Chapter 205: The True Hunter (6K)

"So, it's her?"

Fu Leimei tilted her head, looking at the scene before her with some uncertainty.

In the prison cell, a tall red-haired woman hugged her long legs, curling herself into a ball, sprawled out lazily with a blank expression… ah, slumped there.

She showed absolutely no reaction to Fu Leimei and the others approaching, not a shred of a strong being's vigilance.

It's her?

This is the… rival I imagined?

Somehow, it feels like something's not quite right.

"Mm, although she might look a bit different from what you imagined… but it's not wrong, she is Valentina."

Herbert looked at the sleeping Hungry Dragon Young Lady and for a moment didn't know what to say.

How am I supposed to explain that she isn't normally like this?

She actually looks a lot smarter on normal days… mm, actually, maybe not that different.

After thinking for a long time without finding the right words, Herbert could only shake his head and sigh:

"Yes, it's her."

"She…"

Fu Leimei kept blinking, looking with some uncertainty at the… cute creature before her.

What is this?

This looks completely different from what I imagined!

Although she could sense a faint, elusive terrifying dragon's might from the other party, with that dopey look… Fu Leimei couldn't sense any threat at all.

If you ignored the dragon's might, this was completely like a small animal with no guard up, peacefully asleep.

When wandering the ocean, Fu Leimei had seen similar creatures.

Sea otters with strange teeth—a low-level magical beast that would float defenselessly on the water's surface while sleeping, holding hands with companions, drifting with the currents.

Every time Fu Leimei encountered them, she would enthusiastically poke their cheeks, waking them one by one, then watch them scatter in panic.

It wasn't that she had a mean personality, but the panicked way they kept dropping the shells hidden in their mouths to save their lives while fleeing was really cute!

Of course, she actually knew there were differences between the two.

The strange-toothed sea otters were like this because their reproductive ability was astonishing—they didn't care how many died, since the next litter would produce even more offspring, which led to this special nature.

The fellow before her, however, was like this because she had no natural enemies at all.

Because she wasn't worried about being sneak-attacked in her sleep, she could sleep so brazenly and carefree.

But the problem was, Valentina's current form wasn't her true dragon body, but human… she looked completely lacking in any intimidation.

Fu Leimei really couldn't connect the person before her with the image she had originally imagined.

The goods don't match the description.

The two had been neighbors for quite a long time, and Fu Leimei did have a little impression of the cellmate in the next cell.

During the initial period, Fu Leimei could occasionally hear Valentina's angry roars, vaguely catching some vulgar curses, gaining some understanding of her irritability.

So, Fu Leimei naturally bound Valentina's image with "berserk."

Fake, right?

"Ahem, I know you might have some doubts."

Herbert roughly guessed what Fu Leimei was thinking now, and coughed twice:

"But don't look at how Valentina is now, her hard power is still very strong."

To be fair, Valentina really isn't bad, right!

If you want strength, she has strength; if you want brains, she has strength—whatever you want, our family's child has strength.

"Also, it's not that her vigilance is too low, but her current state is rather special."

Herbert still explained a bit on Valentina's behalf, not letting her image completely collapse in Fu Leimei's mind.

"She's currently receiving the dragon bloodline's inheritance, so she has no perception of the outside world; she probably won't wake up for a while."

Herbert walked over and lifted—ah, carried Valentina up from the ground.

Because Valentina had curled herself up too tightly, there was no way to change her posture, so Herbert could only carry the entire ball up from the ground.

Herbert carried the dragon ball, carefully placing her onto the large bed that had been moved in earlier for resting, and thoughtfully covered her with a blanket.

Although Valentina didn't actually need warmth, the lingering scent on the blanket could make her feel more at ease.

Herbert openly did all this in front of the mermaid Young Lady, without the slightest intention of avoiding or hiding it.

After the initial awkwardness, Herbert's attitude had returned to normal.

What's there to panic about?

It's already happened, what's there to panic about!

If you want to become a heartbroken romantic, this day will come sooner or later—he had long been prepared.

Besides, hiding it wouldn't work anyway, so better to do it openly.

A real man acts without changing his name, sits without changing his surname—one person does the deed, one person takes responsibility!

What's there to be afraid of?

Besides, I wasn't the one who made the first move; clearly, Valentina forced herself on me.

Right, I'm the victim!

"Fu Leimei, let's leave… eh?"

Turning back, Herbert had originally planned to take Fu Leimei and leave directly, but discovered she had followed him all the way to his side.

Her eyes lit up slightly, staring at Valentina with excitement, eagerly extending her finger, seemingly planning to poke the Hungry Dragon Young Lady's cheek.

?

You don't want to...

"Herbert, can I poke her face?"

Fu Leimei lowered her voice and whispered into Herbert's ear: "Just once will do!"

The urge to poke the sea otter had struck.

???

Herbert was greatly shaken by this.

Ah Zhen, you're serious?!

Let's just not discuss philosophical questions like "Can you touch a tiger's butt?" and "Can you poke a dragon's cheek?"...

Let's just talk about your attitude, shall we?

Is that attitude correct?

If I'm not mistaken... aren't you two rivals in love?

Where's the promised Shura field!!?

Aren't you supposed to see her as a mortal enemy who steals wives and daughters?

How come all you can think about is poking her cheek!?

To be fair, Herbert was actually quite happy inside that Fu Leimei could show such an attitude.

He was the one least wanting to see these two people hate each other forever; getting along harmoniously was the best outcome...

But then again, isn't your progress a bit too fast?

"I'd advise you best not to... ah, forget it, poke if you want to poke."

Herbert wanted to stop her, but after thinking it over, he still waved his hand and said weakly: "Prepare some extra food for Valentina later, she probably won't mind."

With Valentina, anything that can be settled with food isn't a big deal.

And if even food can't settle it, Herbert has other means of handling it... at worst he'll just wear out his waist a bit more.

Sincerity moves even metal and stone.

If even that doesn't work, then it's not a problem with the method, but a problem with you.

Your heart must not be sincere enough.

"Haha, then I can get started!"

And after getting permission, Fu Leimei's expression brightened, and she carefully extended her finger toward the fair, tender cheek of the starving dragon Young Lady.

Poke.

Perhaps because Fu Leimei's fingertip was a bit cool, Valentina shivered all over once after being poked.

"Er! Mm..."

She shook herself, then hugged her own body tighter, unconsciously tilting her head, trying to dodge that annoying cool finger.

Poke again.

Dodge again.

And then...

"Alright, that's enough, don't really wake her up."

Fu Leimei's finger was caught by Herbert, who flicked her forehead lightly, and said helplessly: "If she catches you in the act, that won't be fun."

Neither of us will get off easy!

And although Fu Leimei was regretful, she still sensibly withdrew her hand, defending herself somewhat guiltily:

"Heh, Herbert, don't misunderstand, I just think she looks cute like this, I have absolutely no intention of not settling the score with her thoroughly."

One thing at a time!

Poking cheeks is poking cheeks, but the matter between rivals in love still needs to be properly settled.

The fight still needs to be fought.

Herbert looked at her, one eyebrow raised, and said oddly: "Then you can forget about poking her in the future, I won't help you mediate with her."

"Eh! Don't say things like that—"

Fu Leimei instantly changed her tune upon hearing this, pouting on the spot, looking at Herbert with pleading eyes.

Mean.

Can't smile happily anymore.

If I can't poke her cheek again, then I will...

Herbert pursed his lips, ignoring her pitifully charming appearance.

Sure enough, beautiful females are all good at deceiving people... even Valentina managed to successfully trick Herbert a few times.

Nice acting, but still not as good as mine.

I saw right through you with one glance—you're not human!

"Alright, we've seen her, we should set off now."

He laughed once, grabbed Fu Leimei's hand and started to head outside, but one tug failed to move her.

Eh?

Herbert turned his head in confusion, then froze when he saw Fu Leimei's expression.

That was... a seductive, alluring expression.

Wait, is this right?

?

Herbert let go of her hand, stepped back half a pace, and asked warily: "Fu Leimei... what do you want to do?"

And Fu Leimei let him retreat, then glanced down at Valentina who was sleeping peacefully, and asked meaningfully:

"You were just saying that she won't wake up right now, and she's completely unaware of the outside world, right?"

!

Herbert took another step back, feeling an immense sense of danger.

"Fu Leimei, what exactly are you trying to do?"

"Guess what I'm going to do? You really want me to say it out loud?"

The mermaid Young Lady chuckled softly, slowly approaching Herbert, then gently grabbed his shoulder—no, firmly clamped onto it.

A transparent curtain of water, just enough to conceal the two of them, materialized, standing before the unfortunate dragon like frosted glass.

?

"Wait, Valentina is still here, let's find another place…"

"Herbert, what are you afraid of? She won't know anyway, right?"

She gazed at Herbert with sultry eyes, lightly licked her lips, and whispered: "Or is it that she can, but I can't?"

Herbert fell silent at this lethal question, knowing he couldn't answer carelessly—whatever he said could easily ruin everything.

"……"

He made no further attempt to struggle physically, but put up one last resistance verbally.

"I'm warning you, don't do anything rash!"

"Also, could you look at the situation? Someone is already waiting outside, and we don't have that much time to waste."

Herbert leaving the Disciplinary Hall with a prisoner was something that had to be reported to the other cultivators of the monastery.

Just like when Valentina was released last time, there were cultivators this time who would witness this scene firsthand.

Only they didn't have the qualifications to enter the Third Disciplinary Hall, and could only wait quietly at the entrance.

Being a little late by an hour or so wasn't a problem, but if things actually got real, then the time would be impossible to contain.

"What were you just saying? What time being long?"

Fu Leimei blinked, tilting her head in some confusion.

Who said it had to take a long time?

Herbert:?

"Ah!!?"

Bold mermaid princess, you dare question my ability!!?

This can be endured, but that cannot.

You wait, I will definitely find a chance to show you how formidable I am!

And Fu Leimei, watching Herbert's furious appearance, grew even more puzzled.

What on earth is going on?

"What are you saying? How long could a kiss take? If you hadn't dodged, we would have already… wait!"

!!!

The lewd sea-maid suddenly realized something, her face instantly flushing crimson.

"Y-you-you, where did your mind just go! That's not what I meant, I really didn't…"

!!?

Fu Leimei panicked and let go, covering her face as she tried to flee from Herbert's side, but was grabbed and pulled back.

"Ah!"

Catching her off guard, Herbert directly pulled the flustered mermaid Young Lady into his arms.

At this moment, the young man who had just looked utterly unwilling had switched to a different demeanor, smiling: "Where do you think you're going?"

"I… mm!!?"

Fu Leimei tried to explain, but her lips were directly sealed shut.

Herbert seized the moment of her shock to wrap his arm around her slender waist, holding her tightly against his chest.

The meek little lamb that had just been forced into a corner suddenly revealed its true colors before the ferocious big bad wolf—in the blink of an eye, it transformed into an even more brutal beast!

Trying to run?

No way!

Yes, the true hunter often appears in the form of prey.

This little lady who thinks herself the hunter—you are the challenger!

At this point, you still want to run?

How could it be that easy?

The offense and defense have switched!

This time, they didn't separate as quickly as before.

Herbert gently kissed Fu Leimei, controlling his muscles, employing every technique he had, exploring tenderly.

"Mm!"

Gradually feeling her once-taut body slowly relax, going limp in his arms like a spent fish, he finally pulled away.

"Haah…"

Fu Leimei's eyes were glazed, feeling as if half her soul had been hollowed out, her entire being floating in a daze.

This… what's happening?

Why does it feel completely different from before?

If even this is already like this, then…

Herbert looked at her dazed appearance, licked his lips, and smiled: "Is this customer satisfied?"

"Don't be nervous. Since you asked for it just now, I have to satisfy you properly."

Oh……

Ah!!?

Fu Leimei blinked, suddenly realizing the current situation was very dangerous. She forced herself to stay alert and said, "Y-you, don't do anything rash. At the very least, let's change locations…"

Really going to do it here?

Herbert shook his head with a light laugh, gently patted her head to reassure her, and said, "Relax, I won't be that hasty."

He had no intention of getting straight to the main course right now — the timing and the place were both too inconvenient.

He wasn't a starving ghost among lechers; he wouldn't want to leave behind memories in such a frivolous way.

At the same time, Herbert wasn't someone who would let himself be taken advantage of either.

"But you also have to pay the price for what you just said and did… pay it in person."

"The mistake you made, you have to come resolve it yourself."

He raised his hand, gently stroked the top of the blushing mermaid Young Lady's head, and said softly, "Come, do as I say."

"If you try hard enough, it'll be over very soon."

Probably.

"……"

The mermaid Young Lady hesitated for a moment, and ultimately did not refuse. Under Herbert's aggressive, expectant gaze, she slowly nodded.

"Mm……"

Perhaps, she too had been looking forward to something all along.

Before long, behind the curtain of water came a series of pleasant wind-chime sounds.

Ling ling ling~

……

And while those two were performing a duet with wind chimes……

Valentina nearby was sleeping.

Although they were separated by only a thin curtain of water, and their shadows were even cast upon it — one only had to open her eyes to see at a glance what was happening on the other side.

But Valentina was sleeping.

The poor Hungry Dragon Young Lady, regarding everything happening beside her……

KNEW! NOTHING! AT! ALL!

She even slept more soundly accompanied by that rhythmic wind-chime sound!

"Huff……"

With Fu Leimei's effort and Herbert's earnest guidance, the two spent a little longer than expected before successfully leaving the Third Commandment.

Fu Leimei, unlike Valentina who had changed into a nun's habit, instead put on a gorgeous long dress as if she were going to a ball.

Unlike the great commotion Valentina had deliberately caused earlier, her outing this time was exceptionally quiet.

Her steps were light, and she followed silently beside Herbert without a word.

And facing the varied gazes of the other cultivators, her reaction was also very calm.

Her whole being radiated an air of obedience and keeping the world at arm's length.

Bishop Rusty Nail did not appear among the crowd witnessing Fu Leimei walk out of the prison; he had already tacitly accepted that Herbert would leave with the monster girl.

Although he did not approve of this matter, he had no intention of obstructing it, and could only choose to keep it out of sight and out of mind.

And although Bishop Thorn did appear, he offered no further comment, merely nodding at Herbert and giving his shoulder a pat.

Compared to letting Herbert grow safely under their help, he actually leaned more toward letting Herbert grow independently after experiencing everything himself.

The strong cannot grow under pampering.

Excessive protection will only ruin an original genius, preventing him from truly reaching his own limits.

Compared to dying halfway in battle, that kind of outcome would be the true persecution of them.

Bishop Thorn did not say much more, only saying in a low voice just as Herbert was about to leave.

"Herbert, if you run into danger, I will definitely avenge you, no matter who the other party is."

Although saying this at parting sounds somewhat inauspicious, it was able to convey Bishop Thorn's resolve.

Moreover, after saying this, he also turned his head toward Fu Leimei, whether intentionally or not.

The warning within was self-evident.

But Fu Leimei merely glanced at Bishop Thorn indifferently, gave no response whatsoever, and couldn't even be bothered to pay him any attention.

She was currently in a Stuck in Phase state, and would not speak lightly.

And even if she could speak, she actually wouldn't bother with the Inquisitor's threat.

Let alone now.

You bald-headed man, don't come bother me!

My mouth is sore, I don't want to talk.

Herbert also understood the Inquisitor's well-meaning intentions, sincerely thanked him, and sensibly made numerous assurances.

Things like… absolutely won't go deep inside! Won't actively provoke monsters! Won't be stubborn and refuse to call for help when in danger!

As for whether these promises will actually be kept… who cares?

Once I step into the Misty Mountains, who can control me?

On this journey, truly like a fish returning to the sea, a bird soaring into the blue heavens, never again bound by cage and net!

Having finally shaken off the Inquisitor who was like an old father, Herbert at last set off toward the Misty Mountains with Fu Leimei.

"Ha, finally made it out successfully!"

After traveling more than two hours away from the Mist Monastery, Herbert finally relaxed once he confirmed no one was following him.

He took off the pack and waterskin on his body and placed them into his shadow.

In the cultivators' eyes, Herbert's outing this time wouldn't keep him in the Mist Mountains for very long.

Because he hadn't brought much food or water, carrying only a light pack.

In reality, that was not the case.

Herbert had actually long ago hidden in his shadow enough bread to survive for a month.

Of course, this wasn't the shadow's carrying limit, but rather the limit of black bread the kitchen could afford to lose.

This amount of bread wasn't a big deal, but if there were any more, it would likely draw the attention of the cooking nuns.

He didn't want the monastery to spread another legend beyond that of Brother Grass Carp — that of a bread thief.

And after getting far from people, Fu Leimei's cold expression eased considerably; she looked around with curiosity, finding everything very fresh and new.

She had originally been drifting about in the ocean, and this was her first time walking on land. Everything looked utterly unfamiliar to her, and she asked Herbert many questions along the way.

Controlling her alchemical legs to wander about, her step count was at least twice Herbert's.

At this moment, she finally quieted down, watching the ever-thickening mist ahead with a somewhat solemn expression.

"Fu Leimei, is there something you feel?"

"Mm…"

The mermaid Young Lady pondered for a moment, raised her hand to part the mist before her, trying to manipulate these "water-mists," but failed.

"The mist here… isn't water."

Although she had been stuck in the Third Precept House for quite a while, this was actually Fu Leimei's first time in the Mist Mountains, and she looked at the thin mist around her with some curiosity.

She shook her head and said, somewhat troubled: "My strength might drop a bit here."

She had originally thought she could easily protect Herbert, but she hadn't expected the Mist Mountains to give her a slap in the face right off the bat.

"Don't worry, even if I'm suppressed it doesn't matter — this place is still near the sea."

Herbert comforted her with a smile, then said leisurely: "And the place we're heading to has very active water elements; they're sure to welcome your arrival."

"As for whether they welcome us, well… that's hard to say… heh heh."

(End of this chapter)