In this moment, Lan Yixuan resembled a tranquil lake, gazing serenely at Xuan Yue. His grip on the vine tightened, a faint smile gracing his lips, embodying a calm demeanor that belied any fear of impending death. Yet, all his concerns coalesced around Xuan Yue, like an enduring painting. Upon hearing her words, he chuckled softly, "How could I bear to have you sacrifice yourself for me?"
Noticing the pallor on Xuan Yue's face, he continued, "Release your grip. If you leave, the wild boars will soon follow suit. You can return to me afterward; have faith, I can endure."
The forest breeze brushed against his face, laden with stifling humidity, failing to bring even a semblance of refreshment, instead amplifying a sense of urgency and impatience within him.
Xuan Yue had lost the will to converse with Lan Yixuan. Could he truly endure? She had witnessed the swift encroachment of the swamp. In but a moment, it could submerge him from waist to shoulder. Escaping the circle of wild boars would require time, and who knew how long these wretched beasts would linger? Her actions would only lead Lan Yixuan to the brink of despair.
"Lan Yixuan, be quiet!"
Xuan Yue spoke coldly, her tone bordering on command. The more he spoke, the deeper her sorrow sank.
In the past, there was Su Zhixin, whose warmth had proven a mere illusion. This lack of genuine warmth had shaped Xuan Yue's present character, leaving her desperately yearning, particularly for familial affection. Yet, she also feared such warmth; thus, she never easily accepted others' kindness. Once accepted, she would return it with her whole being.
The wild boars, having waited long enough, began to exhibit signs of impatience, snorting clouds of white breath, gradually advancing towards Xuan Yue in silence.
Grinding her teeth in determination, Xuan Yue said nothing, swiftly tying the other end of the vine around her waist. Taking a deep breath, she stomped forward, adopting a horse stance, her hands brushing against her waist as she drew forth sharpened stones, as lethal as daggers. With a decisive strike, she launched them, hitting several boars squarely. Blood spurted from their small wounds as the others witnessed their comrades fall, writhing in agony, fear flickering in their eyes. They hesitated, retreating a few steps, though they did not disperse, creating a tense standoff that granted Xuan Yue precious time.
Furrowing her brow, Xuan Yue gripped the vine tightly, utilizing her waist's strength to continue dragging Lan Yixuan toward the shore. He, too, felt the tightness of his brow, realizing that he had never before felt so powerless. Not even when his mother had departed had he experienced such profound self-loathing.
Xuan Yue was gambling with her life; should the boars charge her after witnessing a comrade's demise and she refused to abandon him, both would find themselves on the path to death.
Indeed, Xuan Yue was taking a risk. Had a pack of wolves appeared before her, she would never have dared act thus; their fierce pack mentality would have torn her to shreds if she harmed one. With tigers, she would also hesitate. Why could wild boars be domesticated as pigs, serving as sustenance for the people, while tigers remained wild? The boars lacked the dominant psychology of tigers and their ferocity, making her gamble somewhat founded. For now, she had won.
With each step she took forward, the wild boars encroached closer until Xuan Yue found herself entirely surrounded. Meanwhile, Lan Yixuan remained trapped in the swamp, both of them utterly exhausted.
By afternoon, the sun hung high above the densely wooded jungle, yet the heat remained oppressive. Xuan Yue squinted at the glaring orb, her vision blurred and dizzying. Suddenly, a realization struck her, and her heart raced. She scanned her surroundings, her numb expression transforming into shock.
The scorching sun evaporated the scant heat and moisture remaining, while the wild boars appeared to revel in this pointless standoff, showing no inclination to depart. They had likely grown fatigued and hungry, seeking a place to rest and eat. After all the turmoil, they were beyond exhaustion, particularly Xuan Yue, who felt faint from hunger, her head spinning from the intense sunlight. If this continued, she would surely collapse, leaving Lan Yixuan stranded in the swamp, further heightening her agitation.
Both Xuan Yue and Lan Yixuan were steeped in worry, neither better off than the other. He refrained from gazing at her; the sight of her equally anxious face would shatter his composure. Gripping the vine, he began to observe the wild boars surrounding Xuan Yue. They stood at her feet, noses lowered to the ground, sniffing curiously, seemingly intrigued by something, periodically glancing up at her before inching closer.
Xuan Yue, too, noticed the boars' increasing proximity, yet neither of them could discern what fascinated the creatures.
As the boars approached, sniffing at her feet, Xuan Yue's face was slick with sweat, droplets cascading onto the backs of the beasts, inciting their excitement. A few even leapt to catch the glistening liquid that dripped from her.
A sudden spark ignited in Lan Yixuan's weary eyes, reflecting a hint of brilliance under the sun. "Xuan Yue, take off your clothes and throw them to them!"
Xuan Yue hung her head, utterly drained, wishing to seize this rare moment of standoff to catch her breath. She glanced up at Lan Yixuan; through her sweat-soaked vision, all she saw was a blinding haze. Without further thought, she peeled off her soaked clothing, which dripped as she did so. Clad in only a bodice and white undergarments, her skin was exposed to the air, revealing numerous tiny wounds that tugged at the heartstrings, while the unscathed areas gleamed like snow.
Holding her discarded clothing aloft, the boars craned their necks to gaze up at her. Xuan Yue smiled faintly, hurling the garment toward the direction with the most boars. Instantly, the surrounding creatures rushed toward the clothing, fighting and tearing at it. Within moments, what had once adorned Xuan Yue was reduced to shreds, the boars chewing eagerly on the fabric. However, it seemed tasteless compared to the tender grass they typically consumed; they quickly spat it out and, unsatisfied, returned to Xuan Yue once more, sniffing at the torn remains.
Xuan Yue grasped the verdant vine tightly, her gaze fixed on the advancing wild boars, her breath held and fists clenched, suppressing the rising tide of fear, striving for composure.
Lan Yixuan mirrored her stance, his eyes locked onto the boars. He felt fear yet remained unyielding. Both he and Xuan Yue cherished their lives; she sought to protect Feng Jiulan, while survival for him was instinctual. If they could not escape together, remaining in this place, avoiding conflict and treachery, would not be such a terrible fate—only she would be unwilling to accept it.
The wild boars pressed forward, sniffing eagerly at Xuan Yue. She was enveloped in the stench of her own sweat and the foul odor of swamp mud, her eyes wide as each second stretched unbearably long. Her gaze betrayed far too much emotion, so she closed her eyes, acutely aware of the fetid breath of the boars against her skin, her body trembling uncontrollably.
The boars, upon sampling the remnants of Xuan Yue's attire, displayed expressions of disgust, shaking their tails as they paused momentarily. Suddenly, the silent forest erupted with sound as Xuan Yue opened her eyes to see the boars raising their heads toward the sky, exhaling snorts of both pride and disappointment. They shook their tails once more before abruptly turning away, retreating from her.
Feeling the oppressive heat gradually dissipate, Xuan Yue finally opened her eyes, watching as the wild boars ambled past her and away. A sensation akin to rebirth washed over her, leaving her weak and on the brink of collapse. Turning to Lan Yixuan, still mired in the swamp, she met his relieved smile.
"Lan Yixuan, I'm nearly out of strength."
Her voice was barely above a whisper, revealing a vulnerability Lan Yixuan had never witnessed before.
"I know."
Lan Yixuan nodded slightly, and Xianyue had already closed her eyes. She bit her lip, tugging fiercely at the rope with her shoulders, her entire being resembling a wild beast driven mad, desperately arching backward. The coppery scent of blood filled her mouth; her lower lip was completely torn. Half of Lan Yixuan's thigh was now exposed. He looked down, releasing one hand to swiftly raise his sword against the sinking, flowing mire. Summoning all his strength, he leapt out of the depths of the swamp and landed safely.
With her eyes closed, Xianyue heard a sound and saw Lan Yixuan springing from the swamp toward her, getting closer until he landed firmly on the ground. The mud splattered onto her, and in that moment, she felt the weight she had been holding lift as if it had finally found solid ground. She wanted to laugh, but to her surprise, tears flowed out even faster, and her laughter remained trapped in her throat, unable to escape. As she longed to move closer to Lan Yixuan, she found her legs trembling violently, her body weak, as if it were frozen in place, unable to move.
"Lan Gongzi."
Xianyue called softly, yet despite her gentle tone, Lan Yixuan could still sense her trembling. She stood in place, a touch of green at her waist, her legs quaking as though she might collapse at any moment.
At that moment, Lan Yixuan was a figure of mud; apart from his face, which bore only a few specks of dirt, the rest of him was caked in muck. He glanced down, his brows knitting together in distaste, more pronounced than that of the wild boars towards Xianyue's attire.
"Come here."
The command in his voice, weakened by exhaustion and trembling, lost all authority. Seeing Lan Yixuan standing still, she wanted to shout but instead murmured, "I can't move."
Her laughter sounded tinged with anger; to Lan Yixuan, it felt like playful reproach. He forcefully flicked off the mud on his hands, but the muck in his palm had already dried and refused to come off. Squatting down, he wiped his hands on the green grass—something he would never have done before. Even with his obsessive cleanliness, he could do nothing but concede now.
"Lan Yixuan."
Xianyue tried to call out again, her lips, flushed like they had been painted, still oozing blood. Even her glare held no trace of menace.
Lan Yixuan wiped the dirt from his hands and stepped closer to Xianyue, gently brushing away the tears from her face. "I won't let you worry again."
He spoke with a slight stiffness, clearly unaccustomed to such sentiment. His fingers slid down to her torn lip, cautious, whispering, "It's all torn."
His touch was soft yet unmistakably conveyed his compassion. Xianyue stared at him wide-eyed, her clear gaze still holding remnants of fear, a terror etched deep within her soul that could not vanish so quickly. She focused intently on Lan Yixuan, observing his furrowed brows, his smile, and the tenderness in his eyes.
Lan Yixuan took a step back, slightly bending at the waist. As Xianyue had remarked, he was indeed gentle and considerate, meticulous in his observations. How could he have missed the wounds on her palms? Just as he reached for her hands to check on her injuries, Xianyue suddenly stepped forward, discarding the vines in her grasp, and threw her arms around him, holding him tightly.
"Lan Yixuan, I'm covered in mud."
Lan Yixuan was taken aback, initially wanting to push her away. Having just emerged from that cursed place, he was smeared in dirt and wished to keep Xianyue from becoming filthy as well. He planned to support her if she was weak and lead her to a nearby water source to wash up.
Yet, reconsidering, a smile spread across his face. His hand, which had been poised to push Xianyue away, instead wrapped around her, gently patting her back. At that moment, despite Xianyue wearing only a thin garment, both of them who had danced with death felt a profound sense of relief, their hearts drawing closer without any romantic thoughts.
"I'm fine."
"I'm fine."
Lan Yixuan repeated this insistently, uncertain of what else to say. He was unharmed, and therefore there was no need for her to worry or fear.
"Lan Gongzi, please be quiet."
Lan Yixuan chuckled, somewhat helpless, and indeed fell silent.
Xianyue stood on her tiptoes, her chin resting against his chest. Did he even realize how terrified she had been? She had seen a glimmer of hope, only for the vile wild boars to suddenly appear. Did he understand the feeling of chaos within her, especially in the moment he had almost let go? She had truly felt the urge to abandon the vines and jump back into his embrace. Could he not cease testing her? Faced with death, she felt no fear; it was merely the thought of Lan Yixuan being engulfed by the swamp that rendered her heart in anguish. Life without him seemed devoid of meaning.
In this world, no one was indispensable, yet without that certain someone, nothing else mattered. If that person were to vanish, life would lose its essence. Though she had a brother whom she cared for, she felt an undeniable attachment to Lan Yixuan, especially after all he had done. She was human, and even if her heart were made of stone or steel, Lan Yixuan's actions were enough to melt it.
"From now on, you must not do that, understand?"
Xianyue withdrew a hand and lightly tapped Lan Yixuan's chest, but all that fell was a layer of mud that splattered onto her face, mingling the yellowish muck with the sweat and blood on her palms.
"I promised I would take you safely out of this place."
Xianyue blinked, tears on her lashes mingling with sweat as they dripped onto Lan Yixuan's hand. "Lan Yixuan, I am neither Hua Chuxue nor Ning Yunya, nor am I one of those sheltered young ladies. I grew up in the mountains; my skills are not much inferior to yours. I possess survival knowledge you are unaware of, and I can take care of myself. So listen carefully: no matter what happens, take care of yourself. If this happens again, we'll go our separate ways."
She tilted her head slightly, meeting Lan Yixuan's gaze. Seeing him remain silent, she grew anxious, shaking him. Lan Yixuan released her hand, nodding, "Understood."
He knew that if given another chance, he would act the same way, unwilling to witness her in danger. If he were to die in her stead, he would hope she remained indifferent, for that would mean she could continue to live well. Yet, he felt a selfish yearning to be remembered by her for a lifetime. Watching the one he loved drift away was far more terrifying than death itself.
Humans are always the most contradictory beings.
Three words. Xianyue felt not a shred of sincerity; her eyes cast downwards, she scrutinized Lanyu Xuan from head to toe. Then, stepping onto her toes, she approached him and bit down on his smiling lips without hesitation.
At that moment, Lanyu Xuan's entire being seemed to only retain the cleanliness of his face, which could barely still express words. Xianyue had intended to bite his cheek, but upon closer inspection, she noticed the lack of flesh there, and feared that leaving teeth marks would mar his appearance.
Xianyue's action took Lanyu Xuan completely by surprise; his look of bewilderment only served to delight her. She bit down with fervor, as was her habit; whenever her mouth was directed at Lanyu Xuan, she never held back. It was only when she drew blood that she would relent, and this time was no different.
This was not a kiss; Xianyue's sharp teeth grazed Lanyu Xuan's lips, and she tasted the familiar metallic tang of blood. Just as she was about to withdraw, Lanyu Xuan reached out, trying to clasp her head and make this punishment a bit sweeter. However, as if she had eyes in the back of her head, Xianyue deftly avoided him, raising an eyebrow from three paces away. "You're covered in mud, absolutely filthy! Go wash up."
The punishment was merely that—a punishment. Whether to inflict pain or provoke yearning, it was crucial that he remembered it. In truth, she simply cared.
Lanyu Xuan gazed at Xianyue, looking somewhat weary, his cheeks dusted with a rosy hue like that of rouge, while the cinnabar between his brows held a rare hint of girlish shyness, blooming like a vibrant petal. Her exposed skin, still muddy, contrasted sharply with her delicate appearance, and the playful flutter of her eyelids added to her charm.
"Does it hurt? Pain fosters memory."
They swiftly traversed the thicket, and Xianyue recounted her recent encounter in the woods to Lanyu Xuan—not to incite worry, but to convey the danger of their surroundings and the need for vigilance. Upon hearing her, Lanyu Xuan couldn't help but break into a cold sweat, realizing the tremendous resolve Xianyue must have summoned to retrieve those vines.
"Lanyu Xuan, had you not impulsively rushed to save me, my position would have only been at the swamp's edge. With your skills, you could have rescued me swiftly."
Xianyue calmly articulated her thoughts, aiming to make him understand that in this perilous place, one must not allow concern to cloud judgment. Ensuring the safety of both was the utmost priority.
Before long, they stumbled upon a stream, its crystal-clear waters revealing a bed of pebbles as white as jade, glimmering under the sun.
In contrast to Lanyu Xuan's fastidiousness, Xianyue prioritized her own hunger, quickly rinsing the wild fruits she had gathered. Though they did not provide as much sustenance as meat, they were undoubtedly a delectable treat for her at that moment.
"Lord Lanyu, catch!"
Lanyu Xuan straightened up, raising his hand to catch the fruits Xianyue tossed. After rinsing them in the stream, he tasted one, his brow furrowing slightly, but satisfaction soon washed over his face.
Previously, he had not favored such sweet and sour fare, yet now, as the tangy nectar slid down his throat, he shared Xianyue's sentiment: it was indeed a rare delicacy of the world.
The sweet and tangy juice alleviated Xianyue's hunger. After satisfying her appetite, she closed her eyes on the riverbank for a brief respite. Feeling revitalized, she eventually opened her eyes, beaming, and jumped into the water.
Having cleaned himself thoroughly, Lanyu Xuan noticed Xianyue entering the stream, so he retreated to the bank, settling where she had just sat to consume the remnants of her fruit. Occasionally, he would close his eyes, but for the most part, his gaze remained fixed on Xianyue. It wasn't a lewd stare; as Xianyue had previously cautioned him, danger lurked everywhere in this place, and vigilance was imperative. Besides, she was still clad in the garments she could wear.
The fabric clung to her form, drying rapidly under the sun. Having eaten and drunk her fill, Xianyue felt a touch languid, yet she dared not relax her guard. She quickly washed away the mud covering her, the sun illuminating her dark hair as it lay on the water's surface, contrasting vividly against her snow-white, glistening arms.
With her head lowered, she carefully tended to the wound in her palm, where the dried blood gradually seeped back, spreading in gentle ripples.
Lanyu Xuan, seated on the riverbank, fruit in hand, suddenly noticed a large patch of dark green behind Xianyue, moving toward her. Sensing something amiss, he stood, urgently waving to the focused Xianyue. "Come back, Xianyue."
Upon glancing at Lanyu Xuan's altered expression, Xianyue immediately sensed the danger. Without a second thought, she swam towards the bank. However, as she moved, the wound in her palm reopened, crimson threads swirling in the water, drawing the nearby fish into a frenzied state.
Lanyu Xuan swiftly drew his sword and, without hesitation, struck at the school of fish behind Xianyue, sending white sprays of water erupting. The dark green fish soared momentarily before plunging back into the stream, their backs flashing white as they turned towards the scent of blood, viciously attacking the corpses of their fallen companions.
In mere moments, the surface of the river was littered with bones, swiftly sinking into the depths.
Seeing Xianyue safely return to the shore, Lanyu Xuan retreated as well. As Xianyue swam back, she felt an unbearable pain in her instep, as if something had clamped down on her. Upon reaching the shore, she discovered a 25-centimeter-long, light green fish with a fiery red belly attached to her foot. Without hesitation, she grabbed a nearby stone and stabbed it in the back with the sharp edge. The fish released its grip, and she was freed.
"What is this?"
Lanyu Xuan approached, using his sword to toss the fish she had slain back into the water, then squatted down before her.
"A piranha."
Xianyue frowned, her pale foot revealing a torn patch of skin. Thankfully, Lanyu Xuan had spotted it in time; had the entire school charged, she might not have made it out alive.
Noticing Lanyu Xuan still scrutinizing her, she continued, "I've only seen them in books before; this is my first time witnessing them in person. Their teeth are impenetrable, and they become savage at the scent of blood. My injury was likely inflicted when I was cleaning the wound. Truly, they are merciless, devoid of humanity."
As Xianyue gazed at the skeletal remains of the piranhas, she reflected on how the wild boars would not sacrifice their lives for their companions, while the scent of blood drove the piranhas to turn on one another.
Looking down at her wounded foot, she noticed Lanyu Xuan's sudden glance at her chest, which prompted him to quickly turn away. Oblivious to the flush creeping across his face, Xianyue focused on treating her injuries, hoping the herbs could heal her swiftly.
After a moment of contemplation, Lanyu Xuan shed his purple outer garment and draped it over Xianyue. "Wear this."
Xianyue looked up at Lanyu Xuan and nodded. Given her current state, it was indeed inconvenient. She didn't worry about Lanyu Xuan having ulterior motives; it was merely that without an outer garment, she would be subject to mosquito bites daily. Lanyu Xuan was not a lecher; if he were, he wouldn't have rejected the advances of so many women. Little did she know that in Lanyu Xuan's heart, she was entirely different from those women, and the temptation she posed was incomparable.
With his head bowed, Lanyu Xuan began to bandage Xianyue's wounds. She felt a pang of regret for the medicinal powder; if either of them were to sustain another injury, they would truly have to rely on the herbs of the forest.
"Rest well."
Lan Yixuan carefully bandaged Xuan Yue's wounds. The injury on her hand was manageable, at least it wouldn't hinder their journey. However, her foot was in such a state that walking was utterly impossible; she couldn't possibly let Lan Yixuan support her, a burden in her current condition.
"Lan Yixuan."
Xuan Yue turned her body slightly, gazing intently at the man seated beside her, and gently wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead. "If we can both escape this cursed place safely, I promise to marry you."
Her lips curled upward, and as she spoke those words, there was no trace of shyness—only sheer determination.
Lan Yixuan pressed his lips together, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners, like ripples dancing across the surface of a lake disturbed by fine sand. His smile gradually spread, wavering between amusement and something indescribable.
As he gathered their belongings, he raised an eyebrow at Xuan Yue. "Haven't you always declared that you would marry no one but me?"
"Wasn't it you who insisted you would marry no one but me?"
Xuan Yue teased, recalling her past declarations that she would rather face the end of the world than be with Lan Yixuan.
Noticing Xuan Yue's complexion had paled slightly, Lan Yixuan's heart tightened. He grasped her hand, which felt ice-cold, devoid of warmth, and lost his will to argue. "Rest for now; I will always be here, unwavering in my intention to marry you."
After a day filled with near-death experiences, what more was there to worry about? They simply needed to cherish what they had while they could.
At the mention of resting, Xuan Yue yawned and leaned against his shoulder, gradually closing her eyes. "Young Master Lan, let's wait until my injury has healed before we leave."
She understood that Lan Yixuan's eagerness to leave was not as urgent as it seemed; he acted solely for her benefit. Yet, as she had previously said, being injured in this perilous place was a liability for him.
"Mm."
Lan Yixuan tightened his embrace around Xuan Yue, gently acknowledging her request. The two nestled together, their hearts drawing closer.
The night passed uneventfully, and they lingered by the riverside as a temporary refuge. They stayed there for nearly a week, during which Xuan Yue's foot healed, thanks to Lan Yixuan's potent remedies. With a supply of wild fruits and the meat from the wild boar she had hunted, they continued their journey southward, encountering a relatively tranquil stretch compared to their previous trials.
On the twelfth day, which marked the fifth day of their travels, they arrived at a valley. Unlike the lush, flowering areas they had seen before, this place bore no signs of life, appearing as if it had been scorched by fire, barren and desolate. Both Xuan Yue and Lan Yixuan felt a chill of apprehension as they pressed on for roughly two hours, discovering a mound of bleached bones, each skeleton remarkably intact, resembling the structure of the wild boars they had encountered earlier, showing no signs of being torn apart. The sight sent a shiver down their spines.
Xuan Yue approached cautiously and, with a gentle touch, caused the pristine skeleton to collapse to the ground, dissipating into white smoke, carried away by the wind.
"What on earth is happening?"
Xuan Yue looked at Lan Yixuan, equally perplexed, shaking her head in confusion. She had no idea what could have taken down over thirty wild boars. It was as if everything in this place had been ravaged by an unrelenting force, leaving behind no trace of life.
While they were engrossed in their speculations about the phenomenon, a distant sound of panicked beasts fleeing through the forest reached their ears, growing nearer with every passing moment. Both their hearts skipped a beat. Xuan Yue exchanged a quick glance with Lan Yixuan and made her way toward the top of the valley, with Lan Yixuan closely following her. As they reached the summit, they spotted a large group of animals rushing toward them in a frenzy—carnivorous and herbivorous alike, some strong and others feeble, yet all sharing the same frantic fear, as if some great terror pursued them from behind.
When this mass of creatures congregated or found themselves cornered, they emitted mournful cries of distress. Lan Yixuan grasped Xuan Yue's hand and pointed to the expanse of dark gray land below. Upon seeing it, Xuan Yue's face paled, and without a moment's hesitation, she shouted, "Run!"
With that, she tugged Lan Yixuan in another direction. Lan Yixuan glanced at her, and she exclaimed, "It's the army of man-eating ants!"
Cursed be it! She had only heard tales of man-eating ants in Africa; how could they also exist in this place?