Chapter 230: Qiu'er Wants to Explore the Human World, Di Tian

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Qiu'er stared at her own transformation, her eyes filled with confusion. Her body trembled slightly, as if she were afraid.

Dai Chengfeng was also puzzled and reached out to examine Qiu'er's condition.

But in the next second…

The golden light flickering around Qiu'er suddenly paused, then quickly retracted.

The human form Qiu'er had taken on, wearing the clothes Dai Chengfeng had prepared for her, instantly reverted back into the adorable shape of the Three-Eyed Golden Lion.

On the ground, only the hastily discarded clothes remained, lying there forlornly.

"Meow! What's happening to me…?"

In an instant, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion instinctively let out a startled meow. But soon, she realized that she could still speak human language.

"Dai Chengfeng, Dai Chengfeng, why did I suddenly turn back?"

Quickly, she leapt onto Dai Chengfeng, her big round eyes wide open, brimming with confusion.

Her little paws unconsciously tugged at Dai Chengfeng's pant leg.

Seeing this, Dai Chengfeng's eyes flashed with surprise, his brows furrowing slightly as he thought deeply.

"Could it be that Qiu'er's transformation has a time limit?"

Dai Chengfeng felt this was highly likely. After all, the Phoenix Transformation she had gained from consuming the Phoenix Lingzhi Grass was a special ability.

Maintaining such a unique ability would undoubtedly consume soul power.

As her soul power gradually depleted, the transformation effect would become difficult to sustain.

Previously, Dai Chengfeng had assumed that because Qiu'er already possessed the innate ability to permanently transform into a human, consuming the Phoenix Lingzhi Grass would allow her to maintain her human form without being restricted by soul power.

But now, it seemed that wasn't the case.

Even after consuming the Phoenix Lingzhi Grass and transforming into a human, Qiu'er still needed to expend soul power. Once her soul power ran low, or if she actively canceled the transformation, she would revert to her spirit beast form.

With this realization, Dai Chengfeng crouched down, picked up the panicking Qiu'er, and gently patted her head, soothing her tenderly:

"Don't worry, this is normal."

"Your transformation consumes soul power. When your soul power runs out, you naturally revert to your original form."

"And once your soul power recovers, as long as you wish to transform, you should be able to turn back into a human."

"Whew!"

Upon hearing this, Qiu'er sighed in relief, her previously tense little body relaxing slightly.

"So that's how it is… Thank goodness."

"I thought I'd only be able to stay in human form for a short while and never transform again!"

As she spoke, Qiu'er regained her optimism. She clung tightly to Dai Chengfeng's clothes with her front paws while gazing up at him with sparkling golden eyes, full of anticipation and cautious hope:

"Dai Chengfeng, since I can still transform back into a human…"

"Can I go out and explore with you?"

When Dai Chengfeng heard Qiu'er's request, he was momentarily stunned, then his eyes lit up with delight:

"You want to go out with me?"

Qiu'er nodded vigorously, her expression serious. "Yes, I want to go out!"

"The Great Star Dou Forest is so boring."

"So, I want to see the world—the exciting human world you and Sister Xiao Wu have talked about!"

"Qiu'er, are you sure about this?"

Standing nearby, Xiao Wu looked at Qiu'er and slowly spoke, her voice tinged with concern.

Although she felt an urge to forcefully stop Qiu'er, she didn't know how to bring herself to do it.

After all, Qiu'er had already chosen to transform into a human and decided to leave the Great Star Dou Forest to explore the outside world. How could she now force the Three-Eyed Golden Lion not to go?

Moreover, Xiao Wu understood clearly.

If Qiu'er had already developed curiosity about the outside world, even if she tried to stop her now, Qiu'er would surely find a way to sneak out later.

Given that…

Xiao Wu actually felt that it might be safer for Qiu'er to go out with Dai Chengfeng.

After all, Dai Chengfeng hadn't killed her—a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast—so why would he harm Qiu'er, who was only five thousand years old?

Furthermore, she could tell that Dai Chengfeng genuinely cared for Qiu'er.

Hearing this, Qiu'er nodded firmly at Xiao Wu, her eyes filled with determination. "Sister Xiao Wu, I've made up my mind."

"And don't worry about me. Dai Chengfeng will protect me."

With that, Qiu'er turned her watery, pleading gaze toward Dai Chengfeng.

"Please, Dai Chengfeng? Take me with you?"

"I promise I won't cause any trouble and will do whatever you say, okay? Please, please~"

At this moment, Dai Chengfeng couldn't help but smile at Qiu'er's adorable and hopeful expression. He reached out and gently rubbed her little head, saying warmly:

"Alright, I agree."

Dai Chengfeng naturally wouldn't refuse. After all, if he wanted to build a bond with Qiu'er so that she would willingly sacrifice herself for him someday, which would better strengthen their relationship—seeing each other once every few years or spending time together every day?

The answer was obvious.

"Yay!"

Seeing Dai Chengfeng agree to her request, Qiu'er instantly cheered with excitement, rubbing her little head against Dai Chengfeng's cheek. "Dai Chengfeng, you're the best!"

Dai Chengfeng smiled and shook his head at Qiu'er's excitement. "Since you want to go out with me, let's head back first."

"It's getting late. If we don't return soon, my teacher will start to worry."

"Mm, mm, I'll do whatever you say…"

Qiu'er quickly nodded, afraid that Dai Chengfeng might change his mind.

Dai Chengfeng chuckled and gave her head another gentle rub before turning his gaze to Xiao Wu.

His expression grew serious, and he solemnly warned her:

"Miss Xiao Wu, you should head back too."

"But over the next few days, be careful. You, Da Ming, and Er Ming must avoid the central region of the Great Star Dou Forest."

"If my teacher discovers you, it'll put all of you in danger."

With that, Dai Chengfeng stood up and prepared to leave with Qiu'er.

Xiao Wu watched their retreating figures, her eyes filled with curiosity. She wondered who Dai Chengfeng's teacher was, someone capable of endangering her, Da Ming, and Er Ming.

Still, she nodded gravely, believing that Dai Chengfeng wouldn't intentionally deceive her.

"I understand. I'll be careful. And…"

"You'd better treat Little Qiu'er well, or I won't hold back!"

Hearing Xiao Wu's words, Dai Chengfeng simply waved his hand lightly without looking back, continuing his steady pace as he and Qiu'er gradually disappeared into the distance.

Qiu'er shouted back to Xiao Wu: "Sister Xiao Wu, I'm leaving! Stay safe!"

"And I'll come back to visit you!"

Her voice echoed through the forest, carrying both reluctance and anticipation.

Meanwhile…

Deep within the Life Lake in the Great Star Dou Forest, darkness enveloped everything.

A pair of enormous golden eyes suddenly lit up, like two brilliant stars shining in the night sky.

Then, a deep and authoritative voice rumbled: "So, you've ultimately chosen to explore the human world, haven't you?"

"Master, won't you stop her?"

In response, the massive shadow that had spoken shook its head, its gaze filled with complex emotions as it softly replied:

"This is her own choice…"

With that, it fell silent, as if lost in thought, and the surrounding darkness grew even deeper.

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