Guardian Wolf
Her body shook uncontrollably, sweat running down her pale face. "It burns...!" Lang Huan gasped, her voice trembling. The pain spread, swirling through her body, trying to break through her energy channels.
"Relax. Struggling will only make the pain worse."
Lang Yuyan moved closer, kneeling beside Lang Huan and gently placing her cool fingers on her forehead. "Take deep breaths. Don't resist it—guide the energy instead. Focus on your body's energy points. Start with the
"It's located just below your navel, the center where all your energy gathers and flows."
Lang Huan closed her eyes, focused on her breathing, and slowly imagined the energy gathering in her stomach. In her mind, she saw a golden light spreading out, searching for a way to flow.
She directed the burning energy toward her lower dantian, picturing it as a bright sun. With each breath, the blockages in her energy channels started to crack. Then, with a soft pop, her first energy point opened, like a dam bursting. The unbearable heat faded, replaced by a refreshing surge of energy flowing through her body.
Sweating but no longer in pain, Lang Huan's breathing steadied. Her body felt lighter, as if the fire inside her had transformed into pure strength.
"Good," Lang Yuyan said softly, her voice full of approval. "You've opened the first gate. This is enough for now—you just need to keep practicing."
She paused, observing Lang Huan's exhausted expression. "Are you okay?"
Lang Huan groaned, feeling like her body had been ripped apart and put back together. She looked up at Lang Yuyan, frustration clear in her voice.
Lang Huan smoothed her messy hair. "I am fine..But if I need to meet you again... how do I find you? Can't you at least guide me through it?"
The beautiful woman smiled softly, a hint of mystery in her expression. "I'll come to you when it's necessary. No need to search for me." She paused for a moment before adding, "I'm also giving you a guardian wolf. It will protect you."
Lang Huan raised an eyebrow. "Wait... what do you mean by that?"
As the voice began to fade, Lang Huan quickly called out, "Wait... wait! I still have so many questions!"
The moment she opened her eyes, she was met with a giant wolf's face—its nose practically touching hers.
"AHHHH!" Lang Huan screamed, pushing backward on the cold stone floor.
The guardian wolf simply tilted its head, then started howling and wagging its tail like an excited puppy. Lang Huan clutched her chest, trying to calm her racing heartbeat. I'm going to have a heart attack long before I even get the chance to restore the Lang Clan... she thought bitterly.
Despite its giant size, the wolf didn't seem dangerous. It was as tall as a majestic steed, with a thick, beautiful coat of pure white fur. But instead of acting like some fierce beast, it just stuck close to her, nudging her for attention and pets.
After a while, Lang Huan narrowed her eyes and looked at it suspiciously. Where did this wolf even come from?
"Ugh..." She suddenly remembered something. Lin Ruochen!
Lang Huan quickly turned and saw that the woman was still lying unconscious. She scrambled toward her and gently shook her shoulder. "Ruo Chen… Ruo Chen, wake up!"
Slowly, Lin Ruochen's eyes opened. The first thing she saw was Lang Huan's worried face.
But before she could say anything…
A big, wet tongue suddenly licked the air right next to Lang Huan's face.
Lin Ruochen blinked once. Then twice. Her vision cleared, and she found herself staring at a giant blue-eyed wolf standing beside Lang Huan, watching her with curiosity.
"AAAAAHHHH!!"
Lin Ruochen screamed loudly and then…fainted.
Lang Huan and the wolf stared at each other in silence.
"Phew…" Lang Huan let out a deep sigh and sat down, feeling exhausted. She held her growling stomach and looked at the giant wolf in front of her. As if it understood her thoughts, the wolf suddenly walked away without a sound.
Lin Ruochen slowly regained consciousness again. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, looking confused.
Lang Huan moved closer. "Calm down, calm down! Don't panic!" she said quickly. "That wolf is the guardian of Ling Xiao Palace. It won't hurt us."
Lin Ruochen didn't say anything and simply hugged her knees. All she wanted was to leave this creepy place as soon as possible.
After a while, the wolf proudly returned, carrying a large fruit in its mouth. Drool dripped down the fruit, pooling on the ground as the wolf dropped its "gift" at Lang Huan's feet.
Lang Huan stared at the wet, slimy fruit with disgust. "Ugh..." she groaned, pushing it away with her hand.
The wolf narrowed its eyes, clearly offended. With a huff, it lightly kicked Lang Huan with its hind leg. She glared at the wolf, but the loud growl of her stomach reminded her that she had no other choice.
With a sigh of defeat, she picked up the fruit, wiped it with her sleeve, and took a small bite to check if it was safe to eat.
She handed a piece to Lin Ruochen. "Eat. We don't know when we'll get food again." Lin Ruochen hesitated, staring at the fruit doubtfully. But after seeing Lang Huan eat it first, she finally took a bite.
Beside them, the wolf sat wagging its tail, clearly pleased with itself.
---
In her bedroom, Feng Yao sat at a wooden table, her eyes carefully studying a map of Shangyue Forest. It had been a long time, yet there was still no news about Lang Huan or Lin Ruochen.
With a cold expression, she picked up a letter from her spy, quickly unfolded it, and read the contents in silence. Once finished, she didn't hesitate to burn the letter over the candle's flame, watching as the paper turned to ash.
Seeing Feng Yao frown, Qiu Yue hesitated before finally speaking, "They disappeared in Shangyue Forest on the bloody night… Could the rumors about vengeful spirit be true?"
Feng Yao let out a sharp snort. "I don't believe it!" She shot Qiu Yue a piercing look. "Have you searched every part of Shangyue Forest?"
Qiu Yue quickly nodded. "Yes, Your Highness…"
However, Feng Yao raised an eyebrow before tapping a spot on the map. "There's one place you might have overlooked—the cliff. They couldn't have just vanished into thin air."
Qiu Yue fell silent for a moment before nodding seriously. The cliff… It was the only place she hadn't checked. But if they had fallen there… wouldn't that mean they were most likely dead? She could only pray that they were still alive.