Just as Subei was about to undress and dive into the warm spring for a swim, a crisp voice cut through the splashing water.
There was doubt, a hint of anger, and a trace of defensiveness in the tone.
A pretty young girl leapt out of the spring, clutching her simple clothes to cover herself.
Her long, wet black hair cascaded like a waterfall, her delicate face adorned with dewy jewels, and her watery eyes glistened with sullen anger.
Her expression was slightly flustered.
This was her home—she had never seen a human before, so a sudden boy appearing naturally stirred panic.
But Subei's eyes brightened as the girl seemed familiar, and the system chimed in:
[Check-in: Goddess Xiao Wu. Rewards: Choose one from below C-level rewards.]
[1: Permanent 10% strength increase]
[2: Permanent 10% speed increase]
[3: Permanent 10% defense increase]
Subei recognized the pattern: the more intimate and special the behavior, the better the rewards.
For example, being forced to marry Gu Yuena earned him the Dragon God's Gate, Bright Dragon King bloodline, and the first soul skill to summon the pet dragon Chi Kiss.
These three check-in rewards were good, but relatively low-level by comparison.
After thinking it over, Northern Jiangsu chose the speed boost, which would work well with Lingbo's micro-steps.
Snapping back to reality, Subei followed her elegant footsteps, crossed the white plains, and entered a looming secluded forest.
His face flushed, and he quickly turned away, trembling as he said,
"Xiao Wu, I'm sorry! I didn't know you were bathing here—you should put your clothes on first!"
Northern Jiangsu felt noble inside: Break the highest death penalty starting in three years!
Why did Subei have to remind her?
Xiao Wu quickly dressed, and before fixing her hair, she saw her graceful companion twist her waist and leap in an elegant arc into the air.
Though slightly annoyed by his rudeness, seeing his sincere apology made her think better of him—not like a bad person at all.
Suddenly, Xiao Wu's kick turned into a tangled hold, locking her legs around Subei's neck.
Caught off guard by the momentum, the two rolled several times on the grass beside the spring in an awkward posture.
Xiao Wu's smooth, tender calf pressed against Subei's neck, and a slight twist could cause him pain or even break his neck.
"You! Who are you? Why were you peeping? How do you know my name? Speak!"
Xiao Wu tightened her legs, making Subei feel suffocated.
Clearly, as the eldest sister of Notting College, how could ordinary people resist such force and spirit?
Instinctively, Subei used his hands to loosen Xiao Wu's legs just enough to breathe.
Before he could say anything, Xiao Wu's face turned even redder.
Her hot palm pressed against his cold, smooth skin, making the beast embarrassed.
"Indecent!"
Xiao Wu spun gracefully, rolling two somersaults in the air and twittering.
Subei was stunned, blushing all over.
What had he done to be labeled indecent?
This awkward encounter with Xiao Wu left him tongue-tied.
"Have you ever seen such a handsome naughty boy? Really!"
Subei touched his neck; Xiao Wu's fragrant scent lingered on him.
Seeing the bundle Xiao Wu left nearby, Subei asked helplessly,
"Are you planning to leave Star Dou Great Forest and go to the human world?"
Xiao Wu shook her head, surprised:
"You... what're you talking about? I don't understand!"
Did this boy know he was essentially a soul beast?
"Don't panic, I'm not here to harm you."
Subei smiled gently: "My name's Subei. Er Ming brought me to find you."
"Er Ming..."
"Then, were you really peeping?"
Xiao Wu folded her arms with suspicion.
"Of course," Subei smiled wryly.
"Hmph..."
Xiao Wu eyed him carefully several times, then pinched her chin:
"I think you're so handsome, you can't be bad. No wonder Er Ming didn't slap you down and brought you to me."
Naturally, Northern Jiangsu's beauty fascinated many girls.
From a human aesthetic viewpoint, nine out of ten girls would swoon, and one would faint with excitement.
But from the perspective of soul beasts, Subei was at best a splendid and amiable being—any strong attraction from the opposite sex was nonsense.
Except for some high-wisdom soul beasts like Gu Yuena, the seven fierce beasts, and transforming soul beasts.
Subei poked Xiao Wu's nose: "Er Ming wouldn't dare hurt me. Although I'm human, I was born in the Terrible Land and have been recognized by the strongest soul beasts."
"So, you must be really good, huh?"
Xiao Wu leaned closer, her shy face matching Subei's.
She knew of the Great Terrible Land but had never ventured there.
Only soul beasts of the Fierce Beast rank or higher might enter.
Even the Sky Blue Bull Python and Titan Great Ape didn't enter without permission.
Disturbing the elder beasts would bring disaster.
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