Chapter Two

Once again, it was a night of the full moon.

A white shadow moved swiftly across the rooftops, occasionally lurking at the edge of the eaves, waiting for the patrolling warriors to pass before leaping forward.

Traversing from west to east across most of the Shen family estate, they finally stopped at the entrance of a courtyard. This was the residence of Shen Fan, the green-clad youth who had flaunted his prowess before Shen Luo earlier that afternoon.

“Do you think we’ll be discovered?” Azure Bird, standing atop the feline beast, brimmed with fighting spirit and anticipation.

Su Li, clearly unimpressed by Azure Bird’s foolish expression, said, “You may be weak, but at least you carry a trace of divine beast bloodline—naturally superior to that eighth-tier ice ape.”

Divine beasts held absolute dominance over monster beasts through their blood, and the difference in tier only added to their majesty.

Shen Fan had contracted an eighth-tier ice ape during the beastmaster qualification test. The sixth tier was the entry standard for beastmasters, the eighth tier was rarely seen in a century, and the twelfth tier was considered an extraordinary talent.

Thus, Shen Fan, hailed as a genius for a decade, was overcome with jealousy and resentment upon learning that the sickly, overlooked child had contracted a twelfth-tier divine beast, leading him to torment Shen Luo at every opportunity.

Naturally, the furry monster beast, seen by all as weak, became the prime target.

At this thought, a cold glint flashed in those feline eyes. “Let’s do it first, talk later.”

The night grew deeper and more silent.

Beneath a half-open window, two little monster beasts watched with predatory eyes. After a brief observation, the white-furred beast crouched and leapt inside. As soon as it landed, it was confronted by a pair of emerald-green eyes, shockingly bright in the darkness.

It was a white-furred, blue-faced ape, tall and sturdy, about the size of a seven or eight-year-old child. Ice apes were creatures of strength, unmatched in close combat.

Su Li sneered, unceremoniously grabbing Azure Bird off her back and swatting it into the room.

The ice ape, now with its face smeared: ...

What terrified it even more was the ancient divine beast Vermilion Bird’s pressure emanating from above, making its blood freeze.

Suddenly, a “zzzt” sound was heard, and both monster beasts turned to look.

The white beast was standing atop the table, its sharp claws extended from its soft pads, leaving a deep scratch in the wood.

She lifted her eyelids, and as those eerie cat eyes swept across, both monster beasts fell silent as chickens.

A faint glimmer danced in Su Li's eyes. Leisurely, she took out a walnut and with a gentle swipe of her paw, crushed it to pieces.

After a moment of dead silence—

Azure Bird: “Boss.”

Ice Ape: “Boss.”

In the world of monster beasts, the strong rule. The white beast before them instinctively struck fear into their hearts.

Su Li flicked her tail with satisfaction.

Having affirmed her status as their leader, Su Li began to survey the entire room. Her first impression: wealth! Pure, unadulterated wealth!

The furnishings were simple yet luxurious, with all manner of rare treasures infusing the space with spiritual energy.

Soon, a faintly glowing jade-green box drew her attention. She placed a small paw on its surface, feeling a chill seep through her soft pads.

With a thought, a strange surge of energy pulled the jade box into her body. Looking at the now empty tabletop, she was momentarily surprised, then delighted.

A portable space! What a treasure!

Yet, no matter how she tried, she couldn’t retrieve the jade box.

Suppressing her curiosity, Su Li picked out a few more items before finally removing the bundle from her back.

Inside was a small white porcelain bottle. She bit off its stopper, and a cold, spruce-scented lamp oil spilled out, dripping onto the floor from the edge of the table.

Su Li glanced at the ice ape. “Once we leave, you can rouse your master as you please. But should you betray us, this will be your fate.”

Before her paw lay a pile of crushed walnut fragments.

The ice ape shuddered from head to toe.

“Stupid bird, set the fire.”

A breeze stirred, rustling the leaves.

It was destined to be a sleepless night.

“Fire! Fire—!”

A cacophony of drums and gongs erupted in the darkness.

In the bamboo grove on the eastern side of the Shen estate, thick smoke rose and flames raged.

The fire broke out inexplicably. The patriarch of the Shen family was furious, ordering the swift capture of the thieves.

Not only had the culprit ignited the blaze, but they had also stolen many treasures from Shen Fan’s room. Such brazen theft was a severe blow to the Shen family’s reputation.

In the chaos of the east, the most inconspicuous corner in the west saw two beasts enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep.

Early the next morning, as Su Li opened her eyes, she saw the foolish bird beside her snoring away, oblivious to the world. She stretched, then delivered a forceful kick to the bird’s backside.

Suddenly, the door creaked open.

Su Li froze, hastily looking up, only to crash into Shen Luo’s deep, enigmatic gaze. For reasons unknown, she felt a surge of guilt. Before she could react, her beastly body had already leapt forward, landing steadily on the youth’s shoulder, her fluffy tail smothering his face.

Meanwhile, the foolish bird had rolled under the table.

Su Li breathed a sigh of relief, then looked at the boy and was momentarily stunned.

Shen Luo’s eyes held a smile at her first act of affection, his expression seven parts shocked, three parts delighted. Suddenly, he lifted her up, unable to resist planting a warm, moist kiss on her forehead.

A kiss!

Those dark red cat eyes widened in astonishment. Across two lifetimes, it was her first time so intimately close to the opposite sex.

“Heh.” A low, joyful laugh rumbled from the youth’s chest. Shen Luo gently rubbed Su Li’s head, carried her to the table, and took out a silver fish snack to feed her.

As Su Li chewed the fish, she brooded: did this count as being kissed by the male lead?

The tender breakfast scene did not last long, for a deep, resonant voice sounded from outside: “Seventh Young Master, the patriarch requests your presence at the Jade Fragment Pavilion.”

The Jade Fragment Pavilion was the traditional gathering place for the Shen family elders. Shen Luo’s brows knit in concern. He responded with a low “Mm,” changed into a dark robe, and prepared to leave, only to feel his shoulder suddenly weighted down.

He turned his head and saw those beautiful cat eyes narrowing, casting him a sidelong glance, her face full of pride.

In that instant, an indescribable joy and satisfaction filled his chest.

Shen Luo then lowered his gaze to the drowsy Azure Bird, pecking at his trouser leg, a slight smile curving his youthful lips.

Following the family warriors through the secluded back garden, they finally stopped at the entrance of a tastefully appointed hall.

Su Li looked up at the plaque bearing the words “Jade Fragment Pavilion,” the forceful calligraphy radiating the domineering spiritual pressure of its creator. Staring at it too long would cause weak cultivators to become disoriented, or worse, lose control and fall into madness.

Such detail revealed the true depth of the century-old Shen family.

She withdrew her gaze, only to find the foolish bird staring at the plaque, utterly entranced. She immediately smacked it on the head with her paw.