Published: February 24, 2025
Chapter 22: Huangfu Sacred Mountain
After learning that Tan Yun had three formidable enemies, Mu Mengyi didn’t voice her thoughts, but in her heart, she was determined that if anyone tried to harm Tan Yun, she would not stand by and watch.
As night deepened, the valley was filled with howling winds and the sounds of beasts echoing in the distance.
Feeling utterly powerless, Mu Mengyi found an unprecedented sense of security from having Tan Yun by her side, which filled her heart.
In the cave, after starting a fire, Tan Yun looked at Mu Mengyi and said, “It’s getting late, and we still have a long journey ahead tomorrow. You should rest.”
Tan Yun turned and stepped out of the cave, then sat cross-legged and closed his eyes in meditation.
Watching Tan Yun build the fire for her and stand guard outside, a different kind of emotion blossomed in Mu Mengyi’s heart.
Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night for her.
As she tossed and turned, every time she closed her eyes, scenes of Tan Yun forcefully kissing her, detoxifying her, dressing her, and bandaging her bare feet kept flashing in her mind...
“What’s wrong with me…” Mu Mengyi, who was still naive about romantic feelings, felt her cheeks burning, completely bewildered...
It wasn’t until the night grew lighter that she finally slipped into a dream.
When she awoke, it was already noon. She had slept exceptionally well.
Noticing Tan Yun was not in the cave, she was about to call out when suddenly a fragrant aroma wafted in from outside.
Soon after, Tan Yun entered the cave, holding a roasted fish on a tree branch and handed it to Mu Mengyi, “You can’t use your spiritual power now, so you must be hungry. Eat this. After you finish, we’ll be on our way.”
Due to her feminine modesty, she hesitated to take the roasted fish. However, her gaze betrayed her hungry heart.
Tan Yun saw through her thoughts, a hint of a smile curling at the corner of his mouth as he joked, “Beautiful lady, we are friends who have been through thick and thin together. Don’t be so reserved. Here, take it and eat!”
“Th-thank you…” Mu Mengyi bit her lip, taking the roasted fish. She gently took a bite without exposing her teeth, pausing slightly before a flicker of enjoyment crossed her stunning face, and then she continued to eat slowly without revealing her teeth.
Looking at Mu Mengyi eating, Tan Yun couldn’t help but twitch his mouth, “If you’re hungry, you should eat heartily.”
Mu Mengyi looked up and rolled her eyes at Tan Yun, “A girl shouldn’t show her teeth while eating…”
Her voice trailed off as memories of her childhood with her mother echoed in her mind:
“Yier, you can be mischievous, but you must remember the etiquette of the royal family. Also, ordinary women eat without showing their teeth. As the princess of our sacred dynasty, you must do better than others, do you understand?”
“Hehe… Mother, I understand. Please don’t be angry…”
As the memory broke off, Mu Mengyi thought about her imprisoned mother and her deceased father, tears streaming down her cheeks!
“Uh…” Tan Yun was taken aback and cleared his throat, saying, “I was just joking. Don’t take it seriously.”
“Tan Shidi, you misunderstood. I just recalled some past events.” Mu Mengyi wiped her tears and smiled at Tan Yun, “Your roasted fish is really delicious. Thank you.”
...
After Mu Mengyi finished eating, Tan Yun stepped outside the cave and released the bloodwing spirit lion from the Spirit Beast Bag. He then returned to the cave to see Mu Mengyi struggling to get up.
“You’re weak, and your feet are injured. Let me help you.” Tan Yun stepped forward to assist her.
“No, I can manage.” Mu Mengyi stopped him, but as she struggled to stand, a sharp pain shot through her feet, causing her to suddenly fall back.
“You're stubborn in everything except for this.” Tan Yun stepped back and, just as Mu Mengyi was about to hit the ground, he caught her around the waist and carried her outside.