The camp was warm and tranquil.
Until, suddenly, the smell of burnt food wafted from the campfire, breaking the cozy atmosphere.
Qian Renxue jolted upright, her eyes wide with panic.
What… what just happened?
She quickly shook her head, the softness in her gaze fading as she looked at the fish on the fire. "The fish… it's burned…"
At this moment, Dai Chengfeng also snapped out of his thoughts, looking at the completely charred fish on the fire. "It seems this fish is beyond saving."
Qian Renxue lowered her head slightly, like a child who had made a mistake. "It's all my fault…"
Whether it was guilt over wasting food or regret for ruining the beautiful atmosphere, she didn't say.
But Dai Chengfeng didn't seem to mind at all. He simply waved his hand dismissively and reassured her, "It's fine. We can just catch another one."
With that, he stood up and walked toward the river. The dark green-black Dark Wind Force surged around him, forming an invisible hand that reached into the water.
Qian Renxue sat quietly in place, watching Dai Chengfeng's retreating figure.
This kind of life… wasn't so bad after all.
Her heart was filled with warmth. These simple yet precious moments were incredibly valuable to her.
Soon, Dai Chengfeng returned with several more fish.
Back at the camp, neither of them mentioned what had just happened. They silently moved forward with mutual understanding.
Dai Chengfeng focused on preparing the fish, skillfully scaling and gutting them. Every movement was smooth and practiced.
Then, he evenly spread various spices over the fish.
Meanwhile, Qian Renxue rested her chin on her hand, gazing dreamily at Dai Chengfeng as he worked.
This time, without any interruptions from Qian Renxue, the fish was soon ready.
Dai Chengfeng placed the steaming fish in front of Qian Renxue and smiled. "Try it."
Hearing this, Qian Renxue snapped out of her daze, picked up her chopsticks, and carefully placed a piece of fish in her mouth.
Instantly, an unprecedented burst of flavor spread across her tongue. Her eyes lit up immediately.
"It's delicious."
"These spices… I've never seen combinations like this before."
As she spoke, she eagerly picked up another piece of fish, savoring the exquisite taste.
Dai Chengfeng merely chuckled and didn't explain.
The societal backdrop of the Douluo Continent leaned toward Western fantasy, and its cooking methods naturally followed suit, differing significantly from those of the Eastern nations of his previous life.
These unique cooking techniques and spice combinations were remnants of his past-life memories—novel and unfamiliar in this world.
Thinking about it, Dai Chengfeng picked up his chopsticks as well, and the two enjoyed their meal together, relishing the pleasant culinary experience.
Until they finished eating.
Which meant it was time to rest, and then…
Thinking about tomorrow's departure, even though she knew Dai Chengfeng might visit her in the Tiandou City, Qian Renxue couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness wash over her.
Her smile gradually faded, replaced by a faint trace of melancholy.
The camp fell silent once again, broken only by the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze and the crackling of the campfire.
After a while, Qian Renxue forced a weak smile, though it looked strained. In a soft voice, she said:
"Dai Chengfeng, thank you."
Her voice carried gratitude, but also a hint of reluctance.
"What are you thanking me for?"
Qian Renxue looked down at the bowl in her hands, her gaze evasive. Softly, she replied, "The fish… it was really good."
Dai Chengfeng's lips curled into a smile. "If you really want to thank me, let me lie down for a bit."
With that, much to Qian Renxue's astonishment, he lay directly on her soft, smooth thighs, gazing up at the starry sky.
"Mm, such a beautiful view…"
It was unclear whether Dai Chengfeng was referring to the stars in the sky or the scenery he could see at that moment…
"Huh?"
Qian Renxue was instantly startled, her cheeks flushing red with embarrassment. She was at a loss, unsure of what to do.
Her hands froze mid-air, unsure how to react.
She wanted to push him away, but soon, thinking about tomorrow's parting…
In the end, Qian Renxue endured her shyness and stopped moving her hands.
She lowered her head slightly, looking at Dai Chengfeng lying on her lap. A strange feeling welled up inside her…
Slowly, she reached out and, mimicking how Dai Chengfeng had gently stroked her hair earlier, carefully began combing through his strands.
Feeling the delicate texture of his hair, Qian Renxue found it somewhat novel.
No wonder Dai Chengfeng always liked to play with people's hair…
"Xiao Xue, do you know what constellation that is?"
Dai Chengfeng pointed at the stars in the sky, speaking casually.
Qian Renxue shook her head.
For a while, the two sat like that—one sitting, the other lying on the grass with his head resting on Qian Renxue's thighs—chatting idly about the stars and their dreams.
They talked for an indeterminate amount of time. Moonlight bathed them, adding a touch of romance to the tranquil night.
Until the night grew deep.
Eventually, reluctantly, they returned to their respective tents to rest.
---
The next morning, just as the sky began to lighten.
Dai Chengfeng could hear footsteps approaching his tent. Sensing the familiar scent, he didn't open his eyes.
The person stood by his bed for a long time.
Finally, hearing Qian Daoliu's voice outside, she let out a soft sigh, tucked the blanket around Dai Chengfeng, and turned to leave.
Only then did Dai Chengfeng open his eyes and watch her retreating figure.
Once her footsteps had completely faded, Dai Chengfeng sat up, exited the tent, and looked around. He found himself alone.
"Sigh…"
Staring at the now-empty campsite, a sense of loss washed over him.
Looking at the spot where Qian Renxue had sat yesterday, it seemed as if her presence still lingered there.
But soon, Dai Chengfeng took a deep breath, his gaze hardening with determination.
The path to becoming stronger was often accompanied by loneliness. Today's parting was for a better reunion in the future…
Silently, Dai Chengfeng reminded himself that in this world of Douluo, only by becoming stronger could he protect those he cared about and establish himself!
"Well, so be it…"
Dai Chengfeng packed up his tent, tidied his belongings, and continued on his journey.
"I need to find an opportunity to test the power of my newly solidified Killing God Domain…"
---
Meanwhile, not far away, in a dense forest.
The Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall—Hu Liena, Yan, and Xie Yue—were crouched atop a lush tree, their gazes fixed intently on a large group of soul beasts below, squabbling over something.
Yan looked at Hu Liena with concern, his brows furrowed, his eyes filled with worry:
"Nana, are you sure this won't cause problems?"
"Indeed, isn't the number of soul beasts we've attracted a bit too many…?"
Xie Yue's voice also carried a hint of unease as he gazed at the numerous soul beasts below, feeling extremely anxious.
However, Hu Liena's eyes were resolute as she stared intently at the horde of soul beasts below, her voice firm:
"Don't worry. As long as our plan is thorough, we'll be able to take them all down."
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