章 5: Chapter 5: The Wolf Pack Attacks
Zhu Zhuqing noticed the man and cat trailing behind her and easily guessed their intentions. She sensed soul power fluctuations from Shen An, though it was far from impressive.
Even though they were only on the outskirts of the Sword Mountain Range where powerful soul beasts were rare, there were still some dangers.
Despite her cold, unapproachable demeanor, Zhu Zhuqing slowed her pace slightly, tacitly allowing Shen An to follow.
After walking for an indeterminate amount of time, night began to fall once again. Zhu Zhuqing sat cross-legged to rest, and Shen An and Tom followed suit.
Zhu Zhuqing pulled out some jerky, eating it in small, deliberate bites. Watching her, Shen An and Tom couldn't help but drool.
Shen An initially considered shamelessly asking for some food but decided against it, recalling Zhu Zhuqing's frosty attitude.
Looking over at Tom, who was quite literally drooling, Shen An patted his shoulder and thought, It's your turn. Go, Emperor Tom! Sacrifice your cuteness and get us some food!
Tom immediately stood up, strutted over to Zhu Zhuqing with an exaggerated catwalk, and meowed pitifully.
"Meow~"
Zhu Zhuqing's cold expression melted in an instant. Her elegant brows softened as she looked at the adorable cat, and without hesitation, she handed Tom a strip of jerky.
Tom didn't leave after taking the jerky. Instead, he moved closer to Zhu Zhuqing, who gently placed her hand on his head, stroking him with clear enjoyment.
Out of the corner of her eye, Zhu Zhuqing noticed Shen An watching. After some hesitation, she took out another strip of jerky and handed it to Tom.
Forget it. It's just a little food. No big deal. Let's say I'm doing it for Tom.
Shen An watched as Tom traded cuteness for food, using a voice that Shen An had never heard before—a high-pitched "clipped" meow that amused Zhu Zhuqing immensely. Shen An's emotions were complicated.
At that moment, Shen An felt like a father helplessly watching his beloved child sacrifice their dignity for the sake of the family. Why do I feel like I've grown invisible horns on my head?
Shaking his head vigorously to rid himself of these ridiculous thoughts, Shen An focused on what mattered. Who cares about dignity? We have food to eat now—that's what's important.
Tom brought the jerky back and gave one piece to Shen An. They immediately devoured their portions, savoring every bite.
The jerky was surprisingly substantial, leaving them both feeling full for the first time in days.
The group sat quietly, resting. Shen An wanted to strike up a conversation, perhaps to get closer to Zhu Zhuqing. However, her icy demeanor kept him silent.
The best hunters always have patience, he told himself.
Suddenly, Tom's relaxed body sprang up, his face filled with panic. He rushed over and shook Shen An awake before hurrying to Zhu Zhuqing and doing the same.
Her initially annoyed expression softened when she saw Tom's frantic gestures. "What's wrong, Tom?" she asked.
Tom used his paws to mimic a running motion, his face full of terror. Zhu Zhuqing frowned. "Are you saying we need to leave because there's danger nearby?"
Tom nodded frantically.
Zhu Zhuqing tried to reassure him. "Don't worry. We're on the outskirts of the Sword Mountain Range. It shouldn't be too dangerous here."
A sudden, piercing howl shattered the night.
"Awooo~"
It was a wolf's cry.
Zhu Zhuqing's face darkened immediately. Wolves! How could there be wolves here? Wolves are never solitary. If we're surrounded by a pack, we're doomed.
"Quick, come with me," Zhu Zhuqing said, her voice urgent.
Shen An and Tom hurried after her.
Before they could get far, eerie green lights began appearing in the darkness—dozens of glowing eyes staring at them menacingly.
The leader of the pack emerged—a massive wolf with white-gray fur, strong limbs, and a body even larger than the black bear from before.
How is that possible? This isn't a bear; it's a wolf. They're entirely different creatures! Zhu Zhuqing thought, her heart sinking.
It's a hundred-year soul beast, and clearly the pack leader.
If it were just the leader, Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't be afraid. But with so many wolves surrounding them, the situation was dire.
Zhu Zhuqing quickly calculated her options.
Fighting isn't feasible. Those two have no combat ability, and against a pack like this, we'll only die. My only chance is to rely on my agility and escape.
She hesitated, glancing back at Shen An and Tom.
She wasn't a cold-hearted person. The thought of leaving a helpless boy and his cat to be torn apart by wolves was unbearable.
But even if I stay to fight, it'll be pointless. I'll just throw my life away.
Shen An, on the other hand, was internally panicking.
Why wolves? Wolves are so much harder to deal with than a bear. And there are at least twenty or thirty of them. Can we even survive this?
Taking a deep breath, he summoned his martial spirit—a three-foot-long, grass-like sword that glowed green. He stepped in front of Tom, shielding him, and stared down the pack.
Shen An didn't count on Zhu Zhuqing saving them. Given the circumstances, there's a high chance she'll run and leave us behind.
Tom trembled behind Shen An, his small body shaking uncontrollably. But when he saw Shen An standing firm to protect him, his eyes welled with emotion.
Suppressing his fear, Tom grabbed the sword-grass from Shen An and moved to stand in front of him, his small frame trembling but resolute.
Shen An watched Tom, torn between amusement and gratitude.
Zhu Zhuqing, observing the scene, seemed visibly moved. Her expression wavered.
Even a boy and a cat can show such courage for each other. If only… if only that man had been like this…
Her lips tightened, and her gaze grew determined. I've run away once before. I won't run again!
"Martial Spirit, Possession!" Zhu Zhuqing whispered.
Her body began to transform. Her black eyes became heterochromatic—one green and one blue. Black cat ears appeared atop her head, and a sleek black tail extended from her back. Her fingernails elongated into sharp claws.
Soul power erupted from her, sending her hair flying as if in a fierce wind. Two yellow soul rings rose from her feet, spinning around her slender form.
Tom, who had been trembling, froze when he saw Zhu Zhuqing transform. He turned to look at her, his cat face filled with astonishment.
Huh? She can transform? And into a cat girl? Are we… related?
"Protect yourselves," Zhu Zhuqing commanded coldly. "I'll go after the alpha wolf and force them to retreat."
Take out the leader, and the pack will scatter. It was a risky plan, but staying to fend off wave after wave of attacks would only lead to death.
The alpha wolf sensed Zhu Zhuqing's powerful aura and retreated behind the pack.
The brown wolves snarled, baring their teeth in preparation to strike.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't hesitate. With a burst of soul power, she charged toward the alpha wolf at incredible speed.
"Awooo~"
The wolves lunged forward as one!
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