Chapter 369: Chapter 360: That's not what I want

Xun Shitou’s death attracted little attention, especially since there was no time to dwell on it.

Xun Ancai arranged for some people to escort the prey back slowly while the rest continued deeper into the forest.

Xu Sanyan roughly counted the remaining group. About a dozen people stayed behind, while the other forty-plus formed five-person teams and advanced in a fan-shaped formation.

Because sheep have a strong territorial instinct, once a flock settles in an area, few other wild animals can survive there, so there was no need to leave too many guards.

Riding his Five-Headed Dog, Xu Sanyan followed behind Xun Ancai, his gaze sweeping across the towering ancient trees. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.

These trees must be centuries old. If this world had spiritual energy, they’d probably be Spiritual Objects by now.

As dusk deepened and they encountered no more sheep, they did come across a few other wild animals, which the group dispatched without hesitation.

“Let’s stop here for the night,” Xun Ancai said, surveying the surroundings and selecting a sheltered hollow for camp. Soon, the tribesmen escorting the prey caught up. Some began butchering the animals, dividing the meat among the group.

Xu Sanyan received a bloody chunk of raw meat. Clutching the dripping flesh, he watched Xun Ancai devour raw organs, her mouth stained crimson. An indescribable feeling stirred within him.

His lips felt itchy.

Xu Sanyan counted on his fingers, calculating that they would need to return by noon the next day. He decided he could endure a little longer and casually tossed the piece of meat to the Five-Headed Dog.

Xun Ancai sat beside him, glanced over, and suddenly pulled a piece of jerky from her pocket. “Here, eat this.”

Gulp.

Xu Sanyan swallowed hard, remembering that the jerky had been pressed against her skin all day, undoubtedly soaked with her sweat.

Though the surface appeared normal, he knew that biting into it would release a burst of juices—a pungent mix of sweat, half-cooked meat, and the stale air of being kept warm all day. Just the thought of the smell made him lose his appetite.

He had once considered himself quite perverse, but now he realized he wasn’t that twisted after all.

“Sigh, I still need more training…” Xu Sanyan sighed heavily and gently pushed away Xun Ancai’s offer.

Unaware of his thoughts, Xun Ancai assumed he simply wasn’t hungry and didn’t press further, tucking the jerky back into her pocket.

With their bellies full, the group lay down on the ground, surrounded by vigilant Companion Dogs that allowed them to sleep soundly.

Xu Sanyan couldn’t sleep. He lay on the ground with his hands behind his head, gazing at the moon through gaps in the dense foliage.

The Secret Realm World had no stars, only a solitary moon that remained perpetually full, regardless of the time.

The saying “the moon has its phases, waxing and waning” held no truth here.

“Can’t you sleep?” Xun Ancai asked, turning to lie on her side beside him, her large eyes fixed unblinkingly on his profile.

“Not tired.”

“Oh…”

Xun Ancai’s lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to say something but couldn’t bring herself to speak.

Xu Sanyan gazed silently at the sky, as if sensing her thoughts. He murmured, “I killed him.”

“…I guessed as much.”

Xun Ancai lowered her gaze, her expression filled with deep disappointment. Though simple-minded, she wasn’t foolish.

When Xun Shitou had changed the direction of the sheep herd earlier, she had immediately understood his intention: to kill Xu Sanyan. Now that he had been killed in self-defense, she couldn’t blame anyone else.

“He wanted to kill me.”

“I know.”

Xu Sanyan turned to meet her gaze, his expression sincere yet tinged with a hint of grievance. “Since I arrived, I’ve never harmed the Dog Clan. On the contrary, I’ve helped you greatly.”

“Whether it was assisting the Old Clan Chief in killing the Bear Clan Chief during their attack, or later ambushing the Snake Clan, I wouldn’t claim to be a hero, but I’ve certainly earned some credit. Yet I can’t understand why they wanted to kill me?”

Xun Ancai averted her gaze, unable to maintain eye contact with him. She knew the Dog Clan had indeed wronged him.

Xu Sanyan, visibly agitated, turned his entire body toward her. “And these swords and blades—didn’t I bring every single one? Are they not to your liking?”

Xun Ancai’s shame deepened, and she buried her face in her chest, refusing to look up.

Though Xu Sanyan’s emotions seemed intense, his heart remained unchanged. He was deliberately saying these things to make Xun Ancai feel the Dog Clan owed him.

“Ah… never mind. If the Dog Clan doesn’t welcome me, I’ll just leave.” Xu Sanyan shook his head listlessly and turned his back to her.

This was a classic case of feigned retreat as a means of advancing. He knew Xun Ancai couldn’t bear to lose him and wouldn’t let him go easily. He’d learned this tactic from a former girlfriend in his previous life.

As expected, within moments, a pair of hands reached out and wrapped around his arms. Xun Ancai pressed her face against his ear and whispered, “I know we’ve wronged you. That’s why I don’t blame you for Xun Shitou’s death. When you come again, I’ll help you with your fourth blessing.”

Xu Sanyan’s heart leaped with joy, but his expression remained impassive as he turned to face her directly. “That’s not what I want.”

“Huh?” Xun Ancai looked bewildered.

“I want your trust more than anything.”

Xun Ancai’s voice grew urgent as she repeatedly assured him, “I trust you. I’ve always trusted you. I’ve never doubted you would harm me.”

“Hmm… I would never harm you. You have to believe me—I’m the one in this world who loves you most.”

“I do believe you…”

Their eyes locked, the atmosphere gradually growing intimate. Just as Xun Ancai leaned in to kiss him, Xu Sanyan caught a glimpse of bloodstains between her teeth and quickly turned away.

“I’m tired. Let’s sleep.”

“Oh.”

In the direction she couldn’t see, a faint, almost imperceptible smile curled the corner of Xu Sanyan’s lips.

The Southern Mountain was far from peaceful at night. The dismembered prey still emitted a faint, bloody scent, though the powder had partially masked it, attracting the attention of many wild beasts.

Awoo~

Woof!

A reckless wild beast charged into their camp, but before Xun Ancai and the others could react, a pack of Companion Dogs tore it to shreds.

The next morning,

As dawn broke, Xu Sanyan rose and stretched his shoulders. He hadn’t slept well, but his body had recovered significantly. At least he no longer needed to ride the Five-Headed Dog constantly.

The power boost from the three blessings was remarkable. Though he felt only about seventy percent recovered, his strength already rivaled his previous peak.

Xun Ancai was nearby, organizing the group for their continued exploration deeper into the Southern Mountain.

Soon, preparations were complete, and they resumed their journey along the same route as the previous day.

About two hours later, Xun Ancai halted abruptly. Xu Sanyan peered ahead, his face immediately registering surprise.

Before them stood a flock of sheep identical to yesterday’s—except for one crucial difference: they were pure white!

Did they dye their wool?

(End of the Chapter)