Sign in quest

While Mu Qian and Shen Yuan were resting, a soft yet distinct notification suddenly echoed in Shen Yuan's mind. His body tensed slightly as the system's voice rang out.

[Ding… Host has received an Extraction chance.]

[Would the Host like to extract?]

[Yes/No]

Shen Yuan's mind barely hesitated before he thought, "Yes."

The system instantly responded, its interface shifting before his eyes.

[Ding! Host has obtained the Divine Qi Sword.]

Shen Yuan's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. He could hardly believe what he was seeing.

"What… isn't this the legendary sword Ling Ying mentioned in the novel?" His fingers twitched as if he could already feel the weight of the weapon in his grasp. He had read about this sword before—it wasn't just any ordinary blade.

"This sword allows the wielder to control the elemental Qi they possess," he mused, excitement bubbling within him. If the system had truly granted him such an artifact, then his strength had just taken a tremendous leap forward.

Before he could get lost in his thoughts, a soft, curious voice pulled him back to reality.

"What are you thinking about?" Mu Qian asked, tilting her head slightly. Her delicate features were framed by the gentle glow of the setting sun, making her expression appear even more innocent and endearing.

Shen Yuan blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her presence. He quickly schooled his expression and replied, "Nothing."

Mu Qian pouted slightly, sensing that he wasn't telling the full truth, but she didn't press further. Instead, they both returned to the task at hand—preparing for the night.

With the sky gradually darkening, they focused on building a suitable shelter. The two worked side by side, gathering sturdy branches, thick leaves, and soft moss to construct a small but well-structured refuge. Shen Yuan took the lead in assembling the frame, while Mu Qian helped by weaving the leaves together for insulation.

At one point, Shen Yuan ventured a bit farther to hunt. He swiftly located a few first-rank sheep demons, taking them down with precise efficiency. After skinning them, he collected their wool, knowing it would help keep them warm through the night.

By the time their shelter was finished, the moon had already risen, casting its pale glow upon the landscape. Their efforts had paid off—their temporary home was sturdy and provided enough comfort to ensure a good rest.

As they stepped inside, Mu Qian hesitated slightly. Her cheeks grew warm as she glanced at Shen Yuan. The small space meant they would be sleeping close together, and the thought alone made her heartbeat quicken.

Shen Yuan, however, seemed completely unbothered. Without a second thought, he gently pulled her into his embrace, holding her against his chest.

Mu Qian's breath hitched as her body stiffened. "W-why is he holding me like this?" she panicked internally, her face burning hotter by the second.

Meanwhile, Shen Yuan merely closed his eyes, exhaling softly. "She's so warm," he thought, his grip unconsciously tightening around her.

Mu Qian lay still, her mind racing. She could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest, hear the quiet rhythm of his breathing. The sensation was oddly comforting, despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her. Eventually, exhaustion won over, and she drifted off into sleep.

Just before succumbing to slumber himself, Shen Yuan instinctively leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss against Mu Qian's forehead. The tender action was almost subconscious, but it left an unfamiliar warmth lingering in his chest.

Hours Later…

As the first light of dawn filtered through the gaps in their shelter, Mu Qian stirred. Slowly, she opened her eyes, her vision slightly hazy from sleep.

Her gaze landed on Shen Yuan, who was still asleep beside her. The soft morning glow highlighted his features, making them appear even sharper.

His long, jet-black hair cascaded over his shoulders, slightly messy from sleep. His jawline was strong and well-defined, his skin smooth. The gentle rise and fall of his chest gave him a peaceful, almost ethereal aura.

Mu Qian felt her heart race. "He looks… so different when he's asleep."

She swallowed, suddenly feeling an unfamiliar sense of nervousness. "Why am I staring at him like this?" she scolded herself, but her eyes refused to look away.

Almost without thinking, she reached out, her fingers hovering just above his cheek. The temptation to touch him was overwhelming. Finally, she gave in, lightly tracing the curve of his face.

The moment her skin made contact with his, a shiver ran down her spine. His warmth was unexpectedly intoxicating.

Realizing what she was doing, she quickly pulled her hand back. "What am I thinking?" she reprimanded herself, shaking her head.

But just as she was about to turn away, Shen Yuan's eyes fluttered open.

Mu Qian froze.

His deep, star-like gaze locked onto hers, still heavy with sleep. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

"You're awake?" he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.

Mu Qian's body stiffened as she quickly turned her back to him. "Y-yes… I just woke up," she stammered, trying to sound composed.

Shen Yuan smirked, sensing her flustered state. "You were staring at me, weren't you?"

Her face burned even brighter. "N-no! I was just—just checking if you were still breathing!" she lied, her voice slightly too high-pitched.

Shen Yuan chuckled, clearly amused. Without warning, he pulled her into his arms once again, his breath warm against her ear. "Liar," he whispered.

Mu Qian tensed. "Y-you… let go!" she protested, trying to push him away.

Shen Yuan laughed but eventually released her. Stretching lazily, he said, "Alright, alright. Let's get up and prepare for the journey ahead."

Mu Qian, still flustered, quickly scrambled to her feet, focusing all her energy on tidying the shelter.

Just as they finished packing their belongings, a familiar system notification rang in Shen Yuan's mind.

[Ding! Sign-in quest 'Ghost Spirit Forest' activated.]

[New Task: Reach the Ghost Spirit Forest within 24 hours. Rewards: Unknown.]

Shen Yuan's brows furrowed slightly as he read the message.

"Ghost Spirit Forest?" The name alone sent an ominous feeling through him.

Mu Qian, noticing his sudden change in expression, asked, "What's wrong?"

Shen Yuan hesitated before replying, "We need to move quickly. There's somewhere we have to reach before nightfall."

Mu Qian frowned slightly. "Where?"

"The Ghost Spirit Forest."

The moment the words left his lips, a cold gust of wind rustled through the trees, making the atmosphere feel strangely eerie.

Mu Qian swallowed. "That place… sounds dangerous."

Shen Yuan nodded. "It probably is. But I have no choice—I need to go there."

Mu Qian clenched her fists. "Then I'm coming with you."

Shen Yuan looked at her, about to protest, but when he saw the determination in her eyes, he sighed. "She's stubborn."

"Fine," he relented. "But stay close to me at all times."

Mu Qian nodded, her resolve unwavering.

Without further delay, the two finished their preparations and set off toward the Ghost Spirit Forest. The dense wilderness stretched ahead of them, filled with unknown dangers lurking in the shadows.