Extra Chapter — Those Days After (Part Three)
Zhu Yurong’s life in the Chu Tian Secret Realm was extremely carefree.
Because Zhu Yurong had lost the unique spatial ability of the Lingxi lineage, Old Ghost Head felt both heartache and increased indulgence toward him. Not only did he accompany Zhu Yurong daily in causing all kinds of trouble within the secret realm and let him eat snacks without restraint, he also allowed Zhu Yurong to cling to him every night when resting.
After several days, Zhu Yurong was raised even more fair and tender. In contrast, Qing Ming’s expression grew increasingly gloomy, until it was so dark it seemed as though water could drip from it.
Upon closer thought, Zhu Yurong had always been quite afraid of Qing Ming. Although due to the Creation Pearl, Zhu Yurong no longer rejected Qing Ming’s aura as strongly as before, by instinct of the Lingxi Pig, wherever Qing Ming was, Zhu Yurong stayed as far away as possible. Left with no choice, Old Ghost Head instructed Qing Ming not to appear before Zhu Yurong. Qing Ming was unwilling, but unable to resist Old Ghost Head, so he reluctantly agreed with a dark expression.
After several days, seeing that Zhu Yurong showed no signs of leaving, Qing Ming finally could not endure it. One midnight, while Old Ghost Head was asleep, he picked up Zhu Yurong—who was sleeping soundly in Old Ghost Head’s arms—and went to find Jing Zhan.
Jing Zhan was somewhat surprised by Qing Ming’s late-night visit. Although their relationship had eased somewhat after the Yuanxi Kingdom incident, and Jing Zhan had remained in the secret realm because the demon burial ground was there, they still only occasionally met without conflict. Qing Ming coming to him directly—especially at night—was a first.
Though puzzled, Jing Zhan remained expressionless. His gaze swept over the sleeping Zhu Yurong in Qing Ming’s arms without showing any reaction.
Facing Jing Zhan’s indifferent demeanor, Qing Ming found it difficult to voice his request. But thinking of how Zhu Yurong monopolized Qing Yi every night, he gritted his teeth and said, “Can you take care of the Lingxi Pig for a while?”
This truly startled Jing Zhan. He couldn’t understand why Qing Ming would hand Zhu Yurong over to him. His gaze fell unconsciously on Zhu Yurong, who remained sound asleep, completely unaware.
After watching Zhu Yurong’s carefree sleeping face for a while, Jing Zhan suddenly said, “Alright.”
Qing Ming, who had been thinking of how to persuade him, froze for a moment before reacting in disbelief. “You agree?”
Jing Zhan gave a faint hum, his gaze still on Zhu Yurong, though he himself did not know why he agreed.
Zhu Yurong, unaware he had changed caretakers, was carefully handed over. Jing Zhan also took the long string of storage pouches.
Only after Zhu Yurong left his arms did Qing Ming truly believe it had worked. Before he could say more, Jing Zhan had already turned and left with Zhu Yurong. Qing Ming gave a bitter smile, then hurried back to Old Ghost Head.
Jing Zhan’s residence in the secret realm was a small bamboo hut, extremely simple, with only a couch.
He gently placed Zhu Yurong on the couch, but just as he was about to leave, Zhu Yurong grabbed his sleeve in his sleep and murmured, “Little monster, little pig wants to sleep with you.”
Jing Zhan froze.
Before he could react, Zhu Yurong rolled closer, hugging his arm, his soft cheek pressing against him. “Little monster, little pig likes you the most.”
Jing Zhan’s heart trembled.
Though he knew Zhu Yurong was speaking to Xiao Lingyu in his dream, he still stood there, wanting to hear it again.
In his long life, no one had ever said such words to him. From the moment he gained awareness, his life was filled with endless slaughter—against his own kind and against humans. No one had cared about him when he was weak, and when he rose to the top, what he received was fear and cautious respect, built upon bloodshed.
As for affection?
Jing Zhan let out a silent cold laugh. Who would ever like him?
Even among his kind, they spoke of him carefully. Humans saw him only as brutal and bloodthirsty.
His thoughts briefly passed over Qing Ming—but that was different. Their bond was forged through life-and-death battles, filled with complexities, unlike Zhu Yurong’s pure trust.
He remained bent over, watching Zhu Yurong sleep, feeling an indescribable longing.
In his dream, Zhu Yurong happily saw Xiao Lingyu taking out snack after snack and declaring they were all his. Excited, he pounced forward and hugged him, acting spoiled.
“Little pig likes you the most.”
The words rang clearly in Jing Zhan’s ears.
The chaotic emotions in his heart gradually settled.
He did something he never expected—gently picked Zhu Yurong up and lay down with him.
Zhu Yurong instinctively adjusted himself comfortably in his arms, clutching Jing Zhan’s clothes and curling up as he continued to sleep.
Listening to the soft snoring and feeling the warmth in his arms, Jing Zhan also fell into a deep sleep.
It was the most peaceful sleep he had had since being imprisoned in the forbidden grounds. There were no scenes of slaughter, no collapsing ancient worlds, no flames—only warmth.
Warmth?
Jing Zhan suddenly opened his eyes.
A stream of warmth was spreading from Zhu Yurong… onto his clothes.
He stiffened.
His clothes were soaked.
The culprit, meanwhile, innocently shifted to a dry spot and continued sleeping.
Jing Zhan stared speechlessly before accepting his fate. He removed Zhu Yurong’s wet clothes and carried him out.
Zhu Yurong stirred groggily. “Little monster… is it morning? Little pig needs to pee…”
Jing Zhan’s expression twitched again as he ignored him and headed outside to a small hot spring.
The warm water woke Zhu Yurong a bit. He blinked. “Eh? You’re not little monster.”
Jing Zhan said nothing.
Realizing something, Zhu Yurong stiffened and attempted to play dead—but immediately sank into the water instead, panicking and flailing.
Jing Zhan sighed inwardly and pulled him out, though Zhu Yurong had already reverted to his true form and sunk briefly.
Once rescued, Zhu Yurong lay weakly in his arms, trembling.
Jing Zhan softened. After confirming he was fine, he gently stroked his fur.
Gradually, Zhu Yurong calmed down and nestled obediently against him.
Jing Zhan’s gaze softened, a faint smile appearing.
After drying and wrapping him up, Zhu Yurong seemed to sense no malice from Jing Zhan and even a hint of closeness. He looked up and smiled innocently.
By the time Jing Zhan finished changing the bedding, it was already morning.
Zhu Yurong, back in human form and naked, sat on the bed, staring eagerly at the string of storage pouches.
Jing Zhan recalled Xiao Lingyu’s earlier instructions about them—snacks, frost grass, clothes—and reached for one.
Summoning courage, Zhu Yurong suddenly shouted, “Those are all little pig’s!”
Jing Zhan paused.
“They’re all little pig’s… little monster gave them to little pig.”
Understanding, Jing Zhan smiled faintly. “They’re all yours.”
Zhu Yurong relaxed but still watched cautiously.
Jing Zhan chuckled, deliberately hanging the pouches on himself before dressing Zhu Yurong.
Throughout, Zhu Yurong’s eyes never left the pouches.
Jing Zhan finally burst into laughter.
After laughing, he felt a weight lifted from his heart.
Looking at the innocent Zhu Yurong, he thought—
having such a little creature by his side… wasn’t bad at all.