Chapter 84: Moonlit River (Patreon)

"Rongrong, I'll go with you for a walk."

Zhu Zhuqing acted generously.

However, as she stood up, she discreetly pinched Lu Feng's waist with her cat-like claws.

Ironically, Zhu Zhuqing's display of magnanimity only made Xiao Wu feel even more flustered.

With this little exchange, it now seemed like Xiao Wu really was trying to sneak off alone with Lu Feng.

"Let's go." Ignoring the strange looks from the others, Lu Feng grinned and took Xiao Wu's small hand.

After giving a quick wave to the group, he led her into the thicket.

"Don't wander too far!" Zhao Wuji's voice called after them.

Lu Feng had a pretty good idea why Xiao Wu wanted to leave.

She already had her own spirit rings—she didn't need to hunt spirit beasts for them. But slipping away alone would've been too suspicious, so she'd made up an excuse.

The Star Dou Great Forest at night was breathtaking.

Silver moonlight filtered through the swaying leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground. Exotic flowers and plants emitted a soft, multicolored glow, illuminating the forest. Clusters of fireflies drifted like scattered stars, while the crisp scent of trees and blooming flowers lingered in the air.

The area was completely safe—Lu Feng could sense everything within a five- or six-hundred-meter radius. If any danger approached, he'd be the first to know.

Hand in hand, fingers intertwined, they strolled through the ever-changing scenery of the woods. A sweet, almost dreamy atmosphere settled between them.

Lu Feng didn't rush to speak, simply enjoying the moment.

Xiao Wu kept her head down, her cheeks flushed, lost in thought.

After walking about two hundred meters, the voices from the campsite had faded away.

A small river appeared ahead, its waters winding quietly through the forest. Beside it lay a wide, flat stretch of grassy meadow.

Lu Feng broke the silence first. "This place is beautiful."

"Mhm… Do you know what I wanted to talk to you about?" Xiao Wu stepped lightly toward the stream.

She kicked off her heels, then slowly peeled off her stockings. Her long legs were pale and smooth, the moonlight playing over her skin like silk. Her feet dipped into the water, and she crouched down, cupping the cold river water in her palms and splashing her flushed face.

Lu Feng didn't answer.

Watching Xiao Wu bend over like that—her pink skirt riding up slightly, perfectly framing the curve of her round, soft buttocks—was a silent temptation he couldn't ignore.

The fabric hugged her so snugly it might as well not have been there.

He felt a rush of heat in his chest, a tug of hunger in his blood.

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

Xiao Wu, still waiting for Lu Feng's response, was just about to turn around when he suddenly wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"I know." Breathing in her unique, delicate fragrance, Lu Feng felt a wave of exhilaration.

Xiao Wu trembled slightly, her breath quickening. The water droplets sliding down her jade-like face only seemed to make her skin burn hotter. 

"You want to do something naughty with me," Lu Feng deliberately misunderstood.

"Ah...I knew you would think that way, it's not like that..."

"Then what is it?" he murmured, his lips brushing the soft, sensitive skin just beneath her ear.

Xiao Wu trembled again, "It's... um..."

Xiao Wu had just opened her mouth when Lu Feng's lips had already blocked her moist, rosy little mouth.

Gently at first.

But her lips were already parted, and his tongue slid in easily, tangling with hers in slow, electric strokes.

Time seemed to suddenly stand still.

The only sound left was the pounding of two hearts.

In the romantic and beautiful forest, the intense love seemed to flow into the river together.

Countless flowers around them quietly bloomed, as if sending blessings.

[Ding. Captured Xiao Wu's heart. Reward: 3,000 Energy Points.]

The system notification popped up.

Lu Feng ignored it—what was happening now was far more important than some points.

If anything, he found it amusing. He'd accidentally won her over precisely because of this "misunderstanding."

And Xiao Wu… didn't correct him.

She let the sweet misunderstanding stay.

Her lips pressed back. Her arms wrapped tightly around him, trembling fingers digging into his shirt as the kiss deepened.

After all, deep down, she had been both longing for and hesitating over this very moment.

She had never dared hope she would meet a human who truly understood her.

Tang San hadn't truly understood her—he'd only given her a little warmth, a sliver of security, and possibly some ulterior motives.

But Lu Feng?

He didn't just understand her. The warmth and safety he gave her were beyond anything Tang San could compare to—like trying to pit a flickering firefly against the brilliance of the full moon.

Lu Feng asked nothing of her, yet he helped her tirelessly. He cherished her, got her, and gave without hesitation.

He was exceptional, yet never arrogant. Easygoing, blending effortlessly with their team and teachers, even showing kindness to little spirit beasts like rabbits.

From the moment she met him, it was like he'd taken up residence in her heart. Even in her dreams, his figure would appear.

In Lu Feng and Zhu Zhuqing, she saw what human love was supposed to look like.

Zhu Zhuqing was happy with him—lighthearted, sweet, content.

At first, Xiao Wu envied her.

But then she realized…

She didn't need to envy.

She could have it too.

Genuine love was right in front of her.

Her only concern was her identity as a soul beast, afraid that it would burden Lu Feng.

But when Lu Feng scared away the Titan Giant Ape Erming during the day, she felt Lu Feng's unparalleled strength, and her last concerns disappeared.

And now, with Lu Feng's arms holding her, his kiss claiming her, and her own heart wide open—

She was done running.

Her body leaned into his completely.

She wasn't shy now—she kissed him back with longing, her hands sliding up his back, clutching his shoulders. Her whole body buzzed with emotion. Every breath she took was filled with him.

Then, as they slowly broke apart, she whispered, voice breathless, "Lu Feng…"

He picked her up in his arms.

She gasped, holding tightly to his neck as he carried her across the grass, stepping barefoot into the shallow edge of the river.

The cold water lapped at his ankles.

Xiao Wu's slender arms wrapped tightly around him like an octopus, pressing her chest against his. Her eyes—like shimmering ruby pools—looked up at him with shyness and trust. Her long ears were flushed pink.