When Yan Zhen woke up, a red interface covered in exclamation marks was plastered right over his face.
【Ding! System sternly warns: Host, do not indulge in base desires. Maintain your emotionless, ascetic upgrade robot persona.】
—Warned by System-chan again!
Yan Zhen hated his uncontrollable XP System. It had been exposed to Yi Xian’er while he was treating Good Big Sister, leaving him completely at her mercy now.
The thing was, even though he felt dissatisfied deep down, his body was flying high with pleasure, and even the quality of his sleep had improved.
Yi Xian’er had woken up even earlier. She was already fully dressed, and the massive E-cups that had smothered his face for most of the night were now tucked away beneath her collar, completely invisible—like some kind of magic trick. Her figure looked almost flat, slender and delicate.
The girl was stirring the pot with a bamboo strip. When she saw Yan Zhen step out of the tent, she smiled at him. It was a serene smile, full of warm, everyday charm, utterly free of the seductive allure she’d shown the night before.
“Good morning, Yan Zhen.”
“Morning.” Yan Zhen sniffed the air. “Smells like mushrooms. Where’d you find them, Xian’er?”
“There’s a huge patch right behind the cave. I tested them all first and only picked the non-poisonous ones.”
Yan Zhen said with some concern, “You sure it’ll be okay?”
“These trace toxins will be absorbed by my Fiend Body in no time. Aside from rare ‘Yang Toxins’ and special ‘Curse Toxins,’ nothing can harm me.”
“Oh.”
“Go brush your teeth and wash your face, then come have some soup. I just tasted it—it’s so fresh and delicious~”
“Oh, oh, oh~”
After breakfast, the two set out once more.
Over the next three days, the first Little Crystal Dragon lost its effect, but they successfully collected four Evil Fire Brands. Not a bad pace.
However, things didn’t stay that simple.
As they drew closer to the mid-layers of the Demonic Dragon Mountain Range, the Mystic Beasts prowling the area grew stronger. 1st Tier ones were scarce now; most were 2nd Tier, and there were plenty of 3rd Tier as well. Once they entered the true mid-layers, Tier 4 beasts would appear.
When plotting their route, they had to steer clear of powerful lone Mystic Beasts and herds alike—otherwise, they’d waste time and risk getting into real danger.
Yan Zhen deployed the second Little Crystal Dragon into an underground fire vein.
A day later, they reached the fifth cave. But inside lurked a male-female pair of Tier 3 Mystic Beasts, each one stronger than or equal to the Wing Tiger.
In the script, Yan Zhen didn’t engage them and chose to retreat instead.
It was a shame, but if they couldn’t win, what could they do?
Even if they somehow beat them, serious injuries would only delay things further. Better to hunt down some easier Fire Slaves.
As he thought this, he saw Yi Xian’er charging straight in. Yan Zhen hurriedly grabbed her and yanked her back.
“Are you crazy!? Those two Tier 3 Mystic Beasts are seriously tough. Don’t be so reckless.”
Yi Xian’er brimmed with confidence. “If it’s just Tier 3, no matter how many, they’ve got no chance against me.”
“No chance my ass. Sure, your Baleful Qi can erode Tier 3 Mystic Beasts, but it takes time.”
“As long as I can hold them off.”
“No way. Too dangerous. We’re pulling back.”
“Yan Zhen, just listen to me…”
“La la la, not listening!”
Yan Zhen gripped Yi Xian’er’s fair wrist and dragged her away from there, only releasing her once they reached safety.
“We finally made it here, and you just want to leave?” Yi Xian’er grumbled. “Don’t you want to find that Evil Spirit Dragon Breath Flame sooner?”
Yan Zhen didn’t budge. “Not if it means you taking risks like that.”
“I can handle them.”
“I know you can. But using your Fiend Body power this often—really no problem?”
He had hit the nail on the head.
Yi Xian’er’s expression immediately grew unnatural. Her slender fingers toyed with a lock of hair, twisting it around and around.
“N-No problem.”
“Yeah, right. Who’re you trying to fool?”
In the script, Yi Xian’er had unleashed her Fiend Body’s power once during a crisis, helping Yan Zhen slay the strongest of those Tier 3 Mystic Beasts. Right after, with the full moon approaching, her Fiend Body went berserk out of control, nearly killing him.
He had no idea why she could tap into it so many times now, but it surely wasn’t without consequences.
There were less than ten days left until the night of the full moon.
“Anyway, from now on, no using it without my say-so!”
“You’re such a bully. That macho attitude isn’t cool!”
“Disagree? Then don’t follow me. Head back to town on your own!”
“How can you even say that…”
Yi Xian’er tried to protest a bit more, but when she saw Yan Zhen’s handsome face darken, she finally grumbled reluctantly, “Fine, fine. I’ll do whatever you say. You point east, I won’t go west. Happy now, Lord Yan Zhen?”
Yan Zhen pursed his lips. In his heart, he thought, This girl only listens when I lose my temper.
“Hmph. It’s getting late. Let’s find a spot to rest.”
Yi Xian’er hooked her arm through his and murmured, “Tonight, hold me while we sleep.”
Yan Zhen felt baffled. “Why?”
“You were mean to me earlier. You hurt my delicate little heart. Of course you need to make it up to me.”
“…”
Yan Zhen’s mouth twitched, but he didn’t refuse.
Night fell, dark as ink.
They couldn’t find a cave, so they pitched camp in a clearing near a water source and sprinkled poison powder around it to keep the Mystic Beasts at bay.
They ate dinner together, took turns bathing, and slipped into the tent.
Yi Xian’er eagerly arranged two pillows. Once Yan Zhen lay down, she had him extend his arm, then pillowed her head on it, ready to enjoy his embrace.
But after a long wait with no further movement from him, Yi Xian’er grew annoyed and prodded him with her elbow.
Yan Zhen hesitated a moment, then slipped his arm around her soft body.
Truth be told, it felt amazing.
“Is that what you call a hug? Zero sincerity.”
“What do you want, then?”
Yi Xian’er rolled over to face him, her purple-black eyes sparkling as she stared.
Yan Zhen grew shy under her gaze and simply closed his eyes—only to feel a soft, jelly-like touch on his lips.
Ever since entering the Demonic Dragon Mountain Range, Yi Xian’er had kissed him every night. He’d almost grown used to it. When he realized what was happening, he snapped his eyes open and jerked his head back.
“Quit kissing me out of nowhere like that.”
“You let me.”
“When did I say that?”
“You closed your eyes on purpose. Admit it—you wanted me to kiss you.”
“…”
—I’m not a girl! Who begs for kisses like this!?
Seeing the mischievous smile tugging at her lips, Yan Zhen knew he’d been played again. He felt utterly speechless inside.
Yi Xian’er stroked his cheek and whispered, “Want to bite me tonight too?”
—Here we go again!? After two warnings, I’m not falling for it!
“Not even a little!”
Yan Zhen was utterly firm this time, mostly because System-chan’s scoldings had scared him straight. Every morning, that red warning screen slapped him in the face upon waking.
“Eh~ You’re extra resolute tonight. Fine, whatever.” Yi Xian’er blinked, then added, “In that case, let me bite you?”
What!? Yan Zhen’s mind was completely blown.
