions—the slight shiver, the reddened face—and couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself.
"Wow… my thoughts are getting more and more impure. But I'm not technically in the wrong, am I?"
A short while later, after Lin Jie stepped out of the tent, the "sleeping" Xiao Wu finally sneaked open her eyes.
Seeing that he was gone, she let out a breath of relief.
She thought back to what just happened, and surprisingly, realized she didn't feel disgusted at all.
Instead… there was a warm, comforting sensation in her heart.
Shortly after, Lin Jie prepared a simple breakfast. The two of them ate together, then packed up their things and set off.
Xiao Wu was in high spirits. The matter with her ears was already forgotten.
She skipped ahead happily, leading Lin Jie deeper into the forest.
She wasn't the least bit worried about danger.
As they walked, she chatted casually with Lin Jie, even telling him about Da Ming and Er Ming.
They walked for most of the day, winding through the inner forest, until they arrived at a massive lake.
The moment Lin Jie laid eyes on it, he was stunned by the beauty of the place.
But what shocked him even more were the two enormous figures—
One was drinking water at the lake's edge.
The other had just risen from the water itself.
The very moment Lin Jie entered their territory, the two overlords of the Star Dou Great Forest—Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape—had noticed him.
But seeing Xiao Wu beside him, chatting and walking without injury or distress, they held back.
They merely stared coldly at him.
Had that not been the case, Lin Jie would have already become their breakfast.
"Human."
The deep voice resonated from both beasts, accompanied by a crushing aura.
Standing beside Xiao Wu, Lin Jie's face turned red from the pressure, and his joints began to creak under the invisible weight.
Even though it was just a single word, he felt as if a mountain had fallen on his shoulders.
Xiao Wu immediately noticed and shouted:
"Da Ming! Er Ming! Lin Jie is my friend—don't scare him!"
Though Da Ming and Er Ming were both 100,000-year soul beasts and undisputed rulers of the forest, in front of Xiao Wu, they behaved like obedient children.
As soon as she spoke, the overwhelming Spirit Power suppression was withdrawn.
"Sister Xiao Wu, is this human the Lin Jie you mentioned?"
Er Ming's voice was deep and clumsy, yet carried a hint of curiosity.
Xiao Wu had told them both about her time at Shrek Academy, and about Lin Jie specifically.
Now seeing him in person, Er Ming found it… strange.
Why had she brought this kid here?
Could it be… she actually liked him?
He remembered Xiao Wu had also called that Tang San guy her "big brother"…
Feeling the pressure fade, Lin Jie immediately bowed politely:
"Greetings, Seniors Da Ming and Er Ming. My name is Lin Jie. I'm a friend of Xiao Wu's."
"Sister Xiao Wu, why would you bring a human here? What if he reveals our location to human experts outside? We're not afraid, but… you…"
"That's right, Sister Xiao Wu."
"Don't worry, Da Ming, Er Ming. Lin Jie would never do that. I trust him."
Da Ming and Er Ming exchanged glances—then both nodded.
"Very well. If you trust him, we won't object," Da Ming said.
He knew from experience that arguing with Xiao Wu was useless.
And the fact that she had brought this boy here herself showed how close they were.
Moreover, from the look in Lin Jie's eyes, Da Ming could tell—this was no greedy, heartless human.
Er Ming scratched his huge head awkwardly.
He always did whatever Xiao Wu said anyway. If she trusted this human, then so would he.
After observing Lin Jie for a while, Da Ming slowly submerged back into the lake.
Most of his time was spent sleeping—not idle sleep like humans, but a meditative state for cultivation.
He wouldn't have even awakened if he hadn't sensed Xiao Wu and a human entering his domain.
Er Ming, the big lug, had originally wanted to play with Xiao Wu, but now she was busy entertaining Lin Jie.
With no one to play with, he sulked and began drawing circles in the dirt.
Seeing Da Ming vanish into the lake, Lin Jie let out a breath of relief.
Er Ming wasn't so bad, but Da Ming's aura was absolutely suffocating.
Xiao Wu giggled when she saw Lin Jie's reaction.
"What, scared?"
"Not scared… just… surprised," Lin Jie replied.
"I've never seen such powerful soul beasts before. But I'm even more surprised by how obedient they are to you."
"Of course they are! Come on, Lin Jie—follow me."
She led the way, skipping toward the lakeside.
Lin Jie glanced back at the lake, then at the sulking Titan Giant Ape, before following her.
Er Ming saw Xiao Wu completely ignore him and take Lin Jie toward her home.
His frustration only deepened.
Xiao Wu led Lin Jie up a small hill beside the lake. At the top, there was a large cave.
Inside, the space was surprisingly vast, filled with beautiful flowers and sparkling ornaments, creating a warm and enchanting atmosphere.