Last night, that burst of energy mingling holiness and primal vitality didn’t just revive her body that had slumbered for centuries—it also awakened something deep within her soul, something forgotten for a long, long time.
It felt like a dried riverbed, soaked once again with the warmth of spring water.
She longed…for even more nourishment.
She gazed at Fan Zhuo’s peaceful, sleeping face, watched his lips, parted slightly in relaxation, and within her, a fierce struggle raged between heaven and earth.
No…he’s my child, I should care for him as a mother.
But…he’s also like sweet dew, making this old tree…blossom again…
He sleeps so soundly, trusting me completely…
If I just…just get a little closer, surely…I won’t be discovered, right?
In the end, that budding desire triumphed over her ancient motherhood.
The Mother Tree’s massive, mountain-like canopy began to silently, slowly descend.
Her enormous female form, wrapped in bark and entwined with vines, radiated an overwhelming pressure as, inch by inch, she moved toward that small and utterly defenseless figure lying on the ground…
Slowly, she bowed her noble head…
Fan Zhuo had a warm dream.
In the dream, it was as if he’d returned to his infancy, enveloped in a vast, soft embrace.
That embrace carried the fresh scent of grass, earth, and sunlight, so warm that one wanted to lose themselves in it forever.
He felt like a parched little sapling, being drenched from head to toe by the endless, gentle sweetness of the Life Spring, every cell soaking in pure energy, cheering and leaping for joy.
The emptiness left in his body from last night’s “dual cultivation” with Night Sakura was swiftly filled.
In his spiritual world, that newborn “Lake of Holy Power” kept rising higher as more of that vast, gentle life energy poured in, its waters growing ever clearer and livelier.
At the center of the lake, that enchanting sakura tree spread its branches and leaves, seeming to thrive even more under the nourishment of this energy.
He didn’t know how much time passed before he slowly drifted awake from that ultimate comfort.
He opened his eyes and found himself still leaning against the trunk of the Mother Tree, warm sunlight filtering through the gaps in the leaves and scattering mottled light across him.
His body felt lighter than ever, and his mind was crystal clear, as if the bone-deep exhaustion from before had been nothing but a fleeting illusion.
“You’re awake, my…child…”
The Mother Tree’s gentle voice echoed in his mind, though now, it seemed to carry a hint of something…was it shyness?
Fan Zhuo sat up and stretched his muscles, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
“How…long did I sleep?”
“Not long. The sun has just passed overhead.” The Mother Tree answered, “Your body seemed to really need the rest.”
Fan Zhuo rubbed his eyes. He could sense not only his energy restored, but a remarkable increase in his total Holy Power. The effect of this nap was surprisingly excellent.
Strange…could just sleeping really increase Holy Power this much?
“Thank you, Mother Tree.” Fan Zhuo stood up and offered sincere gratitude.
“No need for thanks. Seeing you regain your vitality makes me happy as well.” There was a trace of laughter in the Mother Tree’s voice.
Was it his imagination, or did the Mother Tree’s female form, fused with the trunk, seem even fuller, more lush than yesterday?
Shaking his head to rid himself of that odd thought, Fan Zhuo turned and left the Heart of the Forest.
The most urgent task now was to deal with another “major problem.”
***
When Fan Zhuo returned to his room in Area C and opened the door, what he saw made his heart tighten.
On his single bed lay the succubus girl Milina, who’d only been a bit weak yesterday—now, she was curled up in a ball.
Her whole body was burning hot, her pretty face flushed, and she was letting out vague, pained moans.
The bunny maid outfit she wore was already soaked through with sweat, clinging tightly to her skin.
The puppet maid White Rabbit was kneeling at the bedside, her pale forehead beaded with sweat as well. She placed a damp towel on Milina’s brow, her face full of worry and anxiety.
She looked up.
“Lord Fan Zhuo, you’re back!” White Rabbit looked at him as if she’d seen her savior, even her blue electronic eyes were misted with moisture.
“How is she?” Fan Zhuo hurried over, reaching out to feel Milina’s forehead—the shocking heat made him withdraw his hand in surprise.
“Not good at all.” White Rabbit’s voice trembled slightly.
“Since this morning, Milina’s core temperature has been rising abnormally, and her internal energy cycle is completely chaotic. Based on the records in my database, I believe her Sensitive Period…has arrived early.”
“Early?” Fan Zhuo frowned. This was faster than he expected.
It wasn’t even night yet…
“Mm…mm…so hot…so uncomfortable…”
Milina twisted unconsciously on the bed, her hands clawing at the air as if searching for something.
“…Energy…I need…warm…energy…”
Her moans grew louder and more…seductive.
It was a sound born of bloodline instinct, a demonic voice that could easily ignite any male’s desire.
Just a few words, and Fan Zhuo felt the fire that had just been soothed by the Mother Tree’s life energy rising up again.
“Lord Fan Zhuo, we must take action right away!” White Rabbit urged anxiously.
“If this continues, not only will she be in danger from the energy running wild, but the…‘aura’ she’s releasing could attract all sorts of trouble!”
White Rabbit was right.
That tempting aura was already beginning to seep from the room.
Though it was daytime and the corridor wasn’t busy, if any other guards or Old John noticed…the consequences would be unthinkable.
“White Rabbit, do you have any tools…that can seal the room’s aura?” Fan Zhuo asked, clinging to a shred of hope.
“I…I do…but I can’t maintain it for long.” White Rabbit blushed, nodding slightly.
Why are you blushing…
Fan Zhuo took a deep breath. He knew he couldn’t hesitate any longer.
“That’ll be enough.”
Warden Hecate had already given him permission to “research,” which was as good as a free pass.
Now, all he needed to do was perform a deep, emergency “treatment” on the “subject” before him.
“White Rabbit, go stand guard outside the door. Don’t let anyone in.” Fan Zhuo ordered in a low voice.
“But, Lord…!” White Rabbit hesitated, glancing at the delirious succubus girl on the bed, then at Fan Zhuo.
“Miss Milina is in a state of unconscious instinct right now. She may pose…some unpredictable risks to you.”
She paused, her voice dropping lower, but carrying an unprecedented determination:
“My duty is to assist you and ensure your safety. Please, let me stay in the room so I can provide necessary support if anything unexpected happens.”
Fan Zhuo looked at her pure and earnest face, and for a moment, he didn’t know how to refuse.
White Rabbit’s worries weren’t unfounded.
Succubi…walking juicers…even though Milina looked quite inexperienced, if he lost control…
Letting her stay here…to watch him and a succubus “engage in deep communication”?
That scene would be…
Far too exciting.