Chapter 203: Bastards

Ever since Jiang Ke’er obtained the Alchemy Furnace, she felt much more at ease.

With Dan Medicine that could replenish her vitality, she had greater hope of making it through the second trial with Qian Yue.

Of course, she knew time was tight, and this ease would not last long.

The materials for refining Dan Medicine were limited; her previous attempt just a few hours ago had already consumed all the Yaocao she had gathered before.

Even with Divine Sense as assistance, allowing her to find Yaocao in the forest at the first opportunity, the reserves in the forest had their limits.

The Yaocao within a dozen li was only enough for her to refine Dan Medicine twice; she had already refined once, and the remaining materials were few.

Even if she took Qian Yue along to search for Yaocao while moving, there was nothing she could do…

She already knew the nearby terrain well enough; the Jungle Region was only so large, and the rest of the area was endless Swamp.

Those Yaocao would never grow in the Swamp.

Continuing like this would not work; the Yaocao in the entire Jungle Region would only last for two more days at most.

It was still a long way from the seven-day mark.

But what could she do?

Jiang Ke’er smiled.

She jumped back into the Nest.

Then… just be happy.

Take things one step at a time; deal with the future when it comes.

Be bold, throw off all restraints.

“I’m back!”

Jiang Ke’er hopped lightly back into the Nest.

Although Qian Yue still didn’t respond to her, Jiang Ke’er wasn’t the least bit disappointed.

Instead, she lowered her head with a smile and playfully pecked Qian Yue on the forehead.

After that peck, Jiang Ke’er’s face felt hot.

Aside from situations where she was forced, this was actually the first time she had taken the initiative—of her own volition—to kiss someone.

She cut open her own wrist as usual to feed her, then watched Qian Yue quietly and contentedly.

Jiang Ke’er had never thought she would care about anyone in this life, much less believed she would ever lose her reason over someone.

To treat someone well unconditionally, without seeking anything in return—such a thing was utterly incomprehensible to Jiang Ke’er… That was just plain stupid!

She believed that every effort in this world was for extracting more from the other party.

This was also the root of her distrust toward Qiao Xiaoxian… because Qiao Xiaoxian needed her Furnace function and coveted her body—this was obvious.

But what if the Summoning Contract was removed? Would Qiao Xiaoxian still pester her like this?

In the past, Jiang Ke’er thought it was absolutely impossible—unless the other person was out of their mind.

But now, her thoughts had wavered a little.

Yet this, too, was a Contradictory Fate that could never be proven.

So, saving Qian Yue—was it worth it?

Obviously not. Qian Yue had never saved her life, they’d only known each other a few days, hadn’t spent much time together, and barely exchanged a few words; most of the time she was only treating Qian Yue’s wounds.

Then why did she care so much about her?

Jiang Ke’er furrowed her brows and thought for a long time, finally coming to a conclusion that left her feeling utterly conflicted—because Qian Yue possessed the same strong-willed spirit as Qiao Xiaoxian, but with an added gentleness and tolerance toward her, and there was no benefit involved between them.

So the reason she cared was because Qian Yue was like an upgraded version of Qiao Xiaoxian?! How ridiculous!

Jiang Ke’er laughed at herself.

She giggled madly for a long time, until she estimated that Qian Yue would wake up soon. Then she wiped the wound on her wrist and transformed into a little fox.

She crawled up next to Qian Yue’s neck, carefully retracting her claws so that only her paw pads touched, lest she accidentally scratch her.

Then, like a cat, she tucked her tiny paws beneath her and rested her face against Qian Yue’s neck, closing her eyes in bliss.

Feeling Qian Yue’s body heat, Jiang Ke’er inexplicably calmed down.

I’ll just stay for a bit.

Just a little while, then I’ll leave.

Jiang Ke’er kept reminding herself in her heart.

But Qian Yue gradually woke, turned her face, and nuzzled against her soft fur, then reached out with a smile to gently stroke her.

“You’ve worked hard.” Qian Yue said with heartache.

“Not at all,” Jiang Ke’er replied with a smile, “actually, I’m not tired at all.”

It’s just a little cold, so I’m snuggling for a bit—I’ll leave soon, I won’t trouble you, Senior Sister.

Can’t be helped, it’s just too cold.

Her body was weak, and the lingering Cold Poison took the chance to flare up.

But Jiang Ke’er was already experienced with Cold Poison and knew she just had to get through this spell.

It’s just that during these episodes, she really didn’t want to move.

Jiang Ke’er couldn’t help but shiver.

Qian Yue seemed to notice something amiss, pulling her closer into her embrace and holding her tight against her chest.

Then Qian Yue gritted her teeth, as if struggling inside, but soon… a subtle warmth flowed from her palm into Jiang Ke’er’s body.

It was a familiar warmth—the nemesis of Cold Poison.

But Jiang Ke’er had already fainted and couldn’t tell.

Half-conscious, Jiang Ke’er smacked her lips and muttered, “Hmph… sooner or later I’ll kill you…”

Qian Yue didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but the light in her eyes grew even softer.

“Hmph! Sooner or later I’ll marry you!” she mimicked Jiang Ke’er’s tone and retorted petulantly.

Jiang Ke’er woke up quickly.

When she did, the Birds in the forest were chattering noisily—if they didn’t, how would they find a good mate? In order to attract a partner’s attention, they’d shout themselves hoarse if they had to.

Creatures often did all sorts of strange things to reproduce.

Jiang Ke’er glanced at the distant Birds and muttered, “Stupid low-level creatures.”

Saying that, she rubbed her nose hard against Qian Yue’s neck.

Senior Sister is so smooth~

Qian Yue was tickled by her playfulness and couldn’t help but laugh, “Stop it, or I’ll eat you up if you keep misbehaving!”

“My meat doesn’t taste good! It’s stinky!” Jiang Ke’er declared righteously.

“And you’re proud of that?”

“Senior Sister, you don’t understand. Having no value at all is the happiest thing.”

That’s how the Human Clan became so strong, Jiang Ke’er added silently.

But considering that Senior Sister Qian Yue seemed to be Human Clan too, Jiang Ke’er didn’t say it aloud.

“So, Senior Sister Qian Yue, do you have someone you like?” Jiang Ke’er asked, feigning nonchalance.

Last time, Qian Yue’s answer was a secret. What about this time?

“I do.” Qian Yue answered, and her eyes shone with a happiness that was almost visible.

Jiang Ke’er’s chest ached so much it felt hard to breathe.

But she still put on a gossipy face and grinned mischievously, “Who is it?”

“Not telling you,” Qian Yue tapped Jiang Ke’er’s little head, then looked a bit dejected, “It’s just a pity—she doesn’t like me…”

“Who could be so blind?!” Jiang Ke’er exploded at once, “Senior Sister, there’s not a second person as perfect as you in the whole universe! Someone actually doesn’t know a treasure when they see one? Not kneeling to worship you already?!”

Qian Yue gave a bitter smile.

“Can’t see the forest for the trees.” She stared blankly at Jiang Ke’er.

“Some things, no matter how smart you are, you can’t see through… You can’t blame her. Besides, I’m not as great as you think. Actually, I’m a bastard—a villain who’ll do anything to achieve her goals. It’s only natural for her to hate me.”

“Bastard? How are you a bastard?” Jiang Ke’er shouted indignantly.

“I’m the real bastard here!”

“How convenient,” Qian Yue started to laugh as well, “We’re both bastards, that’s perfect!”

“Yeah~ that’s perfect!”