Chapter 188

Chapter 188: Quite Cute

You You couldn’t figure out how the tree hollow’s structure worked. It storing countless nuts was one thing, but how did it swallow Feng Rong whole? The entrance vanished completely after closing.

She sighed helplessly. He’d stormed off mid-conversation, leaving her guiltily staring at the wrinkled tree bark. A pulsating red glow emanated from the trunk’s core – brightening and dimming with sniffling rhythms.

He was definitely crying in there.

An unexpected ache tightened her chest. Edging closer, she pressed her palm against the glowing bark and softened her voice. "Feng Rong…I came to explain properly because I don’t want to lie to you."

"……"

"Everything before was a misunderstanding. I truly didn’t understand what Establishing a Contract meant!"

"……"

"My only focus was building Zhen Yan Sect. I never considered personal matters, let alone…"

"……"

"Believe me – had I known Followers implied this, I’d never have treated it lightly. Other celestial maidens might choose multiple, but I wouldn’t."

"……"

"If this upsets you too much…let’s start by dissolving the Contract."

"No!" His muffled shout vibrated through the wood, thickened by unshed tears. "Absolutely not! Try dissolving it and I’ll…I’ll…"

The threat died into shaky silence.

"Alright," she relented. "We’ll keep it. Just come out so we can talk?"

"……"

"I messed up. Tell me what you’re thinking?"

"……"

"Should I leave you to calm down first?" Still no response.

As she pushed off the branch to leave, a broken whisper halted her:

"…Stay." Gone was his usual boldness, replaced by raw vulnerability that pierced her heart.

She sank back against the trunk. Minutes crawled by before his voice seeped through the bark:

"My kind only choose once. Can’t undo it. Your mark’s on my original spirit – no dissolving. Ever."

"You vowed we’d stay bound unless souls scatter. I’m…even tolerating your other Followers!"

"Claim you don’t lie? Little liar already tricked me."

"Was my past deception why…you’re punishing me now?"

“Right now you don’t like me, but what about later? Could you… maybe like me then?” His voice dwindled to faint whispers. You You had never seen Little Fire Chicken like this – so unlike his usual proud phoenix self. Her heart ached more with each word. Though she’d meant to console him, guilt twisted through her until impulsive words tumbled out: “What if… we try?” Just simple dating?

Silence filled the hollow tree…

Then came an eager shout: “Truly?!”

The previously withdrawn figure burst forth as flames, crashing into her. You You staggered back against the trunk under the impact, Feng Rong’s beautiful face hovering above. His reddened, puffy eyes widened desperately. “You mean it? No take-backs!”

“Uh…” She already regretted it!

He clung to her hand, breath held like she might vanish. Her resolve softened. “No take-backs,” she confirmed. “I don’t feel that way yet, but life’s long enough to try. But if I still don’t love you eventually, I’ll dissolve our Contract. Still agree?”

“Yes!” Feng Rong nodded fiercely, gloom vanishing as sudden joy bloomed across his face like spring breeze sweeping over land, flowers bursting open everywhere. He hugged her tightly. “It’s settled, You You–”

“Wait! We’re still in the tree–”

Too late. He bear-hugged her, nuzzling her cheek until they tipped sideways.

THUD!

They hit ground without magic protection.

“Feng Rong!” Are you nuts?!

“You You…” The human cushion beneath her clung tighter, blissfully rubbing cheeks like he’d won the World, grinning like a fool.

“……”

Sigh!

——————————

After agreeing to be Feng Rong’s friend, his pride melted into constant clinginess. Whether handling Sect affairs, checking Disciples’ progress, or hunting guardian beasts – he shadowed her everywhere. Even with tedious reports he once hated, he’d drag a chair beside her, pretending to help while stealing glances.

Each stolen peek lasted longer. He’d bring nuts and peanuts, sneaking them into her mouth before giggling like a stream bubbling over stones.

At first it felt awkward…

Then…

Kinda cute.

Zhen Yan Sect returned to its busy study routines, the Immortal Realm peaceful until a major event shook the Sect:

—Shui Yan’s reaching her next stage of cultivation!