Chapter 93: Journey to the Sunset Forest
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"Sister Lan Yin, Brother Lin, here's some water." Tang Yuehua finished pouring water and sat back down next to Blue Silver Empress, addressing the two of them.
"Miss Tang, you're too kind!" Lin Yongming felt a bit embarrassed being called "big brother" by Tang Yuehua. After all, he was only a little over ten years old, while Tang Yuehua, as he had learned from their earlier conversation, was already twelve. The fact that someone two years older than him was addressing him so respectfully made him feel awkward. He had lied about his age, and now he was reaping the consequences. After replying, he took an awkward sip of water.
"Brother Lin, since you're planning to enter the Sunset Forest from here, why don't my brother and I accompany you tomorrow to help you obtain your spirit ring?" Tang Hao suggested after taking a drink.
"Brother Tang, thank you, but that won't be necessary. A Yin and I plan to stay here for a few more days to enjoy ourselves. Besides, you have your own matters to attend to, and we wouldn't want to trouble you. Moreover, my requirements for the fourth spirit ring are quite specific, and we might be in the Sunset Forest for several days. With Miss Tang here, it might not be convenient for you," Lin Yongming politely declined with a smile.
If it were just about hunting spirit beasts, Lin Yongming wouldn't have refused Tang Hao and Tang Xiao's offer. After all, both of them were Spirit Kings, and they would have a good chance of defeating a nearly ten-thousand-year spirit beast. However, Lin Yongming's goal this time wasn't just about hunting spirit beasts.
"Brother Lin, if that's the case, we won't insist. However, the Sunset Forest is the second-largest spirit beast forest on the continent, and it's home to many fierce and powerful spirit beasts. Please be careful," Tang Xiao said with a faint smile.
"Of course. A Yin and I aren't reckless people. Given my condition, we'll be extra cautious. Besides, you don't need to worry too much. My first three spirit rings were all obtained in the Star Dou Great Forest. Originally, we planned to go there this time as well, but since we wanted to explore the Heaven Dou City after obtaining the spirit ring, we decided to come here instead," Lin Yongming explained calmly.
"That's good to hear. However, I still recommend entering the Sunset Forest from the Heaven Dou City side. That area is frequented by many spirit hunters, and over time, the paths through the forest have become well-trodden, making it easier to navigate. On the other hand, the entrance near this town is rarely used by spirit hunters, which might make it harder for you to find suitable spirit beasts," Tang Xiao advised.
"Thank you, Brother Tang. We hadn't considered that. We'll definitely take your suggestion into account," Lin Yongming nodded in agreement.
Lin Yongming suddenly remembered that he didn't know the exact location of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. He only knew that in the original story, Tang San and the others had entered the forest from the Heaven Dou City side, which suggested that the well was located closer to that area. If he and Blue Silver Empress entered from Sunset Town, they might have to traverse the core area of the Sunset Forest, where they could encounter numerous ten-thousand-year spirit beasts, significantly increasing the danger.
"Once you've obtained your spirit ring, feel free to come to Heaven Dou City. We'll be staying there for a while," Tang Xiao said, taking another sip of water.
As the five of them continued their conversation, two waiters soon arrived with their roasted meat.
"Honored guests, sorry for the wait. Your roasted meat is here," the waiters said, entering the private room and carefully placing the dishes on the table. Alongside the meat, there were also fruits, juice, and a bottle of wine.
"Your dishes are all served. Please enjoy!" The waiters bowed and left the room.
"Brother Lin, how about a drink?" Tang Hao picked up the wine bottle and asked.
However, as soon as he spoke, he noticed the murderous glare from Blue Silver Empress. Before Lin Yongming could respond, Tang Hao quickly added, "Just kidding! My brother and I will drink."
"Big brother, let me pour you a drink," Tang Hao said, feeling a chill run down his spine as he turned to Tang Xiao and filled his cup.
"You…" Tang Xiao chuckled helplessly, then turned to Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress. "Brother Lin, Miss Lan Yin, please help yourselves. Don't be shy."
"Brothers Tang, I won't drink wine, but I'll toast you with juice. Here's to our fortunate reunion," Lin Yongming said, pouring himself a glass of juice.
"Cheers!" Tang Hao and Tang Xiao raised their glasses in unison.
"Sister Lan Yin, let's ignore these men. Here, have some juice. I'll toast you for saving me earlier," Tang Yuehua whispered to Blue Silver Empress.
"Yuehua, there's no need to be so formal. I'll toast you too," Blue Silver Empress replied with a smile.
While Lin Yongming chatted with Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, Blue Silver Empress spent most of the meal talking with Tang Yuehua. The dinner lasted nearly two hours, and by the time they left the restaurant, it was almost nine in the evening.
"Brother Lin, having you here made drinking with my brother much more enjoyable. It's just a shame you don't drink," Tang Hao said, patting Lin Yongming on the shoulder.
"As long as you enjoyed yourselves, that's what matters. I really can't drink," Lin Yongming replied.
"Second brother, that's enough. It's time to rest," Tang Xiao said, pulling Tang Hao away. "Brother Lin, get some rest. We'll see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," Lin Yongming nodded.
"Brother Lin, Sister Lan Yin, see you in the morning," Tang Yuehua bid them farewell before heading to her room.
"You've been traveling all day. Get some rest," Blue Silver Empress said to Tang Yuehua.
After saying their goodbyes, Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress returned to their room.
Once inside, Lin Yongming leaned back on the sofa.
"Xiao Ming, I thought you might have been tempted to drink with them," Blue Silver Empress said as she sat down beside him.
"How could I? Not with you around," Lin Yongming replied.
"So if I weren't here, you would've?" Blue Silver Empress teased.
"No, it's not that. I know alcohol can dull the mind, and with my condition, drinking would just make me even more useless," Lin Yongming explained.
"Sigh, it's not that I don't want you to drink. It's just that you're still young, and your eyes are a concern. If your eyes were better, I wouldn't mind you having a little. You're not upset with me, are you?" Blue Silver Empress asked hesitantly.
"A Yin, how could I be upset with you? Don't overthink it," Lin Yongming said gently, pulling her into a light embrace.
"By the way, I think Tang Xiao's suggestion makes sense. Entering the Sunset Forest from the Heaven Dou City side would be easier. What do you think?" Lin Yongming asked, seeking her opinion.
"If you're fine with it, then I am too. That side of the forest is more frequented by spirit hunters from Heaven Dou City, so the paths are clearer. Plus, if we run into trouble, there's a better chance of finding help," Blue Silver Empress agreed, resting her head on Lin Yongming's chest.
"Then let's spend one more day here to gather supplies before heading to the Heaven Dou City side," Lin Yongming suggested softly.
"Alright," Blue Silver Empress nodded.
The two sat together for a while longer before Blue Silver Empress got up to take a bath.
"I didn't expect to run into these three siblings again today. Thankfully, A Yin's heart seems to be firmly with me," Lin Yongming thought to himself.
Truth be told, Tang Hao and Tang Xiao were quite imposing figures—tall, broad-shouldered, and standing at nearly six feet three inches in their early twenties. In contrast, Lin Yongming, at ten years old, was just under six feet tall. However, with his spirit power increasing and the physical enhancements from absorbing spirit rings, he still had room to grow.
"Why am I even thinking about this? So what if they're taller than me right now?" Lin Yongming chuckled to himself.
He felt a sense of relief that he had met Blue Silver Empress first. Otherwise, he might have missed out on such a gentle and understanding partner.
As his thoughts wandered, Blue Silver Empress finished her bath and stepped out, her delicate fragrance snapping Lin Yongming back to reality.
"Xiao Ming, your turn," Blue Silver Empress said, dressed in her nightgown, her damp hair cascading down her back. She sat beside him and patted his back.
"Okay," Lin Yongming nodded, grabbing his sleepwear and heading into the bathroom.
After a quick shower, he returned and sat beside Blue Silver Empress.
Once their hair had dried naturally, it was almost ten at night. Blue Silver Empress broke the silence. "Alright, Xiao Ming, it's time for bed."
"A Yin, let's sit for a little longer," Lin Yongming said, holding her hand.
"What's gotten into you today? You're usually not this talkative," Blue Silver Empress said, surprised.
Normally, Lin Yongming wouldn't protest when she suggested it was time to sleep.
"Well…" Lin Yongming hesitated.
"What is it? Spit it out. This isn't like you," Blue Silver Empress pressed, looking at him curiously.
"A Yin, promise you won't get mad," Lin Yongming said with a smile.
"Hmph! If you don't say it soon, I'm going to bed," Blue Silver Empress said, feigning annoyance.
"Well… could you… like the other day… kiss me again?" Lin Yongming stammered, his face turning red.
As soon as the words left his mouth, he could feel his cheeks burning.
Blue Silver Empress, who had been staring at him curiously, immediately blushed.
"No way. I'm going to bed," Blue Silver Empress said, her face flushed as she stood up.
"A Yin, just one kiss. I'm too embarrassed to ask again, or I won't be able to sleep," Lin Yongming said, pulling her back onto the sofa.
"Ugh… you're so annoying. Fine, just one kiss, and then you go to sleep, okay?" Blue Silver Empress said, her tone softening.
"Okay!" Lin Yongming nodded eagerly.
"Then go ahead," Blue Silver Empress said, closing her eyes.
"Really… A Yin, you're the best!" Lin Yongming said, delighted.
"Stop talking," Blue Silver Empress pinched his arm, thinking to herself, "Doesn't he know how embarrassed I am right now?"
Lin Yongming gently placed his hands on Blue Silver Empress's shoulders and leaned in nervously.
Feeling his warm breath, Blue Silver Empress tightened her closed eyes, her heart racing and her cheeks burning.
"Only on the cheek," she reminded him in a flustered whisper.
But Lin Yongming, fumbling slightly, ended up kissing her lips instead.
"Mmm!" Blue Silver Empress's eyes flew open in surprise. She hadn't expected Lin Yongming to kiss her on the lips.
Seeing that Lin Yongming's eyes were still closed, she decided not to push him away and even began to respond.
After a while, however, she felt Lin Yongming's hands starting to wander and quickly pulled away.
"Xiao Ming, that's enough. We can't go any further," Blue Silver Empress said hurriedly.
"A Yin, I'm sorry. I got carried away," Lin Yongming said, looking embarrassed.
"Xiao Ming, I'm not mad, but we can't continue. Otherwise, your mother would blame me," Blue Silver Empress said gently.
"Huh? My mom? Why would she blame you?" Lin Yongming asked, confused.
"Well… it's just not the right time. You've had your kiss, now go to bed. I need to sleep too," Blue Silver Empress said, flustered as she stood up and hurried to her room.
"Okay," Lin Yongming replied, still puzzled.
"So that's what it feels like!" Lin Yongming muttered to himself, feeling satisfied as he headed to his own room.
"That little rascal!" Blue Silver Empress closed the door behind her, pouting before breaking into a smile and flopping onto the bed.
The next morning, Lin Yongming woke up, got dressed, and stepped out of his room to find Blue Silver Empress already sitting on the sofa.
"A Yin, good morning," Lin Yongming greeted her.
"It's not that early. Tang Yuehua already came by to knock on the door. She's waiting for you to wake up," Blue Silver Empress said with a sigh.
"Huh? Why did she come knocking?" Lin Yongming asked, puzzled.
"Probably to say goodbye. They might be leaving soon," Blue Silver Empress said, standing up.
"Then let's go out," Lin Yongming nodded.
When they stepped outside, they didn't see Tang Hao or the others. They found them in the hotel lobby, checking out.
"Brother Tang, are you leaving so early?" Lin Yongming asked.
"Brother Lin, we've had our fun. We're heading to Heaven Dou City now. We'll wait for you there. If you can't find a suitable spirit beast or if it's too strong for you, come find us in Heaven Dou City. Don't hesitate to ask for help," Tang Hao said as he walked over.
"Alright, take care," Lin Yongming nodded.
Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress walked with the three siblings for a short distance before parting ways.
That morning, the two of them explored Sunset Town a bit more and had lunch. In the afternoon, they prepared the supplies they would need for their journey.
Lin Yongming bought a large amount of supplies, which made Blue Silver Empress raise an eyebrow. "Wow, Xiao Ming, are you planning to live in the Sunset Forest permanently?"
"A Yin, it's better to be prepared," Lin Yongming replied without elaborating.
He did plan to stay at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for a while. Such a unique place was perfect for cultivating spirit power.
After gathering their supplies, they returned to the hotel.
The next morning, after breakfast, they left the town and set off.
To reach the entrance of the Sunset Forest near Heaven Dou City, they had to take a detour.
Why not fly directly over the forest? That would be suicidal, as they'd become easy targets for flying spirit beasts.
So, Blue Silver Empress guided Lin Yongming along the forest's edge.
"That's Heaven Dou City! It's so grand and majestic. No wonder it's the empire's capital," Blue Silver Empress exclaimed as the city came into view.
"Is that so? We'll visit after we get the spirit ring," Lin Yongming nodded.
Seeing Heaven Dou City meant they were close to the entrance of the Sunset Forest.
"Alright, let's head into the forest first," Blue Silver Empress agreed, though she couldn't help but worry. "We're really going to Heaven Dou City. What should I do?"
Lin Yongming soon landed at the outermost edge of the Sunset Forest. After exchanging a nod with Blue Silver Empress, they ventured deeper into the forest.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 150 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 80 power stones I will publish the next chapter.