Doulou Dalu 22

The young woman held Xiao Wu in her arms and looked at Lin Fan again. Lin Fan quickly spoke, his voice carrying urgency, "Hello, sister. I came here with… the kitten. I hope you can save my friend."

The young woman smiled gently. "I heard what you said just now. I know you're not here to harm us. Since you saved Xiao Wu's friend—your friend—I will definitely help her. Bring her inside."

Lin Fan carefully carried Tang Yiran into the wooden house.

The woman examined Tang Yiran's pulse, her brows furrowing slightly. After a moment, she sighed. "It's the Eight-Tailed Poison. A truly rare and deadly toxin. If she weren't a Soul Emperor with such a strong body, she wouldn't have lasted this long. I can detoxify her, but it will take a few days."

"Really?!" Lin Fan's face lit up with relief. "Thank you, sister! I'll wait as long as it takes. You're so kind... and truly beautiful."

The woman chuckled softly, a warmth in her gaze, then turned to Xiao Wu. "Xiao Wu, take this human friend outside. I need to concentrate on healing this woman."

"Okay, Mom!" Xiao Wu leaped down and grinned at Lin Fan. "Come on, let's go out. My mom is amazing at healing. All the injured soul beasts in the forest come to her for help. That's why Xiao Bai brought you here."

Lin Fan followed Xiao Wu outside, glancing back at the young woman. She was Xiao Wu's mother… and far more beautiful than she appeared in the anime.

A pang of regret stirred in his chest. She was destined to die at the hands of Bibi Dong. Could his presence change that? It seemed difficult. Even if Bibi Dong fell in love with him, her nature wouldn't change. She was meant to rise as the Pope, obsessed with power and immortality.

Could she ever give up a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring?

He sighed. "Forget it. I'll think about the future later."

Xiao Wu led him to a quiet clearing. "Come on, let's admire the moon. I come here every night. It's one of my favorite places."

Lin Fan smiled. "That sounds nice. You and your mother are so kind. I never expected soul beasts to be so… compassionate."

Xiao Wu's eyes gleamed as she gazed at the sky. "I wish I could visit human cities. It must be so fun there. But humans don't like us."

Lin Fan's voice was gentle. "Maybe one day, that will change. Humans are starting to realize that if soul beasts disappear, they'll lose their spirit rings too. I believe that someday, humans and soul beasts will coexist peacefully."

Xiao Wu turned to him, eyes full of emotion. "I wish all humans were as kind as you."

She hesitated before adding, "You never asked why my mother is human while I'm a soul beast. Do you know how soul beasts transform?"

Lin Fan nodded. "I know a little…"

Xiao Wu took a deep breath. "My mother was once a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast, just like me. She chose to transform into a human. One day, I'll be like her. I only have four more years before my transformation."

Lin Fan frowned. "But that's dangerous. You're incredibly strong now. Your mother must have needed protection after transforming."

Xiao Wu gazed at the moon. "That's our fate. You and that human woman… I don't want to let you leave. You know where we live. What if you bring people to hunt us?"

Lin Fan gently placed a hand on her furry head. "I promise, Xiao Wu, I would never do that. I do need a spirit ring, but I would never take it from you or your mother. How about we be friends instead?"

Xiao Wu's ears perked up. "Friends?"

"Yes! I'll even take you to a human city one day. You're so small, no one will notice if I hide you."

Her bright red eyes widened in excitement. "Really? You'd take me with you?"

Lin Fan smiled warmly. "Of course. Come, let's enjoy the moon together."

Xiao Wu curled up beside him, resting against his arm. "Okay… I'll be your friend, Xiao Fan. And if you ever need help, come find me. I'll protect you."

Lin Fan chuckled. "That's a deal. And when you transform, I'll protect you too."

The two lay there under the starry sky, the moonlight casting a soft glow over them. Lin Fan gently stroked Xiao Wu's fur, feeling an unexpected sense of peace.

---

Two Days Later

Tang Yiran's eyes fluttered open. The first thing she saw was Lin Fan.

"Am I… alive?" she whispered.

Lin Fan grinned. "Yes, Sister Yiran. The poison is gone."

Without warning, Tang Yiran sat up and threw her arms around him, her voice shaking. "I thought I'd never see you again… Xiaofan."

Lin Fan stiffened, completely caught off guard.

Realizing what she was doing, Tang Yiran quickly pulled away, her face flushed. "I—I mean… was it you who saved me?"

Lin Fan scratched his head. "Not exactly. It was her." He pointed toward Xiao Wu's mother, who entered the room holding a small rabbit.

Tang Yiran immediately bowed. "Thank you for saving my life."

The woman helped her up gently. "Your friend brought you just in time. You're lucky. But this place is dangerous. It's best if you both leave soon."

Xiao Wu pouted. "Mom… do they really have to go?"

Tang Yiran glanced at the rabbit in confusion. "Who is that…?"

Lin Fan quickly reassured her, "They're soul beasts, Sister Yiran. But they saved you. Please… don't tell anyone about this. If people find out, they'll be in danger."

Tang Yiran's eyes widened in shock. "A hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast…"

She took a deep breath and nodded solemnly. "I won't tell anyone. You have my word."

As they left, Xiao Wu called out, "Xiao Fan! Don't forget to take me to the human city!"

Lin Fan turned back with a smile. "I won't forget, Xiao Wu. I'll come see you again!"

---

As they walked away, Tang Yiran suddenly stopped. She turned to Lin Fan, her eyes filled with something new—something soft and warm.

"Xiaofan…" she whispered.

Before he could react, she cupped his face and pressed a gentle, lingering kiss to his cheek.

Lin Fan froze, his heart pounding.

Tang Yiran's voice was barely above a whisper. "Thank you… for everything."

Lin Fan swallowed hard. "S-Sister Yiran, we should go. We've been gone for two days. The others might still be looking for us."

Tang Yiran smirked. "Fine. But don't think I'll forget that, Xiaofan."

Lin Fan exhaled deeply. What was happening? First Xiao Wu, now Tang Yiran…

His life was definitely about to get more complicated.